Friday, December 31, 2010

Thank you Local Food Readers

May this brief end of the year note find you each well in every part of your life. Thank you for supporting Local Food Bloomington!

We hope to have new volunteers in 2011 and will continue to share local food information with you and improve on the Local Food Bloomington website, home to Local Food News, celebrating its 10th Anniversary!

Interested in supporting Local Food? Contact us with your ideas. Together we can share more about local food!

Send your tax deductible donations to:

Local Food Bloomington
P.O. Box 8172
Bloomington, Indiana 47407

Food Safety Bill - from Natural News

NEW FOOD SAFETY BILL S.510
NaturalNews) Despite an incredible outpouring of public opposition to
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "Food Safety Modernization
Act", or S. 510, the Senate voted 73 to 25 to pass the bill anyway.
And data presented by Maplight.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research
organization, shows that big industry groups and large food producers
spent millions of dollars buying off Congressmen to garner support for
it. Senators that ended up supporting the bill received nearly $10
million in political contributions from interest groups.
http://www.naturalnews.com/030586_S_510_corruption.html

TOP TEN LIES ABOUT NEW FOOD BILL
Once again Mike Adams from Natural News has posted an article that
you should read outlining the top 10 lies (not the only ones) that
mainstream is spewing.
http://www.naturalnews.com/030587_Senate_Bill_510_Food_Safety.html

Friday, December 03, 2010

Call for Papers - Journal of Agriculture,Food Systems, and Community Development

Journal of Agriculture,Food Systems, and Community Development


ATTENTION: Professionals Researchers Graduate Students



CALL FOR PAPERS



The Essential Principles of Small- and Mid-Scale

Food Value Chain Development



Manuscripts due February 15, 2011



For details about JAFSCD and author guidelines, visit www.AgDevJournal.com/submissions.



JAFSCD invites researchers, ag/food system development professionals, and others to submit applied research papers, critical reflection essays, commentaries, and other manuscripts that provide critical insights into small- and mid-scale food value chain development.



Food value chains (FVCs) are a hot topic among agriculture and food systems development professionals. In FVCs, farmers and ranchers are treated as strategic partners, not as interchangeable — and exploitable — input suppliers. Values-based food supply chains (value chains) are strategic alliances between farms, ranches, and other supply-chain partners who distribute rewards equitably across the supply chain. They can include farm-to-institutions (schools, hospitals, prisons), multiproducer processors and wholesalers, multifarm CSAs, food hubs, food webs and networks, and the like. All partners in these business alliances recognize that creating maximum value for the product depends on significant interdependence, collaboration, and mutual support.[1]



Research suggests that successful mid-scale FVCs are built on three foundations:

* Appropriate volumes of high-quality, differentiated, market-engaging food products, coupled with value-adding stories of people, land, and practices;
* Strategic partnerships based on trusting, transparent, and win/win business relationships; and
* Effective, efficient supply-chain management and logistics, including product marketing, aggregation, processing, distribution, and record-keeping.

Papers can explore specific components within a chain (a farmer co-op or association), interactions of two or more links in a chain (farmers, wholesalers, processors, retailers, and eaters), or an entire chain. Examples include:

* Case studies of successful or failed FVC programs
* Research and education strategies that help build resilient FVCs
* How are FVCs playing a role in rural development?
* The role of FVCs in increasingly multifunctional rural landscapes
* Systematic analyses of key differences between FVCs and traditional food supply chains
* Local and global FVCs: influence of globalization on FVCs; should these be accepted or mediated?
* Overview analysis of the values chain sector (comparisons or outcomes across many cases)
* Implications of new food safety legislation on values chains
* Storage and transportation logistics
* Branding and geographical identity
* Performance and impact analysis
* Scaling up
* Building trust and transparency
* Business planning and/or record-keeping

The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development is a NEW online-only international, peer-reviewed journal focused on applied research and best practices in the development of thriving farming communities and sustainable food systems. Peer reviewers include development practitioners, organization and agency staff, faculty, graduate students, consultants, and farmers from around the world with expertise in a wide range of agriculture and food-systems issues as they relate to community, ecological sustainability, and economic development. JAFSCD is online at www.AgDevJournal.com.



[1] Adapted with permission from Stevenson, G. W. and Pirog, R. (2008). Values-based supply chains: Strategies for agrifood enterprises of the middle. In T. Lyson, G. W. Stevenson, and R. Welsh (Eds.), Food and the Mid-Level Farm: Renewing an Agriculture of the Middle. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.



OPEN CALL



The Journal welcomes papers at any time on any subject related to the development aspects of agriculture and food systems.



Content can focus specifically on conservation and farmland protection, value-adding, cooperative marketing, value chains, distribution, farm labor, market research, consumer decision-making drivers, and other topics. Authors are encouraged to submit applied research papers, commentary, and thought-provoking articles that inform the emerging field of agriculture and food systems development. Faculty and students, Extension and other educators, planners, consultants, staff with farm agencies and farm and community organizations, and farmers are invited to submit material.



For both calls, manuscripts should focus on the practical application of these innovations: the organization and mechanics of a program or strategy; engagement of stakeholders; challenges and unique solutions; impact analysis; and lessons learned. The Journal encourages "accessible scholarship" -- minimizing jargon, writing in the active voice, and addressing the interests of both practitioners and academics. These papers should inspire and inform new and existing community development efforts to establish and sustain farms. Papers that feature survey results with descriptive statistics, or case studies featuring best practices (or even post-mortem analyses), are highly encouraged.



The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development
is published by New Leaf Publishing and Consulting (www.NewLeafNet.com).

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Bloomington Winter Farmers Market

The Local Growers Guild presents The Bloomington Winter Farmers Market

Saturday mornings 9am – 12pm between December 4, 2010 and March 28, 2011

Fresh produce, meat, and dairy products
along with prepared foods, special events, and live music

For the first time this year, Bloomington residents will have continuous access to food grown by local farmers. As the Bloomington Community Farmers Market season winds down, the Local Growers Guild is kicking off its annual Bloomington Winter Farmers Market, which will be open on Saturday mornings between December 4 and March 28. Please help us spread the word about the extended season! Located in Harmony School at the intersection of 2nd and Woodlawn, the market will offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy products along with prepared foods, special events, and live music.

Available produce will include salad greens, kale, squash, mushrooms, herbs, potatoes and sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, chard, carrots, spinach, apples, and more. Farmers will offer locally raised beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, along with milk, yogurt, eggs, tofu, cheese, and breads. In addition to fresh foods, shoppers can purchase frozen vegetables, relishes, local grains, fresh flowers, fair trade coffee, seeds, organic soil amendments, and potted plants. There will also be a wide range of other farm products and holiday gifts, such as dried herbs, jam, kombucha, herbed vinegars, herbal teas, soaps and salves, fiber, wool, and wreaths.

Visit www.localgrowers.org for more information about the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market, including schedule and parking information, a full list of products and vendors, and recipes showcasing seasonal ingredients.

**PLEASE NOTE, the market will not take place on December 25th and January 1st.

Visit http://www.localgrowers.org/wintermarket.html for more info!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Local Food Upcoming Events

Greetings All,

I hope you and all things connected with food are well in your lives. Going Local Week is almost her for Bloomington, Indiana!

Blessings of Food!



The Food Works Kitchen (Food Works for Middleway House) has been able to open its doors to other Community Food Grant Participants. Visit their website for more information and to join in the local food cooking fun!


~Going Local Week

September 6th - 11th - Eat one Indiana local food at each meal. Support Local Food Bloomington, make a tax-deductible donation to support the Local Food Directory. Send your donation to Local Food Bloomington, P.O. Box 8172, Bloomington, IN.

Events list from Local First and Local Growers Guild found at http://www.localgrowers.org/goinglocalweek.html

When you are out and about, stop by ROOTS on the Square and try a cup the local blend, Quilter's Comfort original.

Seed Saving
Thursday, September 16th 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Wylie House Museum
Join Sherry Wise of Wylie House to learn about our very own Bloomington heirloom garden and the historic Wylie House. Learn how to use open-pollinated heirloom varieties in your garden, and save your own seeds from year to year! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or 355-6843.


Pantry Primer
Monday, October 11th 6:30pm-8pm
Location: MHC Conference Room
Ever wonder how some cooks seem to throw together the most tasty and nutritious meals and make it seem so simple? It all begins in the pantry and it can be done on a very tight budget! Come learn about healthy perishable and dry goods staples to keep on hand in the kitchen so that there is always something wholesome to eat. Includes a brief overview of natural cleaning supplies, and discussion on reading nutrition labels and ingredients lists. Feel free to bring in pantry items you would like to discuss. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or 355-6843.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Vote Bloomington to win Tom's of Maine Grant!

The Bloomington Community Orchard won the Edy's grant, and we're at it again!

We now have a chance at a $20,000 grant from Tom’s of Maine to hire an intern, build an eco-friendly shed, create wheelchair-accessible pathways, buy tools, and plant lots more fruit trees.

Please vote for the Orchard once per day from Aug. 3 to Sept. 10 at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/living-well/finalists-overview/poll?id *Please note that if multiple people are voting from a single computer, you will need to vote from different browsers.*

Also, people can vote for us from anywhere in the world, so please spread this message far and wide!

Here's to fruit for all!

For other information about the Bloomington Community Orchard, contact Amy Countryman, 812-679-8261; or visit the website at www.bloomingtoncommunityorchard.org

Monday, August 09, 2010

Link Problems

Hello

I am not sure what is going on with my links (right column). Until I figure out why all of my links were going to a web host, I hope you will take the time to copy and paste the links into your browser. If you find a problem, please notify me.

Sincerely,


Patricia

Friday, August 06, 2010

October 1st deadline for Approved Good Husbandry Grants

May this find you well and be of some use to those working with animals for food. May all animals be cared for.

ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVED GOOD HUSBANDRY GRANTS 2010

The deadline is October 1, 2010 to get in your application for a Good Husbandry grant for 2010-2011 grant season. This grant cycle will focus on improving farm animal welfare through expanding genetics adapted for outdoor production, increasing outdoor access, and maximizing welfare at slaughter. Projects that fall outside these area, but increase animal welfare will also be considered. Examples of projects that were funded in 2009 include: portable shelter for calves on pasture, mobile feeding equipment and breeding stock adapted for pasture-and range-based management. Detailed guidelines and a grant application are available on their website at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org, or calling (202)546-5292.

Indiana’s Milton Frey Farm in Paoli was recently accepted into the Animal Welfare Approved program. Animal Welfare Approved is the only free and independent certification that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised outdoors on a family farm.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Violet Wine Fermentation Picture

I finally went through some of my images and found the picture I took of the beginning stages of fermentation for the Violet Wine I made this spring! I love the colors and all of the bubbles!



It took me so long to get the image here, the fermentation process has stopped and the wine is now waiting to be bottled!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

NAP Credits Now Available!

NAP Credits Now Available!

Mother Hubbard's Cupboard (Bloomington, Indiana) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $9,765 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits from the State of Indiana to give away to donors like you. This means that MHC has the opportunity to solicit $19,530 in contributions to support our food assistance program. Last year we sold out of NAP Tax Credits very early and we anticipate the same this year. Act now to take advantage of this great opportunity, and choose what your tax dollars support.

When you donate to MHC under the NAP Program, you can receive a credit against your state tax liability equal to 50% of your gift. This means that if you donate $1,000 you can take a $500 credit on your 2010 Indiana State Tax form.

Eligible donations must be $100 or more and dated July 1, 2010 or later. Forms are available on our website www.mhcfoodpantry.org.

Take advantage of the NAP Credit program and make a generous donation to help MHC provide 1,877 healthy bags of groceries to individuals in need every week. We thank you in advance for your commitment to help relieve hunger and improve nutrition for all people in our community.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

4H Small Animal Auction

It may be hot, but the Fair Goes On! If you are seeking small animals, visit with the 4H Youth!

4H Small Animal Auction
Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, Rabbits
July, 31 2010 10AM to 1 PM
Monroe County Fair Grounds Poultry Barn
All birds come from NPIP tested flocks

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Local Food News Updated!

Greetings,

May this find you well and may all of us who have enough to eat and drink, be thankful!

Last week Local Food News - http://www.greendove.net/foodnews.htm was updated. Idon't know why there are gaps, but you may find somethings of interest there.

As always, please send us your local stories (going local to us extends to all of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, as well as topics that are of concern to all of us.

Also, our sister, Indiana Holistic Health Network recently published a new Healing CRANE Newsletter at http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/newsletter.htm

A new recipe has also been added, Stovetop Quiche and will be posted here later. I will also be adding a picture to the Violet Wine article.

Thanks for your time.

Good Food and Good Water

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Officials Dedicate Middle Way House and Food Works Business

-This is a great boon to the citizens of Monroe County! I wasn't able to be there in body, but was present in spirit! I am looking forward to seeing how things settle down and what businesses come through the Incubator Kitchen (see previous note about Incubator Projects). I also send a congratulations to everyone who worked on this project, and a special thanks to Donna Storm for the amazing balancing act she has been performing for years to facilitate the workings of Food Works and this move to the Coke Building!




Officials Dedicate Middle Way House and Food Works Business

By Thomas Conti
Published: Jun 24, 2010
http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/middle-house-dedication/

Early Wednesday night, the old Coca-Cola building in downtown Bloomington officially opened its doors for the dedication of the new Middle Way House and Food Works business.

For five years, the New Wings Community Partnership collected over 6 million dollars – 3 million from private donors alone – to complete the project. In 2005, the Middle Way House purchased the old Coca-Cola building with the hopes of increasing accessibility as well as expanding the opportunities for the women of Middle Way.

In response to holding the dedication of the New Wings Project, Chair of the New Wings Community Partnership Laurie McRobbie said, “It means we did it. I mean we found the support in a lot of different ways. Like every non-profit we look for sources of support everywhere we can find them.”

Donations from local government, businesses, organizations, and community members made it possible for the new Middle Way House to be finished.

“I think the power of the vision for this building, the power of what Middle Way is and what it can continue to be and become really drew supporters to this so it means of all that. It means we’re doing something important for the women who get the services from Middle Way, it also means we’re doing something important for Bloomington,” said McRobbie.

The new Middle Way House also means a new location for Food Works, a full service catering business owned and operated by Middle Way. Donna Storm is the Business and Operations Manager for Food Works for Middle Way House.

“We’re getting together with a lot of people in the community that have a lot of the same interests and we have a lot of the same goals and at the same time we can provide additional jobs to women to help them transition away from situations that have been hurtful to them in the past,” Storm said.

Food Works has benefited from the donations and volunteers in the community as it is a branch of the Middle Way House.

“It’s been pretty exciting, meeting all the people in the community that have a real interest in local food, local businesses, helping the Middle Way House.”

Over the next few weeks Food Works, the New Wings Community Partnership, and the Middle Way House will work together to move slowly into the new building.

Monday, June 28, 2010

IN FOOD News

Hello,

I hope you are embracing the beauty of this season and the increased opportunities to go-local! Take a walk through the Farmers Market, and not only will you be subjected to a visual feast, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy seeing so many people enjoying one another, as much as they are enjoying the produce surrounding them.

At the Great Unleashing back in April, interest groups were formed by people interested in pursuing the transition of our local food system. Click here for connections to Transition Bloomington and other Community Building resources

Local Food News, (#3 in a recent Google Search) of Local Food Bloomington (#1 search for a few years) has recently been updated on the web. Local Food Fairy looks forward to your comments, and appreciates your tax deductible donations in support of the oldest local food resource in Bloomington, Indiana.

In the current update, you will find something about Farmers and their fight against Monsanto, Dairy Labels, the Food Supply Chain, water, organic wines and much more.


As always, there is a lot happening in the area of local food. The Bloomington, Indiana Farmers markets are bustling with diverse beauty and delectable abundance.

For information about
Bloomington, IN Farmers Markets, CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture
Indiana Farmers Markets
Gardening Resources
Community Food Resources

Are you a market gardener, local food shopper, observer of local foods growth in the area? We want to hear from you. Send us pictures, reviews, stories, and other information about going local with food and all things connected to share.

Also, our sister, Indiana Holistic Health Network - http://www.indianaholistichealth.net, recently published a new Healing CRANE Newsletter which you may find of interest. http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/newsletter3-3.htm.

Bloomington, Indiana is a city going-local in many areas! Let us know what you are interested in and share what you know because it may be an inspiration to others.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC - Food for the Children

(I think of this place as food to nuture awareness of being and place.


Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC

For more than fifty years, Monroe County fifth graders have been spending time in the woods, enjoying nature and learning about ecosystems and the need to conserve resources. This year, the school corporation has eliminated all funding for future trips to Bradford Woods. A grassroots action organization,"Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC," has formed to raise funds to reinstate Bradford Woods outdoor education program in the Monroe County schools budget for the coming year. The need is urgent and immediate: $40,000 must be raised by May 15th to enable Monroe County fifth-graders to attend Bradford Woods in 2010--2011.

Concerned citizens can donate online directly to the MCCS Foundation via their website (https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/FoundationofMonoreCountyCommun/OnlineGiving.html). To ensure that online donations are targeted to support the Bradford Woods campaign, donors must a) select "Designated Gift" in the "Purpose of Gift" pull down menu, AND b) type "Bradford Woods" in the "Related Gift Information" field.

Additionally, starting Monday, April 19, all Bloomingfoods cash registers will be equipped with the means to enable customers to donate funds to the MCCSC Foundation earmarked specifically for Bradford Woods.

“Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC” encourages all concerned citizens to join this effort to ensure that local schoolchildren continue to benefit from the experience of outdoor education. In this time of crises in the environment and in children’s health, outdoor education has never been more important. The time to act is now! Join with us to save Bradford Woods for MCCSC!

For more information or to get involved check us out on Facebook (Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC) or visit the Support Public Education in Monroe County booth at the Farmer’s Market.

Bedford Farmer's Market Vendor Sign-up Open House

On April 20, 2010 - Bedford Farmers' Market Vendor Sign-up Open House - The Bedford Farmers’ Market will be holding a vendor open house at the Purdue Extension office, 924 16th Street, Bedford on Tuesday, April 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to register new and returning vendors for the 2010 market season. Vendor contracts will be distributed, a brief orientation will be conducted, WIC sign-up information will be available, and market representatives will be on-hand to answer questions. For more information, contact Jack Clark at (812)834-5345. Presenter: Farmers' Market Board. Contact: Jack Clark-(812)834-5345. Age Range: All Ages. Tuesday, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Purdue Extension office, 924 16th Street, Bedford.

victory Gardens: Our once and Future Food Security - Talk

Victory Gardens: Our once and Future Food Security - April 21st This talk will give a brief overview of the history of victory gardens and their contribution to American food security, followed by a proposal to reintroduce them to enhance contemporary food security. Resources for successful victory gardening will be provided. Part of a week long series of events for Earth Day sponsored by the City Commissions on Sustainability, Historic Preservation and the Environment. Presenter: Dr. Michael SImmons, Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Contact: simmonsm@bloomington.in.gov. Age Range: Adults. Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. McCloskey Room City Hall 401 N. Morton Bloomington.

The Art of CHOCOLATE, Signature Truffles at The Venue

The Art of Chocolate, Signature Truffles at the Venue On Tuesday, April 20th, beginning at 6:00pm. The Venue Fine Art & Gifts will host a demonstration of the creation of one’s own Signature Chocolate Truffle. You will be instructed in how to take a fine quality Chocolate Truffle, coat it with tastes and spices of your own choosing, to create a wonderful chocolate taste that is uniquely your own. Your Signature Truffle. All you have to do is show up. Everything else, including chocolate, spices, tastes, gloves and wine, will be provided. The only limit is your imagination. This demonstration is presented by The Venue and students from the Human Computer Interaction Division, Department of Informatics, Indiana University. Presenter: The Venue, Fine Art & Gifts. Contact: David or Gabriel Colman. Cost: Free. Ticket Phone: 812-339-4200. Tuesday, , 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Venue, Fine Art & Gifts 114 S. Grant St Bloomington IN 47408.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Spring and Lovely Violets!

A few days ago, while in conversation with a friend over the telephone, I looked out at a yard literally covered with violets. In that moment, I decided to once again make a batch of violet wine. Looking toward the sky, I knew that I must pick my blossoms before leaving the house that next day. After gathering my herbal notebook to review my previous violet wine making notes, I saw that it had been eleven years since the last batch was made. The next day after morning coffee and chores, I went out to the least walked areas and began picking violets. I picked the violet blossoms into a glass measuring cup. Gathering it full one after another glass measuring cup full, until I six cups of slightly pressed down flowers (more like seven cups or so)had been gathered; enough to make three gallons of wine, now into its third day of covered fermentation.

I love the citrus yeasty smell and the sound of the bubbling, popping sound of yeast feeding. I am reacquainting myself with the fact of violet flowers and leaves as a really great source of Vitamin C, and easily make a nice addition to salads or steamed vegies, or soup dishes.

I'll gather a few cups of violet flowers and leaves for drying, for use in soups and seasoning this winter.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

COMMUNITY ORCHARD IN BLOOMINGTON!

Edy's Ice Cream is giving away a free orchard, and in Bloomington the
necessary space has already been donated, and the fresh fruit from the orchard
would go to a local food bank!

You can help make this happen.

All you need to do is vote electronically: Go to Edy's website at

http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index - click 'list by state',
find Indiana in the list, click on Bloomington, enter your name and
email address and click on "Plant my Vote".

The city that gets the most votes, gets the orchard. Btown is in a
neck-and-neck race with one other place! Please vote for Bloomington
today and every day through the end of August, using the e-mail addresses in your household.


Thanks! and Pass it on...

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Animal Welfare Approved

Received their publication this week. May this be of use to many! Please share! Animal Welfare Approved – http://www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org
This organization offers Good Husbandry Grants. It is the only free and independent certification that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised outdoors on a family farm. AWA provides a practical certification that has real value for speciality marketing. To apply visit their website or call 202-546-6292

The Great Unleashing - Bloomington Workshop

The Great Unleashing - Transition Town Bloomington, Indiana -Workshop, April 24th -- 9:30am to 5:30pm Saturday - Building Community Resilience and Self-Reliance for Transition at Bloomington City Hall - Showers Building, a day of celebration, education, and action. This day will be followed by working groups addressing the details of our future. Transition Bloomington is working to unite the people of Bloomington to create a more resilient community, able to deal with the challenges of peak oil, climate change, and economic collapse. We expect that this process will also create a more connected and joyful community. http://transitionbloomingtonind.ning.com/

Grants for Indiana Organic Farms - April 1 due date!

Feds offer Indiana $767K for state's organic farms - Indianapolis, IN - The Natural Resources Conservation Service will accept applications from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming until April 1. The Associated Press - Email michelle.anthony@wndu.com
Indiana's organic farmers can compete for nearly $767,000 in federal funds under a new push to encourage conservation on the state's organic farms.
The funding announced Monday is part of the USDA's Environmental
Quality Incentives Program. State Conservationist Jane Hardisty says helping the nation's organic farmers is one of the priorities of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Eligible organic producers can compete for the funding, which can go toward conservation crop rotation, planting filter strips along waterways to filter out sediments and other uses.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will accept applications from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming until April 1, 2010.