 |
 |
Michigan Organic Listserv
September, 2020
From the desk of Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask])
Center for Regional Food Systems
What’s Up?
*************
National Organic Standards Board
Fall 2020 Meeting
Comment Period Open
The public comment period is now open for the NOSB Fall 2020 Meeting. Interested parties are encouraged to review
the online meeting materials and provide feedback on topics included on the agenda.
Deadlines: To be considered
during the Fall 2020 Meeting, written comments and requests for oral comment speaking slots must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, October 1, 2020.
Details on how to comment are available on the NOSB Fall 2020 Meeting webpage.
View
the Fall 2020 Meeting webpage
*************
Organic Cost Share is Now Available
What is organic cost share? This is a partial reimbursement for the cost of NOP organic certification to farmers across the
US. Michigan has joined this reimbursement program.
Where does the money come from? The National Farm Bill
Can I apply for cost share for each scope of certification (eg. Poultry and vegetables)? Yes
How much can I get reimbursed per scope?
This year the amount is less, $500 or 50% of cost of certification per scope. It is for reimbursement of costs for this past year’s certification (for payments made between 10/1/19 and 9/30/20).
When is the application due for the NOP organic cost share: Oct 30, 2020
Can I apply after the deadline? Late applications will be accepted and filled if funds are available. (Note if you have this
year’s payment receipts and certificate from last year you can apply using these documents too).
How do I apply? Go to your local Farming Service Agency (FSA) office and bring your receipts for payment of NOP certification,
your organic certificate and a voided check. Your reimbursement will be deposited directly. The FSA office will copy your documents with you at the office and help you fill out the application, which is a single page.
Where is the FSA office that I can go to for the application?
Each county has an FSA office assigned to serve farmers. Here is the link to find which office serves your county.
https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=mi&agency=fsa
When will I get the money?
Typically, you will see the money deposited into your bank account between 2-4 weeks after you submitted your application.
For the full scoop from the USDA visit this press release:
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-room/news-releases/2020/usda-accepting-applications-to-help-cover-costs-for-organic-certification
******************
|
Webinar on cover crop decision tool
Learn about and how to use the decision tool
Wednesday, September 23rd at Noon Eastern / 11:00 am Central - 12 noon Eastern
Join us for an in-depth look at the revised decision tool with Babak Saravi, Ian Kropp with the Decision Support and Informatics Lab of Michigan State University and Dean Baas and Anna Morrow with the
Midwest Cover Crops Council.
Midwest Cover Crop Council is proud to announce that our revised decision tool is available on the web!
Thank you to everyone that contributed to the project and to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and Grain Farmers of Ontario for financial support!
This webinar will be recorded and posted on the web for later viewing.
Anna Morrow,
Program Manager, Midwest Cover Crops Council
317-392-6417 - [log in to unmask]
1600 East State Road 44, Suite C, Shelbyville, IN 46176
******************
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
******************
Great Lakes Expo features new session for Beginning Farmers!
Save the Dates! Tuesday, December 8-Thursday, December 10, 2020 – Three days of ONLINE programming from 9 am – 9 pm each day with 1 hour meal breaks and 10 min coffee breaks.
Of course, the whole program will be virtual - but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an exciting line up of speakers and great topics!!
Sessions will address:
Vegetable crops including Asparagus, Cucumbers, Tomato eggplant and peppers, and Vine crops
Management practices including; Irrigation, Food Safety, Protected Cultivation, and Mechanical Cultivation
Organic production sessions include; Large scale organic, Organic opportunities, Beginning Organic Production, and Organic Vegetable Production
Beginner farming is a
new session and we will offer it in the evening to allow those working day jobs to attend.
To keep up to date as the schedule develops visit: www.GLEXPO.com
[log in to unmask]" alt="signature_417760422">
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist
Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University
480 Wilson Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-282-3557 (cell)
sorrone11 (skype)
Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.