08 Jan 2014

USDA Announces Speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum

By USDA Office of Communications
Secretary Tom Vilsack to Moderate Two Panels on the Future of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2014-The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum, "The Changing Face of Agriculture," to be held from Feb. 20-21 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate two general session panels on the Future of Agriculture. Speaking in the first panel will be Administrator of the U. S. Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah; President of the Produce Marketing Association Cathy Burns; and Kellee James, founder and CEO of Mercaris, a market trading platform for organic agricultural commodities.

The second panel focuses on young farmers and includes Executive Director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition Michael O'Gorman; Joanna Carraway, a young Kentucky farmer who won the 2013 Top Producer Horizon Award; Greg Wegis, who operates a 17,600-acre vegetable and nut farm in California; and the Interim Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, Emily Oakley.

Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will welcome the audience and moderate an afternoon panel titled "A Roadmap for Women in Agriculture" composed of notable young women discussing their successful careers. Panelists include corn and soybean farmer Kate Danner; Director of Government Relations for Land O' Lakes Autumn Veazey; and Director of Specialty Crops for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Debbie Hamrick.

USDA's Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will deliver the 2014 Agricultural & Foreign Trade Outlooks. The Forum's dinner speaker will be U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman.

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance will host a live streaming Food Dialogues®, (www.fooddialogues.com/) titled "Nutrition: Who Is Shaping America's Eating Habits?" Panelists will include :

  • Carolyn O'Neill, MS, RD - Nutrition Expert, Food Journalist, and Television Personality (Moderator)
  • Dr. Craig Rowles - Partner and General Manager, Elite Pork Partnership, Carroll, Iowa
  • Dennis Derryck - President and Founder, Corbin Hill Farms, New York, NY
  • Jim Call - Farmer, Call Farms, Madison, Minn.
  • Colette Rihane, MS, RD -Nutrition Guidance and Analysis Division Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA, Washington, DC
  • Dr. Roger Clemens - Chief Scientific Officer for ETHorn and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at USC, Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Barbara Ruhs, MS, RD, LDN -Corporate Dietician, Bashas' Grocery Stores, Phoenix, Ariz.

USDA's first release of preliminary data from the new Census of Agriculture will occur at the Forum; panelists will cover the latest information on land tenure and demographic and production trends.

Speaking at the 29 breakout sessions will be more than 95 distinguished experts in the fields of international trade, forestry, conservation, invasive pests and citrus disease, nanotechnology, social media, local food systems, and food safety. The Forum continues to feature the traditional USDA commodity supply and demand, food price, farm income, and weather outlooks.

A program schedule and registration are available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum. USDA has hosted the Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government, and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making. Attendees are expected to include members of farm organizations, food and fiber firms, academia, foreign governments, and the news media.

Registration is $375 until Jan. 21, 2014, and $425 thereafter. Plenary speeches will be Webcast after 6 p.m. ET on Feb. 21, and breakout session speeches and presentations will be posted online after 6 p.m. Feb. 21.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

#
07 Jan 2014

Producer Planting Intentions Survey Results Released

By Farm Futures Magazine

Farmers Plan Huge Shift From Corn To Soybeans In 2014

Farm Futures second survey of planting intentions shows growers responding to price signals.

ST. LOUIS, MO., 7:30 A.M., CT, (01/07/2014) -- After pushing corn seedings in recent years, U.S. farmers plan a major shift to soybeans in 2014, according to the latest Farm Futures survey of growers' planting intentions for spring.

Corn acre shift indicated
Producers are ready to slash corn seedings to 92.23 million, down 3.7% from the total USDA estimated in November, and 5.3% less than originally planned by growers in 2013 before cold, wet weather prevented many fields from being planted. Still, if achieved, the 92.23 million would be the fourth most put in since World War II.

All the ground cut from corn could wind up in soybeans. Farmers indicated they want to put in 82.34 million acres of beans in 2014, up 7.6 over 2013 and easily a record. Growers have been trying to get rotations back in line for several years, and changing market conditions could finally allow the transition to occur.

Soybean indicators
Farm Futures' first survey of growers last summer found the shift out of corn already underway, with initial corn intentions put at 94.11 million, with soybeans at 78.75 million. Market signals sent a clear message to farmers, says Farm Futures Senior Editor Bryce Knorr, who conducted the research: Plant soybeans.

"When we first surveyed growers in late July and early August, the ratio of new crop soybeans to corn was trading around 2.36 to 1," said Knorr. "During December the ratio reached 2.58 to 1, providing a clear edge to soybeans, while projected corn profitability dropped to break-even levels."

Weather influences
Adverse spring weather in 2013 also prevented farmers from seeding some spring wheat and durum fields. That ground should return to those crops, helping increase total wheat acreage to 57.64 million, up 2.6%. Winter wheat acres will be up less than 1%, to 43.3 million, according to the Farm Futures survey.


Farm Futures surveyed more than 1,600 farmers by email during December. Results of the spring planting intentions survey were released Tuesday at the Farm Futures Business Summit in St. Louis. USDA releases its prospective plantings estimates on March 31.


2014 Crop Planting Intentions Projected Acres
Survey results by crop:

Crop Acreage Change*
Corn 92.23 million 96.7%
Soybeans 82.34 million 107.6%
Soft Red Winter Wheat 9.1 million 91.0%
Hard Red Winter Wheat 30.9 million 104.3%
White Winter Wheat 3.4 million 96.3%
All Winter Wheat 43.3 million 100.6%
Spring Wheat 12.2 million 105.1%
Durum 2.1 million 143.2%
All Wheat 57.64 million 102.6%
*Corn and soybean change is vs USDA Nov. 2013.

###
06 Jan 2014

A Soybean's Journey: See for Yourself

By Rick Martin
Apply now to see results of your checkoff investment

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 6, 2014) - When a farmer unloads soybeans at the elevator after harvest, it may seem like the end of a long journey that was full of hard work and patience. But the elevator is actually just the first stop on a voyage that takes U.S. soybeans to various markets domestically and abroad. For soybean farmers wanting to know more about their customers beyond the elevator, and the soy checkoff's role in marketing U.S. soy to those customers, the United Soybean Board (USB) invites them to participate in the checkoff's See for Yourself program.

All U.S. soybean farmers over the age of 18 can apply now for the seventh annual See for Yourself program. To apply, visit the USB website, www.UnitedSoybean.org/SeeforYourself, through April 4.

"The See for Yourself program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said David Hartke, chair of USB's Audit & Evaluation committee, which sponsors See for Yourself. "Participants get the opportunity to see the checkoff up close and the work it does to improve the bottom lines for U.S. soybean farmers across the country."

The program offers 10 U.S. soybean farmers the chance to learn about and evaluate specific investment areas of the soy checkoff, such as international marketing, animal agriculture, industrial uses and soybean farmers' freedom to operate.

Participants first travel to St. Louis, to witness firsthand, the operations of the checkoff and visit local sites related to domestic uses for soybeans.

Then, since about half of the soy produced in the United States is exported, participants will travel internationally to experience how international customers use soy.

"USB believes this program is important because participants not only see the checkoff first-hand, they also have the chance to evaluate its programs, as well," Hartke said. "As a USB farmer-leader, I appreciate the perspectives these farmers bring and hearing their opinions on checkoff investments."

The program is scheduled to take place Aug. 15-22 and USB will cover all related rooming, meal and travel expenses.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

###

23 Dec 2013

Agriculture Secretary Reports Progress at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing.

 

The JCCT is the highest level bilateral forum for the resolution of trade and investment issues between the United States and China.  Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman co-chaired the JCCT with China's Vice Premier Wang Yang.

 

"My discussions with Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders laid the groundwork for future cooperation related to our shared interests in food security, food safety, and sustainability, as well as the expansion of export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers," Vilsack said.

 

At the JCCT, a number of high-priority issues for agriculture were discussed, including access for beef and horticultural products, the approval process for biotechnology products, and import suspensions for four states related to avian influenza.

 

On beef access, the United States and China reached consensus to continued dialogue, with the intention to restore market access by the middle of 2014.

 

On horticulture, the Secretary re-affirmed a pathway for re-opening China's market for Washington apples and California citrus.

 

On biotechnology, the Secretary conveyed a need to streamline China's biotech approval process, and gave his commitment to begin implementation of a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products.  China also agreed to discuss U.S. concerns regarding China's requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals.

 

On avian influenza, the Secretary raised lifting bans on poultry due to avian influenza.  China responded that they were analyzing information provided by USDA.

 

In his separate discussions with Agriculture Minister Han Changfu, the Secretary shared a proposal for a revised Memorandum of Understanding focused on science and technology cooperation in the field of agriculture.

 

The two countries also committed to hold a second High Level Agricultural Symposium in 2014, with support from the U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP).  The recently formed AFP also organized a kick-off reception in honor of Secretary Vilsack's visit, including a broad range of U.S. and Chinese agribusiness leaders and high-level Chinese government officials.

 

###

 

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).

23 Dec 2013

Iowa State Fair Earns International Industry Honors

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair brought home numerous honors in the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) agricultural, competitive exhibit and communication competitions, presented earlier this month at the 123rd annual IAFE Convention in Las Vegas.

In Agricultural Awards competition, the Fair collected two top honors, including Overall Program for Competitive Agricultural Exhibitors and Agriculture Photo. The Fair collected three top finishes in the Competitive Exhibit Awards competition, including honors for Participatory Contest, General Display Photo and General Display Photo Series.

In the Communication Awards category, the Fair earned five first-place honors recognizing their newspaper and magazine advertising, television commercial, electronic newsletter and website.

In addition to the 10 first-place awards, the Fair also earned two second-place and three third-place honors for fairs with attendance of one million or more.

There are a total of 13 Agriculture, eight Competitive Exhibit and 19 Communication Award categories, each divided into five divisions based on attendance. The entries are evaluated and judged by a team of industry leaders selected from the membership of IAFE, which represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world and more than 900 members from allied fields.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

23 Dec 2013

Farm & Nutrition Bill Payment Limits/Actively Engaged Update

By Grassley Press

Friday, December 20, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, one of two working family farmers in the Senate, made the following comment about the current status of the farm and nutrition bill negotiations and his provisions to place a hard cap on farm payments and the actively engaged loophole.

"As members of Congress head home for the holidays, farm bill negotiators still have a to-do list.  It's my understanding that the last remaining issue to be resolved is my provision to place a hard cap on farm payments and close the loophole that tens of thousands of people are using claiming to be actively engaged in the business of farming.  These provisions are in both bills, and should not be subject to negotiation.  They should have DO NOT TOUCH stamped across that section of the bill.  Unfortunately, the minority in both the House and Senate who voted against these provisions are a majority on the conference committee, so it remains a fight to the end.  To close loopholes for food stamps, but leave open loopholes for the biggest farmers to exploit taxpayers is the wrong way to do business.  We ought to apply scrutiny and end abuse in all programs."


20 Dec 2013

2013 Harvest Report Indicates High Quality US Corn Ready to Market

By Marri Carrow

Record production, high quality, and minor weather-related impacts are the top-line findings of the 2013/2014 Corn Harvest Quality Report, released today by the U.S. Grains Council.

"After a record drought last year, the world has been watching intently the 2013 U.S. corn crop," said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. "Production has rebounded, and quality is high despite some weather challenges. It's good news all around."

Total U.S. corn production of 13,989 million bushels (355.3 million metric tons) is an all-time record, and the average yield of 160.4 bushels/acre (10.1 tons/hectare) is the second highest on record. Weather was again the challenge, as a cold and wet spring delayed planting across much of the corn belt. Some areas also experienced flash-drought conditions in mid-summer, although this was generally offset by cooler temperatures.   

These weather adversities slightly reduced planted acreage and yield, while harvest quality remained very high. As compared to prior years, weather related impacts were modest and predictable. Aflatoxins were significantly lower than in the 2012 crop, with 99.4 percent of the samples testing below the FDA aflatoxin action level of 20 parts per billion. Starch content was up, while protein content, which is inversely related to starch, was down slightly. Oil content was similar to 2011 and 2012. Moisture content, reflecting weather conditions, was slightly higher, as were stress cracks, but total damage levels remained very low, comparable to 2012 and below 2011 levels. Average test weight remained well above the limit for No. 1 grade corn, indicating overall good quality.

"The report compares a wide range of quality factors across time," Sleight noted, "and after the rollercoaster ride last year, the message in 2013 was that there were no surprises. A few test factors ticked up, others ticked down, consistent with weather conditions, while overall quality at harvest was very high. With record production, this is certainly a good news report."

Corn quality will be affected by further handling, so the Council annually publishes a second report, the Corn Export Quality Report, which assesses quality at the point of loading for international shipment. The 2013/2014 Export Quality Report will be published in March 2014. 

The two reports, utilizing consistent methodology to permit the assessment of trends over time, are intended to provide reliable, timely, and transparent information on the quality of U.S. corn as it moves through export channels.

"The takeaway message this year is that the United States has abundant supplies of high quality corn," Sleight said. "We would remind buyers that they will get the quality level that they contract for, but with record production and good quality, it is a buyers' market as we head into 2014."

- 30 -

The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has nine international offices that oversee programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from our private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the USDA resulting in a combined program value of more than $26.5 million.

The U.S. Grains Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information, should contact the U.S. Grains Council

20 Dec 2013

Gov. Branstad brings bipartisan group of six governors together in support of RFS

By Jimmy Centers

Letter sent to President Obama, Administrator McCarthy and Sec. Vilsack calling for reconsideration on the EPA's proposed RFS rule

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad has brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that fosters diversification of America's energy portfolio, gives consumers choices at the pump, supports economic development in rural communities and reduces harmful emissions across the nation. The EPA recently proposed a rule that would significantly weaken the current RFS, and Gov. Branstad and this group of governors expressed their opposition to the EPA proposal.

The following governors signed on in support of a strong RFS: Gov. Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R-N.D.), Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), Gov. Dennis Dugaard (R-S.D.), and Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Neb.).

In the letter, the governors write, "More than 400,000 Americans depend on renewable fuels for good-paying jobs that support rewarding careers in our states. According to the Renewable Fuels Association and LMC International, 44,500 of these jobs could be lost due to the EPA proposed rule. This proposed rule would greatly hinder our states' efforts to foster policies that create jobs, grow family incomes, and revitalize our economies.

"If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America. According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop nineteen cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers. The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy."

The bipartisan letter is the latest effort by Branstad to fight for American jobs, rural communities and a strong agriculture industry by working to protect the RFS. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, and other Iowa elected leaders recently requested a hearing in Iowa on this EPA proposal. On December 4, 2013, Gov. Branstad testified before the EPA in support of the RFS in Arlington, VA. The testimony followed a "Defend the RFS" rally in Nevada, Iowa, on November 22, 2013.

The full letter can be read below:

 

December 20, 2013

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

 

Dear President Obama:

As governors who support the public policy and economic benefits that flow from biofuels, we write today to express our strong opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule that would significantly reduce ethanol and biodiesel choices for consumers as enabled in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA proposal would have a negative impact on family incomes, the diversification of our energy portfolio, economic development in rural communities, and emissions reduction across our nation.

The renewable fuels that are proudly used by consumers across the country, are produced with American-grown corn, soybeans, wood chips and other important biomass resources that are processed through biofuels facilities that employ thousands, all while injecting millions into agribusiness and local economies. More than 400,000 Americans depend on renewable fuels for good-paying jobs that support rewarding careers in our states. According to the Renewable Fuels Association and LMC International, 44,500 of these jobs could be lost due to the EPA proposed rule. This proposed rule would greatly hinder our states' efforts to foster policies that create jobs, grow family incomes, and revitalize our economies.

If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America. According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop nineteen cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers. The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy.

We urge your Administration to use its regulatory authority in a manner that both supports a growing renewable fuels industry and meets the statutory requirements of the law. Specifically, we hope that you will encourage the EPA to increase the biodiesel volume to reflect current production levels, modify the cellulosic target to match production expectations, and reinstate the statutory conventional renewable fuel target since there is clearly no domestic supply shortage. The gradually increasing RFS levels have been an important part of diversifying our nation's transportation fuels and reducing fuel costs at the pump.

We appreciate your past support for renewable fuels and the commitments you have pledged. We hope you will protect the RFS, renew your commitment, and stand strong along with us, consumers, and agricultural producers in supporting American-made renewable fuels.

Sincerely,

Governor Terry E. Branstad, Iowa

Governor Sam Brownback, Kansas

Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota

Governor Dave Heineman, Nebraska

Governor Jack Dalrymple, North Dakota

Governor Dennis Daugaard, South Dakota

 

cc:  Gina McCarthy, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Tom Vilsack, Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture

###
19 Dec 2013

EPA Administrator pressed on proposed reduction in Renewable Fuel Standard

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today participated in a bipartisan senators' meeting with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to discuss the Obama Administration's proposed reduction in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  Grassley made the following comment after the meeting.

"I'm glad Administrator McCarthy listened to senators' concerns.  I tried to impress upon her that while President Obama and his administration have claimed to be in favor of domestic biofuels, this proposal is a step backward and will harm our efforts to further diversify our fuel supply.  The fact is, the blend wall is a result of Big Oil's obstruction to higher ethanol blends, and EPA's proposal rewards its obstruction.  The Administrator heard a lot about the harm this proposal would do to the environment, our national and energy security, and our rural economies.  I also personally relayed the request of the entire Iowa delegation to host a field hearing in Iowa to hear directly from farmers and biofuels producers about the benefits of the RFS."

The bipartisan letter requesting a field hearing in Iowa is available here.

More on Grassley's views on the proposed reduction is available here.
18 Dec 2013

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

By USDA Office of Communications
Announcement December 18, 2013
Greetings!

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.
One-Stop Shop for Organics at usda.gov

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
USDA Grants Support Organic Ag Research

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
About the Agricultural Marketing Service

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.
About the USDA Organic Insider

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.

You are receiving this email because you elected to receive selected updates from the Agricultural Marketing Service. You may manage your profile to receive additional updates or unsubscribe at any time by using the links below.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.