usda

Organic Sales Doubled Over Five Years

Dan Economy, Industry News Release, Organic

(NAFB) — U.S. organic sales doubled between 2012 and 2017, even though the total value of U.S. agricultural sales remained flat. The USDA says growth in the organic sector has taken off since the early 2010s as food manufacturers, retailers, and livestock producers have increased their demand for organic foods and inputs. Organic operations’ average sales were just over $400,600 …

organic ag

Organic Program One of Many Excellent Choices for Producers

Dan Industry News Release, Organic

The House Agriculture Committee’s Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee held a hearing to review the state of Organic Agriculture from the perspective of producers. After the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Neal Dunn (FL-2) and Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released the following remarks: “At today’s hearing, we heard directly from farmers who have chosen to use the organic …

organic production

Organic Farmers to Harvest Record Acres in 2019

Dan Industry News Release, Organic

Mercaris issues Annual Acreage Report, organic farm ‘heat map’ tool Silver Spring, MD, (MERCARIS-Sept. 9, 2019) — Organic commodity farmers will harvest a record number of acres across the U.S. this year despite the weather and trade challenges plaguing agriculture in 2019. According to the Annual Acreage Report, released today by Mercaris, farmers will harvest 3.1 million acres of U.S. land …

Organic Transition Initiative

ADAI Accepting Applications for USDA Organic Cost-Share Reimbursement Program

Dan Alabama, Economy, Industry News Release, Organic

MONTGOMERY, AL (ADAI) – Alabama growers and handlers of organic agricultural products can recover part of the cost associated with their USDA certification. The reimbursement covers 75% of certification costs, up to a maximum of $750. The cost-share program makes it easier for certified organic businesses throughout the supply chain by recouping the costs associated with USDA organic certification. The …

rodale

Rodale Launches Organic Research and Training Center in Georgia

Dan Education, Georgia, Industry News Release, Organic, Research

(NAFB) — The Rodale Institute will launch a new organic research and training center in Georgia this fall. The Southeast Organic Center aims to innovate agriculture and increase healthy food access in the region, according to the organization. The regional resource center will focus on the unique challenges of farmers in the southeast United States, at Many Fold Farm, outside …

natural disaster

Georgia: Not Just Peaches and Peanuts

Dan Citrus, Fruits, Georgia, Industry News Release, Organic, Peanuts, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

Inaugural tour introduces variety of Georgia Grown products, featuring site tours and gourmet meals. Georgia Grown, the marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, wants everyone to know that the state produces more than just peaches and peanuts. That’s why Georgia Grown is hosting international and national media guests, grocery buyer executives, state officials and culinary …

organic certification

Helping Producers Cover Costs for Organic Certification

Dan Industry News Release, Organic

Federal funds are available to help farmers applying for receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the funding Monday. The program provides cost-share assistance up to 75 percent of certification costs each year to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of …

brochure

New “Ask NRCS” Brochure for Organic Farmers

Dan Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants organic producers to know there is a new booklet that was developed to assist in communicating about NRCS programs organic production. The new “Ask NRCS” brochure covers a variety of natural resource concerns and conservation practices including soils, water, air, plants, animals and energy.  Conservation technical assistance through NRCS helps farmers and ranchers address …