Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has unveiled a number of changes and initiatives at the USDA designed to support the growth organic agriculture production.
Vilsack said the USDA's Risk Management Agency's federal crop insurance program will have more options for organic producers this year and will increase those options next year.
He said the RMA will also lift the current 5 percent organic rate surcharge on all future crop insurance policies as of Jan. 1, 2014.
Vilsack said organic agriculture "is one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture" and helps organic farmers "receive a higher price for their product as they strive to meet growing consumer demand."
The organic food production industry now exceeds $30 billion a year, and Vilsack said it continues to increase market share every year.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com