NSAC Archives for May, 2010
Congress Yet to Finish on Pigford, Farm Credit, Child Nutrition Funding
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Last week we reported on several major pending pieces of legislation. At that time, two bills — the so-called tax extenders bill and the emergency supplemental appropriations bill — seemed like they might be resolved by today, the beginning of the congressional recess week for Memorial Day. Alas, while progress was made on both this Read the Rest…
30 Days To Comment on VAPG Rule
Friday, May 28th, 2010
The long anticipated proposed rule for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program was published in today’s Federal Register. The comment period for the proposed rule is only 30 days with comments on the regulatory provisions due by June 28, 2010. We expect the announcement of VAPG awards from the 2009 competition next week, and will Read the Rest…
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Rule is Out with NOFA to Follow
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Today’s Federal Register included the interim final rule for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), one of NSAC’s 2008 Farm Bill priority program. The interim rule goes into effect on June 28, 2010, but the USDA will be taking public comments until July 27, 2010. RMAP is a new program created in the 2008 Farm Read the Rest…
Funding for Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Assistance
Friday, May 28th, 2010
On Thursday, the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service announced the availability of $2.4 million dollars in competitive grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses as part of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). State, tribal, and local governments, universities, rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities Read the Rest…
Mobile Slaughter Units and Untapped Markets
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
On Tuesday USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) published a compliance guide to help operators of mobile slaughter units understand the regulatory requirements that pertain to them. It should also be must reading for entrepreneurs considering building a mobile slaughter facility. FSIS is requesting feedback on the guidance by July 26 and will incorporate Read the Rest…
Organic Research RFA Focuses on Environmental Services
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
USDA is making $4.7 million available through the Organic Transitions integrated research, education, and extension program to fund projects examining environmental services provided by organic agriculture that contribute to climate change mitigation and support soil conservation. The Request for Applications (RFA) prioritizes two areas of much-needed research: 1. Documenting and understanding the effects of organic Read the Rest…
Moving Legislation – What’s in it for Food and Agriculture
Friday, May 21st, 2010
With the financial regulation bill approved in the Senate and moving to conference with the House-passed bill, and with the one week Memorial Day recess just a week away, several key legislative items are starting to move quickly. A brief review follows, highlighting what is in the bills for food and agriculture. Budget Resolution – Read the Rest…
USDA releases comprehensive Local Food Systems Report
Friday, May 21st, 2010
This week, USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) released a comprehensive report on Local Food Systems drawing together findings from the existing academic literature and ERS analysis. The report is divided into five main sections: local food definitions characteristics of local food suppliers demand for local food from consumers and institutions government programs and policies affecting Read the Rest…
Farmers Market Directory Registration Deadline Extended
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
USDA has extended the deadline for registering farmers markets for inclusion in the National Farmers Market Directory until June 4, 2010. The Directory is used by the general public and has also become an important tool for policymakers and researchers. The deadline extension is part of an effort to ensure the count is accurate as Read the Rest…
DOJ/USDA Announce May 21 Workshop on Competition in the Poultry Sector
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
The Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced the schedule and panelists for the May 21, 2010 joint workshop on competition and regulatory issues in the poultry sector. The workshop will be held in Normal, Alabama at the Ernest L. Knight Reception Center at Alabama A & M University from 9 am Read the Rest…
