Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The North Carolina Farm Energy Efficiency Project
The North Carolina FEEP originated from a grant awarded to North Carolina Farm Bureau by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The project's goal is to provide educational and technical support for farmers regarding agricultural energy use and efficiency. Farmers may also apply for low cost energy audits that will evaluate way to save farm energy costs.
"As farmers continue to face increasing costs, the data from energy audits and implementing energy saving plans can result in substantial, long-term savings," said Paul Sherman, air and energy programs director with North Carolina Farm Bureau.
The United State Department of Agriculture's Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) can provide grants and loans on projects that meet the criteria to save energy or implement new energy programs. FEEP will also provide matching funds that will improve a farmer's ability to obtain funds from REAP.
The funds will provide technical support needed to analyze proposals, perform energy audits, and prepare competitive applications for REAP loans and grants.
USDA Rural Development personnel will also be at the meeting to further explain how farmers can benefit from the REAP grant and loan program.
By the end of 2010, the project will have facilitated 200 on-farm energy audits and implemented at least 60 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Visit the FEEP web site http://www.ncfarmenergy.org/ for more information.
Friday, August 21, 2009
2010 Western Piedmont Region Demonstration Grant Program
The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund aims to assist farmers and rural communities to develop new sources of agricultural income through provision of cost-share grants. The Reinvestment Fund will make two types of demonstration awards: Producer Grant Awards up to $10,000 for individuals and Community Grants Awards up to $30,000 for collaborative farmer projects.
The Fund will make cost-share demonstration grants to farmers, farm organizations, and community groups in the Western Piedmont Region of North Carolina. This includes: Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Guildford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wilkes, Yadkin, Davie, and Rockingham.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION is January 13, 2010.
Tight margins for most commodity crops and changing farm programs provide new challenges for North Carolina farmers. The purpose of the Reinvestment Fund is to help farmers to develop enterprises that allow them to earn more for their products through innovative production, processing, or marketing approaches.
The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.ELIGIBILITY
Qualifying PRODUCERS must be farmers, who are actively engaged in full or part-time farming in the Western Piedmont region. Priority is given to farmers who earned a significant portion of their income from tobacco at the time of the Master Settlement Agreement (1997-1998) and to projects that create an opportunity for a new generation of farmers.
Qualifying COMMUNITY GROUPS must include qualifying farmers from the Western Piedmont region, and farmers must be active in the leadership of the group. Groups of farmers, farm coops, farmer associations, churches, local business, civic organizations, or combination of these are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Eligible PROJECTS are those that: have a likelihood of generating new farm income; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for greenhouses; add value to existing farm products by processing, packaging or marketing in a special way; make new use of tobacco facilities and equipment; maintain or create quality employment, including self-employment or opportunities for home-based businesses; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources.
High Priority will be given to projects that are innovative and demonstrate a new direction or opportunity for farmers in North Carolina.
IMPORTANT DATES!
Early Bird Deadline - December 18, 2009
Application Deadline -January 13, 2010
Award Notification - March 9, 2010
Interim Report Due - TBA
Final Report Due - TBA
Projects Completed - TBA
APPLICATION & DETAILED INFORMATION
http://www.ncfarmgrants.org
Jason Roehrig
jason@rafiusa.org
919-542-1396
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mountain Farmers Eligible for Funds to Help Diversify: WNC AgOptions Grant
Interested applicants should see the agricultural agents at their local Extension Centers by November 23, and can visit www.wncagoptions.org to download an application. Projects should increase the sale of farm products and lead to the long-term sustainability of the farm business. The postmark deadline for applications is January 8.
WNC Ag Options is managed by the NC Cooperative Extension Centers in the West District. The program works with producers who demonstrate ways to increase farm income to other transitioning farmers, particularly tobacco growers. WNC Ag Options works in partnership with RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission sponsors the program.
"The partnership we have with the WNC AgOptions program is very valuable to us," said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the Tobacco Trust Fund commission. "Our experience has shown that participating farmers utilize these grants for innovative, resourceful and profitable enterprises that can make a huge impact on their farming operation."
Recent recipients are transitioning from commercial to direct markets, extending their growing seasons, or developing value-added processing systems so that they will have a product to sell year-round. With a grant they received in spring 2009, Tammie and Mike Edwards of Yancey County are building a germination chamber in a greenhouse they previously used in tobacco production to start plants for their potted flower operation. Saving them the cost of buying their own plugs, "...could make a difference if we stay in business," Tammie Edwards said.
Skipper Russel of Haywood County, a 2005 and 2009 recipient, and Kaleb Rathbone, a 2006 recipient, both have the infrastructure in place to open up markets with Ingles grocery stores this year, in large part due to the WNC AgOptions grants. Russel, who purchased a refrigeration truck, sells lettuce to Ingles, and Rathbone, who installed irrigation, sells strawberries.
Other WNC AgOptions recipients use the funds to offset the financial risk of trying untested, unique endeavors, such as hops production. "Just applying for the grant was about the best thing I could have done," said Van Burnette of Buncombe County, who started "Hop 'N Blueberry" on his family's seventh generation farm. "I learned so much about the cost, timeline, and the activities, and narrowed down what I wanted to do with the farm."
Established in 2003, WNC AgOptions is entering its sixth funding cycle. Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include: representatives from NC Cooperative Extension Service, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Marketing Division, HandMade in America, Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project, former WNC AgOptions recipients and other leaders in agribusiness.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Money Available for Farmers: Matching Funds Provide Dollars for Marketing Local Food
Individual farmers can apply to receive up to $1500 of assistance. Farmers tailgate markets are eligible for up to $2000. As much as $5000 is available for groups of farmers.
Matching funds mean that ASAP will pay up to half of accepted applicants' costs for promotions and marketing materials. Current and former tobacco farmers can receive up to 75% of these marketing costs.
Funds can go towards advertisements in print, on the radio, or in other media; product labeling; graphic design; materials such as posters and business cards; signs; and more.
"Southern Appalachian farmers produce a wealth of high quality foods, and there's a growing demand for locally grown food. Shoppers and farmers just need help connecting," says Charlie Jackson, Executive Director of ASAP. "Matching funds will allow farmers to form these connections through marketing and strengthen our local food system." Good marketing helps authentically local food stand out and compete with other products. Furthermore, providing matching funds encourages local make marketing plans, which are much needed to succeed in the current economic climate.
To apply for funds, farmers must be Appalachian Grown certified. The promotion must reach the public and support farmers within one or more of these Appalachian Grown Counties in North Carolina: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. If possible, approved applicants should incorporate the Appalachian Grown logo in the materials for which they receive funding. Appalachian Grown is a branding program that identifies products from family farms in the Southern Appalachians. ASAP developed the program to preserve the values associated with truly local food. Getting Appalachian Grown certified is a simple process and it's free.
For information about Appalachian Grown certification and the matching funds application, visit www.asapconnections.org or contact Megan Ray at megan@asapconnections.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
2008 Aquaculture Grant Update
If you have a NC Aquaculture License, you should also receive a hard copy by US mail.
Detailed information on program requirements and restrictions is included with your application packet. Please note the eligibility requirements. Also please note the application deadline of July 29, 2009. NC will be issuing feed vouchers for this program. Vouchers can only be used for future feed purchases and not to settle current feed debts.
The purpose
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Section 102 (d) of the Recovery Act provides $50 million to administer a 2008 Aquaculture Grant Program (AGP) to assist aquaculture producers for losses associated with high feed input costs during 2008.
Who may apply?
Only persons currently farming aquaculture species in North Carolina with a North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Aquaculture Production License or Division of Marine Fisheries Aquaculture Operations Permit qualify for this program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
During 2008, an aquaculture producer met the following criteria:
- raised an aquaculture species in a controlled environment; maintained the aquaculture species as part of a farming operation and had a risk in the production of such species;
- produced an aquaculture species for which 2008 feed costs represented at least 25% of the producer's total input costs for the aquaculture operation as certified by the producer;
- experienced at least a 25% increase in 2008 feed costs above the previous 5-year average (2003-2007); and
- is currently in operation (2009), as of the date of the AGP application with NCDA&CS.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
2008 Aquaculture Grant Program
The application process for North Carolina has yet to be ironed out. But you will need the North Carolina Aquaculture license. If you have yet to get one or yours has expired, please get your NC Aquaculture license. Information about the North Carolina Aquaculture license. It is free and only takes a few weeks to process.
Please start to collect feed invoices, receipts, or documentation from your feed vendor for the total amount of feed purchased in 2007 and possibly 2008. Monetary assistance will be based on this information.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services contact for this program is Mr. Matt Parker, matthew.parker@ncagr.gov, 252-633-1477.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
FEEP and REAP
To apply for FEEP, an Interest Form needs to be completed by March 31
Again, with the energy audit, you can apply for a USDA-REAP grant. REAP is a program to assist farmers and rural small businesses with energy projects. This program provides grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects. Typically, projects must show a 20% savings in energy audit to score well enough to receive funding.
REAP projects
- must be located in a rural area.
- must be for a pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable technology.
- must be technically feasible.
- must have sufficient revenue to provide for operation and maintenance.
- the applicant must be the owner of the project and control the operation and maintenance of the proposed project.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Value-Added Producer Grant Workshops
The workshop date and times are:
Monday, Dec 8, 1-5 pm, Burke County Extension Center, 130 Ammons Drive, Suite 2, Morganton
Wednesday, Dec 10, 1-5 pm, Lee County Extension Center, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford
Thursday, Dec 11, 9 am -12 pm, Craven County Extension Center, 300 Industrial Drive, New Bern
The workshops are free and registration is not required. The workshops will provide valuable information to aid the application process. Attendance is not required to apply for a grant.
If you have questions, email Bruce Pleasant, USDA-Rural Development, Bruce.Pleasant@nc.usda.gov or Blake Brown, Blake_Brown@ncsu.edu
Monday, November 10, 2008
Western North Carolina Farmers Eligible for Funds
The grant will be provided by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, which will partner with Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) and the WNC AgOptions program to accept applications and monitor the recipients' projects. Through this partnership, WNC AgOptions, a program established in 2004 and managed by NC Cooperative Extension Centers in the West District, will continue assisting mountain farmers transitioning from tobacco and other crops through 2011.
This grant was put in place to lessen the economic distress caused by soaring input and energy costs and the lingering effects of the state's drought conditions. Current and former tobacco growers are the primary audience for the program; however, any farmers living in tobacco dependent communities are eligible.
In 2009, WNC AgOptions will award demonstration contracts valued at $3,000, $6,000, or $9,000 through competitive application and review process. Awards will total $225,000 each year within 17 western North Carolina counties and the Cherokee Reservation.
The ultimate impact is preservation of the family farm. Award recipients are encouraged to explore crop diversification, ways to replace lost tobacco income, and marketing and production techniques that demonstrate economic sustainability.
Examples of past WNC AgOptions projects include:
- transition from tobacco production to ornamentals, berries, trout farms, or agritourism;
- improvements of existing operations, including horse boarding, mum production, and choose-and-cut Christmas trees;
- creative markets for livestock, including goats for invasive plants removal, grass-finished beef and naturally grown pork;
- beekeeping, including integrated pest management and queen-rearing;
- native plants nursery start-ups; and
- seasonal extension for vegetables.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Meeting to Discuss Grant Possibility ($$$) for Farmers
The meeting will be at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service-McDowell County Center in the Extension Conference Room at 6:30 pm. Jason Roehrig from RAFI will be the speaker. The McDowell County Center is located in the County Administration Building on the 2nd floor at 60 East Court Street, Marion. For directions to the McDowell County Center, please call 828-652-7874 or 828-652-8104.
Cost-share support of up to $10,000 will be awarded to individual producers and support of up to $20,000 will be awarded to collaborative farmer efforts. Demonstration grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process. Grants will be awarded to innovative projects which show farmers a new direction or opportunity.
Priority will be given to projects that benefit farmers under 40 years of age with at least three years of farming experience and to farmers who had income from tobacco.
Deadline for the grant application is October 1, 2008. Funds will be available to farmers in December 2008.
For complete eligibility requirements and guidelines, visit RAFI-USA’s website at: http://www.rafiusa.org/programs/tobacco/2008cfp.pdf.
Jason Roehrig
919-621-0534
jason@rafiusa.org
RAFI-USA is a private, non-profit organization based in Pittsboro, North Carolina. RAFI cultivates markets, policies and communities that support thriving, socially just and environmentally sound family farms.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Grant ($$$) Possibility for NC Farmers
Cost-share support of up to $10,000 will be awarded to individual producers and support of up to $20,000 will be awarded to collaborative farmer efforts.
Demonstration grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process. Grants will be awarded to innovative projects which show farmers a new direction or opportunity.
Priority will be given to projects that benefit farmers under 40 years of age with at least three years of farming experience and to farmers who had income from tobacco.
Deadline for applications is October 1, 2008. Funds will be available to farmers in December 2008.
For complete eligibility requirements and guidelines, visit RAFI-USA’s website at: http://www.rafiusa.org/programs/tobacco/2008cfp.pdf.
For more information or to discuss potential project ideas contact:
Jason Roehrig
919-621-0534
jason@rafiusa.org
RAFI-USA is a private, non-profit organization based in Pittsboro, North Carolina. RAFI cultivates markets, policies and communities that support thriving, socially just and environmentally sound family farms.
