Greetings from Florida SARE and Happy New Year! There’s a lot of good stuff in this one for you. Thank you to all of those who contribute by sending me information about upcoming events or new resources you find. If you don’t see things listed in this email that are going on in your area, please send me the information to be included in our next email update!
–Kelly
**New items noted in RED**
Survey to Define Barriers and Opportunities for Sustainable and Resilient Agricultural Systems in the Southern U.S.
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 U.S. This online questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. To begin, simply click on the link below.
http://uofmississippi.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1TRbM6m63OwIpfv
Free Online Course, “The Rise and Future of the Food Movement”
The Edible Education 101 course was created in conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebration of Chez Panisse Restaurant and Café in Berkeley, CA. The course is a unique hybrid public lecture series and for-credit class –members of the general public can participate as well as students. Find out details about the 2015 course here.
SARE News
25 Years of SARE: Report on Project Funding
Southern region SARE has produced a report that provides a brief look at the grants portfolio that has been built between 1988 and 2013. The report is intended to help those in the ag community evaluate the effectiveness of the SSARE program, as well as provide a snapshot of how grant monies are allocated and the types of grants are distributed in each state. Access the report here.
SSARE 2014 Index
Southern SARE’s index for 2014 is now available. The annual report contains the complete portfolio of final grant projects and continuing grant-funded research throughout the Southern region.
Webinars
Growing Roots in Farm to School Webinar Series
Varies
USDA Farm to School staff and guest speakers have just what you need to start or expand your farm to school program in the new year. This 11-part webinar series will help you build your farm to school skills and develop new strategies for bringing local foods into the lunchroom. To join a webinar, register here:
1. Farm to School Planning and Building a Team, January 15, 2:00 pm
2. Setting Goals and Establishing an Evaluation Baseline, January 28, 2:00 pm
3. Finding and Buying Local Foods, February 5, 2:00 pm
4. Farm to School Menu Planning, February 19, 2:00 pm
5. Food Safety, March 5, 2:00 pm
6. Promoting Your Farm to School Program, March 19, 2:00 pm
7. School Gardening, April 2, 2:00 pm
8. Curriculum Integration, April 16, 2:00 pm
9. Program Sustainability, April 30, 2:00 pm
10. Evaluating Your Program, May 13, 2:00 pm
11. Tying it All Together and Digging In, May 28, 2:00 pm
Managing Risks on an Urban Farm
Thursday, January 15, 12:00PM EST
This webinar will focus on the risk management strategies of two urban farms and how they have overcome several of the barriers facing urban farmers today. Find out more information and register free by visiting https://attra.ncat.org/managing_risks/ or take a look at the attached flyer.
Rotational No-till, Mulching and Conservation Tillage for Organic Vegetable Farms
Thursday, January 20, 2:00PM EST
Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) have caused considerable economic damage in the Mid-Atlantic states, and biological control agents against BMSB are not readily available for growers yet. In this webinar, the efficacy and utilization of the spined soldier bug as a native biological control agent will be presented and discussed. This webinar is for a mixed audience including researchers, extension specialists and agents, and growers seeking information on biological control of stink bugs. Register now here.
Managing Bad Stink Bugs Using Good Stink Bugs
Thursday, January 22, 2:00PM EST
In this webinar, Jan-Hendrik Cropp will describe how to create organic cropping systems using diverse living and/or dead mulches, along with rotational conservation tillage to increase soil health. While the webinar will focus on one production system from an organic
Facilitating Value Chain Development Without Costly New Infrastructure
Thursday, January 22, 3:30PM – 5:00PM EST
Let’s face it: food hubs are sexy! So are other Good Food infrastructure projects, such as region-scaled meat processing plants. And for good reason: these businesses are often filling gaps or bottlenecks in regional and local food systems. However, sometimes it’s not a lack of infrastructure that leads to bottlenecks; it is incomplete or inefficient use of the infrastructure that stymies the system. "Value Chain Coordinators" are people who work to connect the dots in a value chain. They ensure the right people, goods and resources connect with each other. Most often value chain coordinators work outside day-to-day business operations, a vantage point that offers a unique perspective on the optimal solutions in a regional market. Join us for this expanded webinar diving deep into the approaches people across the country are taking to improve the food system without costly new infrastructure.
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6258438140577286401
Local Food Marketplace: “Getting Started with Production Planning”
Thursday, January 22, 1:00PM EST
Join us for our second webinar in the series "Production Planning for Success" where food hubs will hear from experts about crop and production planning, plus get a quick overview of LFM's recently released module for Production Planning and Forecasting. The webinar will feature Mary Oldham, the regional Coordinator for Value Chain Cluster Initiative since 2013. Through her role with VC2, Mary co-authored Production Planning for Aggregators with the ISU Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Savanna Lyons, and provides training and support to startup food hubs and their producers. Click here to register.
Food Policy and Regional Food Systems: Opportunities for Networking Across Jurisdictions
Wednesday, February 11, 1:00PM – 2:15PM EST
During this webinar, expert panelists will address a number of big picture questions local food policy councils have about regional food systems, including:
· The role of local food policy councils within a regional network
· When is it beneficial to connect across a region
· How to determine your "region" and what to do when definitions vary
· Best practices and challenges to organizing and building regional networks, including resources and infrastructure needed
These issues will be addressed to show participants how networking across jurisdictions can positively influence food system change. The webinar will also include time for participant Q&A. Register Here.
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.
Resources
The Farm to School Evaluation Toolkit
The Farm to School Evaluation Toolkit, created by the Colorado Farm to School Task Force and Spark Policy Institute, is a resource to help farm to school programs of all sizes, in all states, undertake evaluation. The FTS Evaluation Toolkit provides simple, straightforward information about how to design and implement evaluations of school gardens and other farm to school activities. In a succinct ten pages, the FTS Evaluation Toolkit Guide walks users through each step of the evaluation process, including how to prepare for an evaluation, identify outcomes, select and adapt measurement tools, complete an evaluation plan, implement an evaluation plan, and use evaluation results. Click here to check out the Farm to School Evaluation Toolkit.
2014 Farm Bill Provides Greater Protection for Specialty Crop Growers
Greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance: vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, and energy crops. Producers can now also choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price. Find out more here.
FSA Hay and Grazing Net: an Online Resource for Hay and Livestock Producers
For many years, FSA’s Hay Net website has been the “go to” online resource for agricultural producers. Now, in response to requests from livestock producers and landowners, FSA has expanded the site to include the option to list a need for grazing acres or to list acres available for grazing.
Tools for Trapping Pests and Attracting Beneficial Insects
Wherever crops are grown they attract insect and disease pests. So how can we detect pests early and how do we get their natural enemies to work better for us? There are some new multifunctional tactics that have been developed that will work for certain pest and beneficial insects. Check out this article for more information.
Honeybees are Valuable Pollinators
The honeybee, of all insects, is most peculiarly adapted to the task of cross pollination. About two million colonies are rented by growers each year to service over 90 crops. This article provides five recommendations for a successful pollination enterprise. In addition, Managing Alternative Pollinators, is a guide for rearing and managing bumble bees and other pollinators. This SARE book is available free as a PDF download.
Poultry Basics Tip Sheet
If you are looking for pointers on choosing chicken breeds, caring for your flock, and raising a flock in urban areas, check out this newly developed publication from ATTRA, “Poultry Basics Tipsheet.”
Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities: A Guide to Federal Programs for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation, Food Systems, and Community Development
This updated USDA funding guide helps producers, researchers, nonprofits, and landowners find programs to help them achieve their goals. It covers 63 government programs and has been updated to include programs included in the 2014 Farm Bill. Download the guide free here.
Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching
This new ATTRA publication is an overview of federal conservation programs that help farmers and ranchers maintain and enhance sustainable practices and acts as a guide for navigating the often complex and difficult application process. Get the publication here.
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.
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:
· January 23: Small Scale Mushroom Production, Live Oak, FL
· January 31: Vegetable Production for Local Markets, Orlando, 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!
Living Agroecology
January 17-18
This two-day intensive course will be lead by Dr. Miguel Altieri and will be hosted at the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit. Dr. Altieri is an internationally known teacher, researcher, and leader in the field of agroecology from UC Berkeley. The course will address the crisis of sustainable agriculture and agricultural system redesign for farm and food sustainability. Check out the attached flyer for more information and details on how to register.
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.
Tri-State Cucurbit Meeting
January 23
The 2015 Tri-State Cucurbit Meeting will be held on Friday, January 23, in Marianna. Topics that will be addressed include: fertilization, insect, weed, and disease management, cucurbit varieties and food safety. Additionally, pesticide CEU’s will be available. Find out more information here.
Rockstar Farmer Tour featuring Curtis Stone
January 28-29
Florida Organic Growers and East End Market are excited to bring the Rockstar Farmer Tour: Farming in the City to Gainesville for an exciting two day event. The Rockstar Farmer Tour features Curtis Stone, a Canadian farmer who has continually produced $50,000 on his quarter-acre micro farm in Kelowna, British Columbia. Wednesday’s festivities are free and open to the public. Click here for details and to register. Thursday features an in-depth workshop and is $75 to attend. Click here for details and to register.
Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference and Tradeshow
February 6-7
This conference will have 5 hands-on workshops, 10 educational sessions with speakers from 5 SE states, and a large tradeshow. Reduced rates for educational exhibits is available. Find out more and register here: http://www.aces.edu/dept/associations/afvga/2015AFVGAconference.php
Northwest Florida Beef Conference
February 11
The Northwest Florida Beef Conference and Trade Show will be held on February 11th in Marianna. The focus of the Beef Conference this year will be: Investing in the Future of Your Herd. Topics will include improving pasture management, pasture weed control, supplement feeding systems, herd performance, financial management, and her reproduction. Find out more here.
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.
Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course
February 28
The Apalachee Beekeepers Association will be hosting an Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course at the Leon County Extension Office. The program will feature with hands-on training in hive assembly, pest management, open hive demonstrations, and bee nutrition. Space is limited –register by February 12 to reserve your spot.
Funding Opportunities
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, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences Education and Literacy Initiative, AFRI | 2-11-15 |
| Minor Crop Pest Management Program Interregional Research Project #4 | 2-18-15 |
| Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II | 2-26-15 |
| Bginning Farmers and Ranchers | 3-31-15 |
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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