IN THE NEWS

• Defining Organic: The Difference Between Sustainable and Local.
  One of the reasons people are suspicious of the organic enterprise is a widespread confusion about what organic production methods are. This article from the Atantic helps define some terms to clear up some confusion.

• More Young People See Opportunity in Farming
  While fresh demographic information on U.S. farmers won't be available until after the next agricultural census is done next year, there are signs more people in their 20s and 30s are going into farming. Click here for full story.

• Super Committee Fails on Deficit Accord: Implications for Upcoming Farm Bill
  Last week, Congress's Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced it was unable to reach bipartisan agreement for cutting the federal deficit; some $1.2 trillion in automatic cuts over 10 years are now scheduled to be implemented through a process known as "sequestration." Click here for full story.

• Natural Resources Defense Council Announces Fourth Annual Growing Green Awards
  NRDC announces its fourth annual Growing Green Awards to recognize individuals who have demonstrated original leadership in the field of sustainable food. Through this national award, NRDC will recognize extraordinary contributions that advance ecologically integrated farming practices, climate stewardship, water stewardship, farmland preservation, and social responsibility from farm to fork. Click here for more information and learn how to apply.

• Agriculture Facing Major Changes in Child Labor Laws
  Long in the works, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is set to release proposed updates to child labor regulations aimed at safety concerns in agriculture-related jobs. DOL officials -- who claim the fatality rate for teenagers working in agriculture is four times greater than the risk for the average working teenager -- say the proposals will not impact current exemptions for children of farmers working on family operations. Read the full article here.

• Long-running Experiment Shows Organic Farming is Profitable
  Organic crop systems can provide similar yields and much higher economic returns than a conventional corn-soybean rotation, according to thirteen years of data from a side-by-side comparison at Iowa State University’s Neely-Kinyon Research and Demonstration Farm. Read the full article here.

• Deadline Extended for Organic Cost Share Applications
  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has extended the deadline to apply for the organic cost share program through November 30, 2011 or until funds are exhausted. This program provides cost share assistance annually to producers or handlers of organic agricultural products who are currently certified by a USDA/NOP Accredited Certifying Agent. Visit their website to learn more.

• State Farm Service Agency Overturns Penalty for Minnesota Organic Soybean Farmer
  November 14, 2011 -- This month, Minnesota's State Committee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) overturned a local county decision that would have penalized a long-term certified organic soybean farmer for having "uncontrolled" weeds. Read full press release here.

• Request for Applications - Wisconsin Local Food Network
  The Wisconsin Local Food Network (WLFN) is continuing efforts to offer mini-grants to regional groups. This year’s funding is made possible through UW-Extension’s Program Innovation Fund, and is part of the comprehensive project titled Economic Development through local and regional food systems in Wisconsin. Click here to download the RFA.

• Farming With a Small Footprint: Why it Matters
  October 28, 2011 -- An article writen by Stephanie Ogburn for Grist.org on the importances of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Read the full article here.

• “Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship” Seeks More Educational Farm Sites for Growing Program
  October 14, 2011 -- GrassWorks, Inc. is actively seeking new educational farms to host enthusiastic next-generation graziers in its Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program. The innovative program, which combines on-farm training under the guidance of an established grazier with formal instruction, was developed by GrassWorks in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and has attracted a lot of attention in recent months. More...

• Rodale's Report on 30 Years of Organic Farming Trials
  October 6, 2011 -- The Rodale Institute releases a thirty year trial concluding that organic methods are improving the quality of our food, impriving the health of our soils and water, and improving our nation's rural areas. Click here to view the report on The Rodale Institute website or here for an article about the report in the Huffington Post.
  

• Organic Farmning Gains Momentum with New Report
  September 19, 2011 -- A report released by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) reveals extensive scientific support for the conclusion that organic farming practices are overwhelmingly beneficial for consumers, farmers, the economy, and the environment.  Further, it highlights the urgent need for more research to address an expanding market. More...

• Minnesota organic farming profits rise in 2010
  August 31, 2011 -- The profitability of Minnesota organic farms improved in 2010 compared to 2009, according to a new report issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The report, titled "2010 Organic Farm Performance in Minnesota," shows improved whole-farm economic performance and stronger returns for crop and dairy enterprises. More...

• Price Analysis, Risk Assessment, and Insurance for Organic Crops
  August 22, 2011 -- The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University has released a paper on organic crop insurance, including finding from analyses conducted on organic crop prices, yields, and revenues.  The full report is available here.
  
  
• The James Beard Foundation Announces Recipients of Inaugural Leadership Awards
  August 10, 2011 -- Recognizing 10 visionaries – including First Lady Michelle Obama – who are creating a more healthful, sustainable, and safe food world...more.
  
  
• Scholarship program and grant offered by Raising Organic Family Farms
  August 9, 2011 -- Applicants can submit their requests for education funding, equipment or farm improvements. Also for those seeking mentor support in sustainable agriculture practices...more.
  
  
• USDA Makes Funds Available to Meet Urgent Credit Needs of Producers
  August 9, 2011 --Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that a high demand for guaranteed farm ownership and direct farm operating funds has prompted USDA to transfer appropriated funds between programs as authorized by law, to meet the urgent credit needs of producers, including beginning and minority farmers and ranchers...more.
  
  
• Stateline Farm Beginnings Application Period is Open
  August 1, 2011 --The application period for Stateline Farm Beginnings is now open. The application deadline is September 1st. 2011. Early Bird Discount expires on August 15. Click here for information and application packet. Please read all materials before submitting an application. All deadlines are firm...more.
  
  
• In Her Boots Workshop Highlighted
  Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, August 1, 2011 --The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative feature just came out. Good news: It's on women farmers and the MOSES "In Her Boots" workshop...more.
  
  
• Wafting Poison Makes Fertile Ground for Suit in Stearns County, Minnesota
  Star Tribune, July 25, 2011 - Oluf Johnson's 12,000-acre farm in Stearns County is an organic island in a sea of chemically treated corn and soybeans. Improperly applied pesticides repeatedly drift over from neighboring farms, often with dire consequences for Johnson. But now, thanks to a new court ruling, he and other farmers can sue to recover their losses....more.
  
  
• USDA Invites Applications for Value Added Producer Grant to Assist Farmers
  Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that applications are being accepted for grants to provide economic assistance to independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives and agricultural producer groups through the Value-Added Producer Grant Program...more.

• Farm Beginnings® Training Program Accepting Applications
  Farm Beginnings Collaborative announced it is currently accepting applications for the 2011-12 season. The 10-month training program is for those who want to farm and is focused on getting more farmers on land, farming sustainably...more.

• National Organic Standards Board votes
  National Organic Standards Board votes to remove sodium nitrate and sulfur dioxide to extend the use of streptomycin and oxytetracycline until October 2014 and relist numerous other currently approved synthetics for organic production. view meeting report.
  


• U.S. organic industry valued at nearly $29 billion in 2010
  April 21, 2011 - Some sectors of the organic market enjoyed annual growth of well over 30 percent, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) revealed today in releasing findings from its 2011 Organic Industry Survey...more.


• Organic agriculture: deeply rooted in science and ecology
  GRIST, April 21, 2011 - Organic farming is often falsely represented as being unscientific...more.

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