…is working to reduce crop insurance costs for beginning farmers and ranchers. And organic producers will benefit from the elimination of a previously-required five percent surcharge on crop insurance premiums….
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Proposed FY 2015 Budget
…recently signed 2014 Farm Bill, the budget makes targeted investments in biobased product manufacturing, local and regional food systems, and specialty crops and organic production. Building on historic efforts underway…
Aquaponics Curriculum Teaches New Fish Farming Techniques to Ag Students
…other pest problems. We grew these totally organically, with no pesticides used at all.” The next step is to grow a fruiting crop. Tomatoes have Crystal De La Cruz and…
Microloans Expand Small Farm Finance Options in California
…“And the reduced paperwork associated with the microloan helps expedite the process for everyone. This year, we funded operations ranging from small cattle ranches to innovative irrigation systems to organic…
CDFA Accepting Concept Proposals
…encouraging the development and submission of concepts that demonstrate experimental research trial data (e.g., prior FREP research findings) at the field scale in organic and conventional fertilizers. Other priority research…
Small Farm Conference Scholarships Available
…courses, workshops, exhibit sessions, a photo contest and plenty of networking with men and women knowledgeable in solving start-up and small farm problems. Trends to be examined include agritourism, organic…
New Trade Agreement With Japan
A new agreement will expand U.S. organic offerings into Japan’s markets starting in January. Rod Bain explains. Click to Open or Download Audio Report…
Huff Applauds Quick CDFA Action in Response to Citrus Pest
…treatment of host trees and plants with the organic-approved material spinosad. The CDFA is also employing the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPA) as part of the eradication effort. The…
Virginia Creeper Leafhopper Found in Northern CA
…very useful in fighting both species, but there are little options for organic growers. The UC has a photo and videos of the two species online. Click here for the…
Sustainable/Organic Production Seminar
…ag industry are invited to a one-day seminar on sustainable and organic production in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. It will focus on sustainable and organic production of field crops,…
Fresh Produce Sales Up
…5.7 percent and total volume was up 2.1 percent. Organic produce was up significantly, with organic vegetable dollar sales up 14.9 percent and organic fruit dollar sales up 24.4 percent….
No-Till Cotton Production
…a region here. It’s the first data that I’ve seen for tillage and cover crops systems increasing soil organic matter. So when you’re talking about mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, carbon…
Natural Products Expo Features Foods
…The Natural Products Expo is one of the leading trade shows in the natural, organic and healthy products industry. Along with categories such as natural living and health and beauty,…
New Leadership Team for Ag Committee
…Fruits and vegetables, honey and bees, marketing and promotion orders, plant pesticides, quarantine, adulteration of seeds and insect pests, and organic agriculture, research, education and extension, biotechnology and foreign agriculture…