June 2021 Organic Link

Grower Groups

MOSES is helping farmers form groups around specific areas of interest to make connections and share ideas. The current list of groups includes Growing Wellness for mental health support, Farmers Against Racism, Local Women in Sustainable Agriculture Networks, Queer and Trans on the Land, and Farmer Researchers (farmers interested in conducting research on their farms). See our page on Grower Groups to join a group or learn how to start a group focused on your area of interest. 

Survey on Consumer Grain-Buying Habits

As a member of the Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC), MOSES is part of a network supporting the development of the regional grainshed. AGC has created a survey to better understand eaters’ needs, attitudes, and purchasing practices relevant to grains. Please take 5 minutes to complete this short survey. At the end, you can enter a raffle for a basket of Midwest grain products.

On-Farm Intensive 

The 2021 Acres U.S.A. On-Farm Intensive takes place July 19-20, 2021, at Otter Creek Organic Farm near Lone Rock, Wisconsin. Gary Zimmer and Leilani Zimmer-Durand will demonstrate best practices for cover crops, soil testing, field preparation, equipment/tillage, weed and pest management, fertilizer programs, livestock integration, and more. Cost is $675, and registration is limited. The small-group setting will provide participants with clear next steps to improve their land’s value and potential.

Origin of Livestock Comment Period

USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) has reopened the public comment period for the Origin of Livestock proposed rule, originally published in 2015. The comment period will be open until July 12, 2021. The Origin of Livestock notice proposes revisions to the USDA organic regulations that would change how conventional livestock are transitioned into organic production and how transitioned animals are managed in the organic system. USDA has stated that this new comment period will focus on specific provisions that were not considered in the 2015 proposed rule, coming from public comments in 2015 and those received during the supplemental public comment period in 2019. 

Updates to Conservation Reserve Program

The USDA plans to enroll up to 4 million new acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by raising rental payment rates and expanding the number of incentivized environmental practices allowed under the program. CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs, with more than 20 million acres enrolled. USDA considers CRP a powerful tool when it comes to climate mitigation. To that end, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is introducing a new ClimateSmart Practice Incentive for CRP general and continuous signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Practices include establishment of trees and permanent grasses, development of wildlife habitat, and wetland restoration. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive is annual, and the amount is based on the benefits of each practice type. 

Debt Relief for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Through the recently passed American Rescue Plan, farmers and ranchers who identify as Black, Native American or Alaskan, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander may qualify for up to a 120% loan reimbursement for eligible Farm Service Agency (FSA) Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans or Farm Storage Facility Loans. FSA will send a letter to eligible borrowers with details about their specific loans. See the FAQ page for more details. 

Survey of BIPOC Livestock Farmers 

FACT (Food Animal Concerns Trust) provides grants, scholarships, and other training opportunities to support farmers and ranchers who raise their animals in pasture-based systems. This year, FACT awarded half of its farmer grants to producers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). To understand how FACT can better serve BIPOC livestock and poultry farmers going forward, FACT is conducting a brief survey that closes June 18. 

Farm Branding

A new ATTRA publication, Farm Branding: Selling Your Product Through Story, covers ways farmers can share their farm story and develop a farm brand that will connect with customers. The 28-page publication is available free online in PDF or print.

Agroforestry Conference  

Savanna Institute hosts the 2021 North American Agroforestry Conference online June 28 - July 2. The event features the top minds in climate action and agroforestry innovation for conversations that lead the shift toward widespread agroforestry in North America. Tickets are $80 for students, $125 for farmers, and $225 for others.

Routes to Roots 

Registration is open for this summer's FairShare CSA Coalition Routes to Roots fundraising farm tour. This engaging event offers self-guided tours for biking, walking, or driving through Wisconsin’s food and farming landscape, highlighting a variety of CSA farms along the way. Through Routes to Roots, FairShare raises funds to provide resources for small local farmers and help low-income families afford farm-fresh food. New routes will be revealed through the summer for a total of 10 custom tours.