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1. Growers Urge Lawmakers and USDA to Advance Organic Through Continuous Improvement
Testifying before a Congressional committee on Wednesday, a diverse panel of organic farmers from all sizes and types of operations, from geographic regions across the United States, had one important commonality -- a strong commitment to robust government support for organic agriculture and the stringent enforcement of organic standards.
2. 19 Organizations and Initiatives Winning in the Food Movement
On November 1st and 2nd, more than 80 food activists, farmers, policymakers, performers, journalists, researchers, business leaders, chefs and others will gather in New York City for the 3rd Annual Food Tank NYC Summit and Gala Dinner. This year, we're focusing around the theme of "The Food Movement Is Growing (and Winning)!" The hard work that food system advocates do every day is making a difference, and we're highlighting the small victories and major achievements that are building a more equitable and environmentally sustainable food system.
3. Hardship Grants for Organic Producers
If you—or an organic producer you know—have experienced hardship during the first part of the 2019 calendar year, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance through the Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund. Applying is easy—simply complete our easy online application by midnight on November 25, 2019.
4. Rabo Agrifinance Designs Industry’s First Organic Transition Loan Offering
Rabo AgriFinance has announced a new loan product that can make it more financially viable for farmers to seek organic certification on all or part of their crop operations. With guidance from Pipeline Foods, Rabo AgriFinance has developed a financial framework that gives farmers the flexibility to receive the capital needed for upfront costs associated with changing production practices. Farmers can schedule repayments when they receive the additional revenue from selling certified organic goods.
5. Purdue Receives First USDA Grant to Study Organic Hemp Production
When the 2018 Farm Bill legalized production of hemp, the deluge of phone calls from potential growers to scientists and state administrators quickly made it clear how little information is available for those hoping to plant the crop. Purdue University scientists have plans to change that with the help of a nearly $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.
