**New items noted in RED**
North Carolina State University Biofuel Survey for Farmers
Farmers: we are reaching out to you and asking that you participate in an on-line survey. The survey is part of a study titled “Policies to Develop Perennial Grass-based Advanced Biofuel Supply Chains in the Southeast U.S.” from the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics at North Carolina State University and funded by the USDA. Your responses to this survey will help us analyze the factors that influence your interest in growing perennial grasses, specifically, Giant Miscanthus. Take the survey here: http://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/12/ncsu-biofuel-survey/.
USDA Seeks Nominations for Advisory Boards
The USDA is always seeking nominations for the Secretary’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and the six Technical Advisory Committees for Trade (ATACs). We need your help identifying qualified individuals with related international trade experience who would be interested in serving on one of these seven important committees. Serving as a trade advisor provides a unique opportunity to contribute to government deliberations that influence U.S. trade policies. USDA will formally issue a Federal Register Notice soon, to announce the renewal of Committees and provide more details about important deadlines. Please view the attached brochure for more information about how to apply, and forward to any others who may be qualified and interested in serving the Nation. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and be employed by U.S.-owned entities. Complete application packages must contain: 1) A completed form AD-755 (Advisory Committee Membership Background Information), 2) A resume or statement of qualifications, 3) a sponsor letter, which must be on company/organization letterhead (interested parties may also nominate themselves, on either company/organization letterhead or personal letterhead), with a statement regarding the nominee's international trade expertise and qualifications to represent the relevant industry sector. Contact atacs@fas.usda.gov for more information.
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.
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:
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.
Leveraging technology in collaborative work-foundations
Wednesday, February 11, 10:00AM 11:30AM EST
Join members of the Michigan Food Hub Network and Hannah Mellion, Program Director for Food System Enterprise at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, a non-profit growing the local food system in Rhode Island. She works with Farm Fresh’s aggregation and distribution programs, including Market Mobile and Veggie Box. Hannah has expertise developing tools and resources for good handling practices (GHPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food hubs. The presentation will be follow by Q&A and time for informal dialogue. To join the webinar, simply login at 10:00a EST via this link.
Leveraging technology in collaborative work-foundations
Wednesday, February 11, 3:00PM EST
Modern knowledge work, such as that done by Extension professionals, often calls for collaborative efforts to address complex issues from a variety of angles. Using technology to facilitate collaboration can allow teams to span geographical boundaries, work at different times, easily share information, foster frequent interaction, expand the team’s expertise, and reduce costs. However, collaboration within virtual spaces is different than traditional face-to-face work and requires consideration of a variety of factors: comfort with and access to the technology, leadership and coordination of the team, scheduling across time zones and institutions, etc. In this webinar we will highlight published research about technology-facilitated collaboration and discuss its benefits, challenges, and factors that contribute to success. This foundational webinar will set the stage for subsequent webinars that will address specific tools and techniques that can be used to foster the success of collaborative work using technology. Link: https://learn.extension.org/events/1904#.VNEvnS7RtYV
A look back, a path forward: Lessons learned from the food hub Vanguard, Vol. 1
Thursday, February 19, 3:30PM EST
This webinar examines the story behind the evolution of Grasshoppers a Louisville, KY food hub open from 2006 to 2013. The webinar will discuss key challenges, best practices, lessons learned and the organizations lasting impact on Kentucky agriculture and the local food sector. Register now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8761996430383139585
The million dollar question: Breakeven and viability for different food hub models
Thursday, March 19, 3:30PM EST
How much volume does it take for a food hub to be a viable business? Food hub managers, planning commissions, funders, support organizations, economic development commissions and investors are all asking this same question! Of course this is difficult to answer with a single number since there are diverse food hub models and management structures. And context matters : the region of the country, urban vs. rural, and others. This webinar peers in the operations and financial books of several illustrative examples of different hypothetical hubs to tease apart those “magic numbers” where each model reaches profitability, and true viability. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3399986084975337473
Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program –Grants Training Workshop!
Wednesday, April 8, 1 – 5 PM
We are pleased to be working with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute for Food and Agriculture, and the Regional Development Center to offer a workshop that will help potential grant applicants understand, develop, and submit their Federal grant applications for the $30 million Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program. The workshop will be held in Miami, FL. A list of upcoming grant workshop dates and locations as well as state contact information can be found at http://www.amsta.net. Pre-registration for the Miami workshop is not required but encouraged. Please 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
Small Farm Webinar Series
Varies
The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community, providing practical knowledge on emerging topics which advance local food production in Illinois. Webinars will be held from 1:00 - 2:30 pm on Thursdays and are free. This week's program will provide practical information on growing, maintaining, harvesting and marketing a diverse array of perennial crops that can be integrated into your existing farming operation. Perennial onions, edible mushrooms, ground nuts, chicory, sea kale, sorrel, scorzonera, stinging nettle, Jerusalem artichoke, ostrich fern, and more will be covered. See the schedule and 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
Trends in U.S. local and regional food systems: A report to congress
This study by the Economic Research Service finds producer participation in local food systems is growing, and the value of local food sales, defined as the sale of food for human consumption through both direct-to-consumer (e.g., farmers’ markets) and intermediated marketing channels (e.g., sales to institutions or regional distributors), appears to be increasing. Read the full report here.
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.
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:
· 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!
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.
Feral swine: Impact to Florida
February 13
Attend this FREE workshop hosted by Florida A&M University at the Livestock Agriculture Pavillion in Ocala, FL. Door prizes and lunch are provided. See the attached flyer for more information.
2015 Georgia Organics 18th Annual Conference & Expo Recipe for Change: Better Farms, Better Flavors
February 20
For their 18th annual conference, Georgia Organics is returning to Athens, GA. More than 1,000 attendees will learn, network, feast, and champion organic foods and farms. The two-day conference is one of the largest sustainable agriculture expos in the South and attracts famers, health advocates, gardeners, parents, DIYers, and everyone in-between who cares about healthy foods, farms and families.
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.
Methods of recycling used potting soil
February 26, 9:30 – 14:00
This workshop will give two methods of recycling potting soil for reuse. We will look at composting with Dr. Monica Ozores-Hampton and solarization results of a SARE On-Farm Grant with Shawn Steed. These two methods will help growers to recapture wasted potting soil and use back in production, saving natural resources and money. The workshop will be held at the UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension office in Seffner, FL. It is free and will include a lunch. To register online go to www.soilreuse.eventbrite.com More information can be found at www.tiny.cc/envirohortprod or contact Shawn steed at 813-744-5519 x 54147.
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.
Workshop Highlighting Research on Organic Strawberry Cropping Systems
March 3
This workshop provides an opportunity for Florida farmers to learn about the latest and greatest organic strawberry research taking place at UF/IFAS. The workshop includes sessions on cover crop options for organic strawberry production, performance of selected commercial strawberry cultivars, pest and disease management in organic strawberry production (including a field exercise), and consumer preferences for strawberry quality attributes. The workshop is free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required. See the attached flyer for more details.
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.
2015 Master Goat and Sheep Certification Program
Varies –REGISTER NOW!!
The Master Goat and Sheep Producer’s Certification Program is a comprehensive training program which offers classes in the nutrition management, herd health, marketing, risk management, financial management, pasture management and so much more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! View the complete schedule and details on how to register now here!
2015 Master Farmer Program
Coming Fall 2015
The Master Farmer Program is a comprehensive training program which offers classes in marketing, leadership development, estate planning, computer basics, grant writing, crop and livestock production and so much more. Contact Mr. Gilbert Queely at 850-412-5255 or gilbert.queeley@famu.edu or visit the website.
Funding Opportunities
USDA Announces Financial Support for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers
Today, Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced over $9 million in grant funds will soon be available for outreach and technical assistance to minority and veteran farmers and ranchers. This funding will enable community-based organizations, eligible higher education institutions and tribal organizations to work directly with these groups to successfully acquire, own and operate farms and ranches and to access all USDA programs and services. These funds are being provided through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the "2501 Program". Eligible institutions can find out more about this opportunity here. The 2015 request for proposals will be available soon.
SARE Graduate Student Grants
Due May 4, 2015
The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has released the 2015 Call for Proposals for Graduate Student Grants. Graduate Student Grants are one of the few sustainable agriculture research funding opportunities open to Masters and PhD students at accredited institutions in the Southern region. Download the Call for Proposals on the Southern SARE website and carefully read the proposal application instructions. All of the guidelines, program goals, review criteria, and the submission process to apply for a Southern SARE Graduate Student Grant can be found within the Call for Proposals. Research projects that address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the Southern region are eligible for submission. Maximum funds awarded for projects are $11,000 for up to three years to work on the student’s project. Visit the Southern SARE website for additional information on Graduate Student Grants. Grant awards are announced in late August. Visit the Southern SARE website for more information on sustainable agriculture and other grant funding opportunities.
Agriculture & Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Food Security Program
Due June 4, 2015
NIFA is requesting applications for AFRI Food Security Challenge Area Program for FY 2015. AFRI is a competitive grant program to provide funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in food and agricultural sciences. The goal of this program is to invest in agricultural production research, education, and extension programs for more sustainable, productive and economically viable plant and animal production systems. In FY 2015, applications are sought in the following priority areas:
1. Agricultural Production Systems
2. Breeding and Genomics of Crops and Livestock
3. National Strategy for Sustainable Crop and Livestock Production in the United States
The amount anticipated to be available for support of this program in FY 2015 is approximately $16.8 million. The full announcement can be found at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=272432
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
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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