Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - August 10, 2011
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.
News & Resources
- 1,000 New Farmers Markets Appear in National Directory
- Farmers Markets Could Generate Many Jobs, New Report Finds
- Vegetable Chemical Use Data is Now Available Online
- Research Shows Complex Carbon Flow of Transported Agricultural Crops
- Dine Out for Farms™ Week Set for October 16-22
- USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Animal Disease Traceability
Funding Opportunities
- Western SARE Producer Research & Education Grants
- National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
- Northeast SARE Farmer Grants
Coming Events
- Mother Earth News Fair
- Common Ground Country Fair
- Empowering Texas Women in Agriculture Seminar
News & Resources
1,000 New Farmers Markets Appear in National Directory
More than 1,000 new farmers markets have been recorded across the
country, according to results released in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's 2011 National Farmers Market Directory. The annual report indicates a total of 7,175 farmers markets operate throughout the United States.
Related ATTRA Publication: Farmers' Markets: Marketing and Business Guide
Farmers Markets Could Generate Many Jobs, New Report Finds
The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a new report showing that farmers markets benefit local farmers, consumers and economies, but that they could do even more with the support of federal food policies. Market Forces: Creating Jobs through Public Investment in Local and Regional Food Systems appears online.
Vegetable Chemical Use Data Now Available Online
The National Agricultural Statistics Service recently published
the 2010 Agricultural Chemical Use survey data for vegetables, including on-farm use of commercial fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and
integrated pest management practices by producers of targeted vegetable
crops.
Research Shows Complex Carbon Flow of Transported Agricultural Crops
New research published in the journal Biogeosciences showed that the most agriculturally active regions are carbon sinks
while the regions with larger populations are carbon sources. Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that crops take in — and later return — about 37 percent of the U.S.'s total annual carbon dioxide emissions.
Related ATTRA Publication: Agriculture, Climate Change and Carbon Sequestration
Dine Out for Farms™ Week Set for October 16-22
Restaurants across the country eager to show their support for local
farms and food have begun enrolling in American Farmland Trust’s 2nd annual Dine Out for Farms™ event, which will take place October 16-22.
USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Animal Disease Traceability
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a
proposed rule to establish general regulations for improving the
traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate when animal disease
events take place. Consideration will be given to comments received on or before November 9.
>> More Breaking News
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Funding Opportunities
Western SARE Producer Research & Education Grants
A producer, working with a technical advisor, develops a proposal to
conduct research and education on a sustainable agricultural topic. Individual farmers or ranchers may apply for up to $15,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $25,000.
Applications are due by December 2, 2011.
National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
This program will provide cost-share assistance, through participating States, to organic producers and handlers, limited to 75% of an individual producer's or handler's certification costs up to a maximum of $750 per year.
State Departments of Agriculture must apply by November 15, 2011.
Northeast SARE Farmer Grants
Farmer Grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea
they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, or other
technique. A technical advisor is required as a project
participant.
Proposals are due December 1, 2011.
>> More Funding Opportunities
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Coming Events
Mother Earth News Fair
September 24-25, 2011
Seven Springs, Pennsylvania
The Mother Earth News Fair will bring its unique blend of practical,
do-it-yourself programming to Seven Springs resort. Workshops on organic gardening, livestock,
herbs, renewable energy and food are scheduled, along with
presentations, speakers, exhibits, and activities for children. NCAT is a partner in this event.
Common Ground Country Fair
September 23-25, 2011
Unity, Maine
This 35th annual fair is a celebration of the rural and agricultural
traditions of Maine that typically draws more than 50,000 visitors
for presentations, exhibits, food vendors and activities.
Empowering Texas Women in Agriculture Seminar
September 19 or 27, 2011
Cedar Creek or Lubbock, Texas
Holistic Management International is offering this free seminar that
provides an opportunity to learn the principles of the Holistic
Management whole farm/ranch planning system, and helps participants
understand the market for local foods and how they can benefit from
being a supplier for their local food system.
>> More Events
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The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
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