Defining Organic: The Difference Between Sustainable and Local.
One of the reasons people are suspicious of the organic enterprise is a widespread confusion about what organic production methods are. This article from the Atantic helps define terms to clear up some confusion.
More Young People See Opportunity in Farming
While fresh demographic information on U.S. farmers won't be available until after the next agricultural census is done next year, there are signs more people in their 20s and 30s are going into farming. Click here for full story.
Super Committee Fails on Deficit Accord: Implications for Upcoming Farm Bill
Last week, Congress's Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced it was unable to reach bipartisan agreement for cutting the federal deficit; some $1.2 trillion in automatic cuts over 10 years are now scheduled to be implemented through a process known as "sequestration." Click here for full story.
Natural Resources Defense Council Announces Fourth Annual Growing Green Awards
Through this national award, NRDC will recognize extraordinary contributions that advance ecologically integrated farming practices, climate stewardship, water stewardship, farmland preservation, and social responsibility from farm to fork. Click here for more information and learn how to apply.
Agriculture Facing Major Changes in Child Labor Laws
Long in the works, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is set to release proposed updates to child labor regulations aimed at safety concerns in agriculture-related jobs.Read the full article here.
Long-running Experiment Shows Organic Farming is Profitable
Organic crop systems can provide similar yields and much higher economic returns than a conventional corn-soybean rotation, according to thirteen years of data from a side-by-side comparison at Iowa State University’s Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm. Read the full article here.
Deadline Extended for Organic Cost Share Applications
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has extended the deadline to apply for the organic cost share program through November 30, 2011 or until funds are exhausted. Visit their website to learn more.
State Farm Service Agency Overturns Penalty for Minnesota Organic Soybean Farmer
This month, Minnesota's State Committee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) overturned a local county decision that would have penalized a long-term certified organic soybean farmer for having "uncontrolled" weeds. Read full press release here.
Update on the Farm Bill
Much of the budget negotiations being done right now are behind closed doors and it is difficult to say how organic, sustainable agriculture and conservation will fare in the budget super committee process. Read more...
Request for Applications - Wisconsin Local Food Network
The Wisconsin Local Food Network (WLFN) is continuing efforts to offer mini-grants to regional groups. Click here to download the RFA.
ACTION ALERT!
Huge cuts are proposed including the loss of over 40 percent of the funding increases for conservation and environmental initiatives achieved in the 2002 and 2008 food and farm bills, setting the clock back and “un-greening” the farm bill. Call your representative and tell them of your concern as an agricultural producer. More...
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