| Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - August 12, 2015 Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online. News & Resources - Study Says Agricultural Best Practices Could Eliminate Great Plains Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Clemson Tests Bagging to Protect Growing Peaches
- Organic Practices Could Improve Water Quality, Says Study
- Farmers Market Manager Survey Identifies Trends
- EPA Proposes Stronger Pesticide Application Standards
- Rodale Institute Unveils Model for Raising Pastured Organic Hogs
Funding Opportunities - Northeast SARE Partnership Grants
- Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation
- Missouri Farm to School Value-Added Agriculture Grants
Coming Events - NCR-SARE Food, Fiber, and Fuel Study Tour
- Small Farm School
- Organic Growers School Harvest Conference
News & Resources Study Says Agricultural Best Practices Could Eliminate Great Plains Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Researchers from the Natural Resource Ecology Lab at Colorado State University have completed a historical analysis that demonstrates the potential to completely eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions from the Great Plains region. Widespread adoption of best management practices could substantially mitigate agricultural greenhouse gas fluxes. Changing practices, primarily adopting no-tillage cultivation, could reduce greenhouse gases without any reduction in food production.
Related ATTRA Publication: Agriculture, Climate Change and Carbon Sequestration Clemson Tests Bagging to Protect Growing Peaches
Clemson University researchers are tying bags on growing peaches to protect the fruit from insects and diseases. Though this increases labor costs, it prevents problems with fungicide resistance and may limit skin disorders. The bagged peaches are equivalent in sugar and acidic content but lighter in color than conventional fruit. Researchers say the fruit bagging could open opportunities for organic peach production in the Southeast.
Related ATTRA Publication: Peaches: Organic and Low-Spray Production Organic Practices Could Improve Water Quality, Says Study
Research by USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment and Iowa State University showed that subsurface drainage-water nitrogen loading is significantly greater for conventional agriculture systems than for organic systems. The researchers concluded that organic farming practices, such as the application of composted animal manure and the use of forage legumes and green manures, can improve water quality in Midwestern subsurface-drained landscapes. Farmers Market Manager Survey Identifies Trends
A survey of farmers market managers by USDA Agricultural Marketing Service identified a number of trends amongst the nation's more than 8,400 farmers markets. Markets reported that consumer demand remains robust, and many markets are looking to expand the number and product diversity of vendors. Markets are also strengthening community engagement in numerous ways.
Related ATTRA Publication: Farmers Markets: Marketing and Business Guide EPA Proposes Stronger Pesticide Application Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stronger standards for pesticide applicators who apply "restricted-use" pesticides. Additionally, EPA is proposing additional specialized licensing for certain methods of application, such as fumigation and aerial application. EPA is accepting public comment on the proposal for 90 days. Rodale Institute Unveils Model for Raising Pastured Organic Hogs
Rodale Institute recently unveiled its new Organic Hog Facility, a state-of-the-art model for farmers looking to raise premium quality, certified organic hogs on pasture with the added benefits of a centralized shelter. Rodale's facility resembles a large hoophouse surrounded by eight acres of diverse pasture. >> More Breaking News Back to top
Funding Opportunities Northeast SARE Partnership Grants
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program seeks proposals from agricultural agencies, organizations, businesses, or local governments working directly with farmers. The Partnership Grant program supports on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects that will add to understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Applications are due by October 6, 2015. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Agricultural Watershed Management Implementation
EPA is soliciting applications for approximately $3 million in grants and/or cooperative agreements to reduce agricultural nonpoint source pollution to the Great Lakes. Projects must implement agricultural best management practices or management measures from watershed-based plans.
Applications are due September 28, 2015. Missouri Farm to School Value-Added Agriculture Grants
The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority is accepting applications for matching grants up to $200,000 to help Missouri businesses access and process locally grown agricultural products for local schools. Eligible items may include coolers, freezers, washing and packing equipment, and professional services.
Applications must be received by October 16, 2015. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top
Coming Events NCR-SARE Food, Fiber, and Fuel Study Tour
September 15-17, 2015
Bismarck, North Dakota
This tour provides on-farm visits illustrating sustainable agricultural practices. The tour will address improving soil health, expanding the growing season, organic production, soil salinity, consumer-supported agriculture, rangeland diversity, sugar beet ethanol development, and educational programs. SARE State coordinators, Extension agents and educators, agency staff, and farmers interested in sustainability are invited. Small Farm School
September 12, 2015
Oregon City, Oregon
Small Farm School is a full-day event with hands-on and classroom workshops for beginning farmers and small-acreage rural landowners. Workshops in four tracks deal with land and livestock management, production, and business planning. Organic Growers School Harvest Conference
September 11-12, 2015
Swannanoa, North Carolina
Organic Growers School presents the second Harvest Conference, with a focus on the fall growing season. Friday features a wide selection of whole- and half-day pre-conference workshops. Saturday offers 26 workshop classes in seven tracks. >> More Events Back to top
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