USDA has launched a campaign to collect information about farmers markets to include in the 2010 USDA National Farmers Market Directory. The agency has been counting the number of operational farmers markets in the U.S. for the past 15 years. Since 1994, the number of markets has increased from 1,755 to 5,274. Representatives of farmers markets have until May 14 to add or update directory information online. Learn more or update information on the directory.

Farmers in Palm Springs, Calif., are embracing innovative, environmentally safe practices to help reduce costs and save energy. Peter Rabbit Farms began washing tons of carrots before loading them into trucks heading to packing houses. The simple technique has cut nearly 10 roundtrips to the packing house per day — saving gas, cutting emissions and keeping trucks off the highways. Some valley farmers are preserving water by using an underground aquifer that supplies irrigation water to about 40 million pounds of dates. (The Desert Sun). Read more.

USDA is seeking public comments on several proposed rules designed to increase the production of advanced biofuels and the development of biorefineries. “We view these proposed rules as part of the strategy to help meet President Obama’s goal to accelerate the commercial production of advanced biofuels and create a viable alternative fuels industry,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Review the press release.

USDA has extended the emergency assistance application deadline for eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish. Due to changes in program eligibility provisions, applications for 2008 and 2009 losses must be submitted by May 5. Review the press release.  

USDA is making an effort to elevate organic farming in a manner never seen before. The shifting focus to organics and small farms has long-time producers surprised and organic growers grateful. In a speech at a conference for organic farmers, processors and retailers yesterday Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan highlighted efforts to toughen enforcement of the USDA organic label and penetrate “food deserts” in poor neighborhoods where people rely on corner markets and liquor stores for groceries. (San Francisco Chronicle). Read more.

A group of 17 men and women that represent the dairy industry met at USDA headquarters on Tuesday for the first time to find a solution to the volatile pricing of milk and milk products that has decreased industry profits and caused many operations to close.

“We need a relatively quick response from this group,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in his opening remarks to the newly-formed Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. “I hope at the end of all of this you can come up with a common solution that you can recommend to us and that we can present to the rest of the industry.”

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Starting this month, about 80 volunteers at USDA are lending a hand to an organic garden created by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack along the Mall at the agency’s headquarters. Last year Vilsack took a jackhammer to an asphalt parking lot at USDA and challenged other facilities to create a People’s Garden. As of last week, more than 255 gardens have been established across the country. All of the food grown in the gardens is donated to food pantries and soup kitchens. (Washington Post). Read more.