Approximately two years ago, Secretary Vilsack issued Department-wide guidance calling on all USDA agencies to support organic agriculture. AMS has played a leadership role in coordinating these organic-related initiatives, and would like to highlight key successes:

• The Risk Management Agency (RMA) is providing more effective insurance coverage for organic crops, and better risk management tools for organic producers.
• The National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has provided $21.5 million in 2015 in funding to improve the productivity and success of organic agriculture.
• The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has issued its third Organic Producer Survey, providing essential information for rulemaking and program development.
• The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has continued to provide financial and technical conservation assistance to organic farmers; in the last two years, farms have received $15 million in assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative.
• The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has implemented a streamlined procedure to allow processors to apply non-genetically engineered (non-GE) claims to approved labels of certified organic meat or poultry products.
• The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has invested $60 million in research supporting organic production.

In addition to these agencies and AMS' own work, other agencies significantly contributing to organic agriculture include the Economic Research Service; Forest Service; Rural Development; Animal Plant, Health and Inspection Service; Farm Service Agency; and the Foreign Agricultural Service.  

Thousands of USDA employees support organic agriculture - and they stand ready to serve our organic community - each and every day.

Across the country, farmers markets are community gathering places where America's food producers - including many within the organic community - are building successful businesses and bringing fresh, local food to market. As the popularity has grown, some farmers markets are open longer, adding live music and offering a wide variety of prepared foods.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed August 2 - 8, 2015, as the 16th annual National Farmers Market Week, recognizing the important role that farmers markets play in our local food economies.

National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to hold special events celebrating farmers and ranchers.  Now is the time to plan an event at your market.  It is a great way to show why we love the farmers, vendors and customers that make the farmers market great!

We hope you will join us in celebrating. The celebration can be shared on social media with the #FarmMktWk [hashtag] on Twitter @USDA_AMS and facebook.com/USDA.  Contact Peter Wood at peter.wood@ams.usda.gov or call (202) 720-6179 to share your event or for more information.

Learn more about National Farmers Market Week:

Secretary Vilsack Proclaims August 2-8 National Farmers Market Week  

Learn more about organic labeling at farmers markets:

Organic Labeling at Farmers Markets 

Farmers Markets: Important Sales Outlets for Organic Farmers 

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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