| Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - August 7, 2013 Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online. News & Resources - National Farmers Market Week Celebrated
- Wisconsin Reports on Grass-Based Dairy Project
- The James Beard Foundation Names 2013 Leadership Award Recipients
- Grant Funds Free Nationwide Access to Dairyland Initiative for Farmers
- Heat Treatment Rids Trees of Citrus Greening Symptoms
- Publication on Soil Fertility in Organic Systems Released
Funding Opportunities - Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants
- Market Access Program (MAP) Brand Promotion
- Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
Coming Events - Mother Earth News Fair
- Common Ground Country Fair
- Why and What You Need to Know About the Food Safety Modernization Act
News & Resources National Farmers Market Week Celebrated
August 4-10 is National Farmers Market Week in the United States. USDA notes that 8,144 farmers markets are now listed in USDA's National Farmers Market Directory. Many markets around the country will host special events in celebration of National Farmers Market Week. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has offered suggestions for ways that consumers can celebrate Farmers Market Week. Meanwhile, Farmers Market Coalition offers resource materials to help promote National Farmers Market Week.
Related ATTRA Publication: Tips for Selling at Farmers Markets Wisconsin Reports on Grass-Based Dairy Project
The final report from a group of Wisconsin collaborators who explored pasture-based systems as a source of 'specialty milk' for value-added dairy processing is now available. The project included four years of research on the chemistry and culinary performance of grass-based products. A market research report and a 12-minute video were created. Final recommendations recognize the need to organize grass-based dairy farmers and the need to generate funds for marketing. The James Beard Foundation Names 2013 Leadership Award Recipients
The James Beard Foundation has announced the recipients of its third annual Leadership Awards. These awards celebrate the visionaries responsible for creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food world. This year's five honorees are Hal Hamilton, Cynthia Hayes, Marion Nestle, Ricardo Salvador, and Gus Schumacher. Grant Funds Free Nationwide Access to Dairyland Initiative for Farmers
The Dairyland Initiative, a University of Wisconsin program that works with farmers to optimize cow comfort, health, and milk production, has received a grant to make its Web-based resources available at no cost to dairy farmers across the country. The Dairyland Initiative delivers building plan assessments and other information based on the latest dairy animal research and years of collective field experience in dairy housing. Heat Treatment Rids Trees of Citrus Greening Symptoms
USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists have found that heating potted citrus seedlings in growth chambers can rid the seedlings of Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, symptoms. Research results published in the journal Phytopathology showed that exposing seedlings to 48 hours of 104 to 107°F heat significantly reduced and often eliminated HLB infection for at least two years. In a separate field study, researchers encased infected trees in opaque, plastic PVC "tents." Preliminary results show that the solar heat triggered disease remission and prolonged the trees' productivity. Publication on Soil Fertility in Organic Systems Released
Pacific Northwest Extension has released a new 19-page publication, Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers. The publication discusses fertilizer formulations, nutrients and nutrient availability, and application practices for common organic products.
Related ATTRA Publication: Sources of Organic Fertilizers and Amendments >> More Breaking News Back to top
Funding Opportunities Animal Welfare Approved Good Husbandry Grants
Animal Welfare Approved is making available grants of up to $5,000 to improve animal welfare for Animal Welfare Approved farms, farms that have completed an application to join the program, or slaughter plants that are working with an AWA farm. Funding priorities include improved genetics, increased outdoor access, welfare improvements in the slaughter process, and non-lethal predator control.
The deadline for applications is October 1, 2013. Market Access Program (MAP) Brand Promotion
The Market Access Program (MAP) Brand Promotion was designed to support small businesses in launching a new branded-export effort. Southern United States Trade Association reimburses up to 50% of certain international marketing and promotion expenses, including eligible tradeshows, in-store displays, and required label changes. Companies must export a branded product that is at least 50% U.S. agricultural origin.
Applications are accepted from August 1 until funding is exhausted. Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals through its Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program to carry out research, education, and on-farm demonstration projects. Units of government, organizations, educational institutions, and non-profit groups are eligible to apply for up to $20,000 in funding. Competitive grants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to individuals.
Applications are due by October 15, 2013. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top
Coming Events Mother Earth News Fair
September 20-22, 2013
Seven Springs, Pennsylvania
Mother Earth News Fairs are fun-filled, family-oriented, sustainable lifestyle events that feature dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops. Topics include renewable energy, small-scale agriculture, gardening, green building, green transportation, and animal husbandry. Common Ground Country Fair
September 20-22, 2013
Unity, Maine
This annual celebration of the rural and agricultural traditions of Maine is presented by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners. It features keynote speakers, exhibits, demonstrations, and vendors of local food and products, as well as activities for the whole family. Why and What You Need to Know About the Food Safety Modernization Act
August 13, 2013
Online
American Farmland Trust is hosting a discussion about two rules that have recently been released by the Food and Drug Administration: the Produce Rule, which governs farm practices, and the Preventative Control Rule, which addresses how food is handled once it leaves the farm. Learn how these rules may affect your farm, your business, your food purchasing decisions, or regional farm economy and environment—and how you can take action to be sure your voice is heard. >> More Events Back to top
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Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.  The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
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