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USDA begins rural reorganization before public comment closes

In May, new Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a reorganization of the USDA that would eliminate the Rural Development Mission Area, dealing a huge blow to rural communities across the country.

Comments on USDA’s Request for Information Regarding “Improving Customer Service

June 13, 2017   Donald Bice Office of Budget and Program Analysis U.S. Department of Agriculture Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 101–A 1400 Independence Ave. SW. Washington, DC 20250  

Comment on proposed renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement

June 12, 2017   Edward Gresser Chair of the Trade Policy Staff Committee Office of the United States Trade Representative 600 17th Street, N.W.  Washington, D.C. 20508   Comment on proposed renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement Docket No. USTR-2017-0006   Dear Mr. Gresser,

Comments on Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Interim Final Rule:

June 9, 2017 M. Irene Amade Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2055-South Building Washington, D.C. 20250-3613

Farm to Early Care Webinar Series Part Four: How to purchase local foods for your Early Care setting

July 18th, 2017

Join us for part four of our four-part Farm to Early Care webinar series, designed to empower anyone working in an early care and education setting to purchase fresh locally-grown foods, incorporate food- and farming-themed lessons into the classroom, and engage parents and caregivers in Farm to Early Care activities. Farm to Early Care programs are good for kids, good for farmers and good for communities.

Appendix VI: ACCI/MICI adapted to local contexts: Diverse Agroecological Transitions.

Below the transition process of three different local organizations is examined. These mini-case studies highlight the different entry-points used to introduce ACCI/MICI principles and practices and the key actors involved in promoting ACCI/MICI.

Appendix V: ACCI/MICI v.s Agroecological Ideal

The Transition towards an ACCI/MICI approach to farming contradicts/ conflicts with many agroecological ideals.

Appendix III. ANECs’ Best Practices in Engaging Farmers in an ACCI/MICI Transition

(or Why ANEC’s approach is the “agroecological transition ANEC’s farmers need”) ANEC’s national staff and regional and local tecnicos work collaboratively to promote ACCI/MICI by applying the four best practices, rooted in its mission and principles, that are especially essential to ANEC’s success developing and promoting ACCI/MICI, listed below.

Appendix I: ACCI/MICI Approach to Farming

ACCI/MICI approach works at different levels, starting with soil improvement and conservation (oxygenation, mineralization, increase of organic matter, balance of microorganisms, etc.), plant (identification and characterization of key stages by crop, nutrient needs, etc.), biotic factors (pest and disease management), abiotic factors (measurement of time variables and their effect on crops, in

Appendix II: ANECs' Organizational Model, Principles and Good Governance Practices

A. ANEC’s organizational model