21 Sep 2012

USDA Grants Awarded to Promote New Economic Opportunity for Farmers and Ranchers through Local and Regional Projects

By USDA Office of Communications
Over 130 Projects Connecting Farmers with New Markets

CLEVELAND, Sept. 21, 2012 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced over $9 million in grants to organizations across 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to initiatives that bolster the connection between agricultural producers and their consumers while improving access to healthy food and strengthening local economies. Merrigan made the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) awards announcement while speaking at the Project for Public Spaces Annual Public Market Conference.

"This year's Farmers Market Promotion Program awards are diverse and illustrate the many different ways farmers are directly connecting to communities and consumers," said Merrigan. "From starting up mobile markets to helping new farmers and ranchers, these grants will create new economic opportunities and encourage consumers to eat healthier."

Merrigan made the announcement in Ohio, which has a long tradition of local farmers pursuing direct-marketing opportunities in their operations. More than 6,800 Ohio farms sell directly to consumers. These investments represent USDA's efforts to strengthen local and regional food systems through projects that recruit and train farmers, expand economic opportunities, increase access to healthy foods and use social media to link markets and vendors. This year, almost five percent of total funding will be awarded to six projects in the state.

This year's funding includes:

  • More than 40 projects that connect farmers and ranchers to new customers by establishing new markets and other retail outlets, community supported agriculture programs or extend the market season;
  • Seventeen projects that will support the use of new delivery approaches such as online and mobile markets, broadening the customer base for several businesses;
  • Thirteen projects that reinforce USDA's commitment to new and beginning farmers and ranchers, increasing opportunities, training and support for those just getting started;
  • Twelve projects that focus on initiatives that support American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, and new opportunities for Latino, refugee and immigrant farmers;
  • Ten projects that will help hospitals and health care organizations improve eating habits in their communities through education and the direct marketing of fresh local produce; and
  • Nine projects that support agritourism, bringing visitors and consumers to farms and ranches.

Since 2006, FMPP has awarded over $32 million. FMPP's mission, which was broadened by the 2008 Farm Bill, is to establish, expand, and promote farmers markets and direct producer-to-consumer marketing. FMPP is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The full list of awards granted for fiscal year 2012 is available at www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FMPP.

In 2009, USDA launched the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative to strengthen the critical connection between farmers and consumers and supports local and regional food systems. Through this initiative, USDA integrates programs and policies that stimulate food- and agriculturally-based community economic development; foster new opportunities for farmers and ranchers; promote locally and regionally produced and processed foods; cultivate healthy eating habits and educated, empowered consumers; expand access to affordable fresh and local food; and demonstrate the connection between food, agriculture, community and the environment. Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food also leads a national conversation about food and agriculture to strengthen the connection between consumers and farmers.

An interactive view of USDA programs that support local and regional foods, including FMPP, is available at the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass. The KYF Compass is a digital guide to USDA resources related to local and regional food systems. The Compass consists of an interactive U.S. map USDA-supported local and regional food projects and an accompanying narrative documenting the results of this work through case studies, photos and video content.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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21 Sep 2012

Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Services

By USDA Office of Communications
Department Passes $250 Million Goal to Fund Smart Grid Technologies

WASHINGTON, DC, September 20, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the latest in a series of loan guarantees to finance improved efficiency and modernization rural electric generation and transmission systems. Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager made the announcement on Vilsack's behalf during a speech in Minneapolis to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

"These loan guarantees will bring expanded, modern electric services to rural businesses and residential customers," Vilsack said. "Several of the loans include funding to help utilities and cooperatives adopt smart grid technologies to modernize electric systems."

One of the guaranteed loan recipients is Nobles Cooperative Electric, which serves several counties in southwestern Minnesota as well as Lyon and Osceola counties in northwestern Iowa. Nobles has been selected for a $6.7 million loan guarantee to build and improve 63 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $850,000 in smart grid projects.

Residents elsewhere in Iowa will benefit from loans to rural utilities and cooperatives. Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. is receiving a $24.6 million loan guarantee to build new substations, a new switching station and a spare transformer to improve service for customers in Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma.

The Gundy Electric Cooperative, Inc., which serves customers in Iowa and Missouri, has been selected for a $5 million loan guarantee to build and improve 18 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes over $700,000 in smart grid projects.

Secretary Vilsack announced earlier this month that USDA met its goal to finance $250 million in smart grid technologies in fiscal year 2012. Today's announcement includes support for nearly $10 million in smart grid technologies.

The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive USDA funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Georgia

  • Middle Georgia Electric Membership Corporation - $6,300,000. Funds will be used to serve 736 consumers, build and improve 141 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $157,000 in smart grid projects.

Kansas

  • The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. - $37,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 831 consumers, build and improve 143 miles of distribution line and 142 miles of transmission line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $2,430,500 in smart grid projects.
  • Twin Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $7,200,000. Funds will be used to serve 603 consumers, build and improve 56 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $675,000 in smart grid projects.

Minnesota and Iowa

  • Nobles Cooperative Electric - $6,700,000. Funds will be used to serve 152 consumers, build and improve 63 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $854,100 in smart grid projects.

Missouri

  • Se-Ma-No Electric Cooperative - $2,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 380 consumers, build and improve 67 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $41,800 in smart grid projects.
  • Sac Osage Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $9,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 713 consumers, build and improve 70 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $775,500 in smart grid projects.
  • Three Rivers Electric Cooperative - $5,334,000. Funds will be used to serve 272 consumers, build and improve 20 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.

Missouri and Iowa

  • Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $5,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 332 consumers, build and improve 18 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $703,000 in smart grid projects.

Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma

  • Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. - $24,628,000. Funds will be used to build new substations, one new switching station and a spare transformer.

Nebraska

  • The Midwest Electric Corporation - $6,466,000. Funds will be used to serve 409 consumers, build and improve 175 miles of distribution line and 22 lines of transmission line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $612,600 in smart grid projects.

Texas

  • United Electric Cooperative Service, Inc. - $50,000,000. Funds will be used to serve 7,572 consumers, build and improve 1,097 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $3,322,341 in smart grid projects.

Virginia

  • Prince George Electric Cooperative - $8,418,000. Funds will be to serve 1,690 consumers, build and improve 85 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $231,400 in smart grid projects.

The $168 million in loan guarantees announced today are provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service. The funding helps electric utilities upgrade, expand, maintain and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. USDA Rural Development also funds energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

For information on other RD projects, please visit Rural Development's new interactive web map at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html. The map features program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2011.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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20 Sep 2012

Methionine for Organic Poultry Production

By USDA Office of Communications

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) published a final rule today that extends the maximum allowance for synthetic methionine in organic poultry production at reduced levels:

  • Laying and broiler chickens: 2 lbs
  • Turkeys and all other poultry: 3 lbs

Effective October 2, 2012, the final rule addresses the second of a two-part recommendation by the NOSB, culminating in a step-down of allowable limits of synthetic methionine in organic feed. Read the full text of the rule below.

 

Final Rule

Press release

USDA Blog: Eco-Friendly

What is sustainability in relation to food and agriculture? How is USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist supporting it? Check out the latest article in the Science Tuesday series on the USDA Blog: "How 'Eco' is Friendly to Agriculture and Food Systems."

 
About the National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.
About the NOP Organic Insider

The NOP Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of NOP functions, including organic standards, accreditation and international activities, compliance and enforcement, the National Organic Standards Board, training events, and the Cost Share program.

 

You are receiving this email because you elected to receive selected updates from the USDA National Organic Program. You may manage your profile to receive additional updates on other NOP functions or unsubscribe at any time by using the links below.
18 Sep 2012

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tours Iowa Biodiesel Plant; Discusses How Biofuels Are Reducing Need for Foreign Oil, Creating Jobs in Rural Communities

By USDA Office of Communications
Highlights EPA Action to Increase Use of Biodiesel

SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa, September 14, 2012 - TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed how the increased use of biofuels is helping to reduce the nation's reliance on foreign oil during a tour of AGP Biodiesel. During the tour, Vilsack highlighted today's action by the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the volume of biodiesel products required to be included in diesel fuel markets.

"President Obama's all-of-the-above energy plan is working - today, we are importing less foreign oil than we have in nearly two decades and we are creating jobs by producing more of our energy here at home, said Vilsack. "A key part of the President's strategy is the development and promotion of biofuels and bio-based products, which are helping us fuel our cars and trucks and displacing petroleum used in the manufacturing of household products. Over the past three years, we have doubled generation from renewable energy and today's announcement by EPA will ensure that we are continuing to utilize biodiesel to help meet our energy needs, create jobs and strengthen the rural economy."

Today's action by EPA sets the 2013 volume of biodiesel products required to be included in diesel fuel markets at 1.28 billion gallons under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) which established the second phase of the Renewable Fuel Standards program. EISA specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for the biomass-based diesel category for 2012 and beyond. It also calls on EPA to increase the volume requirement after consideration of environmental, market, and energy-related factors. Today's final action follows careful review of the many comments and additional information received since EPA proposed the volume last spring.

President Obama has laid out a bold goal of reducing oil imports by half by 2020 and in his Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future released in March, 2011 the Administration laid out an all-of-the-above energy plan to achieve that goal by developing domestic oil and gas energy resources, increasing energy efficiency, and speeding development of biofuels and other alternatives. Domestic oil and gas production has increased each year the President has been in office, while renewable energy generation from wind, solar, and geothermal has doubled.

Creating new markets for the nation's agricultural products through biobased manufacturing is one of the many steps the Administration has taken over the past three years to strengthen the rural economy. Since August 2011, the White House Rural Council has supported a broad spectrum of rural initiatives including a Presidential Memorandum to create jobs in rural America through biobased and sustainable product procurement, a $350 million commitment in SBA funding to rural small businesses over the next 5 years, launching a series of conferences to connect investors with rural start-ups, creating capital marketing teams to pitch federal funding opportunities to private investors interested in making rural and making job search information available at 2,800 local USDA offices nationwide.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council - chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack - the President is committed to a smarter use of existing Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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18 Sep 2012

USDA Announces Grants to Support Schools in Meeting New School Meal Requirements

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, September 14, 2012–Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced new grants to support schools as they strive to serve healthy food, provide nutrition education, and create an environment focused on healthy eating and physical activity.

"When we serve our children healthy school meals, we're making a critical investment in their academic performance, their physical health, and their future," said Merrigan. "Today's announcement reflects our ongoing commitment to provide States with the tools they need to build a healthy school environment. Providing nutrition education resources, extending training and technical assistance to foodservice professionals, and building community support helps ensure that every child in America has a chance to succeed."

Funded in support of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the Team Nutrition training grants will assist schools in meeting the new school meal requirements, encourage HealthierUS School Challenge participation, support students' nutritious choices by structuring the cafeteria environment in a way that encourages the selection of healthy foods, and promote healthier environments to align with the Local Wellness Policy requirements established in the Act.

USDA is awarding approximately $5.2 million in 18 States and one territory including:

  • Alaska, $242,847.00
  • Arizona, $319,772.00
  • Florida, $311,500.00
  • Guam, $330,344.00
  • Hawaii, $233,016.00
  • Idaho, $245,120.00
  • Illinois, $50,000.00
  • Iowa, $348,335.00
  • Kansas, $349,715.00
  • Michigan, $333,420.00
  • Missouri, $342,609.00
  • Montana, $349,924.00
  • New Jersey, $324,151.00
  • North Dakota, $247,580.00
  • Ohio, $345,849.00
  • Utah, $41,540.00
  • Washington, $222,508.00
  • Washington, $46,772.00
  • West Virginia, $346,515.00
  • Wisconsin, $203,056.00

Funding will be made available for the period of September 30, 2012 through September 30, 2014, to assist State agencies in achieving the Team Nutrition goals. States must apply Team Nutrition's three behavior-focused strategies:

  • Provide training and technical assistance to child nutrition foodservice professionals to enable them to prepare and serve nutritious meals that appeal to children.
  • Provide fun and interactive nutrition education for children, teachers, parents, and other caregivers.
  • Build school and community support for creating healthy school environments that are conducive to healthy eating and physical activity.

This school year, 32 million students across the country are benefiting from new meal standards for the National School Lunch Program for the first time in more than fifteen years. The healthier school meals are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by the First Lady as part of her Let's Move! campaign and signed into law by President Obama. To learn about the new meal standards, go to www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including school meals programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work together to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.

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USDA.gov logo USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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09 Sep 2012

Secretary Vilsack Announces USDA Has Reached Its Goal to Fund $250 Million in Smart Grid Improvements

By USDA Office of Communications
Funds for System Improvements are Provided in North Carolina, Nine other States

RALEIGH, N.C., September 7, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has reached its $250 million goal to finance smart grid technologies, a key component of President Obama's effort to help modernize our nation's electric system. Vilsack also announced nine rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 10 states including North Carolina will receive loan guarantees to make improvements to generation and transmission facilities and implement smart grid technologies.

"Grid modernization and deployment of 'smart grid' technology will increase the reliability and efficiency of electric power generation," said Vilsack. "Providing reliable, affordable electrical service contributes to stronger rural economies and is the backbone for a prosperous rural America. These loans will help ensure that rural areas can retain existing businesses, support new ones and have reliable, up-to-date infrastructure."

As part of President Obama's Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future, the Administration has outlined aframework for a modernized electric system that will benefit all Americans. This framework lays out a number of public and private initiatives, including a goal of $250 million in loans for smart-grid technology deployment as part of the USDA's Rural Utility Service, which is focused on upgrading the electric grid in rural America.

With today's announcement of more than $27 million in smart grid investments, USDA has met President Obama's goal and has further enabled rural utilities to make efficiency improvements to the electric grid that will help consumers lower their electric bills by reducing energy use in homes and businesses.

Vilsack said this $250 million investment in loan funds for smart grid technologies means infrastructure investment at virtually no cost to the taxpayer. These technologies will facilitate the integration of renewable sources of electricity into the grid, help avoid blackouts and restore power quicker when outages occur, and reduce the need for new power plants. Smart grid technologies also provide a foundation for innovation by entrepreneurs and others who can develop tools to empower consumers and help them make informed decisions. A first generation of innovative consumer products and services?such as thermostats that can be controlled from a smart phone, or websites that show how much energy a house is using?can continue to help Americans save money on their electricity bills.

Vilsack made the announcement during a tour of North Carolina's Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation, which received a $30,000,000 guaranteed loan from USDA to extend its system by 52 miles and help provide service to about 1,000 new member consumers. The cooperative will also increase capacity for 100 current consumers and improve the reliability of about 40 miles of line. The cooperative installed a new automated meter system (AMI) with funds from a previous loan and will invest approximately $150,000 of the funds from this new loan on new AMI meters for the 1,000 new member consumers.

Vilsack also announced that two other cooperatives in North Carolina will receive loan guarantees. Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation will receive a $21,500,000 loan to build and improve 220 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation, which serves a rural area in the northeastern part of North Carolina, will receive a $6.4 million loan. Due to its location, the borrower is susceptible to extreme storm conditions, including hurricanes and Northeasters. The firm will use about $1 million of the loan to install automatic meters (AMIs).

The following is a list of rural utilities that will receive USDA funding, which is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan agreement.

Colorado/ Nebraska/ New Mexico/ Wyoming

  • Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. - $140,483,000 loan. Funds will be used to build 50 miles of transmission line and make upgrades to the existing generation and transmission facilities. The loan amount includes $21,756,000 in smart grid projects and $808,780 in environmental improvements.

Kansas

  • The Ark Valley Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. - $6,130,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 355 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $2,014,500 in smart grid projects.

Minnesota

  • Stearns Cooperative Electric Association - $23,654,000 loan. The cooperative will improve 147 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $974,085 in smart grid projects.
  • Agralite Electric Cooperative - $5,159,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 61 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $180,968 in smart grid projects.

Missouri/Iowa

  • Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative - $30,093,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 24 miles of transmission line, build three new substations and make other improvements. The loan amount includes $500,000 in smart grid projects.

North Carolina

  • Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation - $6,410,000 loan. The cooperative will build and improve 310 miles of distribution line and 2 miles of transmission line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $1,084,728 in smart grid projects.
  • Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation - $30,000,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 108 miles of distribution line and 5 miles of transmission line and make other system improvements.
  • Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation - $21,500,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 220 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements.

Wisconsin

  • Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative - $6,000,000 loan. Funds will be used to build and improve 88 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes $255,833 in smart grid projects.

The $269 million in loan guarantees announced today are provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The funding helps electric utilities upgrade, expand, maintain and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. USDA Rural Development also funds energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

For additional information on RD projects, please visit Rural Development's new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2011. The data can be found at:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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07 Sep 2012

USDA Information Available for You

By USDA Office of Communications

Have you ever struggled to find information on or someone to talk to about a USDA program?

The USDA has developed a guide to organic and organic-related programs, and is implementing a department-wide training program to improve service to current and prospective organic stakeholders.

USDA has also developed a toolkit that helps farmers and businesses answer the question, "is organic an option for me?"

Organic Literacy Initiative

In response to requests from the organic community, USDA developed these materials to help connect current and prospective organic operations with appropriate USDA resources.

 

Through this effort, USDA staff will be better equipped to help current and prospective organic customers:

  • Obtain technical and financial assistance.
  • Insure crops and livestock.
  • Access and fund research.
  • Secure loans.
  • Develop conservation practices.
  • Find current organic price information.
  • Access local, regional, and international markets.

By 2015, the USDA hopes to have 20,000 certified organic farmers and businesses in the United States. We're well on our way to achieving this goal, but we're not there yet.

We hope you will use and share these materials widely, helping current and prospective organic operations fully benefit from USDA services.

View Guide to Organic and Organic-Related USDA Programs

Access All Organic Literacy Initiative Materials

Includes training and outreach materials
Are You a USDA Employee?

In order to credit your training and track USDA participation, please access the organic 101 and 201 courses through USDA's AgLearn system. However, AgLearn is currently down for routine maintenance until September 12th.

Once AgLearn is back online, USDA staff will be invited to access these online training modules.

In the meantime, we welcome you to:

Thank you for your patience and help supporting organic agriculture!
About the National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.
About the NOP Organic Insider

The NOP Organic Insider is intended to inform the organic community on a wide range of NOP functions, including organic standards, accreditation and international activities, compliance and enforcement, the National Organic Standards Board, training events, and the Cost Share program.

 

You are receiving this email because you elected to receive selected updates from the USDA National Organic Program. You may manage your profile to receive additional updates on other NOP functions or unsubscribe at any time by using the links below.
05 Sep 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Grants to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers across 24 States

By USDA Office of Communications
New, Expanded Efforts Underscore USDA's Commitment to Young, Beginning and Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers

BOONE, Iowa, Aug. 30, 2012-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced more than $18 million in grants to organizations across 24 states that will help beginning farmers and ranchers with the training and resources needed to run productive, sustainable farms. Under the Secretary's leadership since 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has driven a number of efforts meant to spur interest in agriculture and provide the necessary support to young, beginning and socially-disadvantaged producers. At the Farm Progress Show today in Boone, Iowa, Vilsack said investing in beginning farmers, ranchers and producers is not only a smart investment, but one that is vital to our nation's national and economic security.

"In the past few decades, U.S. agriculture has become the second most productive sector of the American economy thanks to farmers adopting technology, reducing debt, and effectively managing risk," said Vilsack. "Last year, America's farmers, ranchers and producers achieved record farm income and record exports. To protect and sustain these successes, we must continue to build an agriculture industry diverse and successful enough to attract the smartest, hardest-working people in the nation. These grants will help beginning farmers and ranchers overcome the unique challenges they face and gain knowledge and skills that will help them become profitable and sustainable."

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded the grants through its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) established through the 2008 Farm Bill. In his June 30, 2010 testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, the Secretary reminded Congress of the need to attract thousands of new producers in the coming years as American farmers and ranchers continue to age. Vilsack urged members of Congress to address this critical need when drafting a 2012 Food, Farm and Jobs bill. That legislation remains unfinished, while the current Farm Bill is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2012.

USDA makes BFRDP grants to organizations that implement education, training, technical assistance and outreach programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or fewer. At least 25 percent of the program's funding supports the needs of limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as farm workers who want to get a start in farming and ranching.

In the first year of USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, three-year grants supported training for 5,000 beginning farmers and ranchers. In 2011, grants supported training for more than 38,000. For example, the Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project in Western North Carolina has directly assisted 865 farmers across 20 rural counties. Of the total participants, 46 percent were women. In addition, a group of seven organizations is working in rural communities in Arkansas and Oklahoma to educate, train, and foster mentorships for a variety of target groups, including military veterans. In the first year, the project created 32 mentorship opportunities and completed 12 internships with experienced farmers.

BFRDP will provide $18 million in funding this year, the fourth year of the program. Future funding is dependent on congressional reauthorization. For more information on the BFRDP program, and for a list of fiscal year 2012 awards, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

Beginning farmers, by USDA definition, are individuals with 10 years or less experience operating farms. Beginning farmers are in all age ranges, racial and ethnic groups, and both male and female. Currently, 30 percent of principal operators of farms are 65 years old or more, while the average age of U.S. farmers has climbed from 54 in 1997 to 57 in 2007. Research by USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) finds that the two most common and important challenges faced by beginning farmers are (1) having the market opportunity to buy or rent suitable land and (2) having capital to acquire land of a large enough scale to be profitable.

BFRDP is just one tool to address these challenges, along with greater access to credit including a new microloan program, a new land contract guarantee program, risk management education for beginning and socially disadvantaged producers, and new online resources such as www.start2farm.gov and the Know Your Farmer Compass.

Since 2009, USDA has provided 128,000 loans to family farmers totaling more than $18 billion. Between 2009-2011, the number of loans to beginning farmers and ranchers climbed from 11,000 to 15,000. More than 40 percent of USDA's farm loans now go to beginning farmers, while over 50 percent of loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers during the same time.

With expanded access to credit, USDA is helping a new generation of farmers sustain and build upon what is now the most productive period in history for American agriculture. To that end, in May the Secretary proposed a new microloan program to help small and family operations progress through their start-up years with needed resources, while building capacity, increasing equity, and eventually graduating to commercial credit. The microloan proposal allows producers to apply for loans of less than $35,000 using simplified and streamlined procedures. The goal of the microloan program is to better meet the credit needs of small farm operations while making more effective use of FSA resources.

The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides a valuable tool to transfer farm real estate to the next generation of farmers. Guarantees will be offered to the owner of a farm who wishes to sell real estate through a land contract to a beginning farmer or a farmer who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. In January, the Secretary expanded the Land Contract Guarantee Program from six states to all 50 states.

USDA's Risk Management Agency supports crop insurance education and outreach in 47 states to beginning, small, and historically underserved farmers and ranchers. From October 2010 through September 2011, a total of 77,000 farmers and ranchers attended educational sessions or were reached by direct mailing with educational information.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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30 Aug 2012

Livestock Producers Affected by Disasters Urged to Keep Good Records

By USDA Office of Communications

Potential Assistance Depending on Accurate, Timely Data for Expedited Help

 

 

WASHINGTON, August 29, 2012 -- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia today urged livestock producers affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Isaac to keep thorough records of their livestock and feed losses, including additional expenses for such things as feed purchases because of lost supplies.

"There are extraordinary circumstances caused by a variety of disasters from fires in the west, floods in Florida, Hurricane Isaac in the Gulf region, storms in the Mid-Atlantic and drought and heat affecting the heartland," Garcia said. "Each of these events is causing economic consequences for ranchers and producers including cattle, sheep and dairy operations, bee keepers and farm-raised fish, and poultry producers."

FSA recommends that owners and producers record all pertinent information of natural disaster consequences, including:

-          Documentation of the number and kind of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses;

-          Dates of death supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts;

-          Costs of transporting livestock to safer grounds or to move animals to new pastures; and

-          Feed purchases if supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed.

Secretary Vilsack also reminds producers that the department's authority to operate the five disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill expired on Sept. 30, 2011. This includes SURE; the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP); the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP); the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP); and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Production losses due to disasters occurring after Sept. 30, 2011, are not eligible for disaster program coverage.

30 Aug 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Highlight the Resiliency and Productivity of American Agriculture, Announce Grants to Help Cultivate the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers at Farm Progress Show

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, August 29, 2012 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will highlight the resiliency and productivity of American agriculture at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa. The Secretary will discuss the ongoing drought, USDA's efforts to assist producers, and the importance of passing the food, farm and jobs bill. Secretary Vilsack will also highlight the need to cultivate a new generation of farmers to sustain and build upon what is now the most productive period in history for American agriculture. To that end, he will announce funding to organizations across 24 states, including Iowa, that will help beginning farmers and ranchers with the training and resources needed to run productive, sustainable farms.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

11:15 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will highlight the resiliency and productivity of American agriculture, announce funding for beginning farmers and ranchers at the Farm Progress Show

 

WHERE: Farm Progress Show- Media Tent

1827 217th Street

Boone, IA

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