What's the Hold Up with the Farm Bill?
For those hoping to see some advancement on the US Farm Bill, this summer has so far been a disappointment. With less than two months remaining before the expiration of the current bill, the process to create the Farm Bill of 2012 continues to be a victim of election year politics. Here is a quick […]
Third and Final EQIP Organic Initiative Application Deadline is Approaching!
The last chance to apply for assistance through the EQIP Organic Initiative for 2012 is June 1, so if you’re interested read on and apply! EQIP, a voluntary soil, air, and water conservation program of the USDA, provides technical and financial assistance for farmers looking to implement conservation programs on their farms. The program, administered […]
USDA Conservation Programs: Are They Working for New Farmers?
A recent release of information on funding allocations of two of the USDA’s major land conservation programs highlights the role that those two sources play in providing funding for beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and limited resource farmers. The two programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), […]
Brendan Smith, Thimble Island Oyster Co.
I am commercial fisherman transformed into an organic ocean farmer; and I’ve fallen in love with growing food at sea. I started Thimble Island Oyster Co. in 2005 with a not-so-seaworthy 22 foot boat and 20 acres of leased ocean grounds nestled in the Thimble Islands of Long Island Sound. Over the last six years my farm has grown […]