NYFC March 2014 Newsletter
We’ve kicked off the spring with an exciting win at the USDA! Thanks to feedback from our coalition, the Farm Service Agency is making key changes to its facilities loan program that will increase access to diversified farmers. Want to be involved in NYFC’s next policy win? Now’s your chance – we’re calling for applications […]
USDA Responds to NYFC Feedback with Major Changes to FSA Loan Program
The USDA announced major revisions to its Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) Program, a major win for young farmers who specialize in diversified operations and CSA’s. Thanks to the efforts of NYFC and its allies, the new program is now more flexible and useable for a much broader set of farms needing to build or […]
Farm Bill 2014 – What it Means for Beginning Farmers for the Next 5 Years
This post is the second of three in-depth analysis pieces on the bill and how it will affect you. Last week, after we shared the news that the new farm bill passed, we delved into a three-part series breaking the bill down and what its impact will be over the next five years. (The bill […]
USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden Sits down with NYFC and Hudson Valley Farmers
NYFC got the rare opportunity last week to sit down with the USDA’s new Deputy Secretary, Krysta Harden, in Clermont, NY, when she was in-state for the Young Farmers Conference at the Stone Barns Center for Agriculture.
Microloan amendment receives bipartisan support in the Senate
We are thrilled to announce a small victory on the Farm Bill front! This week the FSA Microloan Authorization amendment to the Farm Bill received bipartisan support, as Senators Casey (D-PA), Harkin (D-IA) and Johanns (R-NE) all put themselves as official co-sponsors of the bill. The Microloan amendment strengthens the Farm Service Agency’s microloan program […]
Registration Open for Free Webinar Discussing FSA Microloan Program
You’ve heard us talk about the FSA microloan program. In fact, you probably were a part of the push over the past year to make it a reality. Well the USDA listened to us, so let’s make sure this program actually gets used! The microloan program offers low-interest loans up to $35,000 to better serve […]
Resource Spotlight: USDA's Organic Literacy Initiative
The USDA recently launched its Organic Literacy Initiative, a program designed to connect organic farmers, ranchers, processors with the Department of Agriculture resources they could use. Resources go over what the it means to be organic and how certification works, as well as resources for current certified farmers and ranchers. The matericals include factsheets for […]
New Guide: Learn what FSA loans can do for you
The FSA has just released a clear a concise explanation of its different farm loans and policies in an online publication entitled “Your guide to FSA Farm Loans.” The guide is specifically written for those considering assistance for starting, expanding, or purchasing land for a farm or ranch. While the best thing for you to […]
Bootstrap @ Hartwood Farm: How We Bought the Farm
By Maryellen Sheehan | Not owning farmland should not keep anyone from farming.