Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - October 16, 2013
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.
News & Resources
- ATTRA Launches FarmerKnowsBest Forum
- NSAC Offers Top 10 Reasons to Comment to FDA on Food Safety Rules
- FDA to Withdraw Approvals of Arsenic in Animal Feed
- Livestock Sector Could Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions, Says Report
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Agroforestry Training Manual Updated
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Research Shows Genetically Modified Crops Pass Benefits to Weeds
Funding Opportunities
- Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Grants
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FARRMS Grants to Grow
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Chipotle Cultivate Foundation
Coming Events
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Farm Hack Davis
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Iowa Organic Conference
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CFSA Sustainable Agriculture Conference
News & Resources
ATTRA Launches FarmerKnowsBest Forum
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service has launched the FarmerKnowsBest Forum. This free, online forum is intended to strengthen and support research and education and to encourage the exchange of ideas between those interested in sustainable agriculture. Sign up and share your comments!
NSAC Offers Top 10 Reasons to Comment to FDA on Food Safety Rules
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is encouraging stakeholders to weigh in on the Food and Drug Administration's proposed Food Safety Modernization Act regulations. NSAC has assembled a top-10 list explaining why farmers, consumers, and organizations need to get informed and take action on the proposed rules. Comments are due by November 15.
FDA to Withdraw Approvals of Arsenic in Animal Feed
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded September 30 to a nearly four-year-old petition calling for the immediate withdrawal of the vast majority of arsenic-containing compounds used as feed additives for chickens, turkeys, and hogs, says the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. FDA responded that it will withdraw three of the four arsenicals and all drug approvals associated with them. Of the 101 drug approvals for arsenic-based animal drugs, 98 will be withdrawn.
Livestock Sector Could Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions, Says Report
Greenhouse-gas emissions by the livestock sector could be cut by as much as 30% through wider use of existing best practices and technologies, according to a new study released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The report, Tackling climate change through livestock: A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities, represents the most comprehensive estimate made to date of livestock's contribution to global warming—as well as the sector's potential to help tackle the problem.
The full report is available online in PDF.
Agroforestry Training Manual Updated
The Center for Agroforestry at the the University of Missouri has released Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices - 2013 Edition. The manual is designed for natural resources professionals and landowners and includes worksheets and exercises. The manual features descriptions of establishing and managing the five agroforestry practices, plus success stories. The manual is available in PDF online.
Related ATTRA Publication: Agroforestry: An Overview
Research Shows Genetically Modified Crops Pass Benefits to Weeds
A published study showed that a genetic-modification technique used to make crops herbicide resistant influenced the performance of subsequent generations of a weedy form of rice
when it was cross-bred with modified crops, reports Nature. The study results suggest that the effects of genetic modification could readily reach beyond farms to wild plants.
>> More Breaking News
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Funding Opportunities
Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Grants
Dairy 30x20 grants are available for Wisconsin farmers to plan for future projects, identify ways to increase profits, or transfer the farm to the next generation. Grant recipients will be awarded up to $5,000 to hire consultants with the expertise to address specific business needs. The grants are grouped into two categories: Planning & Preparation and Dairy Profit.
Applications must be submitted by December 2, 2013.
FARRMS Grants to Grow
Grants to Grow may be used for sustainable additions to farms, transitions to organic farming practices, and other garden and farm projects that meet program guidelines. North Dakota producers may apply for grants of up to $1,000 and grant-and-loan combinations of up to $10,000.
Application deadline is December 1, 2013.
Chipotle Cultivate Foundation
The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation's grant-making focuses on supporting family farms that are committed to sustainable farming practices; organizations that are working to develop an affordable, sustainable, pasture-based system of animal production; and organizations promoting better food through innovation or education. The foundation accepts grant proposals by invitation only but is eager to hear about organizations and projects via e-mail.
>> More Funding Opportunities
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Coming Events
Farm Hack Davis
November
16-17, 2013
Davis, California
The National Center for Appropriate Technology is sponsoring an event that will bring participants together to develop, document, and design low-cost, low-tech tools; improve efficiency of existing tools; or hack other agricultural issues that are common barriers for local farmers. Meet other farmers, designers, engineers, mechanics, and builders. Learn about some of the problems small-scale farmers are facing and participate in design sessions to brainstorm potential solutions to these challenges. The agenda includes a farm tour and a workshop on repurposing tools and building homemade hand tools.
Iowa Organic Conference
November 17-18, 2013
Iowa City, Iowa
This conference is for organic and conventional farmers, Extension staff, industry representatives, and students who want to learn more about science-based research in organic agriculture and practical applications for farming systems. Expert speakers will discuss local food systems, high tunnels, farm finances, certification cost-share programs, alternative grains, cover crops, and more.
NCAT's Kevin Ellis will be speaking on "Chickens on the Farm: Integration and Marketing Tips."
CFSA Sustainable Agriculture Conference
November 15-17, 2013
Durham, North Carolina
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's 28th annual conference will feature top-notch speakers, hands-on intensive workshops and tours, great networking opportunities, and local, organic meals. Workshops are offered in 12 tracks, including beginning farmer, livestock, specialty crops, horticulture, and farm business.
>> More Events
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Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
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