FARM BILL UPDATE

Senate Farm Bill: Mark-up, set, go!

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Seeds of a Better Farm Bill

 

NEWS:

Alternative Farm Bill seeks to bolster specialty crops

Dairy farmer picked for New Hampshire's new agriculture chief

Massachusetts cranberry growers look to strengthen industry

Vermont's Agriculture leaders see hope for dairy in Senate Farm Bill

Pennsylvania bans milk labels saying cows not treated with artificial growth hormones

New study finds that organic foods are healthier

Connecticut’s suburban farms seek new ways to stay fertile

 

EVENTS:

11/3: NOFA CT’s organic harvest celebration & annual meeting, New Haven, CT

11/12-14: Albrecht methods with Neal Kinsey, Lancaster, PA

11/15-16: Northeast Dairy Women's Conference, Latham-Albany, NY

12/1: “Good Food Now” summit, New York, NY

12/11-13: New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, Manchester, NH

 

OPPORTUNITIES:

Membership Assistant, Slow Food, Brooklyn, NY

Campaign Manager, The Humane Society of The United States, Gaithersburg, MD

Campaign Associate, Project Bread - The Walk for Hunger, Boston, MA

Marketing and Public Relations Director, Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, MA

Compost Project Instructor, Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, NY

Multiple openings, Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY

Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program

Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program

 

 

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FARM BILL UPDATE

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Senate Farm Bill: Mark-UP, Set, GO!

Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up the Senate Farm Bill, known officially as the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007.  Reviews of the Bill have been mixed.  The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition released a press statement describing it as offering "real gains but no real reform."  Other groups including American Farmland Trust are more bullish on the Senate Bill’s reform elements.  They cite the new Average Crop Revenue (ACR) program contained in the Bill as “an innovative and forward looking proposal that fundamentally changes the way commodity subsidies operate”.

 

Now that the Senate Agriculture Committee has done its work, the Bill will go to the Senate floor for a vote where additional amendments are possible.  As the NYT op-ed below points out, many in the sustainable agriculture community are calling on Senate leaders to use the floor debate to right the Senate Bill’s wrongs and fill in the gaps before the next stage of the process known as “conference” when the two Farm Bills, House and Senate, will be negotiated into one. 

 

Links to more info on the Senate Farm Bill:

The Chairman's Mark and amendments introduced in Committee are posted on the Committee website.  A video archive of the entire markup is also posted on the same website.

http://agriculture.senate.gov/. 

 

Podcast with American Farmland Trust’s President, Ralph Grossi, on the Senate Ag Committee’s Farm Bill and what he sees in the future for the 2007 Farm Bill.

http://www.farmland.org/news/audiovideo/documents/RG_Podcast.mp4

 

The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s press release on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill:

http://www.sustainableagriculturecoalition.org/pdf/PR_Senate_Agriculture_Committee_Farm_Bill.pdf

 

Other Farm Bill analysis:

http://www.farmpolicy.com/

 

 

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Seeds of a Better Farm Bill – by Brian Halweil of the Worldwatch Institute and Glenda Neff of Environmental Defense

(The New York Times) – Whether you're a farmer or, more likely, just someone who eats food, you should be disappointed with the farm bill, the five-year, multibillion-dollar piece of legislation being debated in the Senate. Luckily for New Yorkers, our best hope of salvaging it may lie with our state senator, Charles Schumer. The farm bill should be the government's best effort to guide how American farmers grow food and how we all eat. Instead this anachronistic piece of legislation rewards a minority of Midwestern farmers and the commodity giants that buy from them. According to United States Department of Agriculture data, just 10 percent of all farmers, almost entirely in the center of the country, collect 62 percent of the taxpayer dollars. The majority of farmers, including those here in New York, don't receive any subsidies because they grow fruits and vegetables, not the corn, wheat, soy, rice and cotton supported by the bill. As a member of the majority's leadership team, Senator Schumer is in a unique position to change these geographically skewed handouts, particularly direct payments, which are subsidies farmers get regardless of crop prices. These payments represent $26 billion over the life of the bill and could be turned toward neglected nutrition and health programs, conservation and farmland preservation efforts and financial assistance for beginning farmers all over the country. (Last spring, Senator Schumer took the lead in calling for a better farm bill by introducing legislation that would increase financing for these sorts of programs. But his bill did not include a mechanism to pay for these increases, a crucial component under Congress's pay-as-you-go rules.).  Read the full op-ed here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/opinion/nyregionopinions/28CIhalweil.html

 

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NEWS

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Alternative Farm Bill seeks to bolster specialty crops

(Gannett News) - As the Senate prepares to debate a $288 billion farm bill, a New Jersey lawmaker has offered an alternative measure aimed at increasing federal help to Garden State growers and saving taxpayers $20 billion over the next five years. Sens. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., seek to eliminate, not just reduce, the sacred cow of farm policy -- agricultural subsidies for commodity crops like corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat over the next five years. Instead, their bill proposes a crop-loss insurance program for all farmers that guarantees they will recoup up to 85 percent of their lost harvests. "Our bill is intended to help every farmer in America, not just those who grow a select few crops," Lautenberg said Tuesday before introducing the legislation. New Jersey "farmers are being hurt several ways. ... We get one-tenth of 1 percent of the subsidies. Our farmers are looking for help. Temptations are enormous for them to turn (farms) over to builders and developers."  Read the full article here: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071026/NEWS01/710260331/1002  

 

Dairy farmer picked for New Hampshire's new agriculture chief

(Concord Monitor) - Gov. John Lynch has tapped a Stratham dairy farmer and freelance writer to replace longtime Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor. Lorraine Stuart Merrill needs Executive Council approval before assuming the position. Lynch will officially nominate Merrill at today's council meeting, and councilors will likely vote on the nomination at their next meeting, which is scheduled for late November. "I think it's an exciting time in agriculture in the state," Merrill, 56, said by phone yesterday. "There's greatly increased interest in local food and in seeing the value in local farms and agriculture." Merrill also tipped her hat to Taylor, "who I just think has been an icon for the state," she said. "That will be a challenge, following in those footsteps." Read the full article here: http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/FRONTPAGE/710310304

 

Massachusetts cranberry growers look to strengthen industry

(Boston Globe) - The future of the state's cranberry industry just may lie on a checkerboard in the center of the Cranberry Station bog in Wareham. It's not a real checkerboard - although that's the name it goes by - but a 3-acre rectangle of evenly divided plots, each 36 by 80 feet, with experimental high-yield vines bearing such names as Crimson Queen, Ben Lear, and Early Blacks. Each plot is a new variety that, growers hope, holds the key to productive, prosperous, future harvests - enough to keep Massachusetts second only to Wisconsin in cranberry production. The unveiling of the new varieties comes as the outlook dims for this year's harvest, now underway. Read the full article here: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/18/planting_for_the_future/?page=1

 

Vermont's Agriculture leaders see hope for dairy in Senate Farm Bill

(Vermont Public Radio) - Vermont agriculture leaders say the Senate version of the national farm bill would benefit dairy farmers the next time there's a downturn in milk prices. The Senate Agriculture Committee has nearly completed drafting its version of the bill, which updates national farm policy every five years. Senators have proposed expanding the dairy pricing program known as the ``Milk Income Loss Contract.'' That's designed to protect farmers if the price they're paid for milk dips. Two years ago, the formula was changed, reducing how much farmers could be paid during a slump. The Senate proposal would raise the payments so they more closely match what it costs to produce milk. Read the full article here: http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/77912/

 

PENNSYLVaNIA bans milk labels saying cows not treated with artificial growth hormones

(Philadelphia Inquirer) - The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is putting the kibosh on the increasingly popular milk labels that say dairy cows were not treated with artificial growth hormones. The move surprised Wawa Inc., which just last week joined the rush of retailers and milk processors that say their milk will not be produced with the aid of artificial growth hormones, which are used to boost production. "Early on, we've had some positive feedback," Wawa spokeswoman Lori Bruce said today. "We think that consumers want to know." Wawa's label says that the farmers it buys raw milk from have pledged not to use rBST, or recombinant bovine somatotropin. The label includes notice that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no significant difference between milk from treated and untreated cows. The state change in labeling guidelines, which blindsided many in the industry, is part of a broader effort by the Pennsylvania agriculture department to crack down on labels that highlight what is not in a product, such as "antibiotic-free" and "pesticide-free." Read the full article here: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/breaking/20071024_Pa__bans_milk_labels_saying_cows_not_treated_with_artificial_growth_hormones.html

 

New study finds that organic foods are healthier

(The Guardian) - Some organic foods, including fruit, vegetables and milk, may be more nutritious than non-organic produce, according to an investigation by British scientists. Early results from a £12m study showed that organic fruit and vegetables contained up to 40% more antioxidants than non-organic varieties, according to Professor Carlo Leifert at Newcastle University, who leads the EU-funded Quality Low Input Food project. Larger differences were found in milk, with organic varieties containing more than 60% more antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, he said. Read the full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2007/oct/29/organics.sciencenews

 

Connecticut’s suburban farms seek new ways to stay fertile

(New Haven Register) - With muddy boots and dirt caked on his fingers, Tom Pinchbeck knows his way around a greenhouse. Pinchbeck Roses on the Boston Post Road has been in his family for four generations, after his great-grandfather founded the business in 1929. As the chairman of the Guilford Agricultural Commission, Pinchbeck also knows many of the ins and outs of the town’s farming regulations. The commission has been meeting for a little more than a year on ways to encourage and protect agriculture in the town. After a group of farmers and other residents formed a steering committee, the Board of Selectmen established the state’s first municipal agricultural commission in August 2006. Commissioners and farm owners said the group has made progress so far, but still has its work cut out for it in a town where residential development may threaten agricultural practices. Read the full article here: http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18963481&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=31007&rfi=6

 

 

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EVENTS

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11/3

NOFA CT, Organic Harvest Celebration & Annual Meeting, New Haven, CT

Events include an Organic farmers market and displays, Potluck meal, Annual meeting, a food for thought talk by Billie Best, and presentation of the NOFA CT Member of the Year award.  For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/annual%20meeting/2007%20annual%20meeting.html

 

11/12-14

Albrecht Methods with Neal Kinsey, Lancaster, PA

PASA is pleased to present this 3-day intensive learning program that will give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of your farm's most precious resource: soil. From the basics of using and interpreting a soil test to learning to identify the effects of depleted or excessive nutrients in your soil, the lessons you learn here could change the way you farm. For more info, see: http://www.pasafarming.org/programs/2007-albrecht-methods.html

 

11/15-16

Northeast Dairy Women's Conference, Latham-Albany, NY

This event is being hosted by the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team to bring together women dairy leaders in the Northeast to grow, learn and network. For more info, see:

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/cde/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=135117

 

12/1

Good Food Now!  New York, NY

Please mark your calendars for Just Food's Regional Summit on Food, Farmers and Community Health at The New School.  This event will be organized in conjunction with NESAWG’s Annual Meeting and Resource Harvest.  Stay tuned to NEFOOD for more info on these exciting events. For more info, see: http://www.justfood.org/summit/index.html

 

12/11-13

New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, Manchester, NH

New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show will include 27 educational sessions over 3 days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A Farmer to Farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion. This conference is special because it is put together with close collaboration between growers and Extension from across the region. For more info, see: http://www.nevbc.org/

 

 

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OPPORTUNITIES

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Membership Assistant, Slow Food, Brooklyn, NY

Slow Food USA is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic organization with 170 convivia (chapters) and 15,000 members nationwide. Slow Food USA National Office is the hub of activity for the national movement, with 8 full-time and 3 part-time staff members. This position holds primary responsibility for accurate member and donor records while supporting the needs of a robust membership and fundraising program for Slow Food USA. Last day to apply: November 30, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/248557-307

 

Campaign Manager, The Humane Society of The United States, Gaithersburg, MD

The Humane Society International, the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), in Gaithersburg, Maryland, seeks a Campaign/Outreach Manager to oversee and coordinate international animal protection campaigns. Last day to apply: December 18, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/247253-139

 

Campaign Associate, Project Bread - The Walk For Hunger, Boston, MA

The Campaign Associate is responsible for the recruitment and motivation of corporations and community organizations to participate in, and raise pledges for, the 2008 Walk for Hunger. Employment in this position begins January 14, 2008 and ends June 6, 2008. Campaign Associates report to the Campaign Coordinator and work as part of the campaign team. Last day to apply: December 28, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/248575-280

 

Marketing and Public Relations Director, Organic Trade Association, Greenfield, MA

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) seeks to fill the position of Marketing and Public Relations Director. The Director will manage a team of in-house and contracted public relations, communications, advertising, and marketing professionals. OTA promotes and educates consumers and opinion leaders about organic products throughout the United States and Canada, and also seeks to promote the benefits and programs of OTA to its members and potential members. Last day to apply: November 24, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/243342-332

 

Compost Project Instructor, Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, NY

Queens Compost Project is an exciting and creative outreach program for Queens residents intended to encourage organic waste reduction through composting and an understanding of nature’s way of recycling. Under the management of QBG’s education department and part of a city-wide initiative funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSny), this program’s goals include community outreach, on-site workshops and demonstrations, teacher training, master composter certification, special pilot projects, and special promotions.Last day to apply: November 16, 2007  For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/241984-315

 

Multiple openings, Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA

The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, and one of the largest food banks in the country, distributing more than 25 million pounds of food annually to a network of more than 600 member hunger-relief agencies. For more info, see: http://www.gbfb.org/content/main.cfm?sca_id=27&cu_id=12

 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE FOOD TRUST, PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Food Trust is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization improving the supply of affordable food and good nutrition in the mid-Atlantic region. The mission of The Food Trust is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. For more info, see: http://www.thefoodtrust.org/php/about/jobs.php  

 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, FOODCHANGE, NEW YORK, NY

FoodChange (formerly known as the Community Food Resource Center) is dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers gain and maintain access to nutritious food, income support and decent housing. For more info, see: http://www.foodchange.org/employment/employment.html  

  

CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE VIABILITY GRANT

The Agriculture Viability Grants Program (AVGP) encompasses two separate grants. The first grant is called the Farm Transition Grant. Producers, non-profits, and agriculture cooperatives may apply for this grant and may receive up to $50,000 matching. Non-profits who apply may use in-kind services as their match. The second grant is called the Farm Viability Grant and may only be used by municipalities, regional planning agencies, and association of municipalities. Due date: November 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1368&q=317242  

  

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program

The goal of the Farmer grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region, made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Grants average about $5,200, and are capped at $10,000. Due date: December 18, 2007 http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/FGinfo.html

 

Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program

The Partnership Grant is for agricultural professionals who work directly with farmers—specifically Cooperative Extension, NRCS personnel, non-governmental organizations, and others operating in the farm community—who are interested in developing on-farm demonstration, research, or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture. Proposals should be relevant to farming and sustainability issues in the northeast region, and should offer both research and outreach components so that results will be available to the wider farm community. Due date: December 4, 2007 http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/PARTinfo.html

 

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Potluck is a monthly e-newsletter sponsored by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) and is supported in part by the Lawson Valentine Foundation and the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation.  It is distributed via NEFOOD-L, the listserv for sustainable food systems in the Northeast generously hosted by Tufts University.  In case you know of someone who you think would be interested in receiving Potluck, please invite them to subscribe to NEFOOD-L by going here: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/info/nefood