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AnnouncementFebruary 6, 2014
Greetings!

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) would like to encourage organic farmers and ranchers to participate in the organic Market News survey.

Additionally, we urge organic farmers and ranchers to apply for improved crop insurance by March 15th!

Organic Market News Survey

How do you and your stakeholders use organic Market News reports?

On February 1st, USDA sent a survey and welcome letter from Administrator Alonzo to the approximately 12,000 self-identified organic producers in 3 categories:

  • Certified organic.
  • Farmers and ranchers exempt from certification (gross organic sales not exceeding $5,000 per year).
  • Farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic production.

The deadline for submitting completed surveys is March 15, 2014.

Organic farmers and ranchers, help us help you by participating!

About the Survey
Through the survey, we are looking to more clearly understand how organic producers:

  • Obtain market information.
  • Price and market their products.
  • Current use information made publicly available by Market News.

AMS Market News will make the results public, and use the data to enhance organic market coverage for the benefit of organic producers, handlers and consumers nationwide.

The survey was developed in partnership with USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Questions?
Contact Terry Long, Director of Fruit and Vegetable Market News or call 202-720-2175

About Market News
AMS Market News provides reports on prices, volume, quality, condition, and other market data on organic and conventional farm products in specific markets and marketing areas.
Access Market News Reports

Apply for Improved Crop Insurance by 3/15!

Federal crop insurance provides the risk management tools necessary for American farmers to protect themselves against unexpected difficult years.

To better support the growing organic agriculture sector, USDA's Risk Management Agency has taken steps to offer more options for organic producers under the Federal crop insurance program for the 2014 crop year:

  • Elimination of 5 percent surcharge for all crops insured under organic farming practices.
  • Organic price elections for 8 additional crops (now 16 total): oats, peppermint, apricots, apples, blueberries, almonds, pears, and grapes for juice.
  • New contract price option for organic producers who grow crops under guaranteed contracts (available for 62 organic crops).
  • Phased in changes to organic transitional yields (t-yields) to better reflect the actual organic farming experience.

Learn More + Apply
Deadline for Most Programs is March 15, 2014*

View USDA Press Release

*The sales closing date is the last day to buy a new policy or change an existing policy's coverage level. For most crops, the sales closing date is March 15, 2014.
View Deadlines in Your State

About the Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

About the USDA Organic Insider

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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