CORRECTION:
PLEASE NOTE ALL WEBINARS PREVIOUSLY LISTED FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 ARE ACTUALLY OCCURING ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29.
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
From: Monaghan,Kelly N
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2015 1:51 PM
To: sare-FL@lists.ifas.ufl.edu; organicag-l@lists.ifas.ufl.edu
Subject: Updates 1.27.15
**New items noted in RED**
USDA Census of Agriculture -2014 Organic Survey
The 2014 Organic Survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification in the U.S., and those producers transitioning to organic production. Surveys were mailed in early January are responses are due by mail by February 13, 2015 or online by April 3, 2015. United States law requires all those who receive a survey to respond. If you would like to participate online please visit www.agcensus.usda.gov/publications/organic_survey/ to find out how.
Sweetwater Organic Farm Seeks a Farm Manager
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm is a not-for-profit CSA farm located in Tampa, FL. For more info about the farm, please visit the website at www.sweetwater-organic.org. They are currently taking applications for the Farm Manager’s position. Applicants must have farming experience, good organization and planning skills, experience/ability to manage a group of 5 employees, good communication skills, as well as the ability to operate/manage a range of farm equipment. Interested applicants should contact Rick Martinez at organicintegrity@msn.com or by phone at 813-765-0282.
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
Farmers making a smart choice for health insurance
Thursday, January 29, 1-2:30PM EST
Learn how the Affordable Care Act affects farm/ranch families as individuals (consumers), as business operators, and their farm workers. Enrollment assisters who work with farmers and ranchers are also encouraged to attend. Join the webinar here or call in to 888-469-1349/Participant passcode: 5724564.
Public opinion of genetically modified food
Thursday, January 29, 1-2PM EST
What do Floridians think about genetically modified food? Do Floridians know which foods contain genetically modified ingredients? Do Floridians plan to purchase genetically modified foods in the future? Join the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources to learn the answers to these questions and more about the public perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of genetically modified foods as Joy Rumble discusses the latest public opinion survey results. Alison Van Eenennaam will provide insights into the results based on her extensive experience working in the field of biotechnology and pose a few questions to generate discussion on how the results of the survey may be put to use. Register to participate here.
Developing, implementing and sustaining healthy food incentive programs at farmers’ markets
Thursday, January 29, 3-4:30 PM EST
Dr. Freedman of Case Western Reserve University will provide examples where Extension has connected with public health and community health initiatives through healthy food incentive programs. Her presentation will also offer guidance for engaging key stakeholders in healthy food incentive program development as well as challenges and opportunities for this type of intervention. URL: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/communities
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
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.
University of Kentucky 2015 High Tunnel Webinar Series
Varies
Learn about season extension in high tunnel production systems in a new webinar series sponsored by the Center for Crop Diversification and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. There will be six webinars, eat 75 minutes long. In February and March 2015. The series will cover market opportunities, structure options and construction, organic production and certification, crop and equipment options, pest pressure and control, as well as a summary of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Seasonal high Tunnel Initiative. You must register for each webinar by calling 606-348-8453. A description of each webinar can be found here.
· February 17 – Season Extension Opportunities and EQIP Funding
· February 24 – Structure Options, Construction, Ventilation and Temperature Control
· March 3 – Organic Certification and Marketing high Tunnel Crops
· March 10 – Crop, Irrigation and Equipment Options
· March 17 – Insect, Weed and Disease Control
· March 24 – Producer Views and Series Wrap-Up
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
Small Farm Digest –Starting a Cooperative
This issue of the Small Farm Digest, produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) focuses on starting a cooperative. In it you will find articles on starting a cooperative and models of cooperatives in the U.S. See the publication attached.
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.
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 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!
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 $75 to attend. Click here for details and to register.
Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference and Tradeshow
February 6-7
This conference will have 5 hands-on workshops, 10 educational sessions with speakers from 5 SE states, and a large tradeshow. Reduced rates for educational exhibits is available. Find out more and register here: http://www.aces.edu/dept/associations/afvga/2015AFVGAconference.php
Northwest Florida Beef Conference
February 11
The Northwest Florida Beef Conference and Trade Show will be held on February 11th in Marianna. The focus of the Beef Conference this year will be: Investing in the Future of Your Herd. Topics will include improving pasture management, pasture weed control, supplement feeding systems, herd performance, financial management, and her reproduction. Find out more here.
AgSave$ Summit
February 23
Ag Save$ is a new initiative to provide personal financial education for farmers and ranchers in Florida. We would like to personally invite you and your family to the 2015 AgSave$ Summit. This kickoff event for the new AgSave$ initiative aims to help farm families address important financial issues, such as estate planning, succession planning, and protecting farm and personal assets. Ag Save$ is being delivered to you by the Panhandle Agricultural and Family and Consumer Sciences Faculty of the University of Florida, IFAS Extension. 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.
Beef-Forage Field Day
March 6
The Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL will host a beef-forage field day on March 6th. View the complete agenda and find out how to register here: http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2015/01/23/wiregrass-beef-forage-field-day-march-6/
Starting a Food Business in Florida
March 17
Are you thinking of adding value to your farm products, starting a grocery store, food truck or restaurant? If yes, this seminar is for you! Representatives from food regulatory agencies will show you how to get started and answer your questions. Avoid costly mistakes and gain in one day information that could take months to research on your own. Space is limited so register today. Pre-registration is required. Registration fee is $75 and must be received by March 10, 2015. Registration includes refreshments and workshop materials. Please contact Faith Clarke at 850-590-227 or fclarke@aediamerica.org for more information. Registration information is attached to this email.
Funding Opportunities
USDA Seeks Applications for Conservation Innovation Grants
Pre-proposals due: February 24
USDA, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applications for projects that will build on the basic infrastructure for environmental markets by maturing and scaling markets and accelerating efforts to leverage private capital and investment in private lands conservation. View the press release for more information: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/ec601b
National Training, Education, Extension, Outreach and Technical Assistance Competitive Grants Program
Letter of intent deadline: February 16; Application deadline: March 16
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) invites proposals that address the needs of small and medium-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, small processors, or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers, especially as they relate to the implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Projects will help increase their understanding and adoption of established food safety standards, guidance and protocols. Projects will also facilitate the integration of food safety standards and guidance with a variety of agricultural production systems, encompassing conventional, sustainable, organic, and conservation and environmental practices. View the request for proposals here: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-FD-15-003.html
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
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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