Free Finances and Management Worksheet for New Farms
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has put out a management and finances worksheet for organic farmers to test where they stand, entitled “Organic Farmers: Steps to Success.” The tool first takes you through a series of questions on management skills and personal qualities needed to run the business so that you can see what needs improvement. Under the financial side, it breaks down the details of the business’s financial... Read More
Survey – Help Understand Beginning Farmer Knowledge Networks
NYFC would like to help researchers and other organizations better understand how to help beginning farmers! Below is information on a survey on organic farmer knowledge networks. If you have the time, please fill out the survey to help. My name is Emily and I am a senior at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. I am finishing my undergraduate study in Sociology and Urban & Environmental Policy. Help me with my senior thesis by completing... Read More
Third and Final EQIP Organic Initiative Application Deadline is Approaching!
The last chance to apply for assistance through the EQIP Organic Initiative for 2012 is June 1, so if you’re interested read on and apply! EQIP, a voluntary soil, air, and water conservation program of the USDA, provides technical and financial assistance for farmers looking to implement conservation programs on their farms. The program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (an agency within the USDA), includes an Organic... Read More
MOSES’ focus on Young Organic Stewards
The recent Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) conference featured a host of workshops, including some specifically intended for young farmers. The Young Organic Stewards program, for example, included presentations on topics ranging from marketing and business to the use of social media to promote a business. Those addressing the financial side of farming were particularly useful; I’ve summarized some of the highlights... Read More
Chicago’s New Rooftop Farm – The Urban Canopy
A new rooftop farm project by The Urban Canopy aims to show how rooftops can be used as small farms throughout Chicago to grow fresh fruits and veggies organically and sustainably. Along with farming vacant lots–or even entire abandoned buildings–rooftop farming is a vital part of the growing urban agriculture movement to recreate a local and regional food system that is both sustainable and equitable. The Urban Canopy’s new farm... Read More
Apply now for a Raising Organic Family Farms Grant/Scholarship
Raising Organic Family Farms recently announced a second round of grants and scholarships for organic farmers and agriculture students. The application period began on January 16th and will run until March 16th. In total, ROFF will be giving away an additional $25,000 this winter in small grants and scholarships to selected organic farmers and students. The goal of this program is to help farmers and students overcome small financial barriers... Read More
NOFA Announces Journeyperson Programs for Farmers in the Northeast
Attention beginning farmers in the Northeast: Four more state Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) organizations have announced that they will be accepting applications for a new two-year beginning farmer support program known as the Journeyperson Program. NOFA organizations in New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Connecticut are kicking these programs off, based on the already existing–and highly successful–Journeyperson... Read More
NWF Report Highlights Farming Practices that Protect the Environment
A new report by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), “Future Friendly Farming: Seven Agricultural Practices to Sustain People and the Environment,” explores a number of important practices to reduce environmental damage and ensure that farming continues to support people for many generations. These recommendations include the use of cover crops, conservation tillage, organic methods of farming, grassland management, forest management, the... Read More
Farm-to-Table Inspiration in Quebec
Rooftop herb garden at the Chateau Frontenac - photo by Chris T. On a recent visit to the province of Quebec, I was quite inspired to see many strong examples of support for sustainable local agriculture. In Quebec City (where it is illegal to use pesticides), I took a tour of the Château Frontenac, the City’s most prominent landmark. I was surprised to learn that this famous hotel has had an impressive rooftop garden in place for 18 years,... Read More
Rodale study shows benefits of organic farming over conventional
A recent study by the Rodale Institute brings good news for organic farmers: According to the report, organic agriculture outperforms conventional farming in years of drought, and increases the organic matter content of soil rather than depleting it. Organic farming also uses 45 percent less energy, produces less greenhouse, and is more profitable than conventional agriculture. “Coach” Mark Smallwood of the Rodale Institute provided information... Read More
