This week, CLC sponsored a farm visit for a local Head Start group to tour Spruce Ridge Farm. The 3 and 4 year olds were able to feed alpacas and a llama. Plus, they saw cows, guinea hens, and chickens. They learned all about how alpaca fiber (fur) is made into yarn and used to make sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves. Thanks to Spruce Ridge Farm owners, Jeff and Steve, for being such wonderful hosts!
Working Farms News
Kids and Alpacas
Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund
Greater Berkshire Agricultural Fund partnership with Salisbury Bank to assist farms and farm-related businesses. Eligible businesses may apply for loans in amounts up to $75,000. These funds will help farmers and related businesses finance capital investments and meet operating costs. CONTINUE READING
Ag Grants
Working Lands for Wildlife: Conservation Funding – Apply by April 30, 2012
The USDA, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is providing funding to private landowners for creation and maintenance of habitat to sustain breeding populations of New England cottontail, golden-winged warbler, and bog turtle in their current ranges. Conservation practices can include brush management, plantings, fencing, riparian buffers, and wetland enhancements.
More information & To apply
Seed Quality and Crop Breeding Funding (OFRF) – Apply by May 15, 2012
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is providing funding for seed quality and organic crop breeding in partnership with Seed Matters.
Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants – Apply by May 21, 2012
USDA is seeking applications for projects that will increase availability of local agricultural products in communities as well as strengthen farmer-to-consumer marketing efforts. Marketing operations, such as farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and roadside stands, are eligible.
Graduate Student – Sustainable Agriculture Research – Due May 25, 2012
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research (SARE) and Education Program is seeking proposals for graduate students who want to conduct sustainable agriculture research under supervision of a faculty advisor. Proposals should address potential issues of importance to Northeast farmers, researchers, and farm service advisors.
TC3 BioEnergy Conference
Friday, April 27, 2012, 9am – 5pm
Forum, Tompkins Cortland Community College
What is BioEnergy? Meet with members of the BioEnergy industry in education, agriculture, and business community to learn how you can participate in the future of BioEnergy. Community members, students, educators, and professionals welcome.
Register by calling 607-844-6586 or email info@TC3.biz
Upcoming Grants for Farmers
FreshConnect: Funding for Projects that Make NY Products More Accessible to Low-Income Residents and Areas in Need – Due April 6, 2012
The FreshConnect Program is funding projects through a competitive grant process that increase access to NY farm products, including delivery programs, CSA accessibility, etc. For more information and to apply.
Funding for Protection and Improvement of Grazing Lands – Due April 6, 2012
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering producers and opportunity to sign up for voluntary conservation rental payments as part of the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP). GRP offers landowners the ability to protect, restore, and improve grasslands on their property. For more information and to apply.
Farmland Protection Resources – Due April 13, 2012
NRCS is providing a total of $4.5 million in funding for the protection of productive farmland for continued agricultural use, under the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply.
Break Barriers to Farm Start-Up in West Chester
April 21, 2012
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Chester County Government Services Building
Do you want to farm, but do not have the land, capital or equipment resources to get started? Wondering what direction to go? This full day program, presented by Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania Farm Link and the Chester County Economic Development Council will bring financial and legal experts, as well as new and experienced farmers to West Chester to help you break the barriers to farm entry through a full-day workshop.