tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492333756896915802024-02-19T09:42:49.066-06:00Missouri Organic InterActiveMissouri Organic Association draws together individuals with diversified interests and experiences: Consumers, educators, commercial growers, gardeners, ecologists, environmentalists, natural food distributors and retailers, livestock producers, natural fertilizer, manufacturers, and natural food processors.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-68472587896797741752009-07-15T08:58:00.002-05:002009-07-15T09:00:40.484-05:00MDA Growing Together Community Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT85b6IOBIVxQho3y1wGren_0vYWFDDqgBRccWQaT-Tr-SxUWNjR2LxaBd3qAoWUS1Huo2CeEc1uU5y6ATdQH_1yExOHUIzU_XPoAekb7n7WdX4L9pCL4qbz3TAH-edzGxbDpQVv8T7cA/s1600-h/Garden+Event+09+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358686356160221426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT85b6IOBIVxQho3y1wGren_0vYWFDDqgBRccWQaT-Tr-SxUWNjR2LxaBd3qAoWUS1Huo2CeEc1uU5y6ATdQH_1yExOHUIzU_XPoAekb7n7WdX4L9pCL4qbz3TAH-edzGxbDpQVv8T7cA/s320/Garden+Event+09+015.jpg" border="0" /></a>First Lady, Director of Agriculture Proclaim July as Local Foods Month and Presents the Department of Agriculture’s Growing Together GardenFriday, <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3716258513_b663d0ae4b.jpg?v=0">First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon </a>and Missouri Director of Agriculture <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3716187345_c61301d289.jpg?v=0">Dr. Jon Hagler</a> hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Growing Together Garden and proclaimed July as Local Foods Month.<br /><div></div><div>The community garden, located and maintained at the Department of Agriculture, is the first garden of its kinds on the grounds at the Agriculture Department and serves as a showcase of Missouri’s agricultural products.</div><br /><div></div><div>“Community gardens are popping up in many cities across the U.S. especially in urban areas. These gardens are a reminder of where our food comes from, improve neighborhoods and provide access to fresh produce for communities,” said First Lady Nixon. “Community gardens develop teamwork, encourage healthy initiatives providing physical and social benefits to employees as well as aesthetically improve the grounds.”</div><br /><div></div><div>Produce from the garden was donated to the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City. Other picked produce has been given back to Department of Agriculture employees for a donation to the Department’s Activities and Recreation Committee.</div><br /><div></div><div>Community gardens provide health benefits as well as economic, social, cultural and educational opportunities. These gardens also promote environmental awareness and provide community education. Many community gardens sell their produce at local farmers’ markets. The Growing Together Garden features tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, green beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, okra, pumpkins, raspberries, fruit trees and a wide variety of flowers and herbs including parsley, dill, oregano, chives, basil, sage and thyme.</div><br /><div></div><div>“Our Growing Together Garden has given Department employees a chance to work together while also benefiting from fresh, local produce and giving back to our community,” said Dr. Jon Hagler. “We thank First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon for her commitment to locally grown foods and agriculture.”</div><br /><div></div><div>During the ceremony, <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3717071046_5c5d1dd4a7.jpg?v=0">garden sponsors </a>were recognized for their commitment to the garden including Morgan County Seeds, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Central Missouri Master Gardeners, Signature Homes, Lowell Mohler, Schnieders Brothers Excavating, Brian Fleischmann, Stark Bros Nursery, Foster Brothers and Schaeperkoetter Sales. Other event sponsors included Chez Monet Bakery Café and Kenny Anderson.</div><br /><div></div><div>For more information regarding community gardens, farmers’ markets or the Growing Together Garden, visit <a title="http://www.mda.mo.gov/" href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">mda.mo.gov</a>.</div><br /><div>View a slideshow of photos from the event <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10018390@N06/sets/72157621386640318/">here</a>. </div><br /><div>(PHOTO: <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3716258513_b663d0ae4b.jpg?v=0">First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon </a>and Missouri Director of Agriculture <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3716187345_c61301d289.jpg?v=0">Dr. Jon Hagler</a> pictured above.)</div>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-4901829301516305342009-07-07T08:22:00.002-05:002009-07-07T08:23:29.531-05:00Department of Agriculture Offers Specialty Crop Growers Funds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AS5eDOggHmIGXff4jxAzzcZZy_cqUTM4OKdLRb9OjnKykiSgaQmdfInEvhKHBw7HudIaQgxrgNDDpCDNoZOdb1QdtB-aLn_pz4x7CmJKU-S7OtOT8dXqpV6YBgT8plO4PpFbNgZJJ1U/s1600-h/July+08+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355708184720755938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AS5eDOggHmIGXff4jxAzzcZZy_cqUTM4OKdLRb9OjnKykiSgaQmdfInEvhKHBw7HudIaQgxrgNDDpCDNoZOdb1QdtB-aLn_pz4x7CmJKU-S7OtOT8dXqpV6YBgT8plO4PpFbNgZJJ1U/s320/July+08+013.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Department of Agriculture</a> (MDA) is seeking grant applications from organizations or groups of individuals interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry. Grant applications are due on July 31, 2009.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Applications will be considered on a competitive basis. Selected applications will be included in the Missouri specialty crop state plan and reviewed by the <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture. Some examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops are research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, food safety and security, plant health, education, "buy local" programs, addressing environmental concerns and developing cooperatives. </div><br /><div></div><div>In 2009, 15 projects were awarded. Those projects varied from promoting farmers’ markets statewide, to establishing local community gardens and after school-garden clubs, to researching the performance of seedless watermelons and establishing a voluntary online registry to help producers of pesticide-sensitive crops alert applicators to the crop’s location. </div><br /><div></div><div>An <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/specialtycrop.php">application packet </a>and program details for the specialty crop grant are available at <a title="http://www.mda.mo.gov/" href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">mda.mo.gov</a> or by contacting Tony Anderson at (573) 751-2969.<br /><em><br />(PHOTO: </em><a href="http://fairgrovefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/"><em>Greater Polk County Farmers' Market </em></a><em>in Bolivar.)</em></div>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-19433112340569630742009-06-18T14:21:00.000-05:002009-06-18T14:22:55.450-05:00Missouri State Fair Farmers' MarketThe <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Department of Agriculture</a> is looking to source local fresh products throughout the Missouri State Fair, August 13-23, at the on-site farmers’ market stand in the Agriculture Building.<br /><br />We are beginning to place orders with producers for products such as tomatoes (all varieties), melons cucumbers, peppers, onions, sweet corn, potatoes, herbs, squash, zucchini, berries, green beans and much more!<br /><br />Besides produce, the market will feature meat and eggs as well. If you are interested in featuring your product at the Missouri State Fair Farmers’ Market please contact Tony Anderson, MDA Marketing Specialist at 573-751-2969 or via email at <a title="mailto:Tony.Anderson@mda.mo.gov" href="mailto:Tony.Anderson@mda.mo.gov">Tony.Anderson@mda.mo.gov</a>. <br /><br />All products will be displayed with the producer/farm name, contact info and website. The MDA also provides a complete brochure listing to consumers of the locally sourced products at the fair and how to buy local in Missouri.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-30197781716011874802009-06-05T10:19:00.000-05:002009-06-05T10:20:49.490-05:00Missouri’s first organic wine is grown and produced in Gasconade CountyWhen Dr. Tim Ley and his wife Dr. Patricia Hohn decided to establish a vineyard, they knew they wanted to produce a crop that would not only be safe to consume, but that would also be gentle to the land.<br /><br /> “I did not want to pour chemicals on my land. I did not want to leave something that others would have to clean up,” Ley explained.<br /><br />After being told repeatedly that grapes couldn’t be grown in this state without at least fungicides, they found some experts at Penn State who believed it was possible. Three years ago, they planted 2,000 vines on four acres on their farm in southern Gasconade County on Highway 19. Thus, Gascony Vineyards was established.<br /><br />Read the full story <a title="http://gasconadecountyrepublican.com/content/view/1983/29/" href="http://gasconadecountyrepublican.com/content/view/1983/29/">here</a>.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-35494963480848257832009-06-04T10:05:00.001-05:002009-06-04T10:08:57.037-05:00Cost Share Funding for Certified Organic ProducersThe <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Department of Agriculture</a> is helping to provide cost-share monies to Missouri producers. The cost-share program provides assistance for qualified organic producers in the areas of crop, wild crop or livestock and handlers of agricultural products who obtain certification under <a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateA&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&acct=AMSPW">USDA’s National Organic Program</a>.<br /><br />This program will allow MDA to reimburse each eligible producer up to 75% of their certification costs, not exceeding $750. Since funds are limited, MDA will process applications in the order received until all funds are consumed.<br /><br />For organic producers to qualify, applicants will be required to complete a signed application and supply a copy of their organic certificates, with an invoice documenting their cost of certification.<br /><br />To obtain an application and complete guidelines, contact Bart Hawcroft at 573-526-6666 or <a title="mailto:Bart.Hawcroft@mda.mo.gov" href="mailto:Bart.Hawcroft@mda.mo.gov">Bart.Hawcroft@mda.mo.gov</a>.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-85845801160643368922009-06-03T14:00:00.001-05:002009-06-03T14:05:31.897-05:00His Crop Runneth OverA twelve year old in Cameron, Texas seems to be a model farmer the way he is raising and marketing organic produce from a one acre neighborhood plot. He began it as a summer job at his dad’s suggestion. The soil is too heavy for crops so the first thing they did was construct raised beds. He produced and marketed a variety of vegetables but found tomatoes sold best so will focus heavily on them this year. Last year his eight year old sister also tried her hand at raising herbs. Both sold their crops at a vegetable stand near their dad’s law office and to local restaurants. They did well enough they have plans to be back this year and the customers are already waiting for them. <br /><br />Read the entire story <a href="http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/05/29/58243/">here.</a>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-80590708409051789992009-05-27T16:24:00.000-05:002009-05-27T16:25:13.430-05:00Local Producer Loan ProgramNatural and organic food retailer, <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/">Whole Foods Market</a>, announced that its Local Producer Loan Program has provided producers, including grass-fed cattle ranchers and a heritage turkey grower, with $2.5 million in low-interest loans.<br /><br />Whole Foods launched the program in 2007 with a commitment to fund up to $10 million in low-interest loans. Since then, nearly 50 loans ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 have been made. Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods' quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. The company continues to accept applications.<br /><br />Read more<a href="http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2009/05/25-million-and-counting/"> online</a>.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-64101244584319927082009-05-26T13:15:00.002-05:002009-05-26T13:16:51.460-05:00New Summer Interns<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YbHxUBEmMx7jijO9B4uIOyXLZKl8xWBugNXP8T3JyK3uN8Su9eS4Tp0INs89BZbxkcPVlceIv8ZsBwKVLp6xvWfPFYD0JBJWTxSI3H8olkdhyYDKWDMnzF0uJP7UISywasc6H92dq00/s1600-h/09+Interns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340198159762059746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YbHxUBEmMx7jijO9B4uIOyXLZKl8xWBugNXP8T3JyK3uN8Su9eS4Tp0INs89BZbxkcPVlceIv8ZsBwKVLp6xvWfPFYD0JBJWTxSI3H8olkdhyYDKWDMnzF0uJP7UISywasc6H92dq00/s320/09+Interns.jpg" border="0" /></a> We have a couple new faces at the <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Dept of Agriculture </a>that you may be receiving a phone call, email or market visit from over the summer. Cassie St. Onge and Jana Haley are our new summer interns that are focusing on farmers’ markets, specialty crops, agritourism and local food projects.<br /><br />Cassandra St.Onge is a Marketing Specialist Intern at the MDA. She’s a college student at Truman State University, majoring in Nursing. Cassie is looking forward to spending her summer promoting healthy foods from Missouri’s farmers markets and locally made products.<br /><br />Jana Haley is also a Marketing Specialist Intern for the MDA. She is attending the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Education. Jana was raised on a family farm in Eldon. She believe that supporting local producers is important to Missouri’s agriculture industry and looks forward in visiting markets and farms over the summer.<br /><br />Please help me welcome our new summer interns!Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-39321304014920952012009-05-26T12:00:00.000-05:002009-05-26T12:01:04.332-05:00Agritourism ToursFarmers in California have begun offering tours of their olive groves, citrus groves, and u-pick operations for a variety of reasons. The one I thought was most interesting was to decrease the farm liability. We often hear of the liability of allowing the public onto the property but one business began offering tours to address the liability brought on by trespassing. The <a href="http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/24/tours-help-county-farms/">article</a> had three major points with specifics about each:<br /><ul><li>Liability of people walking through the groves without permission</li><li>Increased sales of products</li><li>Educating people about food production</li></ul>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-17765808897451631422009-05-21T12:41:00.006-05:002009-05-21T13:06:07.822-05:00Organic Transition Grant Deadline May 29In case you missed the recent post by Mark, the <a href="http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/">Natural Resources Conservation Service</a> (NRCS) has $1.5 million to assist Missouri farmers who are National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as those in the process of transitioning to organic production. The May 29 deadline is coming up fast. In addition to the links provided by Mark, there are details of the grant on the NRCS <a href="http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=24967">eDirectives</a> site as well as a <a href="http://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/news/news/releases/2009/050809.html">news release</a>.Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-30151559415849529842009-05-20T09:14:00.002-05:002009-05-20T09:18:56.855-05:00OCIA Offering Micro GrantsThe Organic Crop Improvement Association (<a href="http://www.ocia.org/Default.aspx">OCIA</a>) is offering research and education micro-grants, typically in the range of $300 to $1,500, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligible categories include organic research, education or support and promote organic agriculture and benefit multiple producers, processors and/or consumers. Under the program, 75% of the grant funding is released upon acceptance of a proposal. The remaining 25% is released once a final report is submitted. The details are on the OCIA <a href="http://www.ocia.org/RE/MicroGrant.aspx">micro grant </a>web page.Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-70302493898674124072009-05-19T10:26:00.001-05:002009-05-19T10:39:23.452-05:00$1.5 Million available for MO Organic TransitionReminder that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has $1.5 million to assist Missouri farmers produce organic products. Missouri landowners have until May 29th to apply for the funds available through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The funds are intended to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production.<br /><br />For those producers in their transition to organic production they will need to develop a “Transition Plan. The attached file describes the process and the scope of this financial assistance. NRCS technical point of contact is Paul Duffner, Resource Conservationist. He can be reached at (573) 876-0908. His email is: <a title="mailto:paul.duffner@mo.usda.gov" href="mailto:paul.duffner@mo.usda.gov">paul.duffner@mo.usda.gov</a>. Information about the financial incentives offered through EQIP can be directed to Darlene Johnson, Resource Conservationist, by calling (573) 876-0914. Her email address is: <a title="mailto:darlene.johnson@mo.usda.gov" href="mailto:darlene.johnson@mo.usda.gov">darlene.johnson@mo.usda.gov</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ipm.msu.edu/work-group/pdf/OrganicActivityPlan.pdf">Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition Criteria </a><br />(acres and/or animal units)Mark Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12617875000362435356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-35543177388873257322009-05-15T15:04:00.001-05:002009-05-15T15:09:34.328-05:00Stemilt Growers Transitioning to Organic FruitOne of the Pacific Northwest's largest fruit growers is transitioning to organic production. <a href="http://www.stemilt.com/Pages/default.aspx">Stemilt Growers Inc. </a>produces about 65 percent of Washington state's soft fruit. They have gone through a three year transition period and now 12% of apples, 40% of apricots, and 100% of peach and nectarine crops are certified as organic. Read the full story <a href="http://www.capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=67&SubSectionID=785&ArticleID=51293&TM=57971.71">here</a>.Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-78999270891654163732009-05-14T07:49:00.000-05:002009-05-14T07:55:05.491-05:00Organic Community Supported Agriculture Booming in IllinoisAccording to a recent <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-community-agriculture-w-zonemay13,0,276424.story">article</a>, the concept known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) came to the U.S. in the mid-1980s. Customers of CSAs buy shares of a crop in January and February. In return, they receive "dividends" in the form of weekly or biweekly fresh produce dropped at sites in their neighborhoods or picked up at the farm throughout the growing season. The concept has been very successful for Matt Sheaffer who runs <a href="http://www.sandhillorganics.com/">Sandhill Organics </a>in Grayslake, Illinois and Steve Tiwald executive director of <a href="http://www.greenearthinstitute.org/about.html">Green Earth Institute </a>outside Naperville, Illinois. Sheaffer started in 2004 with 70 customers. This year, he has more than 300 and can no longer accommodate the frequent phone calls from people wanting to give him money for his product. Tiwald started harvesting in 2003 by supplying about 28 households with produce. This year, he's supplying 500 and cannot get enough water to expand the farm to keep up with demand.Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-57970705113151336612009-05-12T15:18:00.006-05:002009-05-12T15:47:32.982-05:00USDA NASS Plans First Wide-Scale Organic SurveyThis spring, USDA's <a href="http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/index.asp">National Agricultural Statistics Service</a> (NASS) will conduct the first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic farming in the United States. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the survey on April 23, and said its goal is to find out how the growth of organic farming is changing the face of U.S. agriculture.<br />"The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses," said Vilsack. "This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States."<br />The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted more than 20,000 U.S. farms engaged in organic production. The survey will look at many aspects of organic farming during the 2008 calendar year from production and marketing practices, to income and expenses. It will focus not only on operations that are currently engaged in organic production, but also on those making the transition to organic agriculture.<br />The results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy, funding allocations, availability of goods and services, community development and other key issues. In addition, the information can help producers make informed decisions about the future of their own farming operations.<br />The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the survey in early May to all known organic producers in the United States, who are asked to respond by June 17. NASS will publish results in winter 2009. Participants can mail back their forms or complete the survey <a href="http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Online_Response/index.asp">online</a>. Survey participants are guaranteed by law that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals.<br />For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit the <a href="http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Surveys/Organic_Production_Survey/index.asp">NASS</a> website or call (800) 727-9540.Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-40117425087094122812009-05-07T13:29:00.008-05:002009-05-12T15:01:52.944-05:00America's Favorite Farmers Markets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc4C_fSURyv7KCGNsA9HO1gCM85n4USV93mOnVouqRcKz5OOOJPFwUktaL8KMRkXPcC6MV-tVMVbVMHtLmwq6JykeVfkcD9FPJr4_l5NEYQVqjLvX-1ECnHuNdMyZvCcNGARhJ97KHLc/s1600-h/Saturday_Farmers'_Market_George_Denniston_Jr__(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333154580195652146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc4C_fSURyv7KCGNsA9HO1gCM85n4USV93mOnVouqRcKz5OOOJPFwUktaL8KMRkXPcC6MV-tVMVbVMHtLmwq6JykeVfkcD9FPJr4_l5NEYQVqjLvX-1ECnHuNdMyZvCcNGARhJ97KHLc/s320/Saturday_Farmers'_Market_George_Denniston_Jr__(2).JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This summer <a href="http://www.farmland.org/default.asp">American Farmland Trust</a> is supporting farmers markets across the nation with a national farmers market contest to promote farmers markets. This is part of their national campaign to help spread the No Farms No Food message and promote sustainable local farms and food across the country.<br /><br />They are launching a three-month campaign to ask Americans across the county to show support for their farmers market by voting in their America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest! The three top markets: one small, one medium, and one large, will win a free No Farms No Food tote bag giveaway for their market customers. Customers will be able to <a href="http://www.farmland.org/vote">vote</a> starting June 1st once farmers markets across the country have had the opportunity to opt-in to the contest. Customers will enter their zip code, which will pull up the farmers markets in their area.<br /><br />Take two simple steps to make sure that your customers will be able to vote for your farmers market this summer!<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.farmland.org/marketmanager">Read more </a>about the Vote for America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest.<br /><br />2. Invite market managers to <a href="http://www.farmland.org/actioncenter/no-farms-no-food/farmers-market-managers.asp">sign-up </a>to join the contest. </div>Mark Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12617875000362435356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-58325958971540444592009-05-06T08:58:00.005-05:002009-05-06T09:14:58.012-05:00$50 million dollars to the EQUIP ProgramKathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, spoke at the NOSB Meeting this morning, announcing several new initiatives that affect the organic community. The Deputy Secretary, as well as Barbara Robinson, Acting NOP Director, both underscored the need for the <a href="http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateA&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&acct=nop">National Organic Program</a> to be a standalone Program within the <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome">USDA</a>. Deputy Sectary Merrigan also noted that the position announcement of Director of the National Organic Program will soon be released.<br /><br />The other announcement from the Deputy Secretary was in reference to the release of $50 million dollars to the EQUIP Program to address conversion to organic production, farms expanding their organic production, or existing organic farms who are implementing new<br />conservation practices.<br /><br />URGENT: Please note there is only a three week sign up time frame for this program May 11 - May 29. The funding is already in the pipeline to the states.<br /><br />Read more <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/05/0146.xml">here</a>.Mark Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12617875000362435356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-5704216772039684262009-04-30T16:07:00.003-05:002009-04-30T16:13:56.824-05:00Brookside Market the Place to Go for OrganicsLooking for fresh, local organic produce this season? Look no further than the <a href="http://www.farmerscommunitymarket.com/">Farmers' Community Market at Brookside</a>, in Kansas City.<br /><br />All producers that sell items at this market have to be certified organic growers and local producers.<br /><br /><object height="315" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0147i9YpA1g&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0147i9YpA1g&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object>Mark Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12617875000362435356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-86945765485045178562009-04-30T13:42:00.003-05:002009-04-30T14:23:06.085-05:00National Value Added Agriculture Conference<p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The 11th annual </span><a href="http://nvaa2009.homestead.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">National Value Added Agriculture Conference</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> will be held June 2-4, 2009 in Moline, Illinois. The meeting is designed for small operators interested in ways to add value to their businesses. Breakout sessions cover <span style="color:#000000;">business</span> development, regional foods and agritourism while general session speakers include:</span></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Gary Zimmerman - </span><a href="http://www.midwesternbioag.com/index.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Midwestern Bio-Ag</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> - Madison, WI </span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Mary Holz-Clause – Past, Present & Future of Value Added Producer Grants - </span><a href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Iowa State University Extension</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, Ames, IA and LeAnn Oliver, USDA Rural Development </span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Sara Wyant – From Inside the Beltway - </span><a href="http://www.agri-pulse.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">AgriPulse Communications</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, Washington, D.C. and St. Charles, IL </span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">David Dahlquist – The Art of Rural Development - RDG Planning & Design </span></li><li><a href="http://sneezingcow.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Michael Perry</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> - A humorist and author </span></li></ul><p></span> </p>Barthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305661882850190652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-72655620483980216622009-04-27T16:01:00.002-05:002009-04-27T16:05:23.137-05:00Tomato Grafting Workshop at Southwest CenterHere's an upcoming tomato grafting workshop that many folks might be interested in attending in the southern part of the state from the <a href="http://mofarmersmarket.blogspot.com/2009/04/tomato-grafting-workshop-at-southwest.html">Farmers' Market Blog</a>.<br /><br />While many of us are aware of the benefits and necessity of grafting fruit and nut tree crops, vegetable grafting is not yet widespread or well-known in the US. The idea of grafting tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, squash, and even watermelon seems far-fetched, but in reality is one of the most exciting and promising recent trends in horticulture. Vegetable grafting is relatively easy to learn and the benefits can be enormous. So that Missouri vegetable growers can keep up with and take advantage of this rapidly-developing technology, we are hosting a Tomato Grafting Workshop at the <a href="http://www.southwestcenter.org/">Southwest Center</a>, Mt. Vernon, MO, on Wednesday, May 6, from 8:30 to 12:00 noon. The registration fee for the workshop is $8.00.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-34693476239590160302009-03-30T14:12:00.001-05:002009-03-30T14:13:18.179-05:00White House Organic Garden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebUS8AxHDyLy7i5jg2QiSyJl-02L04ohSqYL0SRCKRNy0rwSz-5_FBeAhMll-Ra2jV5USkUIu7lE-JETCjgSyvRMzQiyL5UaQuKrC4eLhbueqIwKiQ8nR2BZLbuoJjByzwAYeuLAzLnU/s1600-h/19garden_500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319060977696416658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjebUS8AxHDyLy7i5jg2QiSyJl-02L04ohSqYL0SRCKRNy0rwSz-5_FBeAhMll-Ra2jV5USkUIu7lE-JETCjgSyvRMzQiyL5UaQuKrC4eLhbueqIwKiQ8nR2BZLbuoJjByzwAYeuLAzLnU/s320/19garden_500.jpg" border="0" /></a>A garden at the White House…now that’s what I like to hear! Not since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden in World War II has there been a garden at the White House, according to the New York Times.<br /><br />The organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern.<br /><br />Read the entire New York Times article <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/dining/20garden.html?hp">here.</a><br /><br />Victory Gardens are popping up everyone across Missouri as well. I've received 7 calls just last week with folks that are interested in starting community gardens.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-55241694666239232232009-02-26T11:55:00.001-06:002009-02-26T11:56:31.072-06:00High Tunnel Workshop March 12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQywn0vfRmLgmj32JMZMH3NZ3Xa-5sOclo51FSyD1vhcwa-502mluLHRDBFgZ4o68mRYUfZEg69CyCg_dwIeN1fJIOcwn5merS5g2-GaM2S1GrFYopPTE5NLHng94RtTQwxQIrZz6fxY/s1600-h/inside%2520high%2520tunnel%25203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307166438228900242" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQywn0vfRmLgmj32JMZMH3NZ3Xa-5sOclo51FSyD1vhcwa-502mluLHRDBFgZ4o68mRYUfZEg69CyCg_dwIeN1fJIOcwn5merS5g2-GaM2S1GrFYopPTE5NLHng94RtTQwxQIrZz6fxY/s320/inside%2520high%2520tunnel%25203.jpg" border="0" /></a>Attend a day-long high tunnel workshop at the <a href="http://mtngrv.missouristate.edu/">Missouri State - Mountain Grove Campus </a>on Thursday, March 12.<br /><div><br />Dr. Ted Carey of Kansas State University studies season extension using high tunnels research and production. He will present high tunnel basics as well as research results from his work at the <a href="http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=583">Kansas State Horticulture Research and Extension Center </a>at Olathe. Other excellent speakers will address the various crops produced in high tunnels.</div><br /><div>Many growers use high tunnels to extend the production season for many different horticultural crops – vegetables, cut flowers and even fruit. High tunnels are solar-heated structures, like a giant cold frame, used to extend the traditional growing season at both ends – allowing for earlier plant growth in the spring and later plant growth into fall. Typically, no electricity is used in high tunnels to operate fans, vents, heater, etc. Manual ventilation is instead provided through roll-up sidewalls or through the end walls. Other typical components of high tunnels are that they are irrigated via drip irrigation system and crops are grown in the soil that is under the tunnel cover.</div><br /><div><strong>Cost for the workshop is $20 which includes lunch and handouts. PLEASE SEND IN REGISTRATION ASAP TO ASSURE LUNCH AND SEATING.</strong> </div><br /><div>Get the registration form <a href="http://mtngrv.missouristate.edu/commercial/HighTunnel.htm">online</a> or contact Pamela Mayer - via email <a title="blocked::mailto:PMayer@MissouriState.edu" href="mailto:PMayer@MissouriState.edu">PMayer@MissouriState.edu</a> or by phone at 417-547-7533.</div>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-27242066855103042972009-02-12T12:02:00.001-06:002009-02-12T12:03:53.595-06:00Organic Producers Offered New Ideas for Growing Their Small FarmsThe <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Department of Agriculture</a> is sponsoring an upcoming event for organic producers to learn more about sustainable agriculture and how to add more value to their small family farms.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.missouriorganic.org/">Missouri Organic Association’s</a> annual conference will be held Sat. Feb. 21, 2009 at the Carver Farm – a research farm and extension of <a href="http://www.lincolnu.edu/pages/1.asp">Lincoln University</a> located in Jefferson City, Mo. Topics during the conference will include organic dairy, organic corn and soybeans, improving soil fertility and becoming organic certified.<br /><br />Read the entire story <a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/33951/">here.</a>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-81627074396744005152009-02-02T19:49:00.002-06:002009-02-02T19:50:55.210-06:00Day 1: Blogging from NAFDMA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf8ox7XhyhU2AmZNhnkoCW6ByjcodwkNg0V9kfO9JeHfVgUwBESMEyh2lxqYS52MYh2MeAtQ5Dq5M1OWSYXeF0EpIPd9FihVaovRZbN_CU_ulgzrQA8oarqkM1OIkXZGTVPZqoYsUlck/s1600-h/IMG_7677.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298382493262004114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf8ox7XhyhU2AmZNhnkoCW6ByjcodwkNg0V9kfO9JeHfVgUwBESMEyh2lxqYS52MYh2MeAtQ5Dq5M1OWSYXeF0EpIPd9FihVaovRZbN_CU_ulgzrQA8oarqkM1OIkXZGTVPZqoYsUlck/s320/IMG_7677.jpg" border="0" /></a>The beauty of the south is something special (sweet tea, grits, pralines, seafood and that southern hospitality) you just can’t go wrong. Waking up this morning to a view of the Savannah River was an incredible sight, as I took part the first day of the <a href="http://www.nafdma.com/">NAFDMA Convention </a>in Georgia.<br /><div></div><br /><div>(Photo: Convention participants at the trade show, courtesy of the NAFDMA Blog)</div><br /><div></div><div>Familiar faces from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa are all around (some 400 + folks from around the nation and Canada are attending this week long convention). </div><div> </div><div>Today was Innovation Day and participants started the day with an early morning breakfast cruise along the scenic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah_River">Savannah River </a>on the <a href="http://www.savannah-riverboat.com/">Savannah Riverboat Queen</a>. Not a bad way to start off a morning… </div><br /><div></div><div>Networking was the word of the day, as I talked with some of our “new” agritourism operators and met others from surrounding states. Most of the morning was spent discussing with producers marketing ideas such as blogging and e-commerce. </div><br /><div></div><div>Later in the day started the Trade Show and voting for the NAFDMA Agritourism Awards. </div><br /><div></div><div>For more information about the NAFDMA Convention head over to the <a href="http://www.nafdma.blogspot.com/">NAFDMA Blog </a>(Yes – that’s right. Everyone is blogging these days. All I can say is “bout time.”)</div>Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-549233375689691580.post-81517693775486388942009-01-14T09:47:00.002-06:002009-02-02T19:26:49.894-06:00Governor Nixon Names Jon Hagler Director of the MDAGovernor Jay Nixon announced his intention to appoint Dr. Jon Hagler, of St. James, Mo., to the position of Director of the <a href="http://www.mda.mo.gov/">Missouri Department of Agriculture</a>.<br /><br />Dr. Hagler, a lifelong horseman, continues to operate a small farm near St. James, where he raises, trains and sells <a href="http://www.mfthba.com/">Missouri Fox Trotters</a>, the Missouri state horse. Over the past three years, Dr. Hagler served as Gov. Nixon’s principal adviser and liaison on agriculture issues and was instrumental in drafting the Governor's agricultural and environmental policies.<br /><br />“I am honored and excited to serve as Gov. Nixon’s Director of Agriculture,” Dr. Hagler said. “Missouri agriculture is at a crossroads, and we have a real opportunity to help all our farmers and producers expand their operations and open new markets. Missouri farmers are among the most innovative and productive in the world, and I look forward to working with folks in every corner of the state to move agriculture forward.”<br /><br />Dr. Hagler, 41, was raised on a horse farm in Dent County and has maintained his own operation, Cheyenne Farms, since 1997. Since 2005, Dr. Hagler has met with farmers in every corner of the state on Gov. Nixon’s behalf to learn about their operations, assess their needs and develop the Governor's agriculture policy.<br /><br />Prior to becoming Gov. Nixon’s agricultural adviser on the campaign, Dr. Hagler served as the senior corporate development officer for the <a href="http://www.mst.edu/">University of Missouri-Rolla </a>(now, Missouri University of Science & Technology). In this capacity, Dr. Hagler served as the university’s point of contact with numerous agricultural science and research corporations and developed a comprehensive corporate-partnership strategy. From 2001 to 2003, Dr. Hagler was executive director of governmental and external affairs at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Calif.. As a key adviser and member of the president’s senior executive management team, Dr. Hagler managed international outreach and partnership programs for the university and directed all international, federal, state and local government relations. He also served as the president’s staff representative and adviser on matters concerning the university’s internationally recognized W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center.<br /><br />Dr. Hagler’s tenure at Cal Poly followed several years of service on the staff of the Missouri State House of Representatives. From 2000 to 2001, Dr. Hagler was chief of staff to the Speaker, overseeing a staff of more than 300 House employees and helping define and advance the Speaker’s legislative agenda. He served as chief of staff to the Speaker Pro Tem from 1996 to 2001, as a research analyst in the Missouri Senate and in a variety of other administrative roles prior to that.<br /><br />A summa cum laude graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., Dr. Hagler holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a doctorate in the same subject from Washington University in St. Louis.<br /><br />The Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture determines department policy and serves as a liaison to state legislators, the agriculture community and the public. In addition to the divisions of Business Development, Animal Health, Grain Inspection and Warehousing, Plant Industries and Weights and Measures, the Department of Agriculture also includes the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, the Missouri State Fair Board, the State Milk Board and the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. The Director is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate.Lanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05736574431476832888noreply@blogger.com0