U.S. and European Union, World’s Largest Organic Producers, Agree to Landmark Partnership on Organic Trade

February 15, 2012 | USDA

USDA Release – NUREMBERG, Germany, Feb. 15, 2012-The European Union and the United States announced today that beginning June 1, 2012, organic products certified in Europe or in the United States may be sold as organic in either region. This partnership between the two largest organic-producers in the world will establish a strong foundation from which to promote organic agriculture, benefiting the growing organic industry and supporting jobs and businesses on a global scale.

The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at more than $50 billion combined, and rising every year. Read More

Agriculture Dep. Sec. Merrigan Announces Funding To Create Jobs and Strengthen Economic Foundation of Rural America

February 4, 2012 | USDA

News Release – CHICAGO, February 3, 2012 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that USDA has selected 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico to receive business development assistance through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. Merrigan made the announcement in Chicago after keynoting the “Local/Regional Food System Conference” hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Read More