USDA Seeking Applications in NC for Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative

Longer growing seasons, conserving natural resources and providing a greater supply of locally grown food are all advantages for the farmers who participate in the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative.  The initiative is offered under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and funding availability is to be available soon for eligible applicants.


Farmers can submit applications for the initiative at anytime throughout the year.  However, NRCS will begin the application ranking process for the EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative on February 3, 2012 for possible funding.  Applications are ranked based on environmental benefit.  For an application to be considered for ranking all land and producer eligibility requirements must have been met.


The initiative will provide opportunities for farmers to establish seasonal high tunnel systems for crops and for numerous conservation practices that benefit natural resources.  Applicants who apply for the national EQIP initiative can also apply for conservation practices under the state administered Farm Bill conservation programs.


The 2008 Farm Bill provides additional incentives for farmers who are beginning, have limited resources, or are socially disadvantaged.  Such farmers can received up to 90 percent of te costs associated with planning and implementing certain conservation practices and up to 30 percent of expected costs may be provided in advance.


Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to apply for available funding for Farm Bill programs and initiatives; locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov/ or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  General program information is available on the NRCS North Carolina website at http://www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/.  The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Goodbye MyPyramid, Hello MyPlate!

First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin today unveiled the federal government's new food icon, MyPlate, to serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyPlate is a new generation icon with the intent to prompt consumers to think about building a healthy plate at meal times and to seek more information to help them do that by going to www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. The new MyPlate icon emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

The MyPlate video announcement can be viewed here.

"This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we're eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "When mom or dad comes home from a long day of work, we're already asked to be a chef, a referee, a cleaning crew. So it's tough to be a nutritionist, too. But we do have time to take a look at our kids' plates. As long as they're half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we're golden. That's how easy it is."

"With so many food options available to consumers, it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal," said Secretary Vilsack. "MyPlate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles. This effort is about more than just giving information, it is a matter of helping people understand there are options and practical ways to apply them to their daily lives."

"The new icon is simple and easy to understand, with more emphasis placed on fruits and vegetables," said U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin. "This new tool can be a fun way to help individuals and families make healthier meal choices. I encourage all Americans to follow the new dietary guidelines and become familiar with the new icon because it will serve as a compass to a healthy and fit nation."