Farm Bill Updates | NESAWG
On Friday, October 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a revised certification document, known as an AD-1026 form, that will allow farmers who receive crop insurance premium subsidies to certify that they are in compliance with highly erodible land (HEL) and wetland conservation requirements, collectively known as “conservation compliance.” Read more from NSAC.
RMA Levels the Playing Field on Premium Subsidies for New Whole Farm Revenue Protection Insurance
October 3, 2014
On October 3, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that premium subsidy levels established for the new Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) crop insurance policy will be in line with the premium subsidies available to producers selecting whole-farm units under the Revenue Protection plans of insurance. Read more from NSAC.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grants Announced
October 3, 2014
On October 2, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than $51 million in awards from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). SCRI provides grants for regional research and extension projects to support producers of fruits, vegetables, nursery crops, and other specialty crops. Read more from NSAC.
Awards Promoting Local and Regional Farmers and Food Systems Announced
September 30, 2014
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced over $32.8 million in awards from three grant programs. Read more from NSAC.
USDA Announces $23 Million in Grants for Organic Research
September 30, 2014
On Monday, September 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced over $23 million in grants to support organic farming research. The money was awarded through the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)—the flagship research competitive grants program dedicated to funding research relevant to organic producers. Read more from NSAC.
New Grant Funding Available to Encourage SNAP Participants to Buy from Local Produce Farmers
September 29, 2014
On Monday, September 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) released its very first request for applications (RFA) for the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives (FINI) Grant program, a new competitive grants program created in the 2014 Farm Bill to improve the health of low-income communities. Read more from NSAC.
$328 Million for Agricultural Conservation Easements Awarded
September 9, 2014
On Monday, September 8, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $328 million in funding for 380 conservation easement projects as part of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The projects will protect and restore 129,000 acres of farmland, grasslands, and wetlands across all 50 states. Read more from NSAC.