A One-Stop Shop for Organics at usda.gov, with Lots in Store!

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce a new one-stop shop for organics at usda.gov!

We are also pleased to highlight grants to support organic-focused research, education and extension programs.

Looking for USDA programs and services that support the growing organic sector? USDA has created a centralized web resource center at USDA.gov for all the programs, services, and data we have that support organic agriculture.

Visit (and bookmark) the organic web resource center to access:

• Conservation programs, flexible microloans, and other financial resources for farmers and ranchers.
• Organic price reports, cost/revenue comparisons, and other economic and market data.
• Improved crop and livestock insurance and other programs tailored to the organic sector.
• Production and conservation assistance and research on organic agriculture.
• Benefits of organic certification and how to get certified.
• USDA staff at your local field offices and much more!

USDA is committed to helping organic agriculture grow and thrive by removing obstacles for organic farmers and businesses.

Earlier this year, Secretary Vilsack instructed all USDA agencies to incorporate the needs of the organic sector into their programs and services, and asked AMS to lead this effort.

This one-stop shop for organic-related programs and services at USDA.gov is one way we are meeting those needs.

USDA Blog: A One-Stop Shop for Organics, with Lots in Store
By Mark Lipson, USDA Organic Policy Advisor

Organic Resource Center at USDA.gov

Last week, Secretary Vilsack announced that the following universities received a combined total of $3 million to support research, education and Extension programs that will improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers:

• University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $675,719. This project focuses on developing sustainable wholefarm systems for organic pecan production in the Southeast.
• Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $464,482. This project will develop alternatives to antibiotics for fire blight control in organic crops.
• University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn., $718,225. This project will create a series of online, interactive educational modules with a focus on the fundamentals of organic agriculture and how to transition to organic farming.
• University of Texas Pan American. Edinburg, Texas, $746,973. This project focuses on launching an innovative new academic program that engages students in rigorous, well-designed research projects designed to address real-world problems faced by organic farmers in south Texas.
• Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $749,661. This project examines whether, over time, the adoption of organic farming improves natural pest control.

The flagship program to fund organic production, the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, currently remains unauthorized to continue until a new Farm Bill is passed by Congress.

USDA is funding these efforts through its Organic Transitions Program, which is an essential part of our commitment to the organic farm sector. USDA also provided $847,637 in continuation awards to previous Organic Transitions Program grantees.

Press Release

About the Organic Transitions Program

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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