Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts and More

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Food Safety, Funding, Management, News, Policy, Politics, Sustainable Agriculture // 0 Comments

Sustainable Agriculture News from NSAC this week features Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts, President’s FY 2020 Budget, Food and Drug Administration’s Water Rule, and Stories from the Field.

USDA NEWS

Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts Eligible for Extension – Conservation Stewardship Program contract holders who originally signed up for the program in fiscal year (FY) 2014 are now eligible to extend their Conservation Stewardship Program contracts for an additional year of payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) first announced the extension opportunity for Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts earlier this week.

BUDGET NEWS

President’s FY 2020 Budget: Sustainable Agriculture Perspective – Last week, the President released his fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget, which recommended slashing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) budget by 3.6 billion dollars (a roughly 15 percent cut compared to FY 2019 estimated levels). The proposed cuts include both discretionary funding, which is set through the annual budget and appropriations processes, and also proposed legislative changes and cuts to programs authorized and funded in the 2018 Farm Bill.

FOOD SAFETY NEWS

COMMENT: “Flawed Science” Delays Roll Out of Food and Drug Administration’s “Water Rule” – Produce farms regulated under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (“Produce Safety Rule”) now have two additional years to comply with the rule’s agricultural water requirements. In response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to delay this portion of the rule, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) issued the following statement. LOCAL

FOOD NEWS

Stories from the Field: Growing Hope – In the West Willow neighborhood of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Growing Hope works to reduce food inequity and inequality among their fellow residents.The organization is helping Ypsilanti residents to achieve that community vision by increasing food access through their two farmers markets, garden mentorship program, garden-based nutrition education programming in schools, and food entrepreneurship assistance offerings.

In 2017, a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant helped Growing Hope to deepen their work in strengthening community relationships with farmers markets.

NSAC JOBS

NSAC is seeking a Coalition Director! – Are you deeply committed to public service and are experienced in administration in the field of sustainable agriculture? Would you enjoy leading a passionate, high-performing, member-engaged, and collaborative organization that is dedicated to working for racial equity? NSAC is looking for a new Coalition Director. NSAC offers competitive non-profit salary and benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.