June 2019 Organic Link

Organic Certification Cost Share 

Funding is available through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program to reimburse producers up to 75 percent of the cost of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible expenses include fees for the application, inspection, equivalency agreement and arrangements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments, and postage. Producers can apply for a maximum of $750 per certification scope. Apply for fiscal 2019 funding by Oct. 31 at USDA Farm Service Agency county offices.

Prevented Planting

Organic Livestock Allowed Substance

USDA has amended the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to allow elemental sulfur to be used as a topical treatment to repel mites, fleas, and ticks from livestock and their living spaces. Access the National List here.

Origin of Livestock Rule

The U.S. House agricultural appropriations subcommittee included language in its FY20 bill last week instructing USDA to implement the 2015 Origin of Livestock Rule, which would level the field for all organic dairy producers. The next step is for the Senate appropriations subcommittee to write in similar language. The Organic Farmers Association has drafted a template letter on the issue that you can send to your Senator to encourage action on this important issue.

Energy Fair

The 30th Annual Energy Fair takes place June 21-23, 2019, in Custer, Wis. Save $5 on your event ticket when you use the code moses5. The event focuses on sustainable living and clean energy and features more than 200 workshops and exhibits, farm and garden tours, an artisan market, live music, and food vendors. It is organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

Survey of Farmers

Have you ever wished researchers thought like farmers? Well, here’s your chance to get them to do just that. The University of Minnesota is conducting a survey to identify how to best share science-based information and volunteer opportunities with farmers. They are interested in getting responses from farmers in any state. With your input, researchers will better understand farmers’ stories, values, and interests, and in turn, be able to strengthen communication and outreach efforts. The survey takes 10-20 minutes to complete.

Agroforestry Fact Sheets

The Savanna Institute has published five fact sheets about common agroforestry practices: riparian buffers, forest farming, alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreaks. These free, two-page sheets feature an illustration of the practice, a summary of its challenges and benefits, and a section of frequently asked questions about implementing the practice. You need to provide your email address to download the free fact sheets.

Organic Crop Container Systems 

The USDA National Organic Program published a memo this week to clarify that organic certifiers are to assess land-use histories for container system sites just as they would for an in-ground soil-based system. If a prohibited substance was applied to the land at the farm or site within the three-year period before the first organic harvest, then the harvested crops shall not be sold, labeled, or represented as “organic” until the three-year period has passed. In addition, container growing systems must meet all other aspects of the organic regulations, including the strict prohibition of glyphosate and other prohibited substances, and natural resources and biodiversity requirements on an ongoing basis.