What’s the scoop on the newest funding announcement? $300 million for farmers making the transition to organic? That’s right! Last month, the USDA announced a new program and you (or someone you know) could benefit. This new funding will include direct farmer assistance through the NRCS, including an increase in organic expertise and financial […]
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When the USDA ended the US-India Organic Recognition in early 2021, they granted an 18 month transition period. Now that this transition is complete (as of July of this year), you may be wondering what exactly is required when importing organic products from India. In this article, we explain which certifications are now needed and […]
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The organic standards require that a progressive approach to facilities pest management be taken by organic growers and handlers. The organic pest control regulations described below can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205/subpart-C/section-205.271. (Level A) First, pests must be controlled through management practices like sanitation, removal of pest food sources and habitat, controlling access to pests, and […]
From time to time we like to share tools and resources that we think are helpful to our certified organic operations. In this post, we are excited to introduce you to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions. The Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions is a voluntary program designed to help organic businesses minimize […]
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This week, the USDA announced they are again accepting applications for two different cost share programs for organic and transitional producers. The provided funds help cover the cost of organic certification and other related expenses through the Organic Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Producers and handlers […]
On February 9, 2022 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service (APHIS) announced the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in a U.S. commercial poultry This outbreak of HPAI has been detected in a small number of counties in the Atlantic Flyway affecting poutlry production sites. This stems […]
Here we are again, at the end of another year. As is usual for this time, we find ourselves looking back on the milestones of another busy year, but also looking forward to the new year with renewed energy. Here are just a few of the things we are eagerly anticipating in 2022: 01 Strengthening […]
UPDATE (1/21/2022): The deadline for 2020 and 2021 fiscal years has been extended to February 4, 2022! Last week the USDA announced a new pandemic assistance funded by the CARES Act that will help cover expenses for organic and transitional operations. Operations may apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses paid during the 2020, 2021, and […]
Read More… from Apply Today! New USDA Funding for Organic and Transitioning Operations
The USDA announced September 7, 2021 that $700 million has been made available via the new Farm and Food Workers Relief (FFWR) grant program. Per the announcement, this program will aid farmworkers, meatpacking workers, and front-line grocery workers. The relief is intended to defray costs for expenses associated with the pandemic, such as: protective equipment, […]
Read More… from Are You Eligible? Additional USDA Relief for Farm & Food Workers
The USDA announced that starting this October they will be mailing a survey to collect information about total planted and harvested hemp in the United States. The survey will ask for information on various forms of hemp, including hemp grown for flower, transplants, grain for human consumption, fiber, and seed. The survey is being conducted […]
Read More… from Have Hemp Acres? New Hemp Acreage & Production Survey this Fall