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December, 2022
The vegetation may be dormant, but your farm education doesn't have to be! We are highlighting some learning opportunities, funding opportunities, and innovative approaches this month.
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Funding Opportunities
Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund - Tilth Alliance is accepting applications from farmers who seek financial assistance in support of projects that improve the economic viability, social impact, or environmental sustainability of their farm businesses and community. The goal of this grant program is to support organic and regenerative agricultural practices and mitigate climate change; projects that further these objectives, will be considered for an award. Find out more: Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund - Tilth Alliance
Washington State Specialty Crop Block Grant Program - Washington State Department of Agriculture is accepting concept proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of and increase demand for Washington’s specialty crops. Washington State Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture (ncat.org)
Entity Certification with NRCS - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employs a national certification process through which eligible entities may receive administrative flexibility when participating in the Agricultural Land Easement component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-ALE). Certification provides several benefits that may be of interest to qualified entities:
- Extended agreement periods of up to seven (7) federal fiscal years.
- Shortened acquisition processes due to elimination or lessening of NRCS internal controls review process.
- Entity use of own terms and conditions in the ALE deed.
Visit the NRCS-WA ACEP-ALE webpage to learn more about entity certification. There, you can download an informational guide or watch the NRCS YouTube video on entity certification.
Farm to School Grant Program - On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts. Find out more here: Farm to School Grant Program | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)
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Agriculture in the news
End of cheap money for U.S. farmers plows trouble into food production - The rising cost of credit is straining some producers’ liquidity and prompting them to look at reducing inputs. This could reduce yields and place additional upward pressure on prices. End of cheap money for U.S. farmers plows trouble into food production | Reuters
Vermont’s dairy farms recede, giving way to shrimp, saffron and new ideas – While Vermont is known for iconic barns, maple syrup, and sharp cheddar; hardship in the dairy industry is leading to innovations in land use. Vermont’s dairy farms pivot to new ideas amid climate change - The Washington Post
Young Farmers of Color Can Help the U.S. Meet Its Climate Goals. Is Washington Listening? - While accessing land, accessing capital, and navigating a changing climate pose challenges to new farmers, motivated young farmers are hopeful and innovative. Young Farmers Of Color Can Help the U.S. Meet Its Climate Goals. Is Washington Listening? (nextcity.org)
Center releases new crop insurance resources for small, organic producers – While crop insurance has been an integral tool for mid and large scale farms, small farms have had a tough time navigating that issue. The Center for Rural Affairs is trying to change that. Center releases new crop insurance resources for small, organic producers | Morning Ag Clips
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