National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Drilling down on organic ag, loss of grassland
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is posting a series of "drilldowns" on the Census of Agriculture. In its latest, on organic and local ag, NSAC says the West Coast has the largest concentration of organic farms; more than 4,000 of the 16,525 such farms nationwide. California is No 1 with 3,000 farms.
Farmers markets, local food offered $78 million in USDA aid
AgSec Vilsack announced the availability of $78 million to promote farmers markets and local and regional food sales. The funds are authorized through the 2014 farm law. They include $15 million to promote farmers markets, $15 million for marketing and promotional support for local food businesses, such as food hubs, and $48 million in loan guarantee for projects that focus on local food enterprises. For details, click here.