ATTRA Funding in Jeopardy - Calls Needed!
For twenty years, the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) program has been one of the most reliable sources of information for farmers and others who want fact-based information on a wide variety of agronomic, livestock, marketing, and entrepreneurial questions with reliable information, evaluated and summarized from its extensive database.  This week Congress announced its plan to completely cut the program. You can help by calling your senator and saying that ATTRA is a valuable source of information on sustainable practices and shouldn’t be cut.  Call right now, as Congress is acting quickly.  Just call the Congressional switchboard, (202) 224-3121, and ask for your senators' offices and leave the following message with their aide who handles agricultural issues: The message is simple.  “Please ask Senator  ___ to insist on restoring full funding to the ATTRA program when the Senate considers the FY07 Continuing Resolution next week.”  For more information on ATTRA, see http://www.attra.org/

Easy to use Format for Letters about the Farm Bill
The Nation has a simple format on their website which can be edited to send a letter to your Congress(wo)man about crafting the upcoming Farm Bill to benefit small farmers and consumers.
http://www.capwiz.com/thenation/issues/alert/?alertid=8993276

Comments Sought About Animal Cloning
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/oc/dockets/comments/commentdocket.cfm?AGENCY=FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued three documents December 28 on the safety of animal cloning: a draft risk assessment; a proposed risk management plan; and a draft guidance for industry. The draft risk assessment finds that meat and milk from clones of adult cattle, pigs and goats, and their offspring, are as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals. FDA does not recommend any special measures relating to human food use of offspring of clones of any species. FDA is seeking comments from the public on the three documents for the next 90 days.

Farming for the Future
http://www.pasafarming.org/farmingForTheFuture.html
February 1-3, State College, PA
Widely regarded as the best of its kind in the East, this diverse event brings together an audience of over 1,400 farmers, processors, consumers, students, environmentalists, and business and community leaders annually. Typical conference workshops focus on such practical topics as poultry production, cheese making, riparian buffers, organic certification and raw milk marketing.

Sustainable Food System Conference
http://www.kansasruralcenter.org/calendar.html#SFSC
February 2-3, Kansas City, MO
"Coming Home to Eat — Creating a Sustainable Regional Food System — A Call for Leadership." A central goal of the conference will be to initiate action to deal with alternative tools and models in building organizational structures in the development of a regionally based food system that is self-reliant and free from corporate control.

Virginia Biological Farming Conference
http://www.vabf.org/conf2007.php
February 2-3, Harrisonburg, VA
The conference theme is "Healthy Farms, Healthy Soil, Healthy Food." Tracks include livestock, vegetable production (including help for beginners), and the business and marketing side of farming. The conference is intended for a broad range of folks, including commercial farmers and farm managers, educators, government agricultural professionals, urban farmers, master gardeners, young people, and just plain consumers.

Report from Terra Madre
805 756-5086
February 4th, San Luis Obispo, CA
Local delegates will share their photos and experiences of Terra Madre, the Slow Food international gathering held biennially in Turin, Italy - this year with more than 8,000 food producers, educators and chefs from 150 countries. A tasting of artisanal foods from our regional producers will follow the presentation!

Ecological Pest Management Conference
http://www.aaie.net/
February 4-6, Napa, CA
The Association of Applied IPM Ecologists presents this event, which includes their 41st annual meeting. The agenda includes the meeting, a keynote address, and concurrent sessions on several IPM topics.

Healthy Farms Conference
http://www.nebsusag.org/events.htm#healthy
February 9-10, Norfolk, NE
The Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society presents its annual conference, with keynote speaker Dan Imhoff, President of Wild Farm Alliance. Tracks will include food and health, alternative energy, diverse crops, and youth activities.

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund Farmers Conference
http://www.federation.coop/
February 9-10, Albany, GA
The conference will provide the opportunity for farmers to have input into the next farm bill both with the USDA officials attending and at a special session focusing exclusively on the farm bill. The event is also designed to provide insightful information on a variety of topics including Conservation, Organic Production, and Sustainable Agriculture.

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Winter Conference
http://www.npsas.org/events.html
February 9-10, Aberdeen, SD
"Revitalizing our Farm Communities" is the theme for this conference, which features keynote speakers Dr. John Ikerd and Dr. Paul Dettloff.

Understanding Organics: Livestock Management and Health
http://www.qmps.vet.cornell.edu/nofa/nofa.html
February 14-16, Alfred, NY
A 3-day conference on Organic Livestock Health and Management designed to provide continuing education to extension agents, veterinarians, and other professionals working with Northeast organic or transitioning producers. This conference will focus on the nuts and bolts of organic livestock production.

2008 Farm Bill Forum
http://www.farmfoundation.org/projects/2007FarmBillForumHomePage.htm
Feb 14, March 14, Washington, DC
Farm Foundation is organizing a series of public forums to engage all stakeholders in informed dialogue on food and agricultural policies. The Forum is a vehicle for all stakeholders to discuss food and agricultural policies. Meeting participants examine current policies, explore and analyze alternative policy proposals, and give voice to new proposals. Speakers provide brief topic summaries, with the majority of time devoted to discussion. The February forum will focus on Framework for Future Rural Development with opening remarks by: USDA Under Secretary Tom Dorr, and RUPRI Director Chuck Flaharty. RSVP is by noon Feb. 9, to

2007 New Mexico Organic Farming Conference
http://www.agmatters.net/attachments/Org_farming_conf1.pdf
February 16-17, Albuquerque, NM
Organized by Farm to Table, NM Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission , New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service

Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota Annual Conference
http://sfa-mn.org/conference.php
February 17, St. Peter, MN
The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota (SFA of MN) announces its 16th Annual Conference: "Sustainable Farming Systems: State of the Art." The conference will feature cutting edge topics in sustainable agriculture, numerous food and agriculture exhibits, and an array of delicious locally produced foods.

People's Movements Building Another Food System
www.nffc.net and http://www.grassrootsonline.org
February 19, Washington, DC
The National Family Farm Coalition and Grassroots International will facilitate a workshop in furthering the domestic campaign on Food Sovereignty. Innovative tools and methods will be shared to scale up the ongoing work for justice in the food system. Immediately following the workshop  is a dinner celebration and "send-off" for the U.S. delegation participating in the “Nyélení 2007 - Forum for Food Sovereignty” in Mali, Africa from February 23-27.

Diversified Agriculture Conference
http://diverseag.org/htm/conference
February 21-23 Lehi, UT
The Diversified Agriculture Conference is designed to benefit agriculture producers who are interested in more than just traditional agriculture, including recreation, tourism, direct marketing, farmers' markets, further processing, and more. Information to be presented at the conference will include the methods and ideas from innovative producers and information from professionals on legal issues, financial issues, and marketing.

Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference
http://www.mosesorganic.org/umofc/intro07.htm
February 22-24, LaCrosse, WI
Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the Conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community. The Conference is highly regarded due to its practical workshops designed to help beginning, transitional, and experienced organic farmers. This year's conference will also have a focus on the 2007 Federal Farm Bill.

California Farm Conference
http://www.californiafarmconference.com/
March 4-6, Monterey, CA
The California Farm Conference is the state's premier gathering of small farmers and those who support them. The three day educational conference includes on-farm tours, focused workshops, general educational sessions and opportunities for peer networking.

Georgia Organics 10th Anniversary Conference
http://www.georgiaorganics.org/events/event.php?id=200
March 8-10, Douglas, GA
"Connecting at the Crossroads—New Directions for Farms, Foods & Communities" will include more than 25 cutting edge workshops, in-depth educational sessions, farm tours, an on-farm field day and the ever-popular Organic Banquet.

Roots to Reform: 2008 Farm Bill Summit and Congressional Lobby Day
March 6-8, Washington D.C

Hosted by the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. The event includes a day of workshops on Farm Bill issues, working with the media, and organizing grassroots action for a sustainable 2008 Farm Bill, followed by a day of meetings with congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Funding is available to help defray the costs to farmers and ranchers to attend the Summit. Contact Aimee Witteman ( / Ph: 202-547-5754 or Margaret Huelsman / PH: 317-536-2315), for more information as soon as possible.

From Cafeterias to Capitol Hill: Growing Healthy Kids, Farms and Communities
http://www.foodsecurity.org/
March 16-19, Baltimore, MD
Join hundreds of farm to cafeteria and food policy enthusiasts to share experiences, and get the latest, up-to-date info on institutional purchasing on both the organizing and policy perspectives. A major focus of the conference will be issues related to the Farm Bill, including farm to cafeteria and beyond. On Monday, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

Community Food Projects (CFP) Grants
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=12255&mode=VIEW, LOI Due Feb 13th
The Program supports projects that help meet the food needs of low-income people, increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs, promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues, and meet specific state, local, or neighborhood food and agriculture needs for infrastructure improvement and development, long-term planning, or the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. Approximately $4.6 million in funds will be available in 2007. Initial letters of intent are due by February 13 (by email). Based on a review of these letters, some applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, due by April 13. Technical assistance for applying for this grant is available through the Community Food Security Program. See http://www.foodsecurity.org/cfp_help.html for details.

Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/biotech_risk.html, Due February 15
CSREES and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) request applications for the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program (BRAG) for fiscal year (FY) 2007 to support environmental assessment research concerning the introduction of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The amount available for support of this program in FY 2007 is approximately $3.0 million. Applications may be submitted by any United States public or private research or educational institution or organization.

Wood Education and Resource Center Competitive Grants Program
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=11875&mode=VIEW Due Feb 15
For cost-share demonstration projects that assist the WERC in meeting its mission of facilitating interaction and information exchange with the forest products industry that will enhance opportunities for sustained forest products production in the eastern hardwood forest region.

Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Loans
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/esaploan.htm Due Feb 15
The state of Minnesota has a standing allocation of $1 million dollars in a "revolving fund" to facilitate the adoption of alternative management practices that will enhance farm profitability, benefit the rural environment, and provide a more sustainable farming system. The maximum loan per farm family is $25,000 and fixed interest is at 3 percent over a term not to exceed seven years.

Special Research Grants Program—Pest Management Alternatives Research
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pmap.html Due Feb 15
To address needs in integrated pest management (IPM) for food, feed, fiber, forest, livestock, and ornamental commodities resulting from the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 and related regulatory actions.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm , Due March 30,2007
To promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. This is accomplished by making grants to pay costs of providing economic planning for rural communities, technical assistance for rural businesses, or training for rural entrepreneurs or economic development officials.

Tom Lyson of Cornell’s Community Food and Agriculture Program Dies
http://tinyurl.com/36cget
Thomas A. Lyson, an influential sociologist at Cornell University, who argued that rural towns and small farms could survive economically by selling locally produced goods to regional markets, died on Dec. 28 in Ithaca, N.Y. He was 58. Dr. Lyson explored his idea in a book, “Civic Agriculture: Reconnecting Farm, Food and Community” (2004), in which he made a case for rural communities to rethink their traditional crops and instead produce organic ones, plus cheeses, wines and other niche goods. He criticized what he saw as an increasingly globalized approach to agricultural production and its withering influence on independent family farms, which he believed form the social underpinnings of countless rural American towns.

Molly Ivins, 1944-2007
http://tinyurl.com/32kg7x
Conventional journalism didn't quite fit Molly Ivins, the liberal political columnist and author. Ivins, claimed January 31 by breast cancer at 62, bedevil politicians — especially those of her native Texas — with witty political critiques.

New Members Named to National Organic Standards Board
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/TodaysNews.html
Four new members have been named to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to serve terms beginning Jan. 24, 2007, and ending Jan. 24, 2012. The new appointees are Tracy Miedema, Consumer/Public Interest member; Tina Ellor, Environmentalist member; Steve DeMuri, Handler member; and Katrina Heinze, Scientist member. The NOSB has 15 members representing all sectors and interests of organic producing, handling, and consuming (4 producers, 2 handlers, 1 retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 consumers, 1 scientist, and 1 certifying agent).

Agricultural Researchers Address Climate Change Threat to Food Supplies
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6200114.stm
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research met recently in Washington, DC, and experts from 15 agricultural research centers around the world focused on how climate change would affect world harvests, say reports on BBC and Planet Ark (http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/39330/story.htm). The researchers predict that both drought and flooding will result in reduced food production. The organization has announced its plans to accelerate development of strains of staple crops that will tolerate conditions such as increased heat, prolonged submergence in water, and salt levels.

Philadelphia Company Focuses on Waste Culinary Grease to Make Biodiesel
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6585629
A start-up company called Philadelphia Fry-O-Diesel is focused on making biodiesel fuel from restaurant trap grease. That's the slimy, sticky gunk that collects at the bottom of restaurant grease traps. Most restaurants pay to have the stuff hauled away, reports National Public Radio's (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6585629) Joel Rose. The process requires some extra steps to convert the grease into biodiesel, Rose reports. But the feedstock is free.

Organic Farmer Jon Tester Elected to United States Senate
Jon Tester, an organic farmer and leader in the organic movement since 1987, has been elected as a U.S. Senator from the state of Montana. A third generation farmer from Big Sandy, Montana, he has been farming organically for nearly twenty years. Tester has been a leader in the organic movement for more than a decade. He served as the national treasurer for the Organic Crop Improvement Association International, and helped to develop the Montana Organic Certification program.

Research Shows Organic Farming Reduces Nitrogen Leaching
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2006news/nitrogen_organic.html
Researchers at the Washington State University have found that organic farming methods can help reduce the amount of nitrogen draining into ground water. Dr. John Reganold at the Washington State University and colleagues at Stanford University and The Land Institute examined the use of organic fertilizers on nitrate leaching, or draining, in soils. With funding from the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, the researchers examined nitrate leaching in an apple orchard under three management systems: organic, conventional and integrated. The study found that annual nitrate leaching was four to five times higher in the conventional treatment than in the two organic treatments, with the integrated treatment in between.

Arizona Voters Approve Confinement Ban
By a margin of 3-2, Arizona became the first state in the nation to prohibit the confinement of calves and veal crates and the second state to prohibit the confinement of breeding pigs in gestation crates. The measure phases out the two confinement practices, with an effective date of Dec. 31, 2012.

Cornell University Joins Local Foods Movement
http://www.cornellsun.com/node/19807
Cornell University joins the growing list of colleges and universities offering fresh, local foods in their dining halls. The university initiated a pilot program five years ago, which offered students at North Star dining facility a kiosk with fresh and, when available, local produce. The university estimates spending about 20 percent more on local foods this year, compared to last year, and those involved with the program hope to see that figure grow each year. "I think [our goal is] 100 percent when it's reasonable, and it's in season," said Anthony Kveragas, senior executive chef for Cornell's retail operations.

Coming Soon: Food Fight: A Citizen’s Guide to the Farm Bill
http://www.watershedmedia.org/foodfight_overview.html
This book offers offer a concise, visually dynamic overview of a legislation that literally shapes our food system, our bodies, and our future. It is intended as a farm bill primer available to people and media tuning into the 2008 farm bill reauthorization process. (There isn't such a book at the moment.) More importantly, we hope this can contribute to more a sustained citizens' movement that is so essential in evolving a farm policy that truly addresses the challenges we face in the 21st century. Fred Kirschenmann and Michael Pollan have written an outstanding forward and introduction.

Low Cost Website Development for Farmers
http://www.smallfarmcentral.com
A new Internet marketing project is being initiated that will bring the cost of web development for small farms down to an affordable level. This is a service that allows farmers to create individual professional web sites for their farm. They are also in the process of forming a core group of farmers who will work closely with the development team throughout the process and then receive free access to the development services.

New Book Analyzing the Extension Process for Sustainable Agriculture.
http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=11187
Keith Douglass Warner was on the board of directors for the California SAWG from 2000-2004, and served as chair 2003-4. MIT Press has now published an updated version of his dissertation, Agroecology in Action: Extending Alternative Agriculture through Social Networks. Keith's work demonstrates that when the right incentives are accompanied by social learning extension education, farming systems can make dramatic process toward sustainable agriculture goals.

Union of Concerned Scientists’ A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science
www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/interference/a-to-z-guide-to-political.html
A guide to abuses of the Bush administration’s oversight and manipulation of the science underlying federal policies and action.  More than 10,000 scientists of all backgrounds from all 50 states - including 52 Nobel Laureates - have signed onto the statement.  Agriculture issues are scattered among the topic areas and include research on CAFO airborne bacteria, pesticide regulation, and the impact of agriculture on wildlife habitat. 

Targeted Grazing Handbook Available Online
http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Handbook.htm
A new handbook that focuses on using sheep and goats to manage vegetation and enhance landscapes was recently completed in a collaborative effort. The handbook covers topics such as using targeted grazing to control invasive species of weeds and using sheep and goats to create fire breaks. It also includes grazing prescriptions that can be used to target specific plant species and examples of how sheep and goats are being used to manage vegetation.

University of Arkansas Extension Introduces Organic Production Resource Manual
http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/Organic_Resource_Manual.pdf
The document was constructed to assist extension workers, ag-professionals, consultants and growers in Arkansas and the region with fundamental questions and resources for organic production. The document's development and contents were based upon research on the information needs of various clientele groups, and compiled as part of a graduate student thesis. The 110-page Resource Manual is available online in PDF and will be available in hardbound/notebook copies in the future.

Kik-i-allus-A Farmer’s Perspective
http://www.fidalgo.net/~clara/glensbook.html
In letters to his father, farmer and author, Glen Johnson. taps into the beauty and rich heritage of this place as inspirations for the relections herein. His perspective on the dynamics of the human condition expose the politics of our times with a quirky contemplative satire. This is a common sense, uplifting treatise about how we might approach and interact with our future, ourselves and others.

Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: Pickett v. Tyson
http://www.bepress.com/jafio/vol4/iss1/art9/
Four articles have been published about the historic cattle trial, Pickett v Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., in which cattlemen alleged that Tyson/IBP used captive (contracted) supplies of cattle to manipulate the cash market in violation of the Packers & Stockyards Act.

Report Shows Benefits of Pasture-raised Chicken and Pork
http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/greener-eggs-ham.html
The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a report that shows how pasture-raised pork, chicken, and egg production can avoid the problems conventional production poses for water and air quality and animal and public health. The report, Greener Eggs and Ham: The Benefits of Pasture-Raised Swine, Poultry, and Egg Production, provides an overview of alternative pork and chicken production systems and is a complementary report to UCS's Greener Pastures, which describes the benefits of grass-fed beef and dairy cattle.

Kentucky Farmers' Market Report Shows Growth
http://www.kyagr.com/news_events/2006farmersmarketreport.htm
Kentucky has issued a report on Farmers' Markets in the state that shows the number of registered farmers' markets increased 10.2 percent and the number of vendors rose 7.7 percent from 2005 to 2006. The growth is credited both to increased state support of farmers' markets-through cost-share programs and technical assistance-and the passage of the 2003 legislation that allows Kentuckians to produce value-added products in their homes to sell. The full report is available online.

Some Pollinator Populations Declining, Says Report
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=11761
Long-term population trends for some North American pollinators-bees, birds, bats, and other animals and insects that spread pollen so plant fertilization can occur-are "demonstrably downward," says a new report from the National Research Council. Research indicates that shortages of pollinators for agriculture already exist and that decreases in wild pollinator populations could disrupt ecosystems in the future.

Reports Spotlight Role of Farms in Reducing Global Warming
http://www.pewclimate.org/press_room/sub_press_room/2006_releases/pr_921.cfm
Two reports released by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change say America's farms and forestlands have a major role to play in reducing the threat of climate change. Changes in agricultural practices coupled with foresting marginal agricultural lands could offset up to one fifth of current U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time creating potential new sources of farming income.

USDA’s Draft Farm Bill Targets Specialty Crops
http://www.agmatters.net/attachments/farmbill.doc

Thanks to National Campaign Partner Don Kerstettner of Trappe Landing Farm and Native Sanctuary for developing these resources regarding corn subsides.
He urges us to share them widely.
http://tinyurl.com/39xrw9
http://tinyurl.com/36qtpn

Ag News Clips Website Keeps Activists Up-To-Date
AgClips provides a roundup of agriculture and rural development news from the regional offices of The Council of State Governments, and State Agriculture and Rural Leaders. 
http://www.agandruralleaders.org/agclips.htm 

GE Crops Slow to Gain Global Acceptance
http://tinyurl.com/2glqc3

Rolling Stone Article on Porcine Mega-Agriculture
http://tinyurl.com/35cg39

A Polynesian Perspective on Avian Influenza
Describing a simple and natural way animals are kept healthy in Polynesia.
http://tinyurl.com/368lwa
http://tinyurl.com/35r2hq
http://tinyurl.com/2usfkh

Recent articles in the Agribusiness Examiner about the upcoming Farm Bill debate
http://tinyurl.com/2q79gk

Ethanol Boom Cheers Grain Farmers, Pinches Food Makers
http://tinyurl.com/32texx

House Bill May Pump Billions More Into Biofuels
http://tinyurl.com/yppwk9

Industrialized Farming and Its Relationship to Community Well Being
http://tinyurl.com/376my9

Thanks to the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) for these documents on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Background paper
http://tinyurl.com/2rcj9b
Analysis of NAIS Implications 
http://tinyurl.com/3avm95 
Analysis of the recently released USDA's NAIS User Guide
http://tinyurl.com/3brs56
A table outlining the impact of NAIS on the farming community.
http://tinyurl.com/2wxpd8

Helpful Links available on the National Campaign’s Website
Employment:
http://www.sustainableagriculture.net/employment.php
Internships
http://www.sustainableagriculture.net/internships.php
Events Calendar:
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/index.php
Action Alerts:
http://www.sustainableagriculture.net/alertsMain.php

© 2007-2008 National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture.