Farm Bill, Food Safety, and USDA News

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The latest Farm Bill, Food Safety, and USDA News from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

FARM BILL NEWS  

What’s at Stake: Farm and Rural Business Development

A handful of farm bill programs that have helped open up new opportunities for farmers to expand their businesses, create jobs, and serve their communities are at risk of losing funding on September 30 if the Farm Bill expires without an extension or a new Farm Bill. 

What’s at Stake: Organic Agriculture 

Organic cost-share assistance and federal research programs that support US farmers who wish to tap into the profitable and growing organic market, risk shutting down if congress fails to pass a new Farm Bill or an extension of the current one.  

USDA NEWS  

With the Farm Bill’s Future Uncertain, USDA Announces Local Food and Specialty Crop Awards 

The economic growth of the local food market has been fueled in part through policies and programs established in previous Farm Bills, including the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). However, these are at risk due to Farm Bill uncertainties and possible expirations for these programs.  

FOOD SAFETY NEWS  

Is My Operation a “Qualified Facility” Under FDA’s Preventive Controls Rules? Small food business owners may be exempt from some of the rules in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) if they meet the requirements of a qualified facility. We have reviewed the materials and offer some guidance here.

 

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities.

 

Stay tuned to beginningfarmers.org for the latest farm bill, food safety, and USDA news. And Learn more about farm policy and agricultural politics at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/farm-policy-agricultural-politics/