FSA Outreach Focus

Reaching Out to Keep Farmers and Ranchers Informed

May 6, 2016

Register for Grant Writing Webinar

Join USDA specialists on May 11, 2016, at 2 p.m. EDT, as they discuss important things to know when applying for a grant. Topics for this webinar include: Grant Writing Tips for Success – 10 Things You Must Do; Look Before You Leap; and Don’t Take Anything for Granted. Learn more or register today.

New Toolkit Unveiled for Urban Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled an Urban Agriculture Toolkit to help entrepreneurs and community leaders successfully create jobs and increase access to healthy food through urban agriculture. From neighborhood gardens grown on repurposed lots, to innovative mobile markets and intensive hydroponic and aquaculture operations, urban food production is rapidly growing into a mature business sector in cities across the country. The toolkit compiles guidance from the USDA Know Your Farmer team and many private partners into one comprehensive resource to help small-scale producers manage all aspects of their business. From protecting soil health to marketing to schools and grocery store chains. Access the toolkit.

Farm Storage Loan Expands to Include Portable Storage, Handling Equipment

New financing is available to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. The loans, which are part of the Farm Storage Facility Loan and now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.

Earlier this year, FSA significantly expanded the list of commodities eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loan. Eligible commodities now include aquaculture; floriculture; fruits (including nuts) and vegetables; corn, grain sorghum, rice, oilseeds, oats, wheat, triticale, spelt, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, dry peas, sugar, peanuts, barley, rye, hay, honey, hops, maple sap, unprocessed meat and poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and renewable biomass. FSFL microloans can also be used to finance wash and pack equipment used post-harvest, before a commodity is placed in cold storage. Learn more.

Announcements and Upcoming Deadlines

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of $44 million to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for these grants is given to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators. Learn more or apply today.
• Applications for the Request for Applications (RFA) for Outreach, Education, Financial Literacy and Technical Assistance will continue to be accepted through July 11, 2016. FSA has allocated $2.5 million to fund between 25 and 125 awards to partner with non-government organizations with a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and public and State controlled institutions of higher education. Learn more.
• Registration is open for the 7th National Small Farm Conference hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The conference will be held Sept. 20-22. Multiple short courses will be available along with oral and poster paper presentations, exhibits and educational tours in and around Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more or register today.
• The USDA Agriculture Marketing Service requests applications for the 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program. The program competitively awards grants to eligible applicants for projects that establish, expand and promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing. The minimum FY 2016 FMPP award per grant is $50,000 and the maximum is $500,000. Applications must be submitted by May 12, 2016. Learn more or apply today.
• A public meeting of the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers will take place on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, from 1-5 p.m. CST; Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST; and Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST. To register for the meeting, send an email to: ACMF@osec.usda.gov and include your name, organization and contact information.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).