| Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - September 21, 2016 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. | NCAT Seeks Regional Director and Demonstration Farm Manager
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is accepting applications until October 2, 2016, for a Director for its Northeast Regional Office in Forty Fort/Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. NCAT is also accepting applications through September 23, 2016, for a Demonstration Farm Manager in Jackson, Mississippi. | News & Resources - Certified Organic Survey Results Show Sales Up 13% Nationally
- Photo Guide to Silvopasture Available Online
- How Orchard Netting Is Helping with Climate Change Adaptation
- Video Showcases Elderberries as a Commercial Crop
- Ohio State University Offers Free, Yearlong Aquaculture Training
- FDA Seeks Public Input on Antimicrobials in Animal Agriculture
Funding Opportunities - Farm to School Grant Program
- Southern SARE On-Farm Research Grant
- Texas Young Farmer Grant
Coming Events - New Farmer University
- Mother Earth News Fair
- Soil Health Workshop with Jim Gerrish
News & Resources Certified Organic Survey Results Show Sales Up 13% Nationally
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service's 2015 Certified Organic Survey showed that 12,818 certified organic farms in the United States sold $6.2 billion in organic products in 2015, up 13% from 2014. California and Wisconsin had the largest number of certified organic farms with 2,637 and 1,205, respectively. Existing organic producers are transitioning another 151,000 acres to organic production.
Related ATTRA Resources: Organic Farming Photo Guide to Silvopasture Available Online
The Photo Guide to Northeastern United States Silvopasture is available online in PDF. The 23-page guide is the result of research investigating silvopasture practices on farms in New York and New England. It features photos of forest conversion to silvopasture, hardwood and softwood plantations, orchard and maple sugarbush silvoculture, forages, fencing options, and more.
Related ATTRA Publication: Agroforestry: An Overview How Orchard Netting Is Helping with Climate Change Adaptation
One technique that is helping tree fruit growers in the Northwest adapt to climate change is orchard netting, writes WSU horticulture graduate student Brendon Anthony. Orchardists are finding that shade cloth can protect fruit from wind, untimely precipitation, pests, and pathogens. Photoselective colored netting may help with fruit set, fruit size, coloration, and other attributes, as well.
Related ATTRA Publication: Climate Change and Perennial Fruit and Nut Production: Investing in Resilience in Uncertain Times Video Showcases Elderberries as a Commercial Crop
University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture has released a 9-minute video titled Elderberries as a Commercial Crop for Vermont Farmers. The video explores the uses, varieties, and cultivation practices for elderberries. Experts note that although the market is not yet fully developed, the crop is simple to grow in its native climate and has multiple uses.
Related ATTRA Publication: Specialty Crops for Cold Climates Ohio State University Offers Free, Yearlong Aquaculture Training
The Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development is offering 30 new and beginning fish farmers an in-depth introduction to aquaculture and aquaponics and the business of fish farming through a free, yearlong program called Aquaculture Boot Camp-2. Participants will take part in 16 days of training and have the opportunity to work on an operating fish farm. Applications are due by November 4, 2016. FDA Seeks Public Input on Antimicrobials in Animal Agriculture
For certain species and disease indications listed in a Federal Register notice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wants to obtain additional information on the underlying diseases requiring drugs for therapeutic purposes, and periods when livestock or poultry are at risk of developing these diseases. In addition, FDA is asking for information on husbandry practices that may help avoid the need for these antimicrobials. FDA is accepting public comments for 90 days beginning September 14, 2016. >>More Breaking News Back to top
Funding Opportunities Farm to School Grant Program
USDA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in schools. Applicants may apply for a Planning grant, Implementation grant, Support Service grant, or Training grant. For all four types of grants, the Federal share of a project cannot exceed 75% of the total cost of the project.
Applications are due by December 8, 2016. Southern SARE On-Farm Research Grant
Agriculture professionals in Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, universities, NGOs, and government and non-government organizations who regularly work with farmers/ranchers are invited to apply for a grant that affords them the opportunity to conduct on-farm research in sustainable agriculture. Applicants must work with at least one farmer/rancher on the project. Grants can be up to two years for a project maximum of $15,000.
Proposals are due by November 18, 2016. Texas Young Farmer Grant
The Texas Department of Agriculture administers the Young Farmer Grant program, which provides dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds to agricultural producers 18 to 46 who are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Applications must be received by October 12, 2016. >>More Funding Opportunities Back to top
Coming Events New Farmer University
October 21-23, 2016
Lanesboro, Minnesota
MOSES and Renewing the Countryside present an opportunity to learn from experienced organic farmers and agriculture experts about the field and financial aspects of farming. The agenda includes optional Fearless Farm Finances training on October 21, followed by workshops, farmer panels, and ask-an-expert sessions. Mother Earth News Fair
October 22-23, 2016
Topeka, Kansas
The Mother Earth News Fair features more than 150 workshops from leading authorities on organic gardening, food preservation, homesteading and livestock, and natural health, as well as exhibitors, demonstrations, and inspiring keynote speakers. Soil Health Workshop with Jim Gerrish
October 25, 26 or 27, 2016
Missoula, Dillon, or Livingston, Montana
Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Montana, NRCS, and the Soil & Water Conservation Society are bringing forage and grazing expert Jim Gerrish to Montana for three day-long workshops on soil health. >> More Events Back to top
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Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest newsletters are available online.  ATTRA was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects. © 2016 NCAT Back to top | 
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