The National Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Look up your zone on the Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers -- The national organization of flower growers. Find information about membership, the annual conference and regional meetings. You can also read reports and see photos of flower farm tours.
ATTRA, The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is a project of the non-profit National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), funded by the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service. With more than 230 free publications, an interactive Web site, a toll-free help line, and many other resources, ATTRA provides free technical information to American farmers, ranchers, educators, Extension personnel, and others involved in commercial agriculture in the United States, its Territories and Possessions. Topics include production, business and management, processing, and marketing, as well as organic compliance and risk management. Free bi-monthly (print/electronic) and weekly (electronic) newsletters. Phone 800-346-9140.
Final rule for the USDA's National Organic Standards.
Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. FDA/USDA Publication containing Good Agricultural Practices for produce farms.
Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits project. Growers can download University of Wisconsin tipsheets on mesh bags, standard containers, narrow pallet system, packing shed layout, rolling dibble markers and the specialized sit-down cart.
HighTunnels.org is a web site for sharing information about growing in high tunnels (hoophouses).
Missouri Alternatives Center provides information and resources on alternatives in agriculture. The website is a one-stop shop for links of valuable knowledge on alternative agriculture.
www.OnlyatFarmersMarkets.com is a popular clearinghouse promoting farmers' markets with feature stories, video, forums, exclusive content and an active social network. It attracts highly educated, health conscious and motivated consumers who understand the value of fresh, local foods and support local farmers. It includes a Virtual Farmers Market, where growers and crafters can list their products.
Organic Farming Research Foundation offers grants and technical information about organic farming.
Organic Materials Review Institute reviews products to determine whether they are suitable for use by organic growers.
USDA cut flower prices (Boston only). This site is slow to load, so be patient.
USDA fruit and vegetable prices (15 cities).
USDA Grading standards for fruits and vegetables -- summary publication from Kansas State Extension
