Funding, Vetfarm workshops, Accept EBT, Trees...

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Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Project
www.troopstotractors.org
pavetsfarm@gmail.com
724-691-1087 Facebook Instagram

Mark your calendar--Veteran Farm Events

Registration opens in May.

Saturday, July 10, 10 am to 2 pm. Jacob's Valley Farm, Hanover, York Co. Hosted by Navy veterans Travis and Wendy Shearer: how we used FSA funding and NRCS programming, worked with DEP to resolve conservation concerns; and field walk of their registered Katahdin lambing operation;

Saturday, August 7, 9 am -noon. Hope Hill Lavender Farm LLC Pottsville, Schuylkill Co. NRCS pollinator project, animal walkway and manure storage, how the Jochems use agritourism and marketing to attract consumers.

Saturday, August 21, 10 am to 2 pm, Shupp Hill Farms, hosted by Corey and Esther Read, Tunkhannock, Wyoming Co. Agenda coming soon.

September TBA: Saint Ann's Cattle Company, Carlisle PA, hosted by Paul McNamara

Partner Workshops

Food trucks as a post-pandemic business model, May 27, 3-4 pm, Free online. Info and register

Agroforestry Academy
Agroforestry forest buffer strip

Agroforestry is the integration of trees, crops, and livestock for healthy, profitable farms and vibrant communities.The University of Missouri Agroforestry Academy is being offered virtually this year over four weeks July 19- August 20. Cost is $350 but scholarships are available for US veterans and individuals in under-served populations. Learn more.

Trees

It's that time again! Submit your tree request info no later than June 1st.

How it works: You submit your info about your veteran-owned farm or property here. We connect you with the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership staff, who links you with a local partner to assess your eligibility. Priority is given to projects that will positively impact soil health and water quality in the Chesapeake watershed, but other areas throughout PA will be considered. If you have a stream on your property or your land drains to a water source, you will likely be eligible.

Clean water grows on trees graphic

Accept SNAP/WIC
Reach new markets and help your lower income neighbors access farm fresh food. Apply to accept WIC and SNAP, then obtain free EBT equipment + 1 year of fees through the PADA. Recent federal changes have made many college students eligible for SNAP during the pandemic.

Apply to accept benefits. Request a paper application by mail at 1-877-823-4369 or apply online.
Once authorized to accept SNAP, contact Conduent at 1-888-736-6328 to request free wireless EBT processing equipment, set-up costs and one year of SNAP transaction fees.(You will be responsible for transaction fees your bank charges.)
All set? We have funds to provide you free magnets, yard signs while it lasts. Contact us.

CFAP 2
In 2020, did you own/produce any of the following?

Livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep/wool, broilers/pullets, eggs and more)
Row or specialty crops (including aquaculture, nursery, and more)

If so, you may be eligible for financial assistance through CFAP 2. The CFAP 2 signup period has reopened as part of USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Note: Participation in CFAP 1 is NOT required for assistance through CFAP 2.
To learn more, visit farmers.gov/CFAP, contact our call center at 877-508-8364, or contact your local FSA office.

PPP
Reminder that the loan program is re-opened until May 31. If you received a first draw, you can still apply for a second draw. Sole proprietors are eligible. Program info. SBA webinar on updates. Many if not most of the PPP loans will be forgiven, according to the SBA, as long as you follow the guidelines.

Farm Vitality Planning Grant
Reimbursement grant. Maximum grant amount is $7,500 and is limited to 75% of project costs. Learn more.

Funds professional services for those planning for the future of a farm.

Grants may be used for expenses to create or obtain plans to:

enhance the long-term economic viability of a farm.
transition of ownership and operation of a farm to new owners and operators.
transfer of ownership and operation of a farm within the farmer's family.
diversify an existing agricultural operation to new or different forms of agricultural production.
expand your farm or to seek financing for farm growth.
maintain the long-term economic viability and protect the investment of public funds in preserving farms that are subject to perpetual agricultural conservation easements acquired under the Agricultural Area Security Law, for agricultural production.

Poised to Grow?
Cow with headphones listening to a podcast Jason Frye of Pleasant Lane Farm, a three-generation dairy and artisan cheese farm was featured on a recent podcast from the Center for Dairy Excellence. He explains the importance of a solid business plan when you're looking for financing to grow. While their farm is dairy, his lessons learned on examining long-term sustainability, being open to new tech, business structure to manage risk, why a business plan doesn't need to be involved or fancy, and work/life balance when planning are well worth a listen.

USDA 2501 Grant program funds support our work. There's no charge for our services to eligible veterans/Guard/Reserve/military and their spouses. (Workshops may have a nominal fee.) 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.