Share your story to help pass a farm bill for young farmers!
We are really down to the wire. September 30th is the farm bill expiration date, and unless Congress passes a final version of the bill, many of the programs young farmers rely on may lose funding. Stories break through the noise. That’s why we’re asking you to shareyour stories with Members of Congress to help illustrate how important local […]
Make hay while the sun shines (market grain while the toddler sleeps)
By Halee Wepking | Even with all of the small mills, bakeries, and distilleries that are popping up, and with the growing demand for organic food-grade small grains in general, there is a hole in the supply chain.
States Expanding Cottage Food Laws
In April we wrote about Value-Added Producer Grants and how these federal awards can potentially help small farmers. However, with the contents of the 2013 Farm Bill facing uncertainty, state legislatures are providing inexpensive ways for farmers to produce limited quantities of value-added products.
Value-Added Producer Grants Announced for 2013
Earlier this month, the USDA announced the recipients of the 2013 Value-Added Producer Grants program. The total amount of grants dispersed, going to 110 agricultural producers, totals over $16 million. This funding is designed to stimulate the creation or development of value-added producer-owned businesses in areas that would benefits from such an institution but require […]
How can a Value-Added Producer Grant help my farm?
This is a part of a blog series on different federal programs in the USDA and how they affect the average beginning farmer. Let us know if there is a particular program that you’d like us to write about next! You read yesterday about the new Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act and the great things […]
New Marker Bill Promises Local Food Support
We are happy to announce the release of the new Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013! The bill, introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine, addresses a range of farm bill titles, from extension programs to processing and distribution as it works to aid farmers and consumers […]
USDA Funds Available for Value-Added Producers – Apply by October 15
All you beginning farmers out there with an eye towards value-added production, listen up! USDA Rural Development has published the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. The Application deadline is October 15th, 2012. In this program agricultural producers or producer groups may apply for either a feasibility study […]