However, they did complain that as small-scale producers, they sometimes have problems acquiring the already-approved items. “Our problem has been finding sources for the OMRI- (Organic Material Review Institute) certified inputs that we do want to...
By passing strong reauthorization legislation, the administration hopes to reduce hunger, promote food access, and improve the overall health and nutrition of children across the country.
Courtesy iStockphoto/Thinkstock With rising fuel prices, using a gas-powered lawn mower costs a little extra green this season. Midwest Recovery, an appliance recycling firm, then volunteered to recycle the gas-powered lawn mowers exchanged as part of...
In the spring I posted a notice in my church's bulletin asking folks to plant a little extra. Nearly 8.5 million people, including 2.9 million children, live in these homes.11.1 percent of U.S. households are at risk of hunger: they have lower quality...
The country's women veterans are receiving assistance from a variety of programs designed to help them begin or continue careers in agriculture after returning from their tours of duty.
The training was held in late-winter at the Lincoln County Extension office through Mississippi Women for Agriculture and the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “Whether you start a business with your own money or get outside financing,...
For details about the program and application information, veterans can call the IAC at 559-688-1030. Founded by the International Agri-Center, which hosts the World Ag Expo in Tulane, Calif., Ag Warriors has partnered with four educational institutions...
“This new truck now helps us improve the quality and freshness of our farm produce when we deliver into the Chicago market,” explains Peg Sheaffer. The Farmers' Legal Action Group also offers a free Farmers' Guide to the Farm Service Agency Microloan...
Likewise, guests who have money are encouraged to leave a little extra to offset the meals of those who have less to give.” The makeover involves adding a 60-inch double oven with a griddle top, a 10-foot center island prep table and an under-counter...
They also report better behavior as well as respect for nature.The programs are usually taught by local Master Gardeners or volunteers who love to share their gardening knowledge with others.
A comprehensive sanitation regimen lessens the possibility of making people ill and can also increase your revenue. Accomplishing these tasks simultaneously is the best way to promote a product's shelf life, especially in the case of leafy greens.
Photo courtesy Hemera/Thinkstock The Certificate in Commercial Urban Agriculture program offers a comprehensive introduction to starting an urban farm. To register, click here . Tags Certificate in Commercial Urban Agriculture , ECO City Farms , Prince...
The day before they were set to fly, Andrews was at a loss for words. “Sowing seeds of success,” Asenath Andrews proudly says, “is our slogan.” Andrews is the residing principal of Catherine Ferguson Academy in Detroit, Mich., a high school for...
The more information you have regarding how the program will help the community, the better start you will have. Before you meet your community leaders, have an action plan to discuss with them.
An idea was born: let's teach many of the residents how to grow their own produce in an urban setting.Several organizations banded together to establish a number of programs to train and support residents with plants, tools and gardening advice.In 2004...
While traditionally a mecca in the worldwide automotive industry, the city of Detroit, Mich., may be adding another facet to its fundamental structure: global recognition as an important city in the field of urban-agriculture research.
Every summer my mother canned red beets, filling the house with the earthy (read: dirt-like) smell of the cooking roots. Beet the Competition To grow the best beets on the block (no matter which variety strikes your fancy) here are a few growing tips:...
Submit applications in time to meet deadlines. Request relevant applications. Think about adding multipurpose windbreaks or using marginal land, abandoned woodlots and overgrazed or otherwise damaged habitat if you own farmland.
“It is especially important for family farms supporting sustainable agriculture to voice their opinions because, inherently, the Farm Bill is not designed to support small farmers,” Lotti says.
Currently, the most recognized GMO-labeling program is Non-GMO Project Verified , a third-party verification and labeling program for non-GMO food and products. In what could be seen as a win for the pro-GMO-labeling camp , the USDA has launched the first...
There is no need to worry about excessive weight from soil (an issue on roof gardens when the raised bed method is used.) The rain barrel supplies the water as needed; and can refilled by hose in an extended dry situation.Many of the tomato varieties...
But it will offer landscape design help by providing an area to input the dimensions of your yard, then generating the visual space and allowing you to try different landscaping options while viewing the results from all aspects and directions.Most of...
Farm Bill Reauthorization Along with its farm-to-school advocacy in the 2010 Child Nutrition Reauthorization, NSAC is calling on Congress to further farm-to-school programming through the Farm Bill .
BUFA was a result of the Multnomah Food Initiative, a multi-pronged analysis of the county's food scene, which revealed a lack of training for small-scale farmers. But we can't have 60 people working on a quarter-acre.” Ultimately, however, those capacity...
The Oregon Department of Corrections, community partners, farmers and volunteers came together with seeds, soil testing, gardening supplies, and banks of time and knowledge to cultivate the Lettuce Grow Garden Foundation.
USDA's Rural Development announced $4.4 million in grants to help 23 local business cooperatives in 19 states. “Americans are more interested in food and agriculture than at any other time since most families left the farm,” said Merrigan.
As the U.S. Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill last week, which included cuts to the Conservation Stewardship Program , farmers across the Midwest weighed in with their thoughts about conservation programs and environmental stewardship.