Dear Farmers,
Happy May! We look forward to seeing you at farmers markets around the region soon! This will be our last newsletter until the fall so make sure you scroll down to see all the opportunities for grants, upcoming events, and business resources!
Sincerely,
Food & Farm & Economy Team
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NOFA Summer Conference Accepting Workshop Proposals
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Share your knowledge of food and farming at the regional Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Summer Conference. This year's theme is Buen Vivir: Celebrating Harmony with Nature and our Communities. The conference will include a week of online programming beginning Monday, July 24 before gathering in person Saturday, July 29 at Worcester State University in Worcester, MA. Submit a proposal here.
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Farmer Meet Up at Kearsarge Food Hub
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Connect, catch up, and develop relationships with other farmers in the region at this welcoming event. This event will bring farmers in the area together over a shared meal to talk about the upcoming season, shared challenges of farming, and possible ways our community can support one another and shoulder some of the more difficult aspects of this career and lifestyle!
Farmer Meet Up
Thursday, May 18, 6 – 7:30 pm
Kearsarge Food Hub Community Room
11 W Main St, Bradford, NH
Free, but registration requested
This event is part of an ongoing project of Vital Communities and the Farm Strong NH program to nurture peer-to-peer connection for farmers in New Hampshire
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Farm First is Here For You!
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Farm First is a free, Vermont-based program providing farmers and their families with support, resources and information to reduce stress. They can help connect you to resources, including technical, legal or financial assistance, as well as to a counselor or trained peer.
Their services are flexible and free - they are available to help with any kind of crisis you might be experiencing or anticipating. Call early and often.
(802) 318-5538 during daytime work hours
877-493-6216 outside of daytime work hours
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SARE Fellows Program Now Accepting Applications
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Applications are now being accepted for the SARE Fellows program. SARE Fellows is a unique professional development opportunity for agricultural professionals to:
- Build new relationships with colleagues across the nation.
- Deepen their understanding of the concepts and intentions of sustainable agriculture.
- Visit with innovative producers and partners nationwide who are striving to sustain agriculture for future generations.
- Increase their awareness about educational opportunities and approaches in sustainable agriculture.
Applications must be submitted by May 8. Apply online now.
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Calling New High Tunnel Growers
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UVM and UNH are collaborating on a project to help NEW (< 5 yrs. experience) high tunnel growers with holistic approaches for managing arthropod pests, diseases, and soil fertility. By taking part in this special opportunity, you will receive:
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One-on-one, on-farm production guidance. |
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An email support list for on-demand advice. |
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Access to a “High Tunnel Production Toolkit” with factsheets, decision making guidelines and videos. |
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Webinars specific to common challenges |
If you want to learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Cheryl Sullivan (contact info below).
High Tunnel Team:
Margaret Skinner (UVM) | mskinner@uvm.edu Cheryl Frank Sullivan (UVM) cfrank@uvm.edu
Ann Hazelrigg (UVM) | ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu Becky Madden (UVM) rebecca.maden@uvm.edu
Becky Sideman (UNH) | becky.sideman@unh.edu Anna Wallingford (UNH) | anna.wallingford@unh.edu
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Small Businesses in NH and VT Eligible to Apply for Disaster Loans Due to 2022 Drought
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in parts of New Hampshire and Vermont for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations for losses due to drought from June 1 through Nov. 30, 2022. The declaration covers the primary counties of Belknap, Grafton and Merrimack in New Hampshire; and the adjacent countries of Carroll, Coos, Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford and Sullivan in New Hampshire; and Caledonia, Essex, Orange and Windsor in Vermont. Learn more and apply no later than November 6.
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All events online unless otherwise indicated
Vermont Scale Inspection | May 2 - Vermont Ag and Environmental Lab, 163 Admin Drive, Randolph Center VT | 9-2pm | The Weights & Measures Section of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets will be hosting a scale inspection event. Tests take 5-10 minutes per scale. Testing is required by law for anyone who uses scales at farmers markets or farm stands to sell produce/other weighted commodities. No appointment necessary just drop in to get your scale tested.
An Inside Exit: Selling Your Business to Family, Managers, or Employees Webinar | May 3 | Virtual | 3 - 5:30 pm | Starting to think about ownership succession for your company? For many business owners, the best option is to sell to those already involved in the business, such as family members, managers, or the broader group of employees. Register here.
The Vermont Cheese Council Business Miniversity Program | May 8 – June 21 | 12-1:30 pm | The program is tailored to provide basic business and management skills training for the owners/managers at cheese production or farming/any food production entities. $100, 20% off for VCC members. Learn more.
NH Food System Statewide Gathering | May 11 | Plymouth, NH | The NH Food System Statewide Gathering is an annual event hosted by the NH Food Alliance that brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations from across sectors who are dedicated to growing a thriving and fair local food system that works for all in the Granite State: people, businesses, communities, and the environment. Register here.
Build Your Organic Regulation Career at VT Tech | May 30-31 & June 1-2 | Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) and Vermont Technical College (VT Tech) are offering organic regulation training courses for the second year in a row! This two-day training is for existing farmers, new farmers, and people interested in careers as organic specialists or instructors. $300 Learn more.
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Grants & Funding Opportunities
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USDA Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) Grants | A total of $133 million available in competitive grant funds to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. Apply by May 1.
Compost and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Projects Grant Opportunity | USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is accepting applications for $9.5 million to support Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot projects. Apply by June 15.
Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture | USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is making available $850 million in fiscal year 2023 for its oversubscribed conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). To apply, contact NRCS at your local office.
Farm to Institution Market Development Grants | The Farm to Institution Market Development Grant (formerly Local Food Market Development Grant) is intended to support market development opportunities for local food producers and processors, with a focus on Vermont institutional markets. Funding is provided to help improve local producer access to, and engagement with, schools, hospitals, colleges, correctional facilities, and other local institutions. Learn more.
The Vermont Farm Fund | a non-profit program of the Center for an Agricultural Economy, has low-interest loans available to support farms and food producers in need of financing. Learn more.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Organic Transition Assistance | As part of the multi-agency, Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will dedicate financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard and partner with new organic technical experts to increase staff capacity and expertise. Learn more.
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center | Several funding opportunities are available including an Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant, Dairy Marketing & Branding Grant and the Dairy Farm Cohort Technical Assistance Contract. Learn more.
Spring Farm Agronomic Practices Program | The VAAFM Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program invests state funds in soil-based agronomic practices to improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and surface runoff from agricultural fields. Learn more and apply.
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Resources for Farmers and Food Producers
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Farm Food Safety Planning Assistance from the University of New Hampshire | Join the Jumpstart Farmers working one-to-one with Extension Educators in Maine and New Hampshire to start or continue working on their farm food safety plan. Limited slots available. There is no cost to farmers. Learn more.
Business Sense Series | The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund's business management coaching program just launched Business Sense, a six-module training series for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The series provides essential tools and informational resources in areas such as financials, operations, sales and marketing, human resources, leadership, and governance. Learn more.
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