FOOD, CONSERVATION AND ENERGY ACT OF 2008 New Resources and Tools for Community Based Food Systems Keith Jones Staff Director Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Hon. Collin C. Peterson, Chairman

HISTORIC RECOGNITION OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Organic Research and Extension Initiative Organic Market Data Collection Organic Certification Cost Share Crop Insurance Improvements Organic Conversion Assistance in EQIP Other Conservation Provisions

Title 7 Sec Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) $78 Million in mandatory funding. $18 Million in FY09  Closing Date March 9, 2009 $20 Million in FY Five fold increase over the 2002 Farm Bill New language on seed varieties and on conservation outcomes.

Title 10 Sec Improving Organic Certification Cost Share $22 Million available in the 2008 Farm Bill up from $5 million. Maximum annual limit raised to $750 from $500. Administered by the States.

Title 10 Sec Collecting Organic Market Data $5 Million in first time mandatory funding for collection and analysis of economic information for organic agriculture Farm Bill contained no such funding.

Title 12 Sec – Crop Insurance Equity Mandates a review of the underwriting risk and loss history to determine the variation between organic and non-organic farms. FCIC will review the data and work to eliminate any unfair premium surcharges currently paid by organic farmers. Option of reimbursement at actual wholesale or retail prices.

Title 2 Section Organic Conversion Assistance Through EQIP Expands the purpose of the EQIP to include conversion to organic production. Payments of up to $20,000/year but no more than $80,000 in six years. MN was one of the first states in the country to use EQIP for organic conversion. Crosswalk between NRCS and NOP. Comment period closes 4/17/09.

Additional Conservation Provisions CRP transition incentives - If a retiring owner with land enrolled in CRP transfers it to a beginning, socially disadvantaged, or limited resource farmer, that farmer may begin the organic certification process up to one year before the CRP contract expires. Conservation Security Program – Signup is going on now.

OTHER IMPORTANT PROVISIONS Title 1 Section 1107  Planting Flexibility Pilot Project Allows farmers to plant cucumbers, green peas, lima beans, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn and tomatoes on base acres as long as these crops are grown under contract for processing. MN has 34,000 acres available under the pilot project. Title 4 Section 4402  Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program Private non-profits – Open to letters of intent that were accepted 2/09 – Closes 5/13/09  Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center Purpose is to increase access of healthy, affordable food to underserved communities. Stakeholder input solicited – Comment closing date was 4/2/09. Title 7 Section 7410  Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program – Closing date May 13, Title 10 Section  Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Formula funded – $49 million available nationwide for FY ‘09 MN awarded $136,231in FY 08