WNC Agricultural Options will award approximately 45 farmers in 17 counties and the Cherokee Indian reservation $3,000, $6,000, and $9,000. These funds will be used to help farmers to diversify or expand their operations.
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.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2009 Farm Expo in Laurel Springs, NC
The 2009 Farm Expo is scheduled for August 29, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. Registration begins at 12:30 pm. The cost is $10/person and children 12 and under are FREE. Please RSVP to the Ashe or Alleghany County Extension Office by August 17 in order to receive your dinner ticket.
The 2009 Farm Expo will highlight research projects at the Upper Mountain Research Station, farm diversification opportunities, and have vendors showing off new farm equipment, conservation opportunities, farm related funding, area banks, and many other for profit and nonprofit agricultural services.
There will be over a dozen speakers from 3 universities and 3 farm tours lined up for the day. The Ashe and Alleghany Cattlemen's Association will be grilling fresh roast beef for dinner and North Carolina Department of Agriculture will be providing a "Taste of North Carolina" exhibit with strawberries and other fresh farm produce to highlight the abundance and diversity of crops grown in North Carolina.
Also, a free junk swap will be held from 1:00 pm until dark if you have any used equipment that you are look for or a home for some you no longer need.
If you are interested in participating in the junk swap, being a vendor, or if you have questions, please call the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Ashe County Center @ 336.846.5850 or Alleghany County Center @ 336.372.5597.
The 2009 Farm Expo will highlight research projects at the Upper Mountain Research Station, farm diversification opportunities, and have vendors showing off new farm equipment, conservation opportunities, farm related funding, area banks, and many other for profit and nonprofit agricultural services.
There will be over a dozen speakers from 3 universities and 3 farm tours lined up for the day. The Ashe and Alleghany Cattlemen's Association will be grilling fresh roast beef for dinner and North Carolina Department of Agriculture will be providing a "Taste of North Carolina" exhibit with strawberries and other fresh farm produce to highlight the abundance and diversity of crops grown in North Carolina.
Also, a free junk swap will be held from 1:00 pm until dark if you have any used equipment that you are look for or a home for some you no longer need.
If you are interested in participating in the junk swap, being a vendor, or if you have questions, please call the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Ashe County Center @ 336.846.5850 or Alleghany County Center @ 336.372.5597.
Forage Weeds/Pond Weeds Workshop
A Forage Weeds/Pond Weeds Workshop is scheduled for August 18 at 1:00 pm at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service-Wilkes County Center in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Wilkes County Center is located at 201 Curtis Bridge Road, Suite A.
Learn to identify weeds and control methods. Bring in your weed samples. Also herbicides in manures will be highlighted. Pesticide credits have been applied for.
There is no registration fee, but please register by calling Donna Bumgarner @ 336.651.7331 or Cheryl Mitchell @ 828.652.7874.
Learn to identify weeds and control methods. Bring in your weed samples. Also herbicides in manures will be highlighted. Pesticide credits have been applied for.
There is no registration fee, but please register by calling Donna Bumgarner @ 336.651.7331 or Cheryl Mitchell @ 828.652.7874.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Money Available for Farmers: Matching Funds Provide Dollars for Marketing Local Food
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is making matching funds available to farmers through a program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Farmers can apply for matching funds that will enable them to conduct promotions and develop materials that identify their products as local. ASAP will offr approximately $50,000 total to Southern Appalachian farmers to help them market and promote local foods.
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.
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
The application for the 2008 North Carolina Aquaculture Grant program is now online at http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/aquacutlure/2008AGP.htm.
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:
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 2008 Aquaculture Grant program is part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment of 2009 that was passed by the Obama administration in February. This designated $50 million to the US aquaculture industry.
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.
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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop
I just love grabbing a home-grown tomato off the vine, fresh for dinner. Wouldn't it be great if you could have some homegrown trout or catfish with your garden veggies? If you have a pond, you can. And, we all know fish is good for you.
A Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop will be presented on May 4 at 6:00 pm by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. There is a $5 registration fee, $7 for couples. You must register by Thursday, April 30. Make checks payable and mail to McDowell Extension Service, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752. Attn: Aquaculture Workshop.
The meeting will be held in the County Administration Building in the McDowell County Extension Service Conference Room on the 2nd floor, 60 East Court Street, Marion.
For more information, contact Cheryl Mitchell, 828-652-7874.
A Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop will be presented on May 4 at 6:00 pm by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. There is a $5 registration fee, $7 for couples. You must register by Thursday, April 30. Make checks payable and mail to McDowell Extension Service, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752. Attn: Aquaculture Workshop.
The meeting will be held in the County Administration Building in the McDowell County Extension Service Conference Room on the 2nd floor, 60 East Court Street, Marion.
For more information, contact Cheryl Mitchell, 828-652-7874.
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