Certified organic livestock and poultry producers in the U.S. will soon have new production standards to follow. The USDA has unveiled new rules for organic livestock producers that establish clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production. It levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, …
Organic Produce Sales and Volume Up Two Percent
For the second quarter in a row, organic fresh produce grew slightly in year-over-year sales and volume in the third quarter of 2023. That’s according to a report issued by the Organic Produce Network. Overall, organic fresh produce dollar sales and volume rose by two percent and 1.9 percent, respectively, for Q3 in 2023 compared to the same time last …
USDA Organic Transition Program Celebrates First Year
The USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) recently marked its first anniversary. It’s an investment of up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations that are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says the program offers several benefits for growers. …
Report: Organic Strawberries Bring Higher Prices
New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows organic strawberries offer growers higher prices than conventional strawberries. Fresh strawberry prices tend to exhibit strong seasonal trends partly because of their relatively short shelf life. In the U.S., grower prices for fresh organic strawberries move in tandem with conventional strawberry prices throughout the year while also typically running 40 to …
Ag Market Growth Ahead
Taking a look at the projected growth for ag markets. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Business Research Company’s latest look into the growth of agricultural markets shows big jumps ahead. The global agriculture market is projected to reach a substantial size of just over $19.8 billion by 2027, with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) …
USDA Extends Application Deadline for Organic Dairy Program
Organic dairy producers have more time to submit applications for the USDA’s Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The program was established to help mitigate several factors that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. The funds will assist with projected marketing costs in 2023, calculated using their marketing costs in 2022. “We made that available earlier in …
USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers
Help for organic dairy producers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The program helps dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic …
DeSantis, Florida Cabinet Sign Off on Land Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/May 23, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved spending nearly $100 million on land deals that will secure about 36,000 acres as part of a growing wildlife corridor. The 12 land deals are part of the Florida Forever program and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. They involve purchasing conservation easements, which …
Rodale Institute Applauds USDA Investments in Organic Farmers
The USDA gets a pat on the back for its investments in organic farming. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding opportunities for organic farmers, a welcome investment, according to the Rodale Institute. USDA announced the expanded opportunities last week. Through the newly-established Organic Market Development Grant Program (OMDGP), USDA’s Agricultural Marketing …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Sign-up for Farmers Transitioning to Organic Production
State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia, Terrance O. Rudolph, has announced a sign-up for the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This Georgia NRCS sign-up follows a recent national announcement detailing the USDA’s multi-agency approach to assist producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to achieve organic certification. Only those producers are eligible to apply for this …