Updates 7.1.14

USDA ­NIFA Seeking Input to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program assists new farmers and ranchers through competitive grants to collaborations of organizations that use the grant funds to offer education, outreach, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA-NIFA is seeking stakeholder input to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program for 2015. http://www.northeastipm.org/6-24-14-usda-input

 

Call for Papers ­Special Issue on “Organic Food”

The Food and Nutrition Sciences, a peer-reviewed open-access journal, is seeking papers for the upcoming special issue on “Organic Food”. We would like to invite contributors to submit papers that may shed some light on this issue through our Paper Submission System. Submissions are due July 16.  Aims & Scope (not limited to the following fields:

·         Difference between organic foods and conventionally grown foods

·         Choice and consumption of organic food

·         Public perception about organic foods

·         Health effects of organic food diet

·         Benefits of organic food

·         Incorporate organic food into diet

 

UF/IFAS Seeks Input from Hay Producers on Stem Maggot Damage

Researchers are working to better understand the seriousness of the bermudagrass stem maggot as a pasture pest. As a producer of bermudagrass, you can help by completing an online survey about your experience with this invasive pest, to help researchers develop control and management strategies. Read more about the pest and how you can participate in the survey here. Please complete the survey no later than July 31.

 

Call for Submissions ­Special Issue on "Organic Food"

Food and Nutrition Sciences, a peer-reviewed open-access journal, is seeking papers for the upcoming special issue on “Organic Food”. Submissions are due July 16, 2014. Find out more here. 

 

 

Webinars  

Byte Sized: Choosing Appropriate Technology to Run Your Good Food Business

Thursday, July 24, 3:30-4:45 PM EST

Good Food businesses are complicated. There are many types of exchanges that a business must track accurately, including money, food, plans, etc. And there are a large number of constituents that need these goods or information –growers, buyers, consumers, drivers, and warehouse personnel to name a few. In the 21^st century, we much use software to ensure all pieces of our business are accurately served. But how do you choose the right technology to help run your business? A solution that does not fit your business could well cost a lot of money, and worse, lost productivity. The first step in choosing the right solution is a deep understanding of your own business. With the right analysis you can make technology choices with greater speed, and this confidence. This webinar will give you the tools to perform an accurate analysis of your business technology needs. Although the presentation will focus on food hubs (arguably one of the more complicated Good Food businesses, as a “middle man” interacting with all pieces of the food system),m the same theories apply to ALL businesses. Register now!

 

American Public Health Association & Healthy Food Action Four-Part Series: “Food, Justice and Health Equity"

Various Dates

This 4-part series (1st part was April 10) co-sponsored by the National Medical Association, APHA and Healthy Food Action. Get webinar descriptions and register for all the webinars here. 

September 23; 12-1 PM CDT: Culture is Health ­Sovereignty and Food Systems

October 15; 1-2 PM CDT: Building Healthy Food Systems, Overcoming Historical Trauma

 

Soil Health Webinars

Various Dates

Description: The National Soil Health and Sustainability Team, located at the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center, is pleased to offer the following soil health webinars in 2014. Start time for the soil health webinars is 2pm Eastern.  

 

2014	Soil Health Webinar Topic
Jul 08	Managing for Soil Health when Raising Potatoes - A Farmer's Perspective
Aug 12	Managing for Soil Health on an Organic Farm - A Farmer's Perspective

 

Connection information: For the full list of webinars and information on how to connect, please visit http://conservationwebinars.net/. 

 

 

SARE News

Annual Cover Crops in Florida Vegetable Systems

University of Florida/IFAS Extension has developed a three-part fact sheet series for producers interested in integrating cover crops into their vegetable production systems.

 

 

Resources 

Funding Guide for Food Hubs

Senator Gillibrand (NY) released A Guide to Funding Opportunities and Incentives for Food Hubs and Food Systems: How to Navigate the Funding Process. The guide describes grants available from USDA that are applicable to food hubs and other food systems organizations. The full guide is available, and will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

 

New CRFS publication charts the evolution of Good Food

The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) has recently released The Local Food Movement: Setting the Stage for Good Food, now available on the CRFS website. This publication provides history of the local food movement in the United State and its link to “good food” –food that is healthy, affordable, fair, and green –within the contexts of food access and health, food justice and sovereignty, the environment, and racial equity. The publication also contains a stand-along timeline highlighting a sampling of events, policies, and statistics over the past 70 years that chronicle the growth of local food in the U.S. through the lens of the four elements of good food.

 

Leanne Brown releases Good and Cheap cookbook to eat better with SNAP benefits

For her final project for a master’s degree in food studies at New York University, Leanne Brown created a practical cookbook, titled Good and Cheap, which includes over 130 pages of recipes that fit into a $4 a day food budget. Originally written with the intent to help poor families, who may receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, to eat better, the cookbook is a great reference for anyone trying to stretch their grocery budget. Brown is giving away her cookbook as a free PDF download from her website.

 

Food Value Chains: Creating Shared Value to Enhance Marketing Success

This new resource, developed through collaboration between USDA, AMS, Wallace Center, and American University, is designed to provide guidance on how food value chains are structured, how they function, and the benefits they provide to participants, with the intent of encouraging their adoption where the opportunities for successful collaboration exist among organizations with compatible principles and complementary areas of expertise. Check out the report here.

 

USDA Resource for New and Beginning Farmers

USDA continues its commitment to the future of agriculture by unveiling www.usda.gov/newfarmers, a one-stop shop for new and beginning farmers entering agriculture. It’s a practical, workable tool that will help farmers and ranchers of tomorrow tap into the range of USDA resources today. Featuring direct links to USDA programs and services, as well as case studies about how USDA support is being put to work for America’s agriculture future, usda.gov/newfarmers is a welcome new resource. Read the press release.

 

Growing Farm Profits is Now Online!

Have you been hearing people mention the great stuff they learned at one of Southern SAWG’s Growing Farm Profits trainings and the useful tools they got for free, such as the amazing Veggie Compass? Well now you’re in luck! Southern SAWG’s Growing Farm Profits is now available online. And the best part ­it’s all free! All course materials and extra resource links can be found online here.

 

 

Conferences & Workshops

Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Events Calendar

Various Dates

The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has a thriving Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises (SFAE) Extension Program. This program offers many different workshops at various locations around the state. Here’s a taste of a few events coming up:

·         Beginning Farmers: Planning Your Successful Farm, Locations Vary, FL, July 12, August 9, September 13

Like what you see? There’s more! For a complete list of events, workshop details, and registration information, visit the SFAE Events Calendar. Check back frequently for updates on opportunities near you!

 

Global G.A.P. Training for Growers Online!

July 8-22: Online Self-Paced

GLOBAL G.A.P. Certification could help grow sales and meet new food safety requirements. This workshop will cover the IFA standard, and review the new GFSI accepted Produce Safety Standard (PSS) for North American suppliers. The GLOBAL G.A.P. standard is a partnership between agricultural producers and retailers with standards and procedures for good agricultural practices (GAP). Find out more here!

 

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

August 1-2, 2014

Save the date for this annual conference put on by UF/IFAS and FAMU/CAFS. The conference committee has worked hard to revise the conference this year based on your feedback ­so get ready for an exciting new format with many opportunity to learn and collaborate with fellow farmers around the state! The conference will include farm tours, exhibits, a hands-on “Learning Zone”, cutting-edge information, educational workshops, keynote address, Innovative Farmer Awards, and a celebration of local foods. To learn more, visit the UF/IFAS and FAMU/CAFS, Extension Services Small Farms Resource Website, connect with their Facebook page, visit the past conference website, or join the mailing list to receive Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference and educational related announcements.

 

Farm to Table International Symposium

August 2-4, 2014

New Orleans, LA

The Farm to Table International Symposium offers practical knowledge for all those interested in the topics of sourcing, producing, and consuming foods locally. Join in lively discussions on the topic which will feature the brightest thought leaders and leading practitioners in the burgeoning farm-to-table movement. Check out the website for more information and to register.

 

Sustainable Agriculture Education Association Conference

August 3-6, 2014

Join us for the 6th National Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA) conference, co-hosted by North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC). The conference will be held in Raleigh and Pittsboro, NC on the campuses of NCSU and CCCC.  Please consider joining other faculty, teachers, extension agents and students in the only national-level forum focused on the teaching and learning of sustainable agriculture! This year’s conference motto is “Celebrating our Diversity through Sustainable Agriculture Education”. Register here.

 

Save the Date!! Florida A&M University Grape Harvest Festival 2014

August 23, 2014

The event will be held at the FAMU Center for Viticulture at 6505 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32317 from 8 AM to 4 PM. Stay tuned for more information!

 

 

Funding Opportunities

Local Food, Local Places

Due July 16

Local Food, Local Places is a federal initiatives providing direct technical support to rural communities to help them build strong local food systems as part of their community’s economic action plans. Under this effort, a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, and regional economic experts will work directly with local communities to develop comprehensive strategies that use local food systems to meet a variety of needs. Applications to the Local Food, Local Places initiative are due July 15. More information about the initiative and how to apply can be found in the attached document or through this announcement. 

 

USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program

The 2014 Farm Bill requires USDA to set aside at least five percent of Business and Industry (B&I) program loan guarantees for projects that focus on local food business enterprises. Details on how to apply for local food funding through the B&I program are available on the Rural Development website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The B&I program has the authority to fund local food infrastructure in urban areas as long as the project supports farm and ranch income and expands healthy food access in underserved communities.

 

USDA Microloans Available for Small Farmers

The Microloan Program, available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), is a relatively new option to help beginning farmers get started, or to assist existing small farms in expanding their operations. Farmers may borrow up to $35,000 with limited collateral requirements, and have up to seven years for repayment. Find our more information here. 

 

USDA: Rural Business Investment Program

Due July 29, 2014

A USDA press release on April 21st announced the “creation of a new investment fund that will help propel the growth of small businesses across rural America”. The new Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) will now allow USDA to facilitate private equity investments in agriculture-elated businesses. “This new partnership will allow us to facilitate private investment in businesses working in bio-manufacturing, advanced energy production, local and regional food systems, improved farming technologies and other cutting-edge fields”. For more information about grant eligibility, check out the program’s website. 

 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Grants

More information on any of the grant programs listed can be found at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm#.

 

Grant Program	Due Date
AFRI: Critical Agricultural Research and Extension	8-7-14
AFRI: Water for Agriculture	8-13-14
AFRI: Exploratory	9-30-14

 

Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program

Whole Foods Market is providing up to $10 million in low-interest loans to independent local farmers and food artisans. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

League of Environmental Educators in Florida ­Grants List

This website gives a great list of grants available for various types of community and classroom projects. Really worth perusing. Due dates vary by grant.

http://leef-florida.org/core/item/topic.aspx?s=0.0.110.37432&tid=85010

 

 

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Kelly Monaghan

Program Assistant

Florida SARE Program, UF/IFAS & FAMU

Center for Sustainable and Organic Food Systems

3031 Mc Carty Hall D, PO Box 110310, Gainesville, FL 32611

Ph:(352)273-3508; Fax: (352)392-8196