Monday October 4th in the evening at the Vashon Grange Hall walkable from the north end ferry terminal.

Look forward to delicious food from NW farms, flowing drink from the tanks & vines of the NW brewers & winemakers, a screening of The Greenhorns, & dancing to some great live music!

Here’s more about the Greenhorns:
The Greenhorns documentary film, now in post-production, explores the lives of America’s young farming community – its spirit, practices, and needs. It is the filmmaker’s hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can build the case for those considering a career in agriculture – to embolden them, to entice them, and to recruit them into farming.

The production of The Greenhorns is part of our grassroots nonprofit’s larger campaign for agricultural reform. We are an activist organization that does much else besides. Please take a look around our website, watch the trailer, visit our blog, tune in to our radio show, come to an event, and get in touch.

To find out more information on the Oct 4th event, or get involved, contact: Chandler Briggs, Island Meadow Farm chandler@riseup.net

Sunday August 8, 4-6:30 pm, followed by a potluck

See attached flier & announcement online here

Workshop Description:  Through interactive activities participants will learn about how the Farm Bill affects them personally and create a vision for the Farm Bill we want!  Guest speakers Ben Burkett, Sue McGann and John Fawcett-Long will help participants understand the basics of the Farm Bill, its impacts on farmers, communities and consumers in WA state, and the struggles to improve the Farm Bill in 2008, including what lessons we can learn from these past efforts to be more effective in 2012.

The workshop is Free! Potluck following- please bring something to share if you are able! Location: New Hope Baptist Church 116 21st Ave.  – between Fir & Yesler in the Central District of Seattle

About the speakers: Ben Burkett is a 4th generation Mississippi Farmer, President of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives and the National Family Farm Coalition, and involved in the international movement of farmers and farmworkers, La Via Campesina. CAGJ invited him to Seattle to give the keynote at our annual dinner on August 7, Strengthening Local Economies Everywhere.  John Fawcett-Long has been a long-time advocate organizer for a sustainable and justice food and farming system.  He was raised on a farm in southwestern Minnesota and moved to Seattle in the mid-80s.  He has served as Director of the Western Sustainable Agriculture Working Group and on the Steering Committee of the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture.  He is a co-founder of the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network.  John served as a key grassroots food and farming organizer in 1999 for the World Trade Organization protests in Seattle. Sue McGann is the Coordinator of Marra Farm, historic preserved farmland in South Park.  A project of Lettuce Link – Solid Ground, Marra features a model urban community farm engaging people in sustainable agriculture and education while enhancing local food security. Sue coordinates the Giving Garden which generates tons of fresh, organic produce every year that is donated to a nearby food bank.

Workshop Sponsors: Cascade Harvest Coalition, Community Alliance for Global Justice, Creatives 4 Community/Ground Up, Moving Images, Seattle Farm Co-op, Spring Into Bed/Cascadian Edible Landscapes, Village Volunteers, Washington Fair Trade Coalition, Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network, Witness for Peace

Want More Info? Contact Community Alliance for Global Justice: 206-405-4600; contact_us@seattleglobaljustice.org

__________________

Heather Day, Director

Community Alliance for Global Justice

www.seattleglobaljustice.org

California FarmLink seeks an Equity Building Programs Manager to work full-time at the organization?s headquarters in Sebastopol, CA. The primary function of the Equity Building Programs Manager is to maintain and build the capacity of the organization’s Individual Development Account and Farm Opportunity Loan Fund programs.

The Equity Building Programs Manager at California FarmLink (FarmLink) oversees the operation of a growing program that helps beginning and underserved farmers & ranchers by providing funds to start up or expand their agricultural operations. The goal of the program is to help participants increase assets, income, and independence through their successful ownership of independent farm
or ranching operations.

California FarmLink is a non-profit organization working to promote family farming and preserve farmland by providing a variety of services to farmers designed to help transition farms from one generation to the next. These services include facilitating connections between aspiring farmers and retiring farmers and promoting the use of innovative farm financing strategies. The majority of the organization’s activities are focused on helping beginning farmers secure land and financing to achieve their goals. FarmLink has three regional offices and offers services directly through professional staff and collaborative partnerships with individual consultants and organizations. Key partnerships include organizations that serve the agricultural, conservation and micro-enterprise communities. California FarmLink is funded through a variety of sources including government contracts, foundation and corporate grants, private donations, and program revenue.

In 2005, California FarmLink developed the Farm Opportunities Loan Program in partnership with experienced CDFI’s (Community Development Financial Institutions). The number of loans and total dollars funded through FarmLink’s Farm Opportunity Loan Program, makes it one of the larger programs of its kind in the nation serving small farmers. FarmLink is in the process of buildingcapacity to operate this innovative program independently and is seeking a program manager to assist in this growth by bringing underwriting, servicing and other key aspects of the program ‘in-house’. Since its inception, FarmLink has loaned over $635,000 (average loan amount $40,000) to 25 beginning farmers who would otherwise have difficulty accessing credit.

Responsibilities are specifically defined within, but not limited to, the following functions:
A. Manage day-to-day operations of the Farm Opportunity Loan Program.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, manage the application preparation, structuring of loan terms & conditions, and analysis of loan applications for eligibility, credit worthiness, and repayment ability.
2. Provide ‘one-on-one’ consultation to prospective borrowers in the areas of loan acquisition, business plans, and credit.
3. Manage all aspects of loan underwriting, servicing and collections.
4. Assist borrowers in acquiring USDA Farm Service Agency financing as well as other sources.
5. Monitor all borrowers and provide post loan technical assistance.
6. Work with regional staff to provide annual monitoring of all borrowers post funding to ensure proper use of loan proceeds and continued viability of farm/ranch operations.
B. Manage day-to-day operations of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and refer clients for microloans.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, identify qualified candidates, manage application preparation, and analysis of applications for program eligibility for review by Equity Building Programs Manager.
2. Provide ?one-on-one? consultation to IDA participants in the areas of business planning, finance, and credit through the duration of the IDA program period.
3. Establish and monitor IDA participant accounts
4. Coordinate deposit of IDA match funds in participant accounts, and disbursement of IDA funds for approved purchases.
5. Work with regional staff to provide monitoring of IDA participants post purchase to ensure proper use of IDA program proceeds.
C. Financial Responsibilities – Coordinating with Program Manager, bookkeeper and accountant to maintain records as defined by generally accepted accounting practices and work with the Program Manager & Executive Director to prepare the annual budget.
D. Equity Building Committee ? Prepare materials, organize agendas, prepare minutes, and facilitate monthly meetings of the Equity Building Committee (EBC). The EBC serves as FarmLink’s ‘loan committee’ and is responsible for all lending decisions, including review & approval of loans and IDA participants.
E. Program Development ? Work with staff and consultants to revise or develop new program guidelines, policies, and materials as necessary. Assist with preparation of applications and funding proposals related to the development and expansion of FarmLink Equity Building Programs. Analyze & summarize data related to FarmLink clients served, loan & IDA program demand, regional need, and opportunities for improvement.
F. Compliance Monitoring – Manage regulatory compliance with state and federal agencies, lenders, and investors related to equity building programs. Assist Program Manager with preparation of monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual equity building program reports, as required by funders.
G. Build/maintain relationships with other business development agencies and government entities to enhance existing services, as well as forging new relationships.
H. Training & Networking – Assist in ongoing training and technical assistance for current and past participants.
I. Travel to farm visits, meetings and conferences as necessary to represent the organization, serve clients, and meet job responsibilities. This may include travel outside the Sonoma County region requiring approximately 15-20 overnight stays per year.
J. Other duties as assigned.

Qualities of a Strong Candidate:

* Minimum education level – Bachelors Degree (degree in finance, business, economics is desirable, but not required)
* 3 years of experience in small business financial analysis, or other qualifications.
* Familiarity with lending practices and protocols
* Experience in agricultural lending is not required, but a definite plus
* Experience in analyzing and underwriting loan requests
* Able to manage loan programs
* Able to consult ‘one-on-one’ with prospective clients to identify an appropriate loan program
* Attention to detail
* A solid team attitude, ability to get along with co-workers
* Strong computer skills and aptitude
* Self motivated, problem solver
* Must have own vehicle, valid California Driver’s License and proof of insurance
* Good public speaking ability, Spanish language skills a plus

In addition to the above, experience in the following fields will be extremely valuable for individuals seeking this position and will be considered positively in the application process: agriculture, micro-enterprise, real estate, and programs serving low-income, culturally diverse, and socially disadvantaged populations.

Candidates selected for final interviews will be asked to complete a formal employment application and sign a “Release of Information Statement,” which grants California FarmLink the right to access educational, credit, medical, worker’s compensation, police, criminal and court records.

Terms:

Employees will be eligible to receive 100% health benefits coverage after 6 months. At that time 50% of health benefits for qualified dependents will be paid by California FarmLink. After one year of employment, FarmLink will contribute 6% of base-salary into a Simplified Employee Pension Plan on behalf of the employee. California FarmLink is an equal opportunity employer. FarmLink
offers a casual atmosphere and a quick pace.

Salary/Compensation: The Equity Building Programs Manager shall receive a salary in the range of $40,000 – $50,000. The position classification will be ‘Exempt’. Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation per year that begin accruing from date of hire. Employees are paid for the following official holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President?s Day, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans? Day, Thanksgiving (two days), and two days for personal and/or religious purposes. Employee will accrue 4 hours of paid personal time (‘sick leave’) per month. The Equity Building Programs Manager will report to the Executive Director.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should mail or e-mail a copy of their resume to the California FarmLink office at the address below.  For questions about the application process, please e-mail questions to:

Bruce Shimizu
California FarmLink
P.O. Box 2224
Sebastopol, CA 95473

bruce@californiafarmlink.org

Interviews are expected to be scheduled for early August 2010. Applications received after August 10th will only be considered if no excellent candidates have been found by that date.

After 36 Years, we are still growing, approaching 108 full time staff and continuing to pioneer sustainable food systems.  We are looking for an energetic, innovative Human Resources Manager to join our executive management team and participate in our unconventional approach to doing business.

SUMMARY

The Human Resources Manager will serve as an integral member of Veritable Vegetable’s executive management team.  Responsible for developing, implementing and managing systems to ensure fair, consistent, legal employment practices in hiring, development , retention, health, and safety.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Assess staffing needs and recruit qualified candidates who are the right fit for the company’s culture.
• Maintain all personnel files in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Develop, implement, and communicate company policies and procedures.
• Oversee Benefit administration of health, workers’ compensation, and 401K plans.
• Negotiate with insurance brokers to deliver superior cost effective benefit plans.
• Provide analysis, research and recommendations on Human Resource trends, options, compensation packages, and new company sponsored programs.
• Provide sound guidance on Human Resource matters to executives and department managers.
• Ensure compliance with all employment laws, OSHA, Workers’ Comp., and DOT regulations.
• Assist with staff development plans, coaching tools and training.
• Develop, maintain, and administer employee performance review process.
• Identify, develop and implement employee tracking systems for compliance and follow-up.
• Prepare management presentations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Project/process management:

• Ability to translate broad objectives into step-by-step process.
• Ability to define, communicate and manage project plans to ensure effective project deliverables.

Human Resources, analytical and technical skills:

• Broad knowledge of contemporary recruiting tools.
• Ability to design and implement processes, procedures and tracking systems as they relate to the company’s organizational development.
• Knowledge of benefits cost containment.
• Ability to coach, counsel and deliver positive, mutually agreed upon outcomes.
• Solid understanding of employee training programs and professional development.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

• Ability to communicate complex subjects in a clear, distilled manner.
• Ability to communicate at all management levels and across multiple functions.
• Ability to build solid relationships and influence cross-functional partners.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Flexibility and poise:

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to adapt to frequently changing requirements.

Vision and initiative:

• Desire to think creatively and proactively to develop new problem-solving approaches.
• Deep understanding of a values based approach to all aspects of business with specific emphasis on food systems.
• Willingness to learn all aspects of sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Strong desire to participate in the defining and development of a truly sustainable business model.

EDUCATION: BA in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology or Communications.

EXPERIENCE: 5 + years experience in Human Resources or related field.  Experience in organizational development, employee relations, recruiting and retention, and benefits administration.  Background in food and distribution industries preferred.  Knowledge of Agriculture a big plus.

SALARY: $70 – $85k Depending on experience.

Veritable Vegetable offers an excellent work environment, competitive salaries and great benefits.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds.  Email your resume and cover letter to hr@veritablevegetable.com or fax to 415-920-0448.

Thursday, August 5th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Including best practices with Jennifer Berkey from MSU Extension
King Orchards, 4620 N M-88, Central Lake

Come learn how to can apricots, or if you know how, come join in the fun of a community canning party. The workshop is limited to 8 participants. You will need to bring your own canning jars and lids. Each participant will go home with 6 quarts of apricots. Jennifer Berkey of Grand Traverse MSU Extension will give a presentation on canning safety. There will be take-home recipes, handouts, and other canning resources available. Contact Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information. $15

Dilly Beans and Cucumber Pickling Workshop
Thursday, August 12th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Birch Point Farm, 7506 E. Birch Point Rd, Traverse City

Come learn how to make and can green bean and cucumber pickles; or if you know how, come join in the fun of a community canning party. The workshop is limited to 8 participants. You will need to bring your own canning jars and lids. Each participant will go home with 4 quarts of cucumber pickles and 4 pints of dilly beans. There will be take-home recipes, handouts, and information on best practices, and other canning resources available, courtesy of Jennifer Berkey of Grand Traverse MSU Extension. Contact Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.orgor 231-480-4515 for more information. $15

Jaki and Rob Roy 3-Day Cordwood Masonry Workshop
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 20th to 22nd
A partnership with Friends of Bay View
North M-88, Eastport

SOLD OUT! Contact Yvonne at yvonne@artmeetsearth.org to be added to the waiting list. Jaki and Rob Roy of Earthwood Building School are coming to Northern Michigan to teach a 3-day hands-on cordwood masonry workshop. More information here.

Northwest Michigan Mushroom Forays
Saturday, August 28th, 9:30am to noon

A partnership of Grass River Natural Area and ISLAND
We will meet at Grass River Natural Area and then carpool/caravan to the hunt location.

Come take a walk in the woods to learn more about mushrooms and fungi. We’ll be searching for early fall mushrooms. Meeting monthly in the woods of Antrim and Kalkaska counties. Contact GRNA at info@grna.org or 231-533-8314 or Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information. $5

PLEASE NOTE: The August 1 Northwest Michigan Mushroom Forays event has been canceled.

Peter Bane and Keith Johnson Permaculture Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, August 28th and 29th
Workshops 1 to 5pm; Evening Talks 7 to 9pm

A weekend of hands-on workshops and evening talks Full details here.

Workshops will take place at Birch Point Farm, 7506 E. Birch Point Rd, Traverse City (Leelanau County)
Evening talks will take place at Higher Grounds Trading Company, 806 Red Drive, Grand Traverse Commons, Traverse City

Peter Bane and Keith Johnson of Permaculture Activist Magazine

are coming to Northern Michigan to share their permaculture expertise. For 25 years, Permaculture Activist has strived to supply information which enables people everywhere to provide for their own and their communities’ needs for food, energy, shelter, a decent life without exploitation or pollution and from the smallest practical area of land.

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, August 28th
Workshop: The Ecological Homestead: Permaculture Food Production in Small Spaces
Presentation: Introduction to Permaculture Design

Sunday, August 29th
Workshop: The Ecological Farm: Permaculture for Big Spaces
Presentation: Gardening in Nature’s Image: Guild Design and Pest Management in the Home Garden

Contact Yvonne at ISLAND at 231-480-4515 or yvonne@ARTmeetsEARTH.org for more information or to preregister. Cost for workshops is sliding scale $25-$75
Donations of any amount accepted at evening talks.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Fox on a Hill

Eden Foods

Fernand Footwear

Neahtawanta Research and Education Center

Grocers Daughter

Green Island

Oikos Tree Crops

The May Farm

Contact: Patrick Delaney pdelaney@unitedfresh.org; 202-303-3400 ext. 417

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, Senator Lindsey Graham, House Minority Leader John Boehner Scheduled to Speak at Washington Public Policy Conference

Produce Industry’s Policy Conference Delivers Blockbuster Speaker Lineup

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The architect of Obama Administration’s “buy local” movement, one of the most important “deal makers” in the United States Senate, and one of the most recognizable faces in the House of Representatives will address attendees at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference in September. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan will speak at the conference’s Wednesday Keynote General Breakfast Session, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) will address congressional visit attendees after Wednesday’s luncheon session and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) will join the United Fresh’s political supporters Wednesday night for dinner to benefit United FreshPAC, the association’s political action fund.

“The produce industry is in a very unique position,” said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. “We are currently invested in the outcomes of many important discussions on Capitol Hill; from locally-grown, energy, climate change and food safety, to labor, immigration and child nutrition. Having this caliber of lineup to address many of these important issues, the Washington Conference provides our attendees, the tools needed to continue tackling these issues. Deputy Secretary Merrigan, Senator Graham and Minority Leader Boehner are each at the core of these debates in Washington and having them speak to the industry is a fantastic opportunity.”

• Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan – One of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Deputy Secretary Merrigan oversees the day-to-day operation of USDA’s many programs, including the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” effort as well as USDA’s other local food initiatives. Under these efforts, Merrigan pushes USDA to more simply connect farmers and consumers and support local and regional food systems.

• Senator Lindsey Graham – Known as an independent and bipartisan voice, Senator Graham has long been one of the Senate’s most important members, engaging in discussion with the White House and his Democratic colleagues on key issues such as immigration reform, climate change and energy policy. He has been an important supporter of the produce industry in South Carolina and across the country on a number of important issues.

• House Minority Leader John Boehner – A former chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Minority Leader Boehner continues to shape issues that affect not just the produce industry but the entire country. As a key leader in the Republican Party, Rep. Boehner has appeared in many venues and across all of the major national media outlets discussing his party’s views on issues ranging from national security, energy, business, taxes, and health care.

The addresses by Merrigan, Graham and Boehner will headline the first day of the Washington Public Policy Conference, September 14-16 at the Gaylord National Hotel on the banks of the Potomac River. During the three-day conference, attendees will gather to discuss food safety, farm labor, nutrition and consumption, locally grown and other priority issues for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. During the annual March on Capitol Hill, industry members will have the unique opportunity to meet in person with lawmakers and staff, discuss food safety policies with FDA officials, hear from key Cabinet officials and engage in face-to-face dialogue with President Obama’s executive team.

This year’s conference will also include the return of the Management Resource Center, where attendees can research and explore new solutions and technology providers, and the popular Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, a favorite among industry members and congressional staffers alike. During Fresh Festival, House and Senate lawmakers and their staff join attendees to sample the various fruits and vegetables the produce industry has to offer. In addition to Fresh Festival, the conference will also include a New Orleans-themed cruise up the Potomac River to benefit United’s A Salad Bar in Every School campaign. As part of the build-up to the United Fresh 2011 convention and expo in New Orleans, guests will enjoy Dixieland jazz, dinner and waterfront views of Washington, D.C., all while raising funds to provide salad bars to schools in New Orleans and nationwide.

Registration is now open for the 2010 Washington Public Policy Conference. More information may be found by contacting United Fresh Political Affairs Manager Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400, ext. 416 or abezon@unitedfresh.org, or by visiting http://www.unitedfresh.org

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From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Farmers and ranchers who raise livestock and poultry deserve a fair deal and a level playing field with meat and poultry processors.  Some members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, however, would prefer to allow powerful meat and poultry packers and processers to continue to get away with unfair and deceptive trade practices.

The Subcommittee held a hearing last week that focused on a new set of USDA rules that would restore competition and contract fairness to livestock and poultry markets.   The new rules, mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill, are strongly supported by NSAC and have been praised by major farm organizations including the National Farmers Union, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund-United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) and by more than 60 other organizations including NSAC who signed this letter last week in support of the new rules.

Several members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee, however, made crystal clear that they were firmly allied with large corporate packers and processors and had little concern farmers and ranchers.  Chairman David Scott (D-GA), Ranking Member Randy Nuegebauer (R-TX), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve King (R-IA), Walt Minnick (D-ID), David Roe (R-TN) and Michael Conaway (R-TX) spent the good part of two hours slamming the proposed regulations.  They expressed alarm over the potential consequences for some of the most powerful and wealthy corporations in the nation, whose unfair and deceptive practices and sheer market power over those who produce our food could be curtailed by the regulations.   They rebuffed the concerns of USDA Under-Secretary Edward Avalos who testified that part of the drastic decrease in our farming population is in response to packer and processor market concentration and the lack of fair prices and fair dealing in the marketplace.

What YOU Can Do -

All of us who care about our nation’s  farmers and ranchers must tell our Senators and Representatives that we support USDA’s proposed rules protecting farmers and ranchers from the unfair and deceptive trade practieces of livestock and poultry packers and processors.

Call or email your Representative and Senators.

*  Urge them to support the USDA proposed rules that restore competition and contract fairness to livestock and poultry markets.   Tell them we need a level playing field for family farmers and ranchers.

* Urge them to Contact USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and express their support for the proposed rule.

It’s easy to call.    You can get your Senator and Representative’s name and their direct number by going to Congress.org and typing in your zip code.  You can also call the Capitol Switchboard, provide your Senator or Representative’s name and be directly connected to their office: (202) 225-3121.   Once connected to your Senator or Representative’s office ask to speak to the aide that works on agriculture.

It’s easy to email.  Click here to send an email to your Representative.  Click here to send an email to your Senators.

Contact: Kent Politsch (202) 720-7163; kent.politsch@wdc.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) will begin on August 2, 2010 and continue through August 27, 2010. During the sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP’s competitive general sign-up at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized USDA to maintain CRP enrollment up to 32 million acres. Jim Miller, Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services, made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack during a conference call with reporters.

“America’s farmers and ranchers play an important role in improving our environment, and for nearly 25 years, CRP has helped this nation build sound conservation practices that preserve the soil, clean our water, and restore habitat for wildlife,” said Miller. “Today’s announcement will help us create a greener and healthier America, and I encourage all interested farmers and ranchers to contact their local FSA office to learn more how to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To help ensure that interested farmers and ranchers are aware of the sign-up period, USDA has signed partnership agreements with several conservation and wildlife organizations, which will play an active role in USDA’s 2010 CRP outreach efforts. Additionally, Secretary Vilsack has recorded two public service announcements, which are available to the press and public at www.fsa.usda.gov/psa.

CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to use their environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolling in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-share, and technical assistance. CRP protects millions of acres of America’s topsoil from erosion and is designed to improve the nation’s natural resources base. Participants voluntarily remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production by entering into long-term contracts for 10 to 15 years. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment of up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing conservation practices.

By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP also protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Acreage enrolled in the CRP is planted to resource-conserving vegetative covers, making the program a major contributor to wildlife population increases in many parts of the country. As a result, CRP has provided significant opportunities for hunting and fishing on private lands.

Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this sign-up provided all eligibility requirements are met. Additionally, current CRP participants with contracts expiring this fall covering about 4.5 million acres may make new contract offers. Contracts awarded under this sign-up are scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, 2010.

FSA implements CRP on behalf of Commodity Credit Corporation. FSA will evaluate and rank eligible CRP offers using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) for environmental benefits to be gained from enrolling the land in CRP. The EBI consists of five environmental factors (wildlife, water, soil, air and enduring benefits) and cost. Decisions on the EBI cutoff will be made after the sign-up ends and after analyzing the EBI data of all the offers.

Those who would have met previous sign-up EBI thresholds are not guaranteed a contract under this sign-up. In addition to the general sign-up, CRP’s continuous sign-up program will be ongoing. Continuous acres represent the most environmentally desirable and sensitive land. For more information, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

Monday, August 2, 10 am

FARM TOUR OF RED FIRE FARM

Please join CISA and the Chefs Collaborative on August 2 for a Chef & Restaurant Field Day at Red Fire Farm.  The Field Day is meant for chefs, restaurant owners, cooks, and servers who work with local farms and/or are interested in learning more about farming and local food. The Field Day is part of the RAFT (Renewing America’s Food Traditions) Heirloom Grow-Out, a project of the Chefs Collaborative, and is being organized with support from CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture).

Red Fire Farm, 7 Carver St, Granby MA, is a certified organic farm producing a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, fruit and plants.  The Field Day will be a fantastic chance to meet the farmers who grow fresh, high-quality ingredients and to learn more about farming in New England.  Come learn about CISA’s Local Hero program and what Red Fire and other local farms, restaurants and cooks are doing to help restore heirloom vegetable varieties through the RAFT Grow-Out project.

If you want to attend the Field Day, please RSVP to Devon Whitney-Deal at devon@buylocalfood.org by Friday, July 30.  If you have any questions you can email Devon or call her at 413-665-7100 x22.

Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202)720-4623

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement in response to his conversation with Shirley Sherrod:

“Today, I reached out to Shirley Sherrod to apologize. I also told her I was sorry for the pain this caused her and her family and friends. I reacted too quickly. I should have taken the time to listen and learn. While I cannot change what happened, I can try to make something out of this difficult incident.”

“As we know, Shirley has a unique and compelling story to tell. She and her family endured discrimination and overcame adversity. Fighting to advance justice and equality, she has helped farmers who were struggling to keep their land, fought for women in need of social and economic justice, and African-American men and women who faced discrimination. As USDA’s Georgia State Rural Development Director, she worked to promote economic opportunity for all people by enabling job creation and business growth. And Shirley has shown tremendous character through the events of the last few days.”

“Shirley and I talked about a unique opportunity at USDA. With all that she has seen, endured and accomplished, it would be invaluable to have her experience, commitment and record of service at USDA. I hope she considers staying with the department.”

“I did not handle this situation well. I will continue to review the circumstances that brought us to this day and I am committed to making sure it does not happen again.”

“As part of this effort, I also want to renew my firm commitment to put behind all of us the USDA’s past record on civil rights. While we have made some progress over the last 18 months, more work is needed.”

In the interview, Bing also expressed reservations about large scale urban agriculture. Bing stated that the city was “not going to go full steam ahead….We want to look at a template, and see if it makes good economic sense before we commission a large portion of land to anyone.” Bing added that “if we’re going to look at the agricultural industry as something that has success in Detroit, it’s got to be a well-thought out designed plan, and we’re not there yet… but there are a lot of people showing a lot of interest in getting on-board…and we’re going to be open-minded to it.”

To listen to the interview, go to http://bit.ly/9HFYDJ