St. Pete Food Hub Survey
There is a group of people in St. Petersburg, FL that are conducting a feasibility study for a Food Hub in St. Petersburg. They would like input from farmers in the 10 counties North and South of St. Petersburg. Please complete this survey if you would like to provide your feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/stpetesproducer
Research Help Needed!
In addition to my duties as the Florida SARE Program Assistant, I am also a PhD candidate here at the University of Florida in the School of Natural Resources and Environment. My research focuses on food insecurity and the alternative food movement. I am looking for people to complete a survey for me. The survey asks you about your food choices, how satisfied you are with your food choices, and what you think of other peoples’ food choices. It takes 5-7 minutes to complete. Just follow the survey link below if you are willing to complete it –your response is anonymous. Thank you very much in advance for your help! –Kelly Monaghan
Anonymous Survey Link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7anYIEjoJvLcQ29
Sustainable Agriculture Survey
The University of Mississippi Center for Population Studies and Delta Land and Community, Inc. are conducting an online survey of agricultural producers, businesses, and resource professionals. We would like to know about your experiences and perceptions concerning barriers and opportunities for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in the southern United States. This online questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. To begin, simply click on the link below. To find out more information concerning this survey, please contact John Green (jjgreen@olemiss.edu, University of Mississippi) or Jim Worstell (jim@deltanetwork.org, Delta Land & Community, Inc.).
Survey Link: http://uofmississippi.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1TRbM6m63OwIpfv
Job Opportunity: Florida Organic Grower
Florida Organic Growers is seeking a Farmer Education Coordinator to assist with farmer cooperative development in North Central Florida, on-farm workshops, statewide organic farming technical assistance, and other outreach and networking across Florida. If interested, please see the attached flyer.
SARE News
Cover Crop Report Documents Yield Boost, Soil Benefits and Ag Retailer Roles
For the second year in a row, a national survey of farmers has documented a yield boost from the use of cover crops in corn and soybeans as well as a wide variety of other benefits. Download the whole report here.
Southern SARE Grant Funding
Interested in what Southern SARE funds? Attached is a Southern SARE report covering 25 years of grant fund allocations and grant type distributions across the Southern region. The report was developed to give those in the ag industry the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the overall SARE program, as well as provide a snapshot of how their state is performing under the SARE program.
Intensive Crop Rotations with Cover Crops
University of Georgia researchers developing a model for organic vegetable production in the Southeast have found success incorporating summer cover crops with high-value cool-season crops in a series of rotations that increase yields, control insects and diseases, improve crop quality and build soil biomass. Learn more…
SARE Resource: Manage Insects on Your Farm
Manage Insects on Your Farm highlights ecological strategies that improve your farm’s natural defenses and encourage beneficial insects to attack your worst pests. This newly revised resource includes a new chapter on pollinators and is available FREE as a PDF.
Webinars
Farm Law Webinar Series Announced
Varies
Farm Commons is an organization that creates educational resources to help farmers identify legal issues, break them down into manageable steps, and give them the confidence to move forward. This winter season, they are hosting a series of webinars focused on legal issues in farming, featuring a wide variety of topics, including: food safety liability, legal considerations for beginning farmers and CSA operators, farmland leasing, farm labor, contracts, and more! See the full list of webinars and register for them at the Farm Commons website.
The Need for a National Food Policy: A TweetChat with Mark Bittman, Michael Pollan, and Ricardo Salvador
Wednesday, December 3, 3:00 – 4: 00 PM EST
The Union of Concerned Citizens are hosting a conversation on Twitter with prominent food leaders Mark Bittman, Michael Pollan, and Ricardo Salvador. Participate in the chat using #NFPtalk. Find out more information and register ahead of time here: http://action.ucsusa.org/site/Survey?SURVEY_ID=27842&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&autologin=true
Work for Extension? What Librarians Can Do For You
Thursday, December 11, 2:00 – 3: 00 PM EST
Do you struggle to get evidence-based information for your community programming? Do you spend too much time digging for relevant materials for your teaching and grant writing? Learn how to effectively use library websites with three librarians to guide you. We will present resources from the National Agricultural Library, your land grant library, and other regional resources. There will be a brief database demonstration as well. A handout of resources useful for Extension work will be provided. A more advanced webinar is being planned for Spring 2015. This webinar is co-sponsored by USAIN, NAL and eXtension.
Connection Information: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/clrfs
Public Opinion Survey Results on Food Safety
Wednesday, December 17, 2:00 – 3: 00 PM EST
What are the food safety actions that Floridians do and do not practice? What food safety issues are Floridians concerned about? What do people think about the safety of organic or local food? Join this session to learn the answers to these questions and more about the public perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of food safety as Joy Rumble discusses the latest public opinion survey results. Doug Archer will provide insights into the results based on his extensive experience working in the field of food safety and pose a few questions to generate discussion on how the results of this survey may be put to use. If you would like to join us for the webinar, you must register in advance. This webinar has been registered for UF Extension IST credit. Extension faculty should register here: http://pdec.ifas.ufl.edu/ist/list.pl. All others, please click here to register.
Resources
The Michigan Food Hub Network
The Michigan Food Hub Network is a learning community that helps Michigan food hubs to meet their business goals by working cooperatively with public and private partners. This publication provides an overview of the Michigan Food Hub Network’s creation, implementation, short-term outcomes, and lessons learned in the first 30 months of operation. We think you may find this publication useful, whether you want to learn more about the Michigan Food Hub Network story as it applies to food hubs efforts in your own state, or if you are interested in starting or revamping other types of food system networks.
Updated Guide to USDA Programs Opens Door to Millions of Dollars of Available Funding
The USDA has a wide range of financial assistance programs, but finding the right one can be difficult, complicated further by trying to stay up to date with changes in funding following each Farm Bill. Thanks to the newly updated guide, Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities: A Guide to Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation, Food Systems, and Community Development, Producers, researchers, nonprofits, and landowners can find programs to help them achieve their goals.
Funding Opportunities for Local Food
A new white paper from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture presents information about 31 federal, state, and private grant programs that are available as funding sources for development of local food systems. Financial resources range from USDA grants for beginning farmers, owners of small businesses and rural development groups, to private industry and foundation grants that support community gardens and farm-to-school programs. Find the white paper on the Leopold Center’s website.
New EDIS Fact Sheets Available
The University of Florida IFAS Extension offers a database of fact sheets available for free download on the Internet called EDIS that has many publications of interest to farmers and ranchers in Florida. Each fact sheet has a PDF or printer friendly link in the top left corner. The following are just a few of the new fact sheets that were recently added to the collection pertaining to commercial agricultural production:
· Controlled-Release and Slow-Release Fertilizers as Nutrient Management Tools
· Fertilizer Recommendation Philosophies
· Consuming Local Vegetables From Our Local Growers
· A Farm to School Procurement Calculator for Specialty Crop Producers and School Food Service Staff
· A Practical Guide for Aquaponics as an Alternative Enterprise
· Description of Enhanced-Efficiency Fertilizers for Use in Vegetable Production
· Factors Affecting the Choice of Irrigation Systems for Florida Tomato Production
· Jalapeno and Other Hot Pepper Varieties for Florida
· Sensation Brand ‘Florida127’ Strawberry
· An Overview of Carbon Markets for Florida Forest Landowners
· 2014 Cool-Season Forage Variety Recommendations for Florida
Evaluate Your Irrigation System
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural and Water Policy offers a free service to evaluate water use. For more than sixteen years, partnership-based Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs) have been operating throughout the state of Florida. Presently, there are seventeen MILs providing service in 66 counties. Of the seventeen MILs, 12 are agricultural, four are urban, and one is agricultural and urban. The MIL services are free-of-charge and provide site-specific expertise in analyzing irrigation systems and educating property owners on how to improve water conservation and use. Find the MIL that serves your county here.
Growing Food Connections Policy Database
The Growing Food Connections Policy Database is a searchable collection of local public policies that explicitly support community food systems. This database provides policymakers, government staff, and others interested in food policy with concrete examples of local public policies that have been adopted to address a range of food systems issues: rural and urban food production, farmland protection, transfer of development rights, food aggregation and distribution infrastructure, local food purchasing and procurement, healthy food access, food policy councils, food policy coordination, food system metrics, tax reductions and exemptions for food infrastructure, and much more. Check it out here: http://growingfoodconnections.org/tools-resources/policy-database/
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:
· December 11: Small Flock Poultry Conference, Cocoa, FL
· January 23: Small Scale Mushroom Production, Live Oak, FL
· March 16-17 or March 20-21: Hydroponic Workshop, Live Oak, FL
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!
Panhandle Equine Health and Management Workshop
December 9
This free workshop will be held at the NFREC Quincy station and will provide information on: equine digestive system and nutrition, equine dental care, internal parasites of equines, and quality forages. Find out more here.
Organic Farming Workshop
December 10, 10AM to 3:30 PM
Florida Organic Growers is partnering with Papa Lynn’s Organic Farm to offer an organic farming workshop in Arcadia. The workshop will provide practical information and advice about sustainable and organic farming such as soil and weed management, cover crops and farm planning, and organic certification. The workshop is designed for beginning and new farmers as well as those interested in transitioning to organic. Papa Lynn’s owner and operator Lynn Steward will lead a farm tour and discuss production and weed and pest management strategies. Robert Kluson, Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, will discuss cover crops and farm planning and FOG staff will lead a discussion on the why’s and how’s of organic certification. The event is $10 and includes lunch. Please click here to register for the event. Contact Travis Mitchell to find out about available scholarships, travis@foginfo.org or 352-363-1093.
Organic Farming Workshop
December 14, 10AM to 3:30 PM
Florida Organic Growers is partnering with Full Earth Farm in Quincy to offer an organic farming workshop in Gadsden County. The workshop will provide practical information and advice about sustainable and organic farming such as soil and weed management, cover crops and farm planning, and organic certification. The workshop is designed for beginning and new farmers as well as those interested in transitioning to organic. Full Earth’s owners and operators Katie Harris and Aaron Suko will lead a farm tour and discuss production and weed and pest management strategies. There will also be a special presentation on season extension, Herman Holley of Turkey Hill Farm will discuss the importance and methods for sustainable soil fertility and management, and Cheryl Mackowiak with the University of Florida North Florida Research and Education Center will present on her research on perennial cover crops and sod rotationThe event is $10 and includes lunch. Please click here to register for the event. Contact Travis Mitchell to find out about available scholarships, travis@foginfo.org or 352-363-1093.
Growing Farm Profits In-Service Training
January 13
This in-service training will be offered in Mobile, AL the day before the SSAWG conference begins (see below). This workshop is for those directly serving small to mid-scale diversified vegetable producers –non-profit staff, Extension, FSA, Lenders, etc. This training is FREE! It will provide helpful resources for assisting small to mid-scale diversified vegetable producers with profit management. This training for service providers is a modified version of the very successful Growing Farm Profits training for farmers. The purpose of this in-service training is to share with service providers the resources and approach used in our Growing Farm Profits farmer trainings, in hopes that you will be able to use these in your work with farmers in your area. Click here for a flyer with registration information.
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference
January 14-17
The 2015 conference program and registration information is now available on the Southern SAWG website. http://www.ssawg.org/january-2015-conference/
National Farmers Union Women’s Conference
January 17-21
The National Farmers Union will host their Women’s Conference January 17-21 in Clearwater, Florida! The Women’s Conference registration deadline is January 2, 2015. Attendance is limited to 100 participants –so register now! Visit their website for registration information and to view the full agenda.
Minority Landowner 9th Anniversary Conference: Agricultural Diversity on and off the Farm
February 26-28
Registration is open! A limited number of scholarships are available for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The conference will be held at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport in Houston, TX. Follow conference updates at www.minoritylandowner.com or 919-215-1632.
Funding Opportunities
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
Application deadline: December 15, 2014
The Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental and public health issues within an affected community. The EJSG Program is designed to help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. The long-term goals of the EJSG Program are to help build the capacity of communities with environmental justice concerns and to create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve local environments in the future. The fiscal year 2015 program will consider proposals supporting community-based preparedness and resilience efforts (community climate resiliency). The goal is to recognize the critical role of localized efforts in helping communities shape climate change strategies to avoid, lessen, or delay the risks and impacts associated with climate change. More information can be found here.
American Pastured Poultry Producers Association Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 15
The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association is now accepting applications for its annual $500 scholarship/gift. The scholarship will be awarded to an individual, farm, or organization that can demonstrate an educational need directly related to pastured poultry. Full details can be found here. The deadline to apply is December 15.
Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America Safety Grants Program
Application deadline: January 7, 2015
Grants up to $10,000 are being offered by the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA), a national coalition of agribusinesses, producer organizations, and safety professionals in order to foster new champions of agricultural safety and health. The purpose of the ASHCA Safety Grants Program is to provide financial support to promote evidence-based safety/health strategies addressing farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers. Full details can be found here.
WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants
Application deadline: January 14, 2015
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation is inviting States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery to apply for a funding opportunity to cost-share on projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. More details can be found in this press release.
Herb Society of America Research Grant
Application deadline: January 31, 2015
The Herb Society of America, Inc. (HSA) offers annual research grants of up to $5,000 to students, professionals, and individuals engaged in research on the horticultural, scientific, and/or social applications or use of herbs throughout history. The HSA Research Grant is intended to support small, self-contained research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time. Learn more about the grant and apply here.
USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
The 2014 Farm Bill requires USDA to set aside at least five percent ofBusiness 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.
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 |
| Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive | 12-15-14 |
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
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