Grant workshop for Value Added, Farm Show news, PA Veteran Farming Conference

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Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project-
www.troopstotractors.org
pavetsfarm@gmail.com
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Read on for: Farm Show photos, VAPG workshop, PA Veteran Farming Conference early bird pricing

Value Added Producer Grant Workshop

Friday, February 3, 2020 9-10 a.m. FREE

Penn State Extension Conference Room at Donohoe Center, 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, 15601 (Westmoreland Co.)
Learn more and register here.

Join us for a VAPG overview and talk with a program specialist whether your project may be eligible for funding.

The Value Added Producer Grant program helps agricultural producers enter into value added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. "Value-added” methods of an agricultural commodity include: change in physical state, physical segregation, production to enhance value, locally produced or marketed food products, and farm or ranch-based renewable energy. This is a 50/50 match grant.

Flour and wheat Project examples that may be eligible for this grant: food products such as wine, flour, cheese, jam; organic, grass-fed, buy local - buy fresh; community-based food enterprises, farm to institution, farm to food service; restaurant and value chain using a consumer seal; or renewable projects such as anerobic digesters.

Applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program are due March 10th.

PA Veteran Farming Conference
Friday, Feb. 28, Boalsburg, Centre County
Early bird registration $15 until Feb. 1st online
or download and mail in your registration.

FSA Loans, Microloans
NRCS Technical Assistance, Incentives
Rural Development, Value Added Producer Grants
Business Planning for newer and experienced veterans
Risk Management in Agritourism
Marketing Case Study Andrew Trexler with Rhonda Smith/The Skirted Soldier
Non-Profit Farms: Pragmatic considerations and pros/cons
Interest group meetings

Meet your fellow farmers in the veteran/military community to share what's working and make connections...and USDA program specialists to discuss your farm's needs and resources.

Pennsylvania Farm Show
Military, Veterans, and their Families Day January 9th

A huge THANK YOU to our PA Veteran Farming Project network members who donated their farm meats for the Army/Navy cook-off, Kids Taco Challenge, and other chef demos on the Culinary Connections stage: Melissa Harrop of Meadow Creek Livestock, Dan Hubbard of Hubbard Family Farm, Chad Kamp of ACEC farm, Paul McNamara of Saint Ann's Cattle Company, and Gianna VanNice of Blue Dog Farms

Much appreciation to Michael and Sharon Reifsnyder of GEMS farm for their 3-day hops resource table and representing the Project Friday and Saturday with veteran Clifford Lindgren of Lindgren Craft Brewery.

Kudos to our resource table hosts in addition to those who donated for the chef demos, Chad McCarthy of Urban Ark Conservation, Kathleen Mirarchi of Mirarchi Farmstead, and Charles Knouse of Reklaimed Vines.

Great to see Don Green of Crabapple Hollow Farm LLC, Aimee Morris of Glenn Hope Care Farm, Dale Hamby of Fair Winds Farm, and Ben Misco of Restless Roots Farm at the So You Want to Be a Farmer area on Thursday.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8 and Chapter 76 (Pittsburgh). The PA Veteran Farming Project is fiscally sponsored by the Westmoreland Conservation District. There's no charge for our services to eligible veterans/Guard/Reserve/military and their spouses. Information in this newsletter and on our website is for informational purposes only. Please complete due diligence before entering into any legal or financial agreements. Support our work: donations may be made by check payable to "WCD" with "Troops to Tractors" in the memo line; mail to WCD, 218 Donohoe Rd., Greensburg PA 15601. Your donation is tax deductib le

Copyright © 2020 PA Veteran Farming Network, All rights reserved.

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The PA Veteran Farming Project thanks Pittsburgh DAV Chapter 8 for their support of our Project efforts. We serve VA eligible active duty, veterans, Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. There is no charge for our services to eligible individuals.

Donations to the Project can be made by check payable to "Westmoreland Conservation District" with "Troops to Tractors" in the memo line. WCD is a tax exempt unit of subgovernment, so your gift will be deductible to the full extent of the law. Mail to:
WCD
218 Donohoe Rd.,
Greensburg PA 15601.
Thank you!