 |
 |
Michigan Organic Listserv Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University August 30, 2015 This info is for your information, not promotion of any business or product. Questions/comments email [log in to unmask] A few aggregates of news from Vicki: This edition has some important info for organic farmers seeking reimbursement for the cost of USDA NOP certification. Yes, up to $750 or 75% for EACH complete NOP certification. You can apply to cost share EACH YEAR! This application is Due Dec 1, 2015! This week there are several great field days that will be fun and educational. I know markets are still happening for the produce farmers but you deserve a break and hopefully its your turn for a day off. This Monday you can earn the Phase I for MAEAP field day AND you can see drones demonstrated for farm use plus learn about raspberry production in a season extension system at MSU. On Thursday Sept 3 come down to Milan MI and see some practices to improve your pest management on vegetables during a Twilight Organic Vegetable Program. The Zilkes are participation with MSU in an organic field research grant to look into different ways to ridge till, manage soil, manage weeds and control insects. This event is free and will be held from 6-8:30. There are also requests for your participation in 3 different surveys. You say, you don’t have time for that? Please reconsider and complete at least one that is most relevant to your farming operation. Each of these surveys seeks farmers’ priorities for research and education. Without YOUR guidance us researchers cannot target our work to meet your needs. So please take a half hour during a rainy day and share your responses and thoughts. It sure is so rewarding to focus on what is in need by farmers and not just answer a grant request! All of us researchers and educators TRULY appreciate it! Thanks very much for your time and energy, for growing good food and your Details for each of these actions follow in this newsletter. What’s on OFFER in THIS Newsletter?? Educational Events MAEAP Phase 1 -Sept 1 9-4:30 East Lansing MI Organic Vegetable Twilight-Sept 3 6-8”30 Milan Mi Webinar on Step Up to Leadership Program Impact Evaluation Sept 3 @ 2 pm (Great for non-profits and educational program personnel) Surveys seeking your participation Organic farmer research and education priorities Beginner Farmer research and education priorities Food Safety-Farmer educational needs and support on Food Safety Economic help for farmers NOP USDA Cost Share information -Due Dec 1 Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food, Know Your Funding 1 day conference Sept 11 8-3:30 U=ub Upcoming NRCS cost assistance program to maintain pasture land Organic News Upcoming article series to break organic Myths-throughout September Organic Farm for SALE in Michigan Cost Share –Get your paperwork to request reimbursement of USDA NOP inspection and certification fees The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is pleased to announce the availability of organic cost share assistance for handlers and producers who have incurred certification expenses during the period of October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015. The program is offered on behalf of the USDA National Organic Cost Share Program, which is authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill. You must register as a vendor with the state of Michigan and sign up to receive your payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you do not have access to the internet you will need to complete form W-9 (see below). Failure to do so or to provide any of the required documentation will result in the rejection of your application. Your application along with all required supporting documentation must be postmarked on or before December 1, 2015. Links to complete Cost Share Reimbursement application · Application and Instructions · W-9 · A listing of National Organic Program Accredited Certifying Agents can be found at this USDA website · Link to USDA for more details on the National Organic Cost Share Program If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Josh Grant at 517-284-5789 or via email at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Upcoming Educational Events Join us this Monday Aug 31 for the 2015 Conservation Innovation Field Day at MSU! Local farmers and conservation partners are invited to participate in an agricultural field day on MSU's campus. The Conservation Innovation Field Day is a partnership between local Conservation Districts, County Farm Bureau Chapters, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and MSU Extension. It will highlight the use of innovative farming practices and technologies to improve conservation of natural resources on Michigan Farms. Bruno Basso, associate professor at MSU, will be joining the field day to demonstrate his work using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to model water and nutrient cycling in relation to agro-ecosystems. Basso is working to develop SALUS, a next generation process-based model that integrates crop productivity with water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes in a spatially explicit manner. MSU Extension will be discussing applications and limitations of UAVs in agriculture. The days agenda will also include information about biofuel research utilizing sorghum, pest management updates, leveraging services available through event hosts, tours of the newly MAEAP verified MSU Horticulture Farm and an overview of the MIFFS Veterans in Ag Network. Agenda 9am Welcome and Introductions 9:30 Biomass Research Update, Sorghum trials -Dennis Pennington, MSUE 10:30 UAV Demonstration and discussion about applications and challenges to Ag - George Silva & Dennis Pennington MSUE 11 MAEAP & NRCS update 11:30 Lunch 12:30 Keynote: UAV applications to nutrient and water cycling in crop ecology- Bruno Basso MSU 1:45 MIFFS Veterans in Ag Network overview- Dylan Thomas, Co-chair and owner of Twisted Pines Farm 2:00 IPM and Emerging Pest Update (Brown Marmortated Stink Bug and Spotted Wing Drosophila) - Julianna Wilson, MSU 3:00 pm Optional Haygrove and Horticulture Farm MAEAP Tour Wrap up and RUP credits 3-4pm depending on tour participation Location 9-3pm (with optional farm tour after) MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center 3291 N. College Rd Holt, MI on MSU South campus 4 RUP(1A,1B,1C & Core) and MAEAP Phase 1 credits available. Please RSVP to Eaton Conservation District (517) 543-1512 x 112 by Thursday 8/27. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Farm Bureau Insurance and Eaton and Ingham County Farm Bureaus. This is a free event! Organic Vegetable Twilight Meeting Weed, Insects, Soil Management Zilke Vegetable Farm Thursday, Sept 3 6:00-8:30 p.m. Demonstration and discussion of: •Effective use of cultivation tools/tillage systems •Impact on soil fertility •Weed and insect management •Pest and beneficial insect identification Event held at 12491 Carpenter Rd, Milan, MI 48160 (734) 260-2324 for directions Email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> to register-no fee but please RSVP WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT Missouri-Illinois Step Up to Leadership Program Impact Evaluation Kimberly Keller, Wilson Majee & Johanna Reed Adams (University of Missouri) Anne Heinze Silvis (University of Illinois) Georgie Donahue (Missouri Association for community Action) September 3, 2015 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time http://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/ncrcrd This presentation is based on an impact evaluation of a community leadership development program (Step Up to Leadership), targeted at low-income participants throughout the state of Missouri and parts of Illinois. The program curriculum aims to provide a) content learning about specific topics related to individual and group skills and community needs and resources, and b) a learning environment where participants can develop self-awareness and enhance their understanding about human nature and relationships. In addition to discussing the expected gains in knowledge, skills, and abilities, we will also discuss how community leadership development programs provide valuable secondary benefits on familial relations, the role of mini-grant support in assisting graduates in establishing community projects, and how best to close the skills-practice gap that most graduates experience upon completing the training. Presented by: Kimberly Keller, Ph.D. is an Assistant Research Professor, University of Missouri, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. Wilson Majee is a faculty with MU School of Health Professions and the Public Health program. Prior to joining MU-Columbia, Johanna Reed Adams has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Masters in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. ****************************************************************************** Registration: To join the webinar go to http://ncrcrd.adobeconnect.com/ncrcrd, “enter as a guest” is by default already chosen. Type your name into the text box provided, and click on “Enter Room”. You are now in the meeting room for the webinar. There is no registration feed. To facilitate Q&A’s, participants submit questions/comments via the Chat Function in Adobe Connect. The webinar will be recorded and archived at http://ncrcrd.msu.edu/ncrcrd/chronological_archive. North Central Regional Center for Rural Development Michigan State University Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture 446 W. Circle Drive, Room 66 East Lansing, MI 48824 517.355.3373 Top of Form Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food, Know Your Funding Conference to focus on funding opportunities to build farming and food systems Sept 11-8:00-3:30 at Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago This is a one-day conference hosted by USDA’s Illinois Rural Development and Food & Nutrition Service Midwest, Illinois Farm Bureau & Fresh Taste. This unique conference offers farmers, businesses, organizations, state and federal agencies, institutions and others involved with agriculture an opportunity to learn about USDA agencies, programs, grants and other possibilities. Event registration fee is $18 per participant and includes all event materials, lunch, and breaks. Due to limited seating, registration must be completed by September 8, 2015. Registration is first come, first served. Register Here<http://www.ilfbstore.com/KnowYourFarmerKnowYourFoodKnowYourFunding.aspx>. If unable to pay online, please contact Charlene Blary, Illinois Farm Bureau at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or telephone at (309) 557-3619 to make special arrangements. New Cover crop Publication offered by USDA SARE USDA SARE is offering a 4-page guide on cover crops. This is a novel type of publication in that it is designed to provide brief introductions (typically a paragraph in length) to various sections of the SARE "topic room" on cover crops that is web-based. There about 10 active links embedded within the 4 page guide to lead people to much more in-depth information online, such as on the use of cover crops with no-till or how cover crops relate to pest management. The publication is available either in print form or as a downloadable pdf file (see attached). It is also available to order in quantity by calling 301-779-1007 or for FREE from our WebStore http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Topic-Rooms/Topic-Briefs/Cover-Crops-for-Sustainable-Crop-Rotations Organic Industry Unites to 'Bust Myths' Throughout September Stay tuned to read the various topics next month. I will include them in the Organic listserv as they become available (Vicki Morrone) Get today's food manufacturing headlines and news - Sign up now!<http://subscribe.advantagemedia.com/fm_ods/landing.aspx?cmpid=textadincontent> WASHINGTON (PRNewswire-USNewswire) — In a major drive to educate and inform consumers of the benefits and the facts about organic, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and dozens of organic brands and industry thought leaders are uniting online Sept. 1-30 for "Organic Myth-Busting Month<https://www.ota.com/organic-101/organic-myth-busting-month>," a 30-day #OrganicFestival on social media aimed at addressing long-held misconceptions surrounding organic. Whether busting myths that organic isn't affordable or correcting the misconception that science can't prove the organic benefit, OTA along with dozens of strategic partners will take to social channels each day during "Organic Month" to tear down organic myths by replacing them with research-supported facts, engaging dialogue and opportunities to get questions answered. The organic truths will be presented as well-designed graphics, ideal for sharing across social channels. "Why focus an entire month around myth-busting? Despite organic sales and accessibility at all-time highs, consumer confusion about organic benefits remains significant," said Laura Batcha, OTA's Executive Director and CEO. "Consumers need to know the facts about organic so they can make the smartest choices for themselves and their families. Together, by engaging with consumers, media and influencers with a consistent and clear voice, we can change some misconceptions and bring audiences 'on the fence' about organic into the fold." Leveraging the #OrganicFestival hashtag, the massive social media gathering — expected to reach millions of consumers across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn — will encourage individuals nationwide to help bust the myths and spread the facts by offering member prizes to people who engage by sharing myth-busting posts on their own channels. "Organic Myth-Busting Month" also will include at least five Twitter Parties, featuring industry thought leaders as co-hosts for hour-long Twitter chats to foster online, two-way conversations between top organic experts and consumers. In addition, OTA will hold activities at special September events, including Natural Products Expo East. Weekly Themes Built Around Common Misconceptions To bring focus to the information-packed festival, OTA each week in September will focus on a key area of misconception often spread about organic, deconstructing a related myth each day of that week: * Week #1 (Sept. 1-5): Organic Labeling, addressing the certification process, the integrity of the USDA label and the differences between organic vs. other unregulated claims such as "natural" * Week #2 (Sept. 6-12): Organic Health, busting myths that organic isn't better for you, sharing fresh research on organic's health benefits * Week #3 (Sept. 13-19): Organic Value, revealing the costs behind organic, demonstrating organic is affordable for all—including budget-conscious consumers—and proving organic truly is worth it * Week #4 (Sept. 20-26): Organic Production, illustrating how organic can feed the world, outlining local and small vs. large-scale organic farming, highlighting environmental benefits * Week #5 (Sept. 27-30): Organic Beyond Food, celebrating the lesser-known silos of organic, sharing why organic fiber, home and personal care products are better for your skin and health, revealing the differences between organic and conventional textile production. Prior to the campaign's Sept. 1 launch, OTA will provide members and influencers with all campaign materials, including scheduled posts, graphics and other content, to share throughout their networks to amplify the messages. OTA successfully introduced this strategy in September 2014 with its first social media festival: "Organic-Palooza," a 10-day campaign aimed at celebrating organic food and fiber, which garnered 109 million consumer impressions and featured 100 members taking part. "As in last year's campaign, with multiple brands and organizations sharing the same information on their respective channels each day, we can greatly extend our outreach and influence," Batcha added. "This year, by tripling the festival's length and sharpening its focus, we hope to reach even more individuals with a powerful, timely and important message." Are you a Beginning Farmer? We need your feedback PLEASE!` The MSU Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), and MSU Student Organic Farm (SOF) are collaborating on the USDA Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Grant Program. This survey is designed to gain insight of selected characteristics experiences, and needs of beginning farmers in Michigan. It will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Your responses are greatly appreciated. This info will help us to develop relevant educational programs and materials for beginner farmers. Click here<http://msucarrs.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eCH68x3KLlBYZjT> to begin. For questions and comments, please contact Shakara Tyler at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. U.S. Survey of Organic Farmers open until Sept. 14 There are two weeks left for farmers to participate in the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) 2015 National Survey of Organic Farmers<http://orfrf.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1723215154e6cdd616272e234&id=0d2057d11d&e=5063c925fe>. Hundreds of organic farmers across the U.S. have already participated in the survey, which asks farmers and ranchers to share their experiences about what areas of research are most important to advance organic farming. The survey will remain available online until September 14, 2015. With only two weeks left to take the survey, we ask you farmers who have not yet completed the survey to join the effort and participate at this link: http://opinion.wsu.edu/agresearch/<http://orfrf.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=1723215154e6cdd616272e234&id=82d8a189f1&e=5063c925fe>. If you would like any assistance with the survey, please call our office at 831-426-6606. The results are already starting to come in, with information about the types of pest control solutions, marketing advice, and farming research that is most needed by the organic farming community. We are delighted that so many farmers have already shared their perspectives through the survey - and thank you to those of you who have participated! We are offering a prize drawing of an iPad mini! Survey results will be used to update OFRF’s National Organic Research Agenda, an influential roadmap for the USDA and other research institutions, identifying the issues most critical to the success of organic farmers. Best regards, Diana Jerkins OFRF Policy Director Give your input on Specialty Crop Food Safety-(Often referred to as GAPs). Food safety standards and the future roll-out of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are critical issues for many of us! The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) wants to be proactive and find the best ways to get food safety information to you and to help you with these requirements. Are you a Michigan-based specialty crop grower or service provider? We want your input! Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) is working to gather information for MDARD on specialty crop food safety issues and needs. Tell us what you think by filling out a short online survey: http://bit.ly/scfoodsafetysurvey Complete the survey and MIFFS will enter you into a drawing to win two free tickets to the Michigan Family Farms Conference on January 16, 2016 at Marshall High School. Thank you for your help! Please take this short survey today: http://bit.ly/scfoodsafetysurvey Rory L. Neuner [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 517-515-3535 USDA Announces Conservation Incentives for Working Grass, Range and Pasture Lands WASHINGTON, July 15, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that beginning Sept. 1, farmers and ranchers can apply for financial assistance to help conserve working grasslands, rangeland and pastureland while maintaining the areas as livestock grazing lands. The initiative is part of the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federally funded program that for 30 years has assisted agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat. In return, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. CRP has helped farmers and ranchers prevent more than 8 billion tons of soil from eroding, reduce nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively, and even sequester 43 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, equal to taking 8 million cars off the road. "A record 400 million acres and 600,000 producers and landowners are currently enrolled in USDA's conservation programs. The Conservation Reserve Program has been one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country, and we are pleased to begin these grasslands incentives as we celebrate the program's 30th year," said Vilsack. "This is another great example of how agricultural production can work hand in hand with efforts to improve the environment and increase wildlife habitat." The CRP-Grasslands initiative will provide participants who establish long-term, resource-conserving covers with annual rental payments up to 75 percent of the grazing value of the land. Cost-share assistance also is available for up to 50 percent of the covers and other practices, such as cross fencing to support rotational grazing or improving pasture cover to benefit pollinators or other wildlife. Participants may still conduct common grazing practices, produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production, conduct fire rehabilitation, and construct firebreaks and fences. With the publication of the CRP regulation today, the Farm Service Agency will accept applications on an ongoing basis beginning Sept. 1, 2015, with those applications scored against published ranking criteria, and approved based on the competiveness of the offer. The ranking period will occur at least once per year and be announced at least 30 days prior to its start. The end of the first ranking period will be Nov. 20, 2015. Later this week, USDA will also announce state-by-state allotments for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE). Through SAFE, also a CRP initiative, up to 400,000 acres of additional agricultural land across 37 states will be eligible for wildlife habitat restoration funding. The additional acres are part of an earlier CRP wildlife habitat announcement<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNzE1LjQ3MTc0OTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDcxNS40NzE3NDk2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzg5NTQzJmVtYWlsaWQ9c29ycm9uZUBtc3UuZWR1JnVzZXJpZD1zb3Jyb25lQG1zdS5lZHUmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2015/05/0155.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent> made by Secretary Vilsack. Currently, more than 1 million acres, representing 98 projects, are enrolled in SAFE. To learn more about participating in CRP-Grasslands or SAFE, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNzE1LjQ3MTc0OTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDcxNS40NzE3NDk2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzg5NTQzJmVtYWlsaWQ9c29ycm9uZUBtc3UuZWR1JnVzZXJpZD1zb3Jyb25lQG1zdS5lZHUmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&102&&&http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp> or consult with the local Farm Service Agency county office. To locate a nearby Farm Service Agency office, visit http://offices.usda.gov<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNzE1LjQ3MTc0OTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDcxNS40NzE3NDk2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzg5NTQzJmVtYWlsaWQ9c29ycm9uZUBtc3UuZWR1JnVzZXJpZD1zb3Jyb25lQG1zdS5lZHUmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&103&&&http://offices.usda.gov/>. To learn more about the 30th anniversary of CRP, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/CRPis30<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNzE1LjQ3MTc0OTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDcxNS40NzE3NDk2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzg5NTQzJmVtYWlsaWQ9c29ycm9uZUBtc3UuZWR1JnVzZXJpZD1zb3Jyb25lQG1zdS5lZHUmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&104&&&http://www.fsa.usda.gov/CRPis30> or follow on Twitter using #CRPis30. The CRP-Grasslands program was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTUwNzE1LjQ3MTc0OTYxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE1MDcxNS40NzE3NDk2MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mzg5NTQzJmVtYWlsaWQ9c29ycm9uZUBtc3UuZWR1JnVzZXJpZD1zb3Jyb25lQG1zdS5lZHUmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&105&&&http://www.usda.gov/farmbill>. Organic Farm For Sale Certified organic farm located in Harbor Springs, MI (Northern Michigan). This beautiful 10 acre farm has nicely appointed living quarters, office, workshop, and a greenhouse. Currently growing herbs, spices, and vegetables. The property has over 100 fruit trees with potential to grow other crops & hops, with room to raise livestock and has a pond site prepared. Ideal location to operate as a farm market. Contact Doug at Real Estate One of Petoskey. (231) 838-2007 or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or view the listing @ http://dougnowels.realestateone.com/441699 Bottom of Form Vicki Morrone Organic farming specialist Center For Regional Food Systems at MSU 480 Wilson Rd Rm 303 East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell) Www.MichiganOrganic.Msu.edu If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html