In this Insider, we share a memo to the National Organic Standards Board, and an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the 2015 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant cycle.

The National Organic Program (NOP) has issued a memo to the NOSB to request its review of two materials that were previously petitioned for addition to the National List: sodium lactate and potassium lactate. At the time these petitions were originally submitted in 2004, NOP determined that the petitions were not necessary; however, this memo requests that the NOSB evaluate the petitions as originally requested by the petitioner.

View the NOSB memo  

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is seeking stakeholder input for its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP).

The BFRDP assists new farmers and ranchers through competitive grants to collaborations of organizations that use the grant funds to offer education, outreach, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to beginning farmers and ranchers. For 2015, NIFA aims to advance the cycle so that review panels are not meeting during the peak growing season, and so that awards are made earlier in the year. Specifically, they are seeking stakeholder input on:

• features of the program that might be improved;
• features of the Request for Applications and the application process;
• timing of the application and award cycle.

Stakeholder input is welcome at any time, but to be considered in planning for the 2015 cycle, it should be received by July 3, 2014. Email comments to bfrdp@nifa.usda.gov, or send a fax addressed to BFRDP Program Staff to 202-401-6070.

Learn more about the BFRDP  

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.

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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