A Fond Farewell to Deputy Secretary Merrigan
Leaving Big Boots to Fill:USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan speaks with a potential future farmer in Raleigh, NC. Last week, Kathleen Merrigan announced that she will be resigning from her position as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in the USDA. It is a regret to see this visionary of local food and organic agriculture leave the department – we hope her replacement brings the same commitment to renewing sustainable and local farming. Merrigan... Read More
Resource Spotlight: USDA’s Organic Literacy Initiative
The USDA recently launched its Organic Literacy Initiative, a program designed to connect organic farmers, ranchers, processors with the Department of Agriculture resources they could use. Resources go over what the it means to be organic and how certification works, as well as resources for current certified farmers and ranchers. The matericals include factsheets for producers considering the transition to organic – check out the sheet for... Read More
Take a Stand in DC to Challenge Monsanto’s Aggression Against Family Farmers
Farmers Against Monsanto, courtesy of fooddemocracynow.org If you’re able to be in Washington, DC tomorrow (Thursday, January 10th), please come out to stand in solidarity with the 30 farmers fighting to defend American agriculture. They will will be appealing their landmark court case challenging Monsanto’s abusive patent infringement lawsuits and could use your support! The assembly will take place at 10 AM at Lafayette Square (H Street... Read More
Beginning Farmers of Connecticut – a few upcoming events from CT NOFA
Due by December 31, 2012: Deadline for Journeyperson Applications CT NOFA is accepting registrations for the 2013-2015 Journeyperson Program. This provides education and business stipends, mentor support and free admission to CT NOFA programs for two years for Connecticut farmers that are independently farming for the first time. You can learn more about the program on the Journeyperson Page and you can apply here. CT NOFA “Getting Started... Read More
Survey – Help Understand Beginning Farmer Knowledge Networks
NYFC would like to help researchers and other organizations better understand how to help beginning farmers! Below is information on a survey on organic farmer knowledge networks. If you have the time, please fill out the survey to help. My name is Emily and I am a senior at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. I am finishing my undergraduate study in Sociology and Urban & Environmental Policy. Help me with my senior thesis by completing... Read More
New! Online Course De-Mystifies Organic Certification
While many small farmers use “all-natural” or “sustainable” practices, going the distance to certify your farm as organic–with the paperwork, annual inspection, and expense required–often feels like an overwhelming step. But for many farmers, the price premium received would increase profits. What do you need to do to become certified organic? Is it worth it for your farm? Do your practices qualify, or would you... Read More
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 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (an agency within the USDA), includes an Organic... Read More
NOFA Announces Journeyperson Programs for Farmers in the Northeast
Attention beginning farmers in the Northeast: Four more state Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) organizations have announced that they will be accepting applications for a new two-year beginning farmer support program known as the Journeyperson Program. NOFA organizations in New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Connecticut are kicking these programs off, based on the already existing–and highly successful–Journeyperson... Read More
Rodale study shows benefits of organic farming over conventional
A recent study by the Rodale Institute brings good news for organic farmers: According to the report, organic agriculture outperforms conventional farming in years of drought, and increases the organic matter content of soil rather than depleting it. Organic farming also uses 45 percent less energy, produces less greenhouse, and is more profitable than conventional agriculture. “Coach” Mark Smallwood of the Rodale Institute provided information... Read More
Report links food security, climate change, social justice
A new report released by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Foundation and the Center for Food Safety explores the vital links between climate change, food security, and social justice. It begins by discussing the effects of climate change on farmland, and how those effects can potentially be mitigated. The report cites a recent World Bank report’s findings that current agricultural practices are responsible for more than 30 percent of global... Read More
