Value Up for U.S. Cropland
Ag Economy: USDA Stats- Cropland Values, Production Expenses Categories: Agricultural Economy The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) noted in its annual Land Values report on Friday that, “The United States cropland value increased by $460 per acre (13.0 percent) to $4,000 per acre.” Friday’s report pointed out that, “In the Northern Plains and Corn […]
Land Grabbing in Europe
The message that land grabbing is happening in Europe is urgently being spread by the agricultural activist group Via Campesina. Via Campesina is an international movement of peasants, small- and medium-sized producers, landless, rural women, indigenous people, rural youth and agricultural workers. Land concentration and land grabbing do not occur only in developing countries in […]
To Market: Growing an Economy Around Food
The Vermont Farmers Food Center is the home of Rutland, Vermont’s winter farmer’s market. Its founders maintain that the bright young farmers that are the future of agriculture are bringing new energy and innovation that will create a viable economic model around food and farming. Of themselves they say: VFFC is dedicated to furthering public […]
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Speaks on The State of Farming
US Department of Agriculture studies have shown that the average age of farm operators is rising. The fastest growing group is those 65 or older, and in 2007 the average age was 58. In 1945 the average age was 39. Partner this with the prediction that the world’s population growth will cause a 50% increase […]
Local Food Bills move forward in Texas
Three pieces of legislation that address small farm and food business are on their way to the Texas Senate. House Bill 970 would expand the list of low-risk value-added products that small producers can sell without going through a costly commercial kitchen. House Bill 1382 aims to make it easier for vendors to provide samples […]