Hello All,
I hope the warm weather and burst of green is making for a grand time on the farms these days.
Are you looking for summer help?
Are you an Otsego County farmer needing grant money to increase production?
Are you a dairy farmer looking toward value added production to increase farm profit?
Are you ready to send your product to NYC via the Lucky Dog truck (getting ready to run TWICE a week)?
Please scroll through announcements below to get more information about how our dynamic local food system is rebuilding from the ground up to support YOUR farm enterprise.
Can anyone even believe it was 25 degrees out a month ago?
Enjoy!
Rebecca Morgan Executive Director
CADE
GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE FOR FARMERS AND FARM BUSINESSES
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 27TH
Otsego Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is accepting applications for the Agricultural Micro-Enterprise Grant. Grant Money will be awarded to many small farms and farm businesses who apply and qualify. Grants require a 10% match and the deadline for applications is May 27th.
Otsego County residents: don't miss your opportunity to fund your Small Ag Business!
For more information, contact Elizabeth Horvath by emailing horvath@otsegoida.com --- And please use "Ag Micro Application" in the subject line of your email!
As this announcement is anticipated to result in a flurry of communication, email correspondence is preferred over phone calls, but those without email can call: 607.267.4010
LOCAL COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WANT TO FARM THIS SEASON!
Do you need a day of work? A week of work? A month of work?
Local college students and high school students are eager to farm this summer and are looking for opportunities.
They are flexible have their own transportation.
They are looking for paid hourly work (i.e. they are not interns).
Student will be in touch with you directly from that point on.
Please note: CADE will not be responsible for transportation or schedules of summer farm help. We are simply connecting eager students to help meet the needs of a busy farm season. You will be responsible to connect with, organize, pay, and follow up with students as necessary.
LOCAL FOOD HUB EXPANDS DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Deliveries to New York City now taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 26th
Join Lucky Dog Local Food Hub for a Focus Group on Food Hub Distribution.
Tuesday, May 19th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
at the Lucky Dog Cafe in Hamden.
Discussions will be held as follows: 10-11 a.m. Second Truck 11 a.m. - Noon Vegetable Producers
You are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting if plan to utilize the Hub this year. The Tuesday truck will be a very important part of the operation moving forward.
"Producing for the Hub" Workshop
June 29, 2015
Topic: Pricing your products for the Hub
Workshops will take place on the last Monday of every third month (quarterly).
USDA Announces $30 Million Available for Food Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Producers to Develop New Products
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is making $30 million available to farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to develop new product lines. Funding will be made available through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
"Farmers and ranchers are creative people who, with a little help, can put that creativity to work and improve the bottom line for their operations," Vilsack said. "Value-Added Producer Grants enable them to develop new product lines to grow their businesses and expand their contributions to our nation's economy. This support is especially important for beginning farmers, military veterans engaging in farming and smaller farm operations participating in the local and regional food system."
More information on how to apply is on page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 7. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due July 2.
