The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $19m in funding for organic agricultural research across the country as part of a drive toward a more sustainable supply of organic ingredients.
The investment, part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative launched in September, is intended to "break down structural barriers that have inhibited local food systems from thriving," the department said, and that includes investing in organic agricultural development in an effort to keep up with rapidly expanding demand.
Agriculture deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan said: "Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing segments of US agriculture and USDA and Congress, through the 2008 Farm Bill, are committed to helping this industry succeed by addressing critical organic agriculture issues through the integration of research, education and extension projects."
A departmental report flagged up the problem of squeezed organic ingredient supply in June this year. It found that nearly half of US organic handlers found ingredients in short supply, and in 2004, 13 percent failed to meet market demand for at least one of their products.
"These grants will help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity by assisting organic producers with new production and marketing practices to meet rising consumer demand," Merrigan said.
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USDA Invests in Organics
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USDA invests in organics
By Caroline Scott-Thomas
Food Navigator USA, November 3, 2009
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