Thinking of enrolling your farm or ranch in USDA’s dynamic 
Like many others invested in organic agriculture, the decision at last week’s National Organic Standards Board meeting to phase out an antibiotic used in certified apple and pear production may have left you wondering, why was it allowed to begin with? The straightforward answer is that, throughout its history, organic certification has allowed a very small number of materials, even pesticides, that we more often associate with conventional agriculture.
When asked why he farms organically, Rich replied--
Organic family farmers are facing real hardship due to Congress’ ongoing failure to get its act together. Case in point: When it finally passed the 2013 federal budget in January, Congress stripped funding from a host of essential programs which support small- and medium-sized organic farms. Among the abandoned programs were the $5.5 million which had funded the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) each year since 2009. 
The near stranglehold which agribusiness holds over policymaking in Washington, DC was painfully evident in the six month spending measure Congress approved last week. Buried deep in the last minute compromise were two legislative riders hand crafted by the agricultural biotechnology and concentrated animal feedlot operation (CAFO) lobbyists. The first rider guts judicial review of the process for approving genetically modified seeds while the second rolls back USDA’s already weak regulations protecting the contract rights of poultry and beef producers. 
Last week, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation released a report addressing the need to reduce the use of fumigants in conventional strawberry production. This is old news for organic farmers. Fumigants are gaseous pesticides that are injected into soil before strawberries and other crops are planted, primarily to control fungal pathogens and nematodes. This practice is not allowed in organic production. OFRF has been funding research to determine alternative methods for controlling these pests for organic farmers for more than three years.
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has a very clear vision -- that organic farming will be the leading form of agriculture in America. OFRF cultivates organic research, education, and federal policy that brings more farmers and acreage into organic production. Founded in 1990, OFRF is a leading champion of American organic family farmers.
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FUNDING FOR FARMERS
Deadlines are approaching in many states for the NOP Organic Cost Share program which reimburses certification costs. It is non-competitive, so anyone who is eligible may apply for a reimbursement. Deadlines and instructions are state-specific. Click here for the AMS directory with your state's contact info.
The USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Foundational Program is funding up to $136 million in grants for individuals and universities in research areas that support organic farming, including Agriculture Systems and Technology, Agriculture Economics, and Rural Communities. Letter of Intent due November 26, 2012. Proposal deadline is May 22, 2013.
Mondays with Maureen
Maureen Wilmot-
Executive Director
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