Organic Transition Grant Deadline May 29

In case you missed the recent post by Mark, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (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 eDirectives site as well as a news release.

USDA NASS Plans First Wide-Scale Organic Survey

This spring, USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (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.
"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."
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.
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.
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 online. 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.
For more information about the Organic Production Survey, visit the NASS website or call (800) 727-9540.

$50 million dollars to the EQUIP Program

Kathleen 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 National Organic Program to be a standalone Program within the USDA. Deputy Sectary Merrigan also noted that the position announcement of Director of the National Organic Program will soon be released.

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
conservation practices.

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.

Read more here.

Department of Agriculture Offers Specialty Crop Growers Funds to Enhance their Competitiveness

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today that organizations or groups in Missouri interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry are asked to submit grant proposals. Some examples of these proposals can include research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs and education.

The one-year grants are administered by MDA through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block grant program.“Specialty crops continue to be an important and growing segment of our state’s agriculture industry,” said Don Steen, director of MDA.

“By seeking new ways to enhance the competitiveness of those markets, Missouri farmers can look for new ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, address environmental concerns, increase food safety or increase marketing. We encourage groups to collaborate and partner with producers, industry groups and other organizations to maximize the use of the funds available.”

Approximately $90,000 total is available for the grants. Collaboration and partnerships between groups submitting proposals are encouraged and will be given priority. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Jan. 5, 2009.

USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). For more information about eligible specialty crops, grant applications or guidelines, visit www.mda.mo.gov or call (866) 466-8283.

Farm Bill Offers Incentive to Go Organic

The new farm bill could help feed America's appetite for organic food by enticing more farmers to switch from conventional agriculture, according to a news story from the Jackson Sun.

The legislation, which passed earlier this year, offers farmers as much as $20,000 a year to cover the cost of converting their farms to organic agriculture. There also is money to offset certification costs and new funding for organic research.

"It's definitely the nudge that has been missing" to get conventional farmers to switch to organic, said organic farmer Bill Horner, president and chief executive of Naturally Iowa, a dairy based in Clarinda.

The provisions make the legislation the most organic-friendly farm bill since the 1990 version required the Department of Agriculture to establish a program for standardizing and certifying organic products. As a result of that bill, organic foods now bear a familiar green and white "USDA" seal.

The latest farm bill means that organic agriculture will be a permanent fixture among farm programs, said Ferd Hoefner, policy director for the Washington-based Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

But extra money won't always be enough to get conventional farmers to convert to organic or to get organic growers to expand.

Mike Albers, who grows organic corn, wheat, oats and hay on 200 of his farm's 900 acres near Waverly, Iowa, is reconsidering plans to convert another 100 acres of the farm to organic production. Prices for organic corn and soybeans are at least double the price of conventional versions - organic corn has been going for $11 a bushel; organic soybeans are worth about $25 a bushel.

But Albers struggled to control weeds in his organic fields after this spring's torrential rains.
Conventional farmers can arrange for fields to be doused with herbicide.

For organic farmers, controlling weeds often means keeping rows cultivated - which can be hard to do when the fields are too soggy for a tractor - or torching the weeds with a propane burner. At one point this summer, Albers hired 30 people to cut weeds.

Among the farm bill provisions regarding organic agriculture:
Organic farmers will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 a year, or a maximum of $80,000 during a six-year period, to cover the cost of transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture. The payments would come through the Agriculture Department's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which offsets the cost of measures that prevent pollution and conserve water and soil.

Farms lose money while moving to organic agriculture. Crop yields drop, and growers can't sell their crops as organic - and get organic prices for them - for three years. Farmers also have to start rotating corn and soybeans with lower-value crops such as wheat, oats and hay to help with soil fertility and pest control.

The government can pay up to 75 percent of a farm's certification fees, up to a maximum of $750. Both private companies and state agencies run certification programs, and fees can vary. In one example, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship charges fees averaging about $600 to $700 per farm, said Maury Wills, who oversees the state certification program.

The bill requires spending $78 million on organic research from 2009 through 2012. Additional funding of $25 million is authorized but not required. The bill also authorizes higher budgets for the Agriculture Department's organic standards program and the department's price-tracking service for organic crops.

Ag Department Offers Organic Certification Reimbursement

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today that through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program, the department 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 USDA’s National Organic Program.

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.

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. To obtain an application and complete guidelines, visit the MDA website.

For more information, contact Lane McConnell, marketing specialist, at (573) 526-4984 or via email at Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.

The Truth About Organics

While organic food can sometimes run with a slightly higher cost than other foods, it is important to be completely educated about what the true meaning of "organic" is when you look on a food label. This article from Medill Reports Chicago tells us what is exactly to be certified organic.

Is Organic Food Really Worth the Price?

Sales of organic products have skyrocketed in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. People associate organic food with better health, local growers, lower pesticide levels, humane treatment of animals and sounder environmental practices.

But the National Organic Program, which regulates the process of growing organic food, is actually a marketing program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The government stops short of making any scientific claims that organic food is safer or more nutritious than conventional foods. So with the price of food continuing to increase in recent months, shoppers are wondering if organics are really worth the extra cost.

Experts confirm that organic fruits and vegetables probably are better for the environment, and they’re often a good way of ensuring you get fresh fruit. But although a recent meta-study on organic nutrition levels showed a higher level of some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, experts are divided on whether that translates to better health.

Read the rest of the story here.

Taste the difference

While you may hear quite a bit of talk about organic fruits and vegetables, something that doesn't get too much focus is the growing interest in organic wines. Recently at a wine tasting, consumers got to taste the organic wine and found it to be outstanding. This article from the Kalamazoo Gazette (and mlive.com) helps to clarify the differences in organic and other wines.

Getting to the bottom of organic wine

An organic wine turned out to be the hit of a recent wine tasting at North 11 restaurant sponsored by Salut Fine Wine & Spirits, in Comstock Township.

The California wine, Girasole Vineyard's Pinot Noir 2006, impressed guests with its fresh, primary flavors and easy-to-drink nature.

The popularity of the wine among the small group at the tasting brought to mind a variety of questions people ask about organic wines. Here are some of those questions, along with answers from area wine retailers:

What is organic wine? This matter can be confusing. Some wines are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- they are made with organic grapes and have no sulfites added. Some wines are labeled organic and are made with organic grapes but have sulfites added.

There are also organic wines that are not labeled organic because a vineyard didn't want to jump through all the hoops and pay the money to gain organic certification.

It is best to establish a relationship with a beverage-store owner or knowledgeable wine clerk who can help steer you to preferred organic wines.

Where can you get organic wine? Organic wines are available at most retailers that have a large selection of wines. The organic ones are often in their own section.

What are sulfites? Sulfites are a natural preservative people have been using for hundreds of years to keep wine stable. They come from the skin of grapes. Some wine producers add more sulfites to keep wine stable for shipping and storage. Sulfites do not change the flavor of wine.

Are sulfites OK for the body? Sulfites are dangerous to a small portion of the population that is allergic to them. By the time people are adults, they usually know if they are allergic to sulfites, which are present in other foods such as fruit juice and sausages.

Some people claim sulfites give them headaches. Many of these people may be reacting to the naturally occurring histamines in red wines or simply drinking too much wine.

Farm Bill Extended Until April 18

Farm Bill talk is always an interesting discussion. I’ve received some phone calls and emails from Missouri farmers asking about “where we are on the Farm Bill and how it will affect them.” Well, it seems like the Farm Bill should be finalized by now, but unfortunately it’s not.

The Farm Bill was extended again from March 15 until April 18 for more discussion between the Bush Administration and leadership from the Agriculture, Finance, Budget, and Ways and Means Committees figure out how the Farm Bill is to be funded, which programs will receive funding, and which committees in Congress have jurisdiction.

Many farmers and consumers stand to benefit from new farm bill policies that advance local food systems, organics, the environment, nutrition assistance, specialty crops, and beginning and socially disadvantaged producers. These programs are worth hundreds of millions and, in some cases, billions of dollars each year. They represent small, distinct wins that would be squandered if the 2002 bill is extended or the new bill is vetoed.

I’ve been saying this for awhile now, but if you want support of a specific program it’s time to get on the phone and call your Senator and tell them (your needs as producers). Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

(PHOTO-Acting Secretary, Chuck Conner, speaks to and answers questions from the media at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters in Kansas City, Missouri on 14 November .

Don't Blame the Farmer

We hear lots today about rising food costs in America and people's blame sometimes turns to our farmers. But, won't many Americans don't realize is that the USA spends the least amount of its incomes on food, compared to the rest of the world.

Here is an article from the Springfield News Leader that I found interesting from Charles Kruse, President of Missouri Farm Bureau and a fourth generation farmer from Stoddard County.

Don't Blame the Farmer

Much is being written and said today about rising food costs. It can't be denied ... poultry, milk, meat and other agricultural products are increasing in cost, up about 5 percent in Missouri during the last few months. Farmers, however, are not the ones receiving a majority of the extra money consumers are spending.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farmers receive 22 cents of every $1 consumers spend on food (which is down from 47 cents in 1950 and 31 cents in 1980). The other 78 cents goes primarily for processing, packaging, transporting and retailing the food.

Obviously these costs are going up faster than the agricultural products themselves.

But don't assume the 22 cents farmers receive represents their profit. Farmers use the proceeds from their sales to pay for fertilizer, fuel, farm machinery and other expenses, some of which have increased 300 percent this decade alone. Only after these expenses are paid can farmers determine their profit.

According again to USDA, 3.5 percent represents the average farmer's profit on all his gross receipts. So do the math ... out of every $1 consumers spend for food, 22 cents represents the portion farmers receive; however, less than 1 cent represents the farmer's profit (3.5 percent x 22 cents). This 1 cent is the farmer's "take home pay" used to support a family, provide housing, pay for college, put food on the table and pay for other living expenses. It is often said that farmers, unlike many other businesses, are "price takers, not price makers."

Most farmers and ranchers are unable to set a price for their commodities; they accept the market price regardless of whether that price will provide them a profit. That itself makes it a risky business, not to mention weather uncertainties, foreign competition, government regulations and market cycles.

Food prices are increasing but don't blame our nation's farmers. In fact, be mindful the percentage of disposable income Americans spend for food is still the lowest in the world, and the quality, availability and safety of the American food supply is unparalleled.

Blogging from SARE Day 2 News: Online Organic Training Manuals

I get a lot of phone calls and emails from producers that are interested in transitioning into organic agriculture, but don’t know where to start. I’ve found there are many, many resources out there on this very topic, so instead of re-inventing the wheel…which happens a lot of the time…the Missouri Department of Agriculture is working to build partnerships with a variety of associations, organizations and other state agencies.

When I first started this position in June there were a lot of producers that wanted info about becoming certified organic. I pulled many resources from many different places, depending on what type of products the farmer raised. Which can sometimes get a little overwhelming…but today after the first breakout session of the day at the SARE Conference I listened to speakers talk about some different training manuals available that might just make my job much easier, while at the same time providing the resources to educate producers on organic agriculture and provide our Missouri farmers the best training available.

The National Organic Standards Training Materials: Participant's Manual can be found online from the University of Florida and provides agricultural service providers with enough knowledge to answer questions regarding the National Organic Standards of the USDA's National Organic Program. The development of the modules was accomplished through the contributions of individuals from the University of Florida, University of the Virgin Islands and Kentucky State University.

Read more about the training materials.

Also, check out the Advanced Training in Organic Agriculture Resources from the Northeast Region of SARE.

As organic agriculture continues to grow in popularity, there is an ever-increasing need for agricultural professionals to be better-versed in organic production and certification to provide support to interested farmers. These are just a few resources out there to help fill the education need for organic agriculture.

All Cost-Share Funds Used

We have no funds available at this time for the Missouri Organic Cost-Share Program.

We will have to wait until the Farm Bill is completed to apply for the next set of funds.

2007 Census of Agriculture: Make Your Voice Heard

2007 Census of Agriculture: Make Your Voice Heard

The 2007 Census of Agriculture will be mailed out to every farmer across the US on December 28. The Census, taken every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and many other areas. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their responsibility. Fill out the form online.

The Census of Agriculture is the responsibility of every farmer and rancher, regardless of the size or type of operation. For Census purposes, a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. Respondents are guaranteed by law (Title 7, U.S. Code) that their individual information will be kept confidential.

The question that is posed by many farmers is how is the information gathered used? Simple: data is used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities – federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others. There are a lot of segments of agriculture that there is not much historical data about…for instance the specialty crop industry. This census is a way for producers that sell at farmers’ markets, organic growers, Agritourism businesses and other specialty crops areas to make their voices heard.

Through the Census, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census, producers are helping themselves, their communities and all of U.S. agriculture.

If you don’t receive the Census in the mail next week…please contact USDA – NASS.