(NAFB) — The Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) will mail letters with survey codes this December to more than 22,000 organic producers. Specifically, the surveys target producers involved in certified or transitioning to certified organic farming for the 2019 Organic Survey. Each producer who self-reported organic farming in the 2017 Census of Agriculture will receive a unique …
Tips to Help Maximize Greenhouse Space
Cathy Isom has some tips to help you maximize greenhouse space. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The benefits of having a greenhouse can far outweigh the costs and complications of construction and care. As long as you take full advantage of every bit of growing space year-round, then you can recover your investment and even make a …
Best Organic Weed Control Methods
Weeds are something we constantly battle in our gardens and farms. Cathy Isom has a few suggestions for the best organic weed methods. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Weeds tend to be some of nature’s most annoying pests. When weeds encroach on your precious growing space consider organic weed methods. Organic methods are categorized as such because …
Organic Program One of Many Excellent Choices for Producers
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 …
Producers Invited to Attend Education Meetings
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agricultural economists and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will jointly hold producer meetings throughout Georgia October 8-11. The meetings will address three major government support programs including disaster assistance, trade assistance and farm safety-net programs. Tyron Spearman has more details. Below are the meeting dates, times and locations: Oct. …
ADAI Still Accepting Applications for Organic Cost-Share Reimbursement Program
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) wants to remind growers and handlers of organic agricultural products across the state, that you 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 …
USDA Resources Available for Farmers Hurt by 2018, 2019 Disasters
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-September 18, 2019) — Farmers and producers in 25 Alabama counties affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) beginning Sept. 11. “Alabama agriculture has taken some body blows over the last two years from extreme weather,” said Jessica …
Tempering Expectations for the Future of Organic
A new report from Rabobank is tempering expectations for organic production as growth in the sector is beginning to slow. The six-page report, “Organic Produce Premiums Under Pressure,” notes that organic food sales grew an average of 10 percent per year between 2010 and 2016. However, the previous two years’ growth was only tracked at 6 percent. Some of the …
Three Alabama Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster …
Holmes County, Florida Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Holmes County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend …