National Farmers Market Week, 2501 Funding, More…
National Farmers Market Week, 2501 Funding Available for 2021, House Appropriations Committee Adopts Sustainable Agriculture Amendments, and More in this week’s news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
National Farmers Market Week Provides Platform for Essential Engagement with Elected Officials
For over two decades, National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) has been a time of celebration for everyone who supports farmers markets. Declared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the weeklong event always lands on the first full week of August, and highlights the important role farmers markets play in the nation’s local food system. Farmers markets in towns big and small, from coast to coast. work hard to host special events, contests, activities, and more. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s a chance to really celebrate all farmers markets do for their communities.
2501 Funding Now Available for FY 2021
Historically, farmers of color have been unable to participate in or benefit from USDA programs to the same extent as their white neighbors. This presents an enormous challenge for farmers of color when they are looking to start or maintain viable and resilient careers in farming.
This week, after several delays, USDA announced the availability of $16.6 million in 2501 grants to help organizations conduct targeted outreach and provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers. Since USDA published the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) later than anticipated, applicants will have just one month (30 days) to submit their applications by the August 25, 2021 deadline.
RELEASE: House Appropriations Committee Adopts Three Significant Amendments to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
Washington, D. C., July 29, 2022 – The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) applauds the adoption of three additional amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 appropriations bill on top of an already robust package that proposes increased funding for sustainable agriculture programs to address climate change and to build resiliency by investing in local and regional food systems.
“These additional amendments signify substantial wins for sustainable agriculture priorities,” said Eric Deeble, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) Policy Director, adding that “NSAC applauds the House for advancing these investments which will play a major role in shaping our food and farm systems at this critical moment in time.”
What We’re Reading
In this space we share suggested readings that NSAC staff find relevant to the Coalition’s mission and work. The opinions expressed in these readings are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect an official NSAC policy or position.
“My Vision for American Agriculture”
This piece by Gowan Batist of Fortunate Farm urges “white farmers like me” to stand in solidarity and demand the reinstatement of the USDA loan forgiveness program aimed at helping minority farmers.
“Big Ag Mythbusters: Does Industrial Agriculture Really Support Rural Economies?“
Another blog in the series from Family Farm Action Alliance looking to debunk the myths perpetrated by multinational agrifood corporations.
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