Obama pledges $50m for organic farming

President Obama is offering US farmers a $50 million incentive to go organic.

The US leader, who has already dug up part of the White House lawn to grow organic vegetables, has made the funds available to support organic farmers as well as non-organic farmers who are learning about organic farming methods.

Agriculture deputy secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the funding earlier this month to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

“Assisting organic producers is a priority of the 2008 Farm Bill as well as for Secretary Vilsack and the Obama Administration,” Merrigan said.

To qualify for funding, farmers must have Organic Program certification, or must prove that they are about to switch to organic farming.

The US Organic Trade Association (OTA) welcomed the extra funds.

“[We are] glad for the support of USDA, which acknowledges organic farming as a environmentally friendly practice,” said Christine Bushway, OTA executive director.

“OTA believes that this program of aids will further encourage farmers to employ this kind of practices, thus contributing to increase the US organic production and meet the consumers’ growing demand.”

However, eco-blog Treehugger criticised the size of the funding pot.

“$50 million isn’t enough–it’s a nice public pat on the back for the practice, as opposed to throwing some real support behind it,” said Treehugger blogger Brian Merchant.

Farmers have until 29 May to apply for funds from the scheme.