USDA to Retain Fruit and Vegetable Program
from The News & Observer
Fruit and vegetable growers have won a small but symbolic victory as the Obama administration starts steering the Agriculture Department in a new direction. Facing political heat from California lawmakers, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has agreed to retain $3.18 million in a grant program that encourages fruit and vegetable consumption. More

Industry to Rally in Washington, D.C. at Natural Products Day
from Medical News Today
The Natural Products Association is hosting its 12th annual lobbying effort on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event is called Natural Products Day and it is designed to broaden the natural products industry's base of political support by educating members of Congress about the important role natural products play in keeping Americans healthy, and the overwhelming public benefits of preventative care. To participate in the rally on Tuesday, March 24, click here to register. More

USDA Report Sees Trend Towards Specialized Livestock Farms
from Illinois Farm Bureau
A report titled "The Transformation of U.S. Livestock Agriculture: Scale, Efficiency, and Risks," from the USDA Economic Research Service states that U.S. livestock has shifted to much larger and more specialized farms. The report also indicates that the various stages of input provision, farm production and processing are now much more tightly coordinated through formal contracts and shared ownership of assets. More

Untangling the Web: Coupons for Organic Products
from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Committed to an organic and natural kitchen but feeling priced out of the market? The higher prices of organic products can be a challenge these days as consumers tighten their food budgets. A new Web site launching this month, www.mambosprouts.com, collates printable coupons for organic and natural products. More

Maintain Professional Relationships with Competitors
from San Angelo Standard-Times
Sometimes business owners think about competition as the "big, bad wolf" who is only after their customers and is eroding their profit margins. In reality, the same people you are in competition with can turn out to be one of your most valuable assets. More

Organic Food Growth Slows Amid Downturn
from Reuters
As recession drives consumers to cut costs, their commitment to organic food has been tested with sales growth slowing - but so far, sales are not falling. How green are our wallets? More