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Posts Tagged ‘organic’

The Organic Industry is Booming

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

The need and want for organic products has increased by 17 percent in 2008. The industry sold $25.6 billion in products despite the current economic woes, according to the Organic Trade Association’s annual industry survey.

The survey does go beyond organic food into fibers, personal care and pet food. However, organic food sales are up by 15.8 percent at $22.9 billion in sales. It is now accountable as 3.5 percent of all food sold in the United States.

The spike in growth is attributed to people wanting whole food and won’t let a lack of money stop them, and that organic food is now available at all grocery stores.

President Obama’s administration is looking to make the industry grow even more, starting with an even more extensive survey about organic food and growth. There will also be a $50 million program to encourage more organic farming, and a specific division of the USDA will focus on organic farming for the first time, ever.

The increase in sales should not come as a large shock with the increase in awareness about healthy food and pesticides. According to the agriculture census in 2007, there are more, smaller family farms than large ones that do produce organic goods.

Want to jump on the organic bandwagon? Contact Farm Plus today. The industry is growing, so become a part of history. For a low-rate farm loan to help you with your organic farming needs call 866-929-5585 or visit online for more information regarding farm loans.

Organic Survey in Process

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

The USDA is conducting its first ever wide-scale survey of organic farming in America. Tom Vilsack said it is important to find out the growth of organic farming and how it is changing American agriculture. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture 20,000 U.S. farms were organic producers.

“The Organic Production Survey is a direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, and businesses,” said Vilsack. “This is an opportunity for organic producers to share their voices and help ensure the continued growth and sustainability of organic farming in the United States.”

The survey will look at 2008 from production and marketing practices to income and expenses. It will look at those in the organic market as well as those making the transition. The results of the survey will be used in the future to shape policies, set funding allocations, availability of services, community development and any other issues. It will also help other farmers plan their businesses.

The survey will be mailed out by mid-May and must be returned by June 17.

If you are looking to purchase farmland or need a loan for expenses contact Farm Plus today. Low-rate farm loans are available now. Call 866-929-5585 for more information or visit online for information about farm loans.

Small Farms Take Over

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

It is a common trend, according to the latest census, in many parts of the country- large farms are declining, but small farms are quickly increasing in numbers. It is no different in New England. Vineyards and farms are snatching up fewer acres, and finding success.

“The face of farming is changing here,” Westport Vineyards owner Rob Russell told the East Bay. “The type of farms that you see emerging are smaller, sometimes operated as a second job or by retirees who are generally looking to grow things they can sell directly to the customer.”

Farmers believe their success is mostly from the concern people have about where there food comes from. In the recent years there have been many food scares, people want to know what they are eating is safe.

“Food from local farms travels less distance, is less processed, less touched,” Lydon Family Tomatoes’ owner Mike Lydon said. He thinks people have more confidence in food grown by local people instead of relying on government inspectors to catch problems.

The vice president of the Rhode Island Farm Bureau, Tyler Young, added, “We still can’t rely on the small growers to supply all that we need, but I think it is a wonderful trend.”

Young noted that the drastic change is heavily influenced by the increase cost of factors such as fuel and other supplies.

For those interested in purchasing a farm - large, medium or small- farm loans are available. Farm Plus Financial works with government agencies to obtain loans for customers who want to make their farming dreams a reality. Now is the perfect time to obtain a farm loan with incredibly low interest rates. Call 866-929-5585 or visit Farm Plus online for information about farm loans.

Organic Farmers Approve of Obama’s USDA Deputy Choice

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Kathleen Merrigan

Kathleen Merrigan, President Obama’s choice for the second spot at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has received praise from sustainable and organic farming advocates.

“This amounts to a major win for organic, sustainable and local food advocates, since Merrigan is not only well-versed in these issues, but has been a tireless advocate for them,” Sam Fromartz wrote on the ChewWise blog.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Jean Halloran, director of Food Policy Initiatives at The Consumers Union agreed. “We would expect her to be a strong defender of the USDA’s organic standards, which have been under repeated attack for the last several years.”

Merrigan was a professor and director of the Agriculture, Food and Environmental Program at Tufts University. Previously she was administrator of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services and assisted in the development of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. This set the national organic standards to receive federal accredidation.

If you are interested in organic farming contact Farm Plus for information regarding farm loans. Farm loans are available regardless of the economic situation. Farm Plus works with many government agencies to help people obtain farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online to answer any questions regarding farm loans.

Learn how to grow your own food!

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Everyone is looking for cheaper ways to get healthy food. Today, many are aware of the consequences our actions have on the environment and his or her body. People want to know where their food is coming from and how it is grown.

An easy way to assure your food is truly organic is to grow your own. Organic farming is becoming a popular trend because a small investment can save you a lot of money in the long run. The cost of production of your own produce or meat and poultry compared to supermarket costs is incredible. By growing your own food you do not have to pay for transport, taxes or any other costs figured into a grocer’s final price.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) sees the growing trend as well. Last Saturday the association held a conference at Worcester Technical High School featuring workshops on organic farming, gardening and more. This year’s workshops had almost 300 more participants than the last year.

Craig S. Semon from the Telegram and Gazette reported the director of NOFA, Julie Rawson said, “Organic can be for rich people and it can also be for you. You can learn how to take charge of your own life and raise your own food and raise your own really healthy food.”

Jack Kittredge, NOFA public policy coordinator, said society’s biggest concern is safe food. He thinks no one feels safe and people feel like the government is not looking out for them.

“We’re in a really fragile place in the world and we really have to learn in order to survive global warming and no oil or weak oil or whatever is going to happen. People are going to have to really start gathering skills,” Ms. Rawson said. “We need to be able to keep our old people warm in their houses and we need to make sure that our children are eating decent food. I really feel that our culture has started to crumble in a lot of ways.”

Many people consider starting an organic farm, but do not know where to start. There are many places to go for advice and guidance. Organizations like NOFA offer a lot of useful and easy to understand information. Agents can help you find the perfect agriculture real estate once you learn the basics.

Do not hesitate. Agriculture loans are available for you to start a farm or ranch of any size. Despite what people think, even when the economy seems to be going only down, farm loans are available. Visit Tags: , , ,
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