ARCHIVES
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| Timeless |
What You Should Be Saying About
Organic Farming |
The July 2012 edition of ACRES magazine features an article by MOSES Organic Specialist Joe Pedretti on positive ways to explain organic farming. |
| Timeless |
Farming With a Small Footprint: Why it Matters |
An article writen by Stephanie Ogburn for Grist.org on the importances of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Read the full article here. |
| Timeless |
Rodale Institute: Farming Systems Trial Celebrating 30 Years |
The Rodale Institute conducted a 30-year trial (1981-2011) of organic and conventional systems. This study showed: "Organic farming is far superior to conventional systems when it comes to building, maintaining and replenishing the health of the soil. For soil health alone, organic agriculture is more sustainable than conventional. When one also considers yields, economic viability, energy usage, and human health, it's clear that organic farming is sustainable, while current conventional practices are not." |
| Timeless |
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. |
| Timeless |
The Many Benefits of Organic Farming for Health and Prosperity |
Organic Processing Magazine writes about a report from the Organic Farming Research Foundation on how organic farming can heal many of the world's problems. |
| Timeless |
Organic Food: Eating with a Conscience |
Guide released by Beyond Pesticides |
| Timeless |
Who Owns Organics? |
A handy map that illustrates which large corporations own smaller organic labels. |
Timeless |
The Web Soil Survey |
Check out this resource from NRCS that provides comprehensive soil maps and data for more than 95 percent of the nation's counties. The site is updated and maintained online as the single authoritative source of soil survey information. |
Timeless |
Studies link range of major diseases to pesticides, new database launched by Beyond Pesticides |
Links to pesticide exposure are being found in a growing number of studies that evaluate the causes of preventable diseases --including asthma, autism and learning disabilities, birth defects and reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and several types of cancer. A new database, hosted by Beyond Pesticides, tracks published epidemiologic and real world exposure studies. The studies challenge the effectiveness of risk-assessment-based regulation which is intended to manage adverse disease outcomes, but is criticized for allowing the uses of chemicals that can be replaced by green technologies and practices... more. |
Timeless |
New Spirit Ventures: Organic Farmland Access Program - Call for Farmers |
The Organic Farmland Access Program helps organic or sustainable
farmers start, maintain or grow their operations by addressing access to land. We
link farmers with socially motivated investors who purchase the needed farmland and
lease it to the farmers on long-term, renewable leases with an option to buy. Now
accepting applications from: Farmers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa seeking additional land or a
whole farm to start or grow their operations; Particularly (but not exclusively) interested in farmers in the Driftless Region or the St. Croix River Valley. More at www.newspiritventures.org. |
Timeless |
2009-2010 RMA Community Outreach and
Assistance Partnership Program |
This publication provides a
brief synopsis of seventy-nine diverse outreach initiatives funded by RMA under the Community
Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program.
Download the booklet [PDF 164 pages, 1MB]. |
5 Ways to Affect Farm Policy July 2012
Hobby Farms.com quotes MOSES Executive Director Faye Jones on how farmers can make a difference in food policy decisions.
FRESH Farmcast (Farmers Raising Ecologically Sustainable Healthy) Food July 2012
"Women in Farming" (MP3 format)
Interview with Lisa Kivirist about the Rural Womens Project and women in farming
A dry run from hell: Drought hits the smallest farms the hardest July 2012
Grist environmental writer Christopher Weber interviews farmers connected to MOSES' Rural Women's Project, Dela Ends/Scotch Hill and Joy Reavis/Sugar Maple Emu, about the current drought. Both farms were on the Soil Sisters tour Aug. 5 in southern Wisconsin.
How the NY Times Went Too Far in Slamming Big Organic July 2012
Mother Jones' writer Tom Philpott defends the organic label after the NY Times piece (see below) questioned its veracity. He writes: " the organic label remains the single most accessible way for consumers to avoid supporting the worst ecological practices of industrial agriculture." He agrees that the National Organic Standards Board shouldn't be loaded with reps from Big Food, but says"the conclusion that organic is a fraud, a mere marketing front for big food, is to go too far.
Food and Extreme Weather: It's the Soil, Stupid July 2012
Mother Jones' writer Tom Philpott talks about why fields managed organically are better able to handle extreme weather conditions such as drought. He mentions the Rodale Institute field trial that showed how organically grown corn fared better in the 1995 drought than conventional corn. Stored carbon in organic fields acts as a reservoir of plant nutrients and water-holding capacity. His recommendation for the Farm Bill: "Stop using farm policy to prod farmers to grow as much corn, soy, and a few other commodities as possible, as is being done now and for the foreseeable future, and start subsidizing them based on how much carbon they store in their soil."
Has ‘Organic’ Been Oversized? July 2012
The NY Times' story explains how giant agri-food corporations such as Coca-Cola, ConAgra, General Mills and Kraft are gobbling up small organic labels and influencing what ingredients are allowed on the National List put out by the National Organic Standards Board.
What You Should Be Saying About
Organic Farming
The July 2012 edition of ACRES magazine features an article by MOSES Organic Specialist Joe Pedretti on positive ways to explain organic farming.
Dirtying Up Our Diets June 2012
The greatest social contribution of the farmers market may be its role as a delivery vehicle for putting dirt back into the American diet and in the process,boosting the human immune system. Read the New York Times opinion piece.
The Many Benefits of Organic Farming for Health and Prosperity May 2012
Organic Processing Magazine writes about a report from the Organic Farming Research Foundation on how organic farming can heal many of the world's problems.
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 some 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
NRDC announces its fourth annual Growing Green Awards to recognize individuals who have demonstrated original leadership in the field of sustainable food. 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. DOL officials -- who claim the fatality rate for teenagers working in agriculture is four times greater than the risk for the average working teenager -- say the proposals will not impact current exemptions for children of farmers working on family operations. 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.
State Farm Service Agency Overturns Penalty for Minnesota Organic Soybean Farmer
November 14, 2011 -- 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.
Farming With a Small Footprint: Why it Matters
October 28, 2011 -- An article writen by Stephanie Ogburn for Grist.org on the importances of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Read the full article here.
“Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship” Seeks More Educational Farm Sites for Growing Program
October 14, 2011 -- GrassWorks, Inc. is actively seeking new educational farms to host enthusiastic next-generation graziers in its Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program. The innovative program, which combines on-farm training under the guidance of an established grazier with formal instruction, was developed by GrassWorks in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and has attracted a lot of attention in recent months. More...
Rodale's Report on 30 Years of Organic Farming Trials
October 6, 2011 -- The Rodale Institute releases a thirty year trial concluding that organic methods are improving the quality of our food, impriving the health of our soils and water, and improving our nation's rural areas. Click here to view the report on The Rodale Institute website or here for an article about the report in the Huffington Post.
Organic Farmning Gains Momentum with New Report
September 19, 2011 -- A report released by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) reveals extensive scientific support for the conclusion that organic farming practices are overwhelmingly beneficial for consumers, farmers, the economy, and the environment. Further, it highlights the urgent need for more research to address an expanding market. More...
Minnesota organic farming profits rise in 2010
August 31, 2011 -- The profitability of Minnesota organic farms improved in 2010 compared to 2009, according to a new report issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The report, titled "2010 Organic Farm Performance in Minnesota," shows improved whole-farm economic performance and stronger returns for crop and dairy enterprises. More...
Price Analysis, Risk Assessment, and Insurance for Organic Crops
August 22, 2011 -- The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University has released a paper on organic crop insurance, including finding from analyses conducted on organic crop prices, yields, and revenues. The full report is available here.
The James Beard Foundation Announces Recipients of Inaugural Leadership Awards
August 10, 2011 -- Recognizing 10 visionaries – including First Lady Michelle Obama – who are creating a more healthful, sustainable, and safe food world...more.
Wafting Poison Makes Fertile Ground for Suit in Stearns County, Minnesota
Star Tribune, July 25, 2011 - Oluf Johnson's 12,000-acre farm in Stearns County is an organic island in a sea of chemically treated corn and soybeans. Improperly applied pesticides repeatedly drift over from neighboring farms, often with dire consequences for Johnson. But now, thanks to a new court ruling, he and other farmers can sue to recover their losses....more.
U.S. organic industry valued at nearly $29 billion in 2010
April 21, 2011 -
Some sectors of
the organic market enjoyed annual growth of well over 30 percent, the
Organic Trade Association (OTA) revealed today in releasing findings from
its 2011 Organic Industry Survey...more.
Organic agriculture: deeply rooted in science and ecology
GRIST, April 21, 2011 - Organic farming is often falsely represented as being unscientific...more. |
4/6/2011 |
Should some pesticides be banned to protect bees? |
GRIST, April 6, 2011 - The USDA's top bee researcher, Jeffrey Pettis, has publicly revealed that he has completed research showing that Bayer's blockbuster neonicotinoid pesticides, used on million of acres of crops across the country, harm honeybees even at extremely low doses...more. |
4/1/2011 |
Are we drinking the pesticides sprayed on Wisconsin’s crops? |
BAY VIEW COMPASS, April 1, 2011 - Special Report: Pesticides in Wisconsin food and water, part 2: Chris Malek grew up on an industrial potato farm, earned agricultural degrees from UW-Madison and UW-River Falls, and then...more. |
3/10/2011 |
Debunking the stubborn myth that only industrial ag can 'feed the world' |
GRIST, March 10, 2011 - I want to return to the Economist's recent special series about how industrial agriculture is the true and only way to feed the 9 billion people who will inhabit the world by 2050...more. |
2/27/2011 |
Female mice disabled by parents’ pesticide intake |
BAY VIEW COMPASS, February 27, 2011 - Special Report: Pesticides in Wisconsin food and water, part 1: A white mouse is placed in the center of a maze. She is hungry because she hasn’t eaten all night. As soon as the gate is raised she takes off in search of her breakfast, scurrying down the channels...more. |
9/21/2010 |
Organic Valley recruiting future farmers |
(Fast Company, Sept 21, 2010) - Organic Valley is a cooperative of over 1,600 farmers across the country and they intend to replace "doctor" and "lawyer" with "organic farmer" as the new, cool career choice for budding adults. The co-op is gearing up for a national recruiting campaign, visiting universities such as Harvard and Brown--kind of like the Army or Marine Corps, but this time for a war of carrots and celery....more |
7/20/2010 |
USDA Admits Link Between Antibiotic Use by Big Ag and Human Health |
HUFFINGTON POST, July 20, 2010 - At a hearing of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on July 14, 2010, a representative of the USDA finally admitted that the use of antibiotics in farm animal feed is contributing to the growing problem of deadly antibiotic resistance in America...more. |
| 3/8/ 2010 |
Sustainable Farming Can Feed the World? |
NY TIMES, Mark Bittman - The oldest and most common dig against organic agriculture is that it cannot feed the world's citizens; this, however, is a supposition, not a fact. And industrial agriculture isn't working perfectly, either...more. |
| 12/20/ 2010 |
The Future is Bright for WI Women in Agriculture |
PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE, December 20, 2010 - It may well be "back to the future" for women in agriculture. While the number of farms is steadily declining, the number of farms owned and operated by women is up 30 percent in the past few years and steadily increasing...more. |
| 12/1/ 2010 |
Senate Passes Historic Food Safety Bill, Now What? |
CIVIL EATS, Helena Bottemiller, December 1, 2010 - In a rare demonstration of bipartisanship, the Senate passed the most sweeping food safety reform bill in seven decades Tuesday morning. Despite high tempers in the wake of a contentious cycle, the upper chamber voted 73-25 vote to approve S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, a bill that would increase the Food and Drug Administration's fractured oversight of an increasingly globalized food supply...more. |
| 10/21/ 2010 |
State of the Organic Union by Maria Rodale |
ATLANTIC MONTHLY, October 21, 2010 - As a third-generation insider, and granddaughter of the original organic iconoclast, I've seen the evolution of the organic food industry happen in real time. Slow-motion real time. (My grandfather started Organic Gardening Magazine in 1942 - although truthfully I wasn't born until 1962.) On October 13, 2010, the current leaders of the organic movement in America convened at the 3rd Annual Organic Summit in Boston. The topics ranged from the challenges of procuring organic ingredients, to the overall trends and perceptions of consumers, to debating the strategy for defending against genetically modified organisms (GMOs), to how to overcome the seemingly hardwired American preference for everything cheap...more. |
| 10/10/ 2010 |
Producers First Program Offers Farmers Funding for Technical Assistance |
MADISON, WI, October 10, 2010 - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites small to midsized producers and farmers in need of technical assistance to apply to the Producers First Program. To participate, producers identify a need for technical assistance and can receive up to $3,000 to hire a consultant to help address that need. Examples of technical assistance include but are not limited to: market development, business and whole farm planning, accounting and financial organization, packaging and label development, facility planning, data management, legal services, grant writing, and food safety.
Any Wisconsin farmer or producer may participate, though funds are limited and not all producers who apply will receive funding. Preference may be given to producers selling at least 75% of their products to be consumed within 300 miles of the farm. Applicants are encouraged to propose joint projects in cooperation with other producers in need of similar technical assistance.
Participants are required to provide a minimum 10% cost-share toward the technical assistance.
The producer may identify a consultant with the experience and expertise needed to provide the assistance. A list of consultants is available upon request.
Producers First is a Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin program that supports the growing local food market sector of Wisconsin's economy. Applicants with a project that may benefit the local food market sector as well as an individual farm are encouraged to apply.
Applications to Producers First will be accepted through December 31. Funded projects generally begin 6-8 weeks after an application is submitted. Application materials are available on the DATCP http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/directmktg/blbw/pro ducers_first.jsp.
Contact Keefe Keeley at 608-224-5095 or via email at keefe.keeley@wi.gov for more information. |
| 9/30/ 2010 |
Michigan State University's 2010 Hoophouse Gala raised $24,550 to create scholarships for the training and education of a next generation of Michigan's organic farmers |
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, September 30, 2010 - At MSU's recent 2010 Hoophouse Gala, more than 200 guests came together to enjoy a local and sustainable harvest dinner and raised $24,550 to create scholarships for the training and education of a next generation of Michigan's organic farmers. |
| 9/29/ 2010 |
Organic farming appears to have weathered recession in Minn. |
MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO, September 29, 2010 - St. Paul, MN - Organic farmers in Minnesota seem to be sticking with it, even as the recession narrowed the price gap between organic and nonorganic crops. |
| 9/21/ 2010 |
Organic Valley recruiting future farmers |
FAST COMPANY, Sept 21, 2010 - Organic Valley is a cooperative of over 1,600 farmers across the country and they intend to replace "doctor" and "lawyer" with "organic farmer" as the new, cool career choice for budding adults. The co-op is gearing up for a national recruiting campaign, visiting universities such as Harvard and Brown--kind of like the Army or Marine Corps, but this time for a war of carrots and celery....more. |
| 9/20/ 2010 |
Yield data disappointing for Monsanto |
BLOOMBERG, Sept 20, 2010 - Monsanto Co., the world's biggest seed company, said early harvest data show some of its new SmartStax corn hybrids are missing projections by yielding less than cheaper seeds that use older technology...more. |
| 8/18/ 2010 |
Studies link range of major diseases to pesticides, new database launched by Beyond Pesticides |
Links to pesticide exposure are being found in a growing number of studies that evaluate the causes of preventable diseases --including asthma, autism and learning disabilities, birth defects and reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and several types of cancer. A new database, hosted by Beyond Pesticides, tracks published epidemiologic and real world exposure studies. The studies challenge the effectiveness of risk-assessment-based regulation which is intended to manage adverse disease outcomes, but is criticized for allowing the uses of chemicals that can be replaced by green technologies and practices... more. |
| 7/20/ 2010 |
USDA Admits Link Between Antibiotic Use by Big Ag and Human Health |
HUFFINGTON POST, July 20, 2010 - At a hearing of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on July 14, 2010, a representative of the USDA finally admitted that the use of antibiotics in farm animal feed is contributing to the growing problem of deadly antibiotic resistance in America...more. |
7/8/ 2010 |
Why don't moms buy organic? Survey weighs in |
INDUSTRY NEWS, July 8, 2010 - Forty-nine percent of moms don't buy organic deli meat because of price, while 26 percent can't find organic deli products where they shop, according to a new survey released by Bridgewater, N.J.-based natural and organic deli meat processor Applegate Farms. Forty-five percent of moms would buy more organic deli meats for their kids if they better understood the benefits, the survey found, while 36 percent of moms were not sure about the meaning of terms like organic and natural, or thought that they mean the same thing. The survey was conducted online last month by Impulse Research with a random sample of 1,052 women ages 25 to 45 who purchase deli meat for their children between the ages of 5 and 12. In a news release about the survey, Applegate offered a range of benefits of eating organic food, including the fact that such products contain no artificial ingredients and are produced without antibiotics and synthetic hormones. The release also stated that in terms of price, a sandwich made with Applegate Farms Organic Black Forest Ham costs just 14 cents more (based on a 2-ounce serving) than a premium conventional brand. |
| 6/21/ 2010 |
Supreme Court rules in Monsanto Case - Victory for CFS and Farmers! |
WASHINGTON DC, June 21, 2010 - A decision just came out of the Supreme Court - in the case of Monsanto v Geertson Farms. The case involved defending the Center for Food Safety (CFS) and farmers against Monsanto's appeal of the successful GMO alfalfa ban.
The court ruled that the ban on GMO alfalfa stands, and it is still illegal to plant or sell GMO alfalfa.
This is a huge victory!
The court ruled that because of CFS's earlier Federal Court
victory - which ruled that USDA violated NEPA and other environmental laws when it approved Roundup Ready alfalfa - an injunction was unnecessary since under this previous ruling the crop became a regulated item and illegal to plant.
CFS is victorious in this case in numerous other ways. Most importantly, the Court did not rule on several arguments presented by Monsanto - as a result the Court did not make any ruling that would be hurtful to NEPA or
any other environmental laws. In addition, the Court opinion supported CFS's argument that gene flow is a sufficient environmental and economic threat - in other words, GMO contamination can still be considered harm under NEPA,
both from an environmental and economic perspective. → Read full CFS press release |
| Summer 2010 |
USDA Economic Research Service appeals to Organic Farmers, Companies, Seedspeople, Researchers, and Agency Types for help with GMO research |
Cathy Greene, of the USDA Economic Research Service, is working on an urgent issue related to coexistence among organic and
conventional producers - particularly with regard to GMOs. Greene needs current
information about how successfully organic producers are/aren't coexisting with the
conventional (GMO-using) world. This is tough info to find, particularly since GMO
drift is not a decertification-worthy event and there are no prescribed tolerances
as there are with, say, spray drift. Can you help?
1. If you're a producer, have you yourself experienced losses or can you
recommend individuals or companies who have lost money or market because of GMO
contamination and would be willing to tell their story?
2. If you are a company or organization, do you have any data about money damages
related to rejected loads, losing buyers, etc. because of GMO contamination?
(food/feed crops or seed production) or do you know anybody collecting or planning
to collect information like this?
Contact Greene directly at 202-694-5541 or CGREENE@ers.usda.gov. |
| Summer 2010 |
Wisconsin tops all states in Value Added grants again! |
For the third year in a row, Wisconsin grant seekers received more funding from the USDA's Value Added Producer Grants program than any
other state in the nation! 14 Wisconsin producers or producer groups
received grants, totaling more than $2.46 million (out of a nationwide
funding pool of $22.5 million), to help farmers retain more profit from
their hard work. |
| Summer 2010 |
"Rebuilding America's Economy with Family Farm-Centered Food Systems" |
Recently released Farm Aid report highlights success stories from the field and discusses conquering the challenges of strengthening local and regional markets that support family farmers by thinking creatively about policies, funding resources, cross-sector collaboration and community mobilization strategies. |
| 6/21/2010 |
Roundup-resistant weeds pose environmental threat |
AP, June 21, 2010 - Roundup is unreliable in killing at least 10 weed species in at least 22 states...more. |
| 6/22/2010 |
All Eyes On California Strawberries: 40,000 People Join Scientists To Oppose Methyl Iodide |
CIVILEATS, June 22, 2010 - California's little-known Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) entered the spotlight this month as scientists, farm workers, and activists rallied against the department's proposal to approve methyl iodide for use in the state's $2.1 billion strawberry industry...more. |
| 6/22/2010 |
Genetically modified paper may be coming to an office supply Store near you |
RODALE, June 22, 2010 - The USDA has approved field trials of over 200,000 GMO eucalyptus trees on 300 acres in seven states in the Southeast...more. |
| 6/21/2010 |
Supreme Court Case a Defeat for Monsanto's Ambitions |
HUFFINGTON POST, June 21, 2010 -
It should be no surprise that Monsanto's PR machine is working hard to spin the truth in this morning's decision in the first-ever Supreme Court case on genetically engineered crops.more. |
| 6/22/2010 |
Supreme Court on Modified Foods: Who Won? |
ATLANTIC, June 22, 2010 -
A good article on the confusing/conflicting press surrounding Monsanto v. Geertson Seed Farms...more. |
| Summer 2010 |
WSU study on potato farming gives organic way a boost |
"If you want to grow a bigger potato, organic farming may be the way. The balanced mix of insects and fungi in organic fields does a superior job of keeping pests in check, leading to larger plants, according to researchers at Washington State University in Pullman." |
| 6/1/2010 |
CNN Health airs "Toxic America" |
Discussing the high level of pesticide residue found on "the dirty dozen" - and encouraging shoppers to buy more organic...more. |
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6/1/2010 |
Hidden hazards in fruits and veggies |
WASHPOST, June 1, 2010 -
Another article discussing the link between pesticides and ADHD in kids and the benefits of eating organic...more.
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5/2010 |
Food Movement, Rising |
Recent essay by Michael Pollan in the New York Review of Books. GO!
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5/2010 |
A Brief Overview of the History and Philosophy of Organic Agriculture |
This new, free online publication from The Kerr Center of Sustainable Ag. offers valuable background for anyone seeking to understand the past - or potential future - of organic food, farming, and regulation. Download now.
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5/30/2010 |
New Missouri Studies Show Atrazine's Potential Harm |
COLUMBIA DAILY TRIBUNE, May 30, 2010 - Atrazine is one of the oldest herbicides on the market. It's also still one of the most popular and can be found almost anywhere corn, sorghum or sugar cane are grown. More than 76 million pounds of the chemical are sprayed on U.S. farmland each year, making it second in volume only to Roundup...more.
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5/25/2010 |
Mobile Slaughter Units and Untapped Markets |
NSAC, May 25, 2010 -
On Tuesday USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) published a compliance guide to help operators of mobile slaughter units understand the regulatory requirements that pertain to them. It should also be must reading for entrepreneurs considering building a mobile slaughter facility...more.
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5/2010 |
Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts, and Issues |
New report from USDA explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems...more.
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5/2010 |
Hoophouse Workshop |
Check out these new pictures from the May Eau Claire hoophouse workshop with horticulture outreach specialist Adam Montri. Check out Adam's Hoophouse Blog for more hoophouse construction insights.
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5/2010 |
Organic poultry farm studies food safety, sets up advisory board |
May 2010 - A USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) poultry research facility in
Fayetteville, AR, has been granted organic certification by Nature's
International Certification Services (NICS). There, research associate
Anne Fanatico and research leader Annie Donoghue will examine ways of
using natural compounds to reduce food borne pathogens and diseases in
poultry. Fanatico and Donoghue have also formed an Organic Poultry
Advisory Board to work with organic producers to solve pathogen and
disease issues on organic poultry farms...more.
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5/17/2010 |
Pesticides in kids linked to ADHD |
May 17, 2010 - New research advises parents to buy organic, wash produce. Read full story on MSNBC, Reuters, or the Washington Post.
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5/13/2010 |
Rebuilding Rural America and the Economics of Organic Farming |
CIVIL EATS, May 13, 2010 - Ken Meter of the Crossroads Resource Center in Mpls, MN discusses why growing local organic food may be the best path toward economic recovery and the key to building stronger and healthier communities...more.
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5/11/2010 |
U.S. Urged to Back GM Labeling Agreement |
FOOD SAFETY NEWS, May 11, 2010 - Consumers Union is asking the Obama Administration to get behind a compromise on genetically modified (GM)/genetically engineered (GE) food labeling that is widely supported in the international community...more.
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5/9/2010 |
E.U. Signals Big Shift on Genetically Modified Crops |
NYTIMES, May 9, 2010 - Madeira, 500 kilometers from the African coast, will become the first E.U. territory to get formal permission to remain entirely free of genetically modified organisms...more.
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5/5/2010 |
Op-Ed: New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer |
NYTIMES, May 5, 2010 - The President's Cancer Panel is the Mount Everest of the medical mainstream, so it is astonishing to learn that it is poised to join ranks with the organic food movement and declare: chemicals threaten our bodies...more.
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5/5/2010 |
Small Dairy Resource Book |
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Outreach announces the release of their newly updated book - a thorough collection of resources for farm families interested in capitalizing on value-added dairy products...more.
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5/5/2010 |
Farm Subsidy Database |
Searchable online database recently updated by the Environmental Working Group...more.
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5/5/2010 |
Introducing the FoodCorps |
CIVIL EATS, May 5, 2010 - With one in three children overweight or obese in this country, the health of America's kids is under the microscope...more.
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5/4/2010 |
Organic management of plum curculio |
IPM, May 4, 2010 - The plum curculio is an important early season pest on pome and stone fruits and one of the most difficult to manage organically...more.
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4/2010 |
Guide to USDA Funding for Local and Regional Food Systems |
This new publication by NSAC identifies and explains key programs that can help community based organizations and others that are working to build infrastructure, provide training to farmers, research new marketing opportunities, and otherwise working to strengthen regional food systems.
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4/29/2010 |
Will Allen on Time 100 Most Influential List |
April 29, 2010 - Will Allen, the founder and CEO of Growing Power Inc.,
has been named to the 2010 "Time 100: The World’s Most Influential People." The list
was released today, and the magazine will hit newsstands Friday.
Allen was identified for his powerful advocacy for food security and food justice
for all. Through his work promoting urban agriculture, Allen has called attention to
the widespread existence of "food deserts" in cities across America, where whole
communities lack access to fresh, nutritious and affordable foods.
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4/22/2010 |
U.S. Organic Product Sales Reach $26.6 Billion in 2009 |
OTA, April 22, 2010 - U.S. sales of organic products continued to grow during 2009 despite the distressed state of the economy...In fact, organic product sales in 2009 grew by 5.3 percent overall, to reach $26.6 billion...more.
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4/2010 |
NSAC Announces Farm and Ag Resources for the Media (FARM) |
This NSAC project champions the voice of sustainable agriculture by providing media training and tools for farmers. FARM includes a new three-part toolkit that helps farmers share their personal and authentic story and strengthen their media connections...more.
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4/2010 |
Eating Local: The Cookbook Inspired by America's Farmers |
Cover picture features veggies from Minnesota Nitty Gritty Dirt Farm.
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4/13/2010 |
"Organic is Marketing Hype" |
On April 13th, Intelligence Squared U.S., a live debate series in New York City, featured a debate arguing whether "organic" is nothing but marketing hype. After the debate, 21% thought so, 69% thought not, and 10% remained undecided...more.
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4/2010 |
The True Cost of Cheap Food |
RESURGENCE, March/April 2010 issue. The globalisation of the food market has made food cheap, but who is benefiting?...full article.
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4/2010 |
SARE Handbook on Multifarm CSAs |
A 130-page manual that gives concrete details on strategies for forming and maintaining a multifarm CSA, including advice on staffing, volunteer boards, distribution, and legal topics...more.
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3/17/2010 |
Farmers Seek Justice in the Heartland |
NSAC, March 17, 2010 - Last Friday approximately 800 people gathered in Ankeny, Iowa, for the first in a series of workshops hosted by the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Agriculture (USDA) on competition in agriculture...more.
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2/2010 |
Out of Hand: Farmers Face the Consequences of a Consolidated Seed Industry |
A Farmer-to-Farmer Campaign on Genetic Engineering, by Kristina Hubbard, published December 2009. |
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2/2010 |
Perspectives on Policy from a Beginning Farmer |
Sarah Brown, beginning farmer at Diggin' Roots Farm in Milwaukee, Oregon reflects on her experience at NSAC's beginning farmer fly-in...more. |
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2/16/2010 |
Optimism Permeates US Organic Agriculture |
MOSES, February 16, 2010 - Of the 29,000 surveys mailed in 2008 to gain information on organic agriculture in the United States, more than 25,000 were returned and 12,600 of these were from active organic farms. This extensive survey of organic agriculture was performed in response to lack of information about organic farms and the organic marketplace...more. |
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2/12/2010 |
USDA Issues Final Rule on Organic Access to Pasture |
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2010 - This rule amends the National Organic Program regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants...more. Check out the new MOSES Fact Sheet discussing the Rule.
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2/2010 |
2008 Organic Production Survey: Wisconsin |
As a follow-up to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
conducted the U.S. Department of Agriculture's first in-depth survey of organic farming in the United
States. NASS collected 2008 data from operators of farms that were either USDA-certified organic,
were making the transition to organic production, or were exempt from certification because of sales
totaling less than $5,000. Download this 4 page PDF detailing Wisconsin's survey results. |
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2/5/2010 |
USDA Plans to Drop Program to Trace Livestock |
NY TIMES, February 5, 2010 - Faced with stiff resistance from ranchers and farmers, the Obama administration has decided to scrap a national program intended to help authorities quickly identify and track livestock in the event of an animal disease outbreak...more.
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2/3/2010 |
USDA Releases Results of 2008 Organic Production Survey |
"This was USDA's first wide-scale survey of organic producers, and it was
undertaken in direct response to the growing interest in organics among
consumers, farmers, businesses, policymakers and others," said Agriculture
Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan...more. |
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2/2010 |
Monsanto Corn Causes Organ Damage in Mammals |
A report released by the International Journal of Biological Sciences states that three types of Monsanto corn, cause cancer and organ damage in mammals...more.
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2/2010 |
New Organic Grower Guides |
Free online resources from Cornell University on organically growing apples, beans, carrots, grapes, etc... more. |
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2/2010 |
SPIN Farming Launches Suppliers Directory | Over 150 listings used and recommended by SPIN Farmers...more. |
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2/2010 |
It Starts With Seed |
Organic seed is increasingly being used in production - but it's a slow process...more. |
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2/2010 |
Help Build Meat Processors List |
The Niche Meat Processing Assistance Network has created a webpage listing all the state-specific processors they could find. If your state has a list not listed here - email NMPAN. |
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2/2010 |
French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) | The AFSSA evaluates nutritional and sanitary quality of organic food...read full review. |
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2/2010 |
Share your farming stories with the world |
Go to Farm Stories to start your free online blog today - or to read the stories of others. |
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2/2010 |
OTA launches new website |
To learn more about organics, go to www.organicitsworthit.com. |
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2/2010 |
Target admits to error in advertising organic milk |
MADISON, Wis. - Target Corp. has admitted to wrongly advertising soy milk as organic, the U.S. Agriculture Department said in a letter announcing the conclusion of its investigation into a complaint filed by a farm policy group...more. |
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12/16/2009 |
New agriculture research
alliance on climate should
focus on low-input,
sustainable farming |
IATP PRESS RELEASE FROM COPENHAGEN, December 16, 2009 - A new global research alliance, led by New Zealand and the U.S., on
agriculture and climate change should include participation from farmers in countries
facing food insecurity and emphasize practices that are low-cost and ready for immediate application, said the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) today. Read full press release. Learn more about IATP's work on agriculture and climate at: www.iatp.org/climate. |
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2/2010 |
USDA Launches Toll-Free Help Desk for Small Meat, Poultry Processors |
Learn more. |
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2/2010 |
MOSES Recipient of USDA Grant for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers |
Learn more about how MOSES is using these funds to respond to the needs of beginning farmers involved with organic
and sustainable ag. |
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11/23/2009 |
ERS Releases New Report on Organic Dairy Sector |
NSAC, November 23, 2009 - On Monday, November 2, USDA's
Economic Research Service (ERS) released a new report on the characteristics, costs,
and issues for organic dairy farming. The study uses data from the 2005
Agricultural Resource Management Survey on US dairy operations, which includes a
targeted sample of organic farmers. Additionally, the report compares conventional
and organic production costs, and suggests that organic and conventional operations
are increasingly similar. The report concludes that the future structure of the
sector will depend upon the interpretation and implementation of new organic pasture
rules. Access the report online.
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2/16/2010 |
USDA releases memorandum highlighting programs that support Local/Regional food systems. |
Includes grant deadlines and program websites...read more. |
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2/2010 |
ATTN: Certified Organic Growers |
The Organic Seed Alliance needs your help to create a "State of Organic Seed Report" - capturing a snapshot of the successes, obstacles, opportunities, and risks in organic seed systems to date. Please take a moment to fill out their brief survey. |
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10/13/2009 |
Agricultural Enterprise Area Petitions |
MADISON, October 13, 2009 - Groups of farmers and local governments interested in preserving areas of farmland can now request an agricultural enterprise area or AEA designation from the state agriculture department. An AEA identifies land that is locally targeted by farmers and by local government for agricultural preservation and agricultural development. Once designated, these areas enable eligible farmers to enter into a farmland preservation agreement with the state to claim a farmland preservation tax credit.
Prior to submitting a petition, farmers or local governments are asked to contact Coreen Fallat at
Coreen.Fallat@wisconsin.gov or 608-224-4625 for additional guidance.
Interested parties must complete the petition form available on the department's web site at http://workinglands.wi.gov.
Petitions must be submitted by February 26, 2010. The department will evaluate petitions and announce selected AEAs for designation by June 11, 2010. |
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10/2009 |
Colony Collapse: Are Potent Pesticides Killing Honeybees? |
MOTHER EARTH NEWS - New data shows pesticide role in bee-killing Colony Collapse Disorder looms larger...more.
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10/2009 |
NRDC Growing Green Awards |
Nominate a local farmer, business leader or sustainable food promoter by Dec. 4, 2009. Cash prize of $10,000...more.
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9/2009 |
National Organic
Grain and Feedstuffs |
USDA Market News will soon publish this new report to combine all organic prices they collect into one report
to give users a transparent glimpse at the organic grain and feedstuffs
market on a national level...more.
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9/15/2009 |
FSIS Proposes Interstate Commerce Shipping Regulations for Small Plant Operations |
WASHINGTON, September 15, 2009 - The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service will publish proposed regulations to implement a new voluntary cooperative program under which select State-inspected establishments will be eligible to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. This announcement is part of the USDA's new initiative 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food'. Comments on this program are being accepted through November 16th...more.
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9/2009 |
New USDA Online Organic Briefing Room |
This online resource, set up by the USDA
Economic Research Service, contains
information on a range of organic topics, including both the
history and recent progress of the organic market...more.
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9/15/2009 |
USDA Launches 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' Initiative to Connect Consumers with Local Producers to Create New Economic Opportunities for Communities |
WASHINGTON, September 15, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new initiative - 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' - to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity...more.
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7/2009 |
Handle With Care |
New Farm, Rodale Institute - Hands-on experience, on-line tools give Iowa fruit and vegetable growers new perspective on postharvest handling, food safety...more. Article includes a Postharvest Handling Decision Tool created by the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Working Group.
Also - check out this postharvest handling slideshow narrated by Margaret Smith, Iowa State University Extension.
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6/2009 |
Moooving Toward Organic Dairying |
The West Central Research and Outreach Center is converting about half its herd, or 70 cows, to organic production. When the transition is complete, the center will be one of only three organic dairy research facilities in the nation and the only one in the Midwest...more. |
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6/2009 |
What's On My Food? |
The Pesticide Action Network has created a new online tool - What's On My Food? - a searchable database designed to make the public problem of pesticide exposure visible and more understandable. |
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6/2009 |
Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry. |
This new report released in June 09 by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) examines recent economic research on the adoption of organic farming systems, organic production costs and returns, and market conditions to gain a better understanding of the organic supply squeeze and other emerging issues in this rapidly changing industry. The report is broken down into chapters that include, U.S. Market Growth Outpaces Domestic Supply; Higher Food Prices and Local Food Labels; New Directions in U.S. Organic Policy and more. Learn more. |
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6/2009 |
New MOSES Fact Sheet |
Read the newest fact sheet produced by MOSES, "Protecting Your Organic Land from Unwanted Chemical Sprays". Discover ways to stay proactive and protect your organic land. Read full fact sheet. |
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6/2009 |
ATTN: Wisconsin Local Food Producers |
Producers First is a pilot program that is accepting applications from Wisconsin
local food producers to work with expert consultants who will provide one-on-one
technical assistance with the goal of increasing farm operation capacity,
efficiency, sales, and profitability.
Applicants to the program will need to identify both a technical assistance need
within their farm operation and a qualified, committed consultant to address that
need.
Deadline for applications is July 1st, 2009. Questions about the program may be directed
to Teresa Cuperus, 608-224-5101, teresa.cuperus@wi.gov.
Learn more about the Producer First program, and download the four part application. Application Cover Sheet; Application; References; Producer Info.
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6/2009 |
Open Comment Period on GMOs ends June 29, 2009 |
Voice your opinion to the USDA on the proposed rules for the Importation, Interstate Movement, and
Release Into the Environment of
Certain Genetically Engineered
Organisms. Weigh in on this important issue today! Submit your comments online.
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6/2009 |
USDA Organic Farming Survey: PARTICIPATE! |
The USDA is conducting a survey of organic farming to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture...read more. Participate by June 17, 2009. Go to online survey.
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6/2009 |
USDA Organic Farming Survey: PARTICIPATE! |
The USDA is conducting a survey of organic farming to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture...read more. Participate by June 17, 2009. Go to online survey.
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5/29/2009 |
Wisconsin EQIP Special Initiative
(Sign-up Open until
May 29, 2009) |
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has
announced two special initiative sign-ups through its Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP is the primary program
available to farmers and landowners for conservation practices on
agricultural and forest lands. Learn more about this program or go to our funds for farmers page to learn more about other funding programs. |
| 5/13/2009 |
Beginning Farmer Grant Proposals due May 13, 2009 |
Learn more on our Funds for Farmers webpage.
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5/5/2009 |
Organic and Transitional Farmers Restored to Rightful Status in EQIP |
USDA today announced a special three-week sign-up for farmers in the process of converting to organic farming to receive technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a move applauded by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and its grassroots member organizations across the country...read the full press release from NSAC.To apply for funds this year under this special $50 million pool, farmers must sign up between May 11 and May 29, 2009. Learn more about the program and how to sign-up. |
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5/3/2009 |
Organic Hot Spots |
Map of organic farms in the United States, published by the New York Times. |
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5/2009 |
Economic Research Service releases updated organic farm statistics
(Edited from press release) |
Complementing the release of findings from the 2007 Census of Agriculture,
the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) released new data on organic
production. Data tables
include the number of certified operations by state
for 2000-2007. ERS also included tables on U.S. organic acreage and
livestock numbers from 1992-2005, with data from 1997 and 2000-2005
presented by state and commodity. While only small proportions of many field
crops are grown organically, 6% of carrots, 4% of lettuce, and 3% of apples
were grown organically in 2005. All data are available at
ERS Organic Data. |
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5/2009 |
New Organic Center report documents environmental benefits of organic dairy |
The Organic Center reports on the environmental
advantages of organic dairy compared with conventional dairy. Among the
benefits: 761,000 acres dedicated to organic pasture production; 40 million
tons of synthetic nitrogen not applied; and more than 785,000 pounds of
pesticides, mostly herbicides, not applied. The report also offers a
companion tool allowing users to calculate fertilizer and herbicide savings
when dairy herds are converted to organic. Read the full report by Charles
Benbrook, Shades of Green: Quantifying benefits of organic dairy, at Shades
of Green. To request the calculator in Excel spreadsheet form, contact Benbrook at
cbenbrook@organic-center.org.
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4/23/2009 |
USDA to Conduct First Wide-Scale Survey of Organic Agriculture |
This spring, USDA will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States,
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today, to find out how the growth
of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture...read full press release. Surveys will be mailed in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who will be asked to respond by June 17th. Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey online at www.agcensus.usda.gov. |
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4/14/2009 |
Report Finds Genetic Engineering Has Failed to Significantly Boost Crop Yield |
For years, the biotechnology industry has
trumpeted that it will feed the world, promising that its genetically
engineered crops will produce higher yields. That promise has proven to be empty, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Despite 20 years of research and 13 years of
commercialization, genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase
U.S. crop yields...read more. |
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4/2009 |
Buckwheat as cover crop succeeds in controlling weeds |
Buckwheat cover cropping can reduce both the emergence and growth of weeds, thereby presenting an easy and economical alternative to herbicides, according to a new study that analyzed the roles of both nitrogen and fungal pathogens in weed inhibition. Results of the study are published in the latest issue of Weed Science...read full study. |
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4/2009 |
Ag. Secretary Announces $17 Million in Farmers/Rancher Grants |
While visiting with farmers in Lothrop, Mo., Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is making more than $17 million in grants available under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Vilsack also described recent initiatives, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), designed to help producers and keep farmers on the land...learn more. |
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4/2009 |
Online Marketing Tool for Local Food |
A new and improved website, Local Dirt, formerly GreenLeaf Market, allows seller of local food to market their products online and buyers to easily order from local sellers. Sign up on the site before May 1st and the first year is free...read the full press release. |
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2/27/2009 |
Gov't Doyle Recognizes Nation's Largest
Organic Farming Conference |
Governor Jim Doyle issued a proclamation today recognizing the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) for its valuable contribution to organic agriculture in Wisconsin. |
