2007 Farm Bill Proposal Slashes Organic Research Funding

[nosmokes]

this is par for the course, but still outrageous. and just further proof that shrubco appointees are lying mofos.
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original-OCA

USDA's 2007 Farm Bill Proposal Slashes Organic Research Funding

* But industry leader calls continuing funds to offset costs of organic
Sustainable Food News, Jan 31, 2007


The Bush administration Wednesday unveiled its 2007 farm bill proposals including one that cuts organic research funding from $22.5 million to $10 million.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) said in a statement that organic farmers need access to the same resources that conventional farmers receive from USDA in order to meet the needs of the domestic and worldwide market.

So, the Greenfield, Mass.-based trade group was discouraged that a comprehensive plan it proposed to the nation's premier food agency, detailing how the agency can integrate organic production into USDA programs, was largely ignored in its 65 proposals.

OTA said that USDA's proposal would allocate $61 million for organic agriculture over 10 years, but OTA is calling for more than that amount be included in each year of the five-year farm bill cycle.

"Organic farmers and the rest of the organic business community appreciate beingmentioned in the proposal, organic farmers need a Farm Bill that reflects a farm-to-table strategy," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's executive director.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said the proposals reflect the views heard from stakeholders during 52 forums held across the nation over the last two years.

"We listened closely to producers and stakeholders all across the country and took a reform-minded and fiscally responsible approach to making farm policy more equitable, predictable and protected from challenge," said Johanns.
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complete article here