<p><img class="small-cropped-image" src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacySmallCroppedImages/usda051513body.jpg" alt="Images 051513" />Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a number of new programs to help support the U.S. organic agriculture industry during remarks made today to the Organic Trade Association. The main focus of these changes revolving around the USDA’s Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) federal crop insurance program which will increase coverage options for organic producers this year, according to a press release. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Beginning with the 2014 crop year, between 60 and 70 different organic crops will have the option of new crop-insurance pricing options which promise to more accurately reflect the actual value of the crop. Also included in the effort to aid organics is the removal of the current five-percent organic rate surcharge as well as new premium price elections for organic crops. Vilsack stated that the USDA will also be providing new guidance and direction on organic production to all USDA agencies in support of organic agriculture and markets. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>With support from the National Organic Program, the nation’s organic agriculture trade has grown to become a $30 billion industry. Certified organic farms and businesses have established a 240 percent increase in size over the past 10 years growing to approximately 17,750, according to USDA data. The retail value of the organic industry grew almost 9.5 percent in 2011 to $31.4 billion. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>"Organic agriculture is one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture and helps farmers receive a higher price for their product as they strive to meet growing consumer demand," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "These new options will extend the safety net provided by crop insurance and provide fair and flexible solutions to organic producers. Coupled with the new guidance for agencies to support this growing sector, USDA recognizes that organics are gaining market share and is helping boost this emerging segment."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome" target="_new">USDA</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
