Press release from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week indicates that as of 3/20/2017 organic producers can apply with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for funds to cover up to 75% of the cost of organic certification. FSA Administrator Val Dolcini stated, "This will provide a more uniform, streamlined process nationwide. It … Continue reading FSA to Pay 75% of Cost of Organic Certification
Tag: USDA
2016 Changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program
The USDA made changes to the federal crop insurance program in 2016 intended to increase farmers’ flexibility in managing their land. These changes particularly increase coverage for farmers who add new land to their operations or who “double crop”, rotating crops on the same field within a single year. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse … Continue reading 2016 Changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program
“Women in Ag” Rep returns from China and Hong Kong
Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Alexis Taylor, returned from a trade mission to China and Hong Kong last week. The theme of the trip and the dialogue was “Women in Ag”. Ms. Taylor was accompanied by seven state department of agriculture leaders and representatives of twenty-three US agricultural organizations and businesses … Continue reading “Women in Ag” Rep returns from China and Hong Kong
USDA Notice
About six months ago the USDA prioritized 5.6 billion dollars to new farmers and ranchers. They also implemented a new web tool available at http://www.usda.gov/newfarmers. The USDA feels it is important to provide new farmers with programs and resources to help them get started because of the rapidly aging farming community. “The average age of … Continue reading USDA Notice
What’s all this about Organic?
How to Transition into a 39-billion-dollar niche market You’re at the grocery store trying to decide between generic and organic potatoes. The potatoes, themselves, look identical. The generic potatoes (think Meijer, Kroger, Marsh, etc.) costs 30 cents less. The organic potatoes have a nice green organic sticker (you know the ones). The general consensus is … Continue reading What’s all this about Organic?