Rural areas are not cities-in-waiting
Real Agriculture
FEBRUARY 19, 2025
What does it look like when rural development is viewed as finding ways to better serve the people that call rural areas home versus developing rural areas into cities?
Farming Rural Development Ruralism 
Policy Perspectives: Patrick Wade Discusses NASDA’s Rural Development Policies and NASS Data
NASDA
MARCH 4, 2025
Q&A In a recent interview, NASDA Director of Public Policy Patrick Wade talks about NASDAs work on agricultural labor, pesticide rules, and rural development. For Rural Development & Financial Security, this means we support policies that work to strengthen rural economies of all backgrounds.
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Rural Businesses, Farmers Lose While USDA’s Rural Energy Program is Frozen
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Photo credit: AgriSolar Clearinghouse The recent freeze to federal grants and loans has impacted countless federal programs and simultaneously left rural businesses and farmers in a lurch. Among the most impacted programs has been the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). billion in rural economic development.
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Letter supporting Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025
NASDA
DECEMBER 18, 2024
These measures of support, which include the extension of the current Farm Bill, are an important first step in restoring hope for security and prosperity in beleaguered rural America. NASDA looks forward to working with the incoming 119th Congress to expeditiously pass a new Farm Bill.
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The latest on the forthcoming (eventually) farm bill
Food Politics
MAY 7, 2024
Every five years or so, we have to deal with another farm bill. Like the dietary guidelines, also every five years, the farm bill doesn’t really change much. And just so you know where i”m coming from on this, here are my classic thoughts on the matter: “ The farm bill drove me insane. ” So here we go again. Stay tuned.
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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture welcomes new policy director
NASDA
NOVEMBER 12, 2024
Wade will be the staff lead for NASDA’s Plant Agriculture and Pesticide Regulations and Rural Development and Financial Security Committees. I cannot wait to do my part to help NASDA’s members continue to protect natural resources, bolster sound regulatory frameworks and strengthen rural economies,” Wade said.
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Letter to Congressional Leadership supporting Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025
NASDA
DECEMBER 19, 2024
As you begin a new round of negotiations for a continuing resolution, NASDA asks you to maintain economic aid for farmers, disaster assistance for communities devastated by weather events and a one-year extension of the farm bill. Americas farmers and ranchers are facing an increasingly perilous agricultural economy.
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State agriculture departments seek to support new farmers with business and technical assistance services
NASDA
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
State agriculture officials expressed the need for farm technical assistance resources to support farmers in business management and farm transitions during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2025 Winter Policy Conference. producers , with over one-million farming for 10 years or less. territories.
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Mastering Plant Propagation: Division and Grafting Techniques with ECHO Global Farms
ATTRA
MARCH 14, 2025
In this video, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Gabriella Soto-Velez teams up with Lauren Daniels-Judge from ECHO Global Farms to explore plant propagation, focusing on two essential techniques: division and grafting. Real-life examples and demonstrations from ECHO Global Farms.
Winter Farming in Florida: Profit Ripe for the Picking
ATTRA
DECEMBER 23, 2024
Unlike much of the United States, where farming slows or halts during winter due to cold temperatures and snow, Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round cultivation. Agritourism Potential : “U-Pick” strawberry farms can be a popular attraction, offering additional revenue through entrance fees and on-site sales.
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Letter Supporting ReConnecting Rural America Act
NASDA
JULY 18, 2023
Letter Dear Chairwoman Stabenow, Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Boozman, and Ranking Member Scott: We write to you today in support of the “ReConnecting Rural America Act,” which was introduced by Senators Welch and Marshall in the Senate and Representatives Nunn, Craig, LaHood, and Sorensen and others in the House.
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Letter Supporting Rural Veterinary Workforce Act
NASDA
SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
Removing the current tax treatment of these awards will allow more ranchers and farmers in rural America to gain better access to a wide array of veterinary services needed for their livestock and poultry. Every American community deserves ready access to veterinarians.
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Michigan Food Hubs and Farm Stops Grant Program
ATTRA
FEBRUARY 17, 2025
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is offering a one-time grant opportunity to strengthen Michigan food hubs and farm stops. Applications are due February 21, 2025.
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Farmers Union amplifies rural voices, champions a robust Farm Bill during legislative fly-In
Wisconsin Farmers Union
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
300 Farmers Union members from across the country joined together in Washington, DC this past week to advocate for family farmers and a strong Farm Bill as part of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In. 15 Wisconsin Farmers Union members were among those taking part in the NFU Fly-In.
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Sowing impact: Latest crop of LAMP awards continue to bolster farm economies
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
DECEMBER 4, 2024
This latest announcement of funds for 113 projects across 43 states is a part of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and is funded by a combination of mandatory funds from the farm bill and annual appropriations.
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Urban Garden Tips with Echo Global Farms
ATTRA
JUNE 10, 2024
This video shares some of the innovative and affordable urban agriculture techniques practiced by Echo Global Farms near Fort Myers, Florida. This podcast was also produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development.
AgriSafe CEO Natalie Roy emphasizes need for accessible mental health resources for farmers at NASDA Annual Meeting
NASDA
SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
Press Release INDIANAPOLIS – The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture hosted AgriSafe CEO Natalie Roy as a featured speaker during the Rural Development and Financial Security Committee meeting at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting. territories.
Cultivating AI One Byte at a Time
ATTRA
MARCH 17, 2025
This video presentation explores the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, demonstrating how AI can enhance farming practices at any scale.
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Finding Childcare is Near-Impossible in Rural Communities. Bipartisan Policies Can Fix That.
Food Tank
JULY 28, 2023
In the United States, about three-quarters of farm families have faced childcare challenges over the past five years. The lack of accessible or affordable childcare can affect farm business decisions, from productivity and growth to the allocation of financial resources, according to the researchers. The bill was introduced by U.S.
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Farm Bill Coalition Letter
NASDA
JULY 25, 2024
We write to express our gratitude for your efforts to advance the 2024 farm bill within your jurisdictions and to seek your continued support for passing this critical legislation before the end of the year. We look forward to working with you to bring a bipartisan 2024 farm bill to fruition. Thank you for considering our request.
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Rural Development: An Impact that Saves Lives
USDA Blog
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
On April 10, 2024, I received a call from my dad asking me to come help him at our family farm there had been an accident. When I arrived at the farm, my dad couldnt walk. The front axle of my dads tractor had broken in half, and he had jumped off the tractor before it tipped over. for evaluation of his leg.
Letter Urging the Passage of a Bipartisan Farm Bill
NASDA
FEBRUARY 1, 2024
Letter Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Jeffries: The undersigned agricultural organizations are deeply invested in the well-being of our rural and agricultural communities, and we write today to urge you to prioritize and support the swift passage of a bipartisan farm bill this year.
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Farm Stops Create New Markets for Small Farms
Civil Eats
AUGUST 12, 2024
At Argus Farm Stop, the shelves are full of locally raised vegetables and fruit, herbs, beef, chicken, fish, and more. Beets from one local farm snuggle up against sunchokes from another, across eggs from yet another. Argus represents an emerging business model, the farm stop, which connects consumers and farmers in a local food web.
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Flame Weeding on Small Farms
ATTRA
DECEMBER 19, 2023
This video provides a general introduction and tips for flame weeding on small-scale farms. This video is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. Department of Agriculture.
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NASDA members adopt policy to support farm safety through outreach and education
NASDA
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
. – Members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture adopted policy today at NASDA’s Winter Policy Conference to increase advocacy for farm safety and minimize injury to those who work in the agriculture industry. The new policy marks the first policy dedicated specifically to farm safety. According to the U.S.
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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sets its federal policy focus for 2024
NASDA
JANUARY 22, 2024
They include the 2024 Farm Bill , food safety , labor reform , pesticide regulation and PFAS. Labor Reform Farmers and ranchers need a legal, reliable guest worker program that provides a workforce that supports farms and ranches and treats workers respectfully. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the gravity of these issues for 2024.
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NASDA shares new promotions for policy and trade team staff
NASDA
JANUARY 31, 2024
She helped plan and execute the policy team’s first-ever “NASDA 101” briefing for Capitol Hill staff, compiled and facilitated a nationwide survey on African Swine Fever preparedness, and continues her engagement with lawmakers to discuss farm bill priorities.
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The Case for Tractor Farming
ATTRA
MARCH 26, 2025
By Audrey Kolde , NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist My experience in farming started at the hand-tool scale. My love of farming hasnt changed as the aches and pains have increasedin fact, it has grown. With these crops in mind, my farming partner and I have started the journey to transition part of our land to tractor farming.
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Coalition Letter Regarding Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act
NASDA
SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
The proposed amendment attempts to attach the so-called Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act (or “OFF Act”), to the spending bill. Specifically, we wish to raise concerns with Amendment #1097 as submitted by Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. If enacted, this amendment would substantially undermine our members’ ability to promote U.S.
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Operation and Features of a No-Till Seeder Drill
ATTRA
JANUARY 5, 2024
The specific model is an Esch 5512 No-Till Drill, which can be rented for use on farms in the Berkshire Conservation District.
Retaining Soil Moisture at Lighthouse Herb’n Farm
ATTRA
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Farmers all over the United States are changing the way they farm to boost soil health, use less water, and reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. Lighthouse Herb’n Farm is located at the base of Palomar Mountain in San Diego and is run by Damian Valdez and Jaime Williamson. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.
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What’s At Stake: Appropriations, Shutdown, and Farm Bill
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
Beginning with the start of FY2024 on October 1, funding for the federal government will – absent a continuing resolution (CR) – expire, as will the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the 2018 Farm Bill. A shutdown would also impact the timing of the 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization.
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Release: House Farm Bill Misses Opportunity to Move Agriculture Forward
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
MAY 20, 2024
347.563.6408 Release: House Farm Bill Misses Opportunity to Move Agriculture Forward Washington, DC, May 20, 2024 – On Friday, May 17, the House Agriculture Committee released the long-awaited Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (FFNSA ). The Farm, Food, and National Security Act fundamentally fails to meet the moment.
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Letter Urging Administration to Protect Crop Insurance in Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Proposal
NASDA
JANUARY 25, 2024
As the challenges for America’s farmers and ranchers continue to grow, we believe crop insurance as a safety net is only becoming more important to stability in rural America and a secure domestic food supply. USDA and Congress have taken extraordinary ad hoc measures over the past few years to ensure the financial security of rural America.
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Government Funding and Farm Bill’s Future Top Congress’ September To-Do List
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
By October 1, Congress will need to fund the government for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and determine how to extend ( again ) the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). In Search of a Farm Bill In November 2023, the five-year 2018 Farm Bill was extended for nearly a full year, through September 30, 2024.
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RFA Roundup: Spring 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Funding Opportunities
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
This blog post outlines the funding guidelines, application deadlines, and program requirements for a range of food and farm system grants funded through USDA that are currently accepting applications. For more detailed information on these and other USDA grant programs, see NSAC’s Grassroots Guide to Federal Food and Farm Programs.
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Regenerating Rural Opportunities
RR2CS
AUGUST 28, 2023
Will widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture automatically lead to the rejuvenation of rural communities? By Derek Leahy I have been given this amazing opportunity to travel Canada and interview agricultural producers about regenerative agriculture for the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast. food, fibre, medicine, etc.).
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In Hawai‘i, Restoring Kava Helps Sustain Native Food Culture
Civil Eats
FEBRUARY 24, 2025
Kava has endured a long history of adversity, said Lakea Trask, a Hawaiian farmer and local activist who cultivates kava and other Native crops for Kanaka Kava , his familys farm-to-table restaurant in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island. As recognition grows, so have opportunities for small-scale farming initiatives and environmental restoration.
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New African Society: Cultivating Seeds of Change in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province
Food Tank
MARCH 20, 2024
The organization employs young agriculturists, rural development professionals, and social workers whose knowledge and experiences they feel are key in addressing social problems across the region. Through ongoing engagement with community members, NAS began a seed banking initiative to help them work toward food sovereignty.
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Episode 321. Meet NCAT: Tyler Jenkins on Carbon Farm Planning
ATTRA
SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
Tyler is joining the NCAT team as a Carbon Farm Planner and will be working on our “Building Soil, Building Equity” project, as well as contributing to the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program. In this episode of Voices from the Field , we get to know one of our newest NCAT employees, Tyler Jenkins.
Bringing the Farm to School Through New Connections
ATTRA
OCTOBER 15, 2024
By Tammy Howard, NCAT Senior Manager With October being National Farm to School month, I was reminded of what the National Farm to School Network refers to as triple bottom line — kids win, farmers win, and communities win with Farm to School.
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Wells Are Running Dry in Rural Communities of Color. Is a Fix in Sight?
Daily Yonder
JULY 31, 2023
Rural communities of color like Sultana, which is majority Hispanic, are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Advocates say the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that is voted on every five years and determines how the U.S. The racial and rural water gap has its roots in historic neglect. Is a Fix in Sight?
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Container Production of Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms with Care2Grow Farm
ATTRA
APRIL 8, 2024
In this video, Russell Hollander of Care2Grow Farm in Naples, Florida, guides us through the captivating journey of medicinal and gourmet mushroom cultivation, unveiling the intricate process from substrate to harvest. Explore the incredible potential of mushrooms and discover additional streams of income that mushroom production can offer!
Gulf States Winter Farming: Turnip Greens for Farm to School
ATTRA
JANUARY 26, 2024
Bobby gives us a quick overview of how he got into farming and talks about the winter turnip green crop NNFC markets via the farm-to-school network in Alabama.
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