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Organic Integrity from Farm to Table
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| Announcement | November 19, 2014 | |
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The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce the release of a Sources Sought notice for the Organic Integrity Database, an increase in the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) borrowing limit for microloans, and a recruiting announcement from the AMS Transportation and Marketing Program.
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Sources Sought: Organic Integrity Database
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The National Organic Program (NOP) is developing a new system, the Organic Integrity Database, a modernized database to replace the existing once-a-year posting of certified organic operations. AMS is in the planning phase of the system development effort and is gathering information on system development approaches and requirements.
To support information gathering activities, AMS is announcing the release of a Sources Sought notice requesting information on vendor interest and capabilities. The notice, "Sources Sought - National Organic Program - Organic Integrity Database" (Solicitation Number: AG-4740-S-15-0002A) is posted on FedBizOpps, a Federal website that lists Federal contracting opportunities. The Sources Sought notice allows any vendor to formally submit its qualifications to support this project. Responses, due on December 5, 2014, will inform NOP's strategy in developing the NOP Organic Integrity Database.
Link to Notice Questions about this Notice can be directed to: Kristin.tensuan@ams.usda.gov or Jennifer.Tucker@ams.usda.gov.
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Microloan Cap Grows to $50,000
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The Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrowing limit for microloans increased on November 7, 2014, from $35,000 to $50,000. Microloans offer borrowers simplified lending with less paperwork and makes borrowing from FSA a "first opportunity" to farm or quickly expand an existing operation. The microloan change allows beginning, small and mid-sized farmers to access an additional $15,000 in loans using a simplified application process with up to 7 years to repay. Microloans are part of USDA's continued commitment to small and midsized farming operations.Learn more.
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Recruiting Announcement:
Director of Marketing Services,
Transportation and Marketing Program
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The AMS Transportation and Marketing Program is seeking qualified candidates to serve as the Director of its Marketing Services Division. This Division advances local food marketing research and technical assistance programs that offer information, analysis, and guidance to direct marketing and local/regional wholesale marketing operations. The Division also conducts farmers market manager surveys and compiles national directories of farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture operations, food hubs, and on-farm markets.
View the Recruiting Announcement
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| 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.
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| 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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