October Small Farms Update

The Small Farms Update includes small farm announcements, events, job and internship opportunities, grant and loan opportunities, other small farm resources. It is intended for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and the Northeast. If have an item to be included in the update, please contact Violet Stone at vws7@cornell.edu.

Announcements

• Farm Energy Field Day! Wind, Water & Pasture: Managing for Sustainability
• Upcoming Online Courses Cover Marketing, Profits and Berry Production

Upcoming Events

• Sponsored Events
• Beginning Farmer Events
• Grazing Events
• Other Featured events

Career etc. Opportunities

• Organic Farm Manager Wanted: Hudson Valley
• NOFA-NY Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship Program – Apply by October 26, 2012
• Farmland Advisors Program (Land for Good & Farmland Trust) – Due October 31, 2012
• Food Processing Certification Specialist (OEFFA) – Apply Now

Funding etc. Opportunities

• SARE Funding: Partnership Grants – Due November 1, 2012
• SARE Funding: Sustainable Community Grants – Due November 15, 2012
• SARE Funding: Farmer Grants – Due November 27, 2012
• Organic Farming Education & Outreach Grant – Due November 27, 2012
• Organic Farming Research Grant – Due November 27, 2012
• AgEnhancement Grants – Due December 1, 2012
• Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants Program – Due December 14, 2012
• Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship
• Heads up! 2013 NRCS Organic EQIP Funding

Resources

• Handbook for Natural Beekeeping – Certified Naturally Grown
• Farm Energy Best Management Practices Guides
• USDA Organic Resource Guide
• Food Systems Webinars Online
• Basics of Organic Seed Production – Free Online Course and Resources
• Research: Sustainable Approaches to Onion Production
• USDA: Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass
• Dyson School: Agricultural Economic Development Report

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Farm Energy Field Day! Wind, Water & Pasture: Managing for Sustainability
Interested in farming with sustainable energy? Join Kevin and Christine Fuess of Fuess Organic Dairy and the Small Farms Program on October 19th, 10:00am – noon, for a discussion of the sustainable energy strategies employed on their 100 acre dairy. This Madison County farm worked with the company “Earth, Wind and Solar” to install a 10KW Bergey Wind Turbine. The Fuess’s took advantage of grants and tax credits available to farmers and rural businesses so that the costs associated with the purchase and installation were affordable. Additionally, the Fuess’s conserve water by using pre-cooler water to supply fresh drinking water to their pastures. Their herd of 40-50 milking cows are rotated though one acre sections of pasture. Each lot has its own supply of fresh water piped through a network of tubing for all the grazed pastures. Another method of land conservation for the farm is the recent installation of a French Drain which aids in managing waste. If you’re interested in wind power or sustainable energy for a small dairy, this field day is for you! Free and open to the public! Refreshments will be provided.  This is the final field day in the Sustainable Farm Energy series. Funded by NE SARE.   Map | Register here or email vws7@cornell.edu. Address:  7874 Walter St. Oriskany Falls, New York 13425.
Upcoming Online Courses Cover Marketing, Profits and Berry Production
The Northeast Beginning Farmers Project is offering a wide variety of courses for aspiring, new and experienced farmers – 3 are opening this month!  These online courses are only a few of the many offered this Fall, Winter, and Spring by the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension, on topics ranging from financial recordkeeping to raising poultry. Visit http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses to register or to learn more!
Markets & Profits – Exploring the Feasibility of Your Farming Ideas
Nov. 8 – Dec. 13, 2012. Webinars will be every Thurs. evening at 7pm EST except on Thanksgiving, Thurs. Nov 22.
Have an idea for a farm enterprise but not sure if it’s feasible? This course will get you started exploring the potential markets and profitability of your ideas. It picks up where BF 101: Square One left off, so follows a natural learning progression from that course. Course Objectives of this course include:

• Identify farm goals and timelines for an enterprise
• Begin to develop enterprise budgets and understand the potential for profitability with selected agricultural products
• Explore marketing outlets and concepts important for successfully branding and selling your product
• Understand that everything in farming is interconnected

This course is taught by Beth Claypoole, an Ag Issues Leader of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Wayne County, NY and Alison DeMarree, Farm Business Management Specialist for the Lake Ontario Fruit Region of NY.
Marketing Planning – Pricing, Positioning, and Guerilla Marketing Tactics
Tues. Nov 13 – Tues. Dec. 18, with webinars each Tues. night at 7pm EST.
Completion of this online course will enable you to better understand how to price your products, position yourself in the “buy local” and direct sales marketplace, and understand low-cost “guerrilla” marketing tactics to get the best bang for your buck and make your farm operation financially sustainable. Students will have a beginning marketing plan at the completion of this course. Objectives of this course include:

• Link your farm’s mission and vision to your commercial goals and marketing strategy
• Understand the key elements of a solid marketing plan
• Understand & use effective marketing strategies
• Understand and use various pricing strategies with your products
• Create a marketing plan through weekly input from the course instructors

The course is taught by Laura Biasillo, an Ag Educator with CCE Broome County, and Rebecca Schuelke-Staehr, who formerly worked for the NY Farm Viability Institute and now co-owns and operates a crop and vegetable farm, the Cayuga Pumpkin Barn in Cayuga County, NY.
Berry Production: Getting Started with Production and Marketing
This is a 5-week course from Mon. Nov 19 – Mon. Dec 17, with webinars each Mon. night from 7-8:30pm EST.
Whether you’re brand new to farming or an experienced farmer considering adding berries to your enterprise mix, this 6-week online course will help you get started with the big three berries–strawberries, blueberries, and brambles–as well as some lesser-known berry crops like currants and gooseberries. Sign up to learn about:

• Primary considerations when choosing a site for successful berry farming
• Basic cultural demands of the 3 major berry crops (strawberry, blueberry and brambles)
• Cultural requirements of an array of lesser known berry crops
• Pest complexes of the major berry crops
• Post-harvest requirements of berries
• Considerations for successful marketing of berry crops
• How to analyze costs vs. expenses and be able to incorporate them into a business plan

The course is led by Laura McDermott, a berry specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension. You’ll also hear from farmers and other ag specialists in live weekly webinars, which will complement reading materials, discussion forums, and resource links in the course’s virtual classroom.
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UPCOMING EVENTS

Small Farms Program Sponsored Events:
October 19, 2012. 10am – noon.  Farm Energy Field Day Series:  Wind, Water & Pasture: Managing for Sustainability.  Fuess Meadows Organic Dairy. 7874 Walter St. Oriskany Falls, New York 13425. Kevin and Christine Fuess use multiple energy and ecological conservation strategies on their 100 acre organic dairy.  In early 2012, they worked with the company “Earth, Wind and Solar” to install a 10KW Bergey Wind Turbine.  The Fuess’s took advantage of grants and tax credits available to farmers and rural businesses so that the costs associated with the purchase and installation were affordable.  Additionally, the Fuess’s conserve water by using pre-cooler water to supply fresh drinking water to their pastures. Their herd of 40-50 milking cows are rotated though one acre sections of pasture.   Each lot has its own supply of fresh water piped through a network of tubing for all the grazed pastures.  Another method of land conservation for the farm is the recent installation of a French Drain which aids in managing waste.  If you’re interested in wind power or sustainable energy for a small dairy, this field day is for you!  Free and open to the public!  Refreshments will be provided Map  |  Register here or email vws7@cornell.edu.
November 15, 2012. 2-5pm. Local Food Fair at Cornell. Mann Library. Ithaca, NY. Come to the annual all things local fair at Mann Library! Mann Library in collaboration with CCE of Tompkins County, the Small Farms Program and the Farmers Market at Cornell bring you the Local Fair. There will be a lively and festive open market in the Mann Lobby, offering a rich sampling of food, fiber and energy products from the Finger Lakes region, with displays on local and campus efforts to support the community. The Local Fair is free and open to the public! For more information, visit http://localfair.mannlib.cornell.edu/index.html.
Beginning Farmer Events:
October 20, 2012. Farming 101 for Weekend Warriors and Part Time Farming Operations. Ballston Spa, NY. Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County for a discussion of topics related to smaller farm operations. For more information, contact Kirk Shoen at kjs264@cornell.edu.
October 27, 2012. Growing Farmers Workshop: Plant Breeding. Pocantico Hills, NY. Interested in learning more about seed production? Join the Stone Barns Vegetable Farm Manager and Professor Michael Mazourek for a discussion of the collaboration involved in successful seed production. The workshop will also include an overview of plant breeding processes, hands-on activities, technical resources, and much more! For more information and to register, visit http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/products/growing-farmers-workshop-plant-breeding.html.
December 12-14, 2012. Young Farmers Conference 2012. Pocantico Hills, NY. Join over 250 young farmers for a conference featuring agricultural luminaries, peers, and advocacy organizations. Workshop topics include: Biochar use in soil, beekeeping, seed production, and more! For more information and to register, visit http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/learn/growing-farmers-initiative-sbc/yfc-2012.html.
Grazing Events:
January 25 – 26, 2013. 5^th Anniversary Winter Green-Up Grazing Conference. Latham, NY. Join a large number of grazing specialists for a two-day conference covering topics such as, the business and practice of custom grazing, winter management techniques, animal and human health, and much more! For more information, contact Gale Kohler at CCE Albany County by phone at (518) 765-3500 or gek4@cornell.edu.
Other Events:
October 16 – 17, 2012. Growing Health Conference 2012: Cultivating Farms, Food & Health. Binghamton, NY. Interested in the connection between farms and health? Join Growing Health for its biannual conference focused on issues such as public health, food, and farming. For more information and to register, visit http://growinghealth.rhnscny.org/home.
October 20 – 21, 2012. Farm Hack Ithaca. Ithaca, NY. Join Groundswell, Cayuga Pure Organics for discussions and demonstrations about innovative farm techniques and systems. For more info and to RSVP, visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/.
October 21, 2012. Groundswell’s Local Food & Farm Festival. Ithaca, NY. Join Groundswell for an afternoon of local foods, farmers, vendors and inventions. For more info and to register, visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/.
October 23 & 24, November 8 & 13, 2012. How to Buy Local Meat Classes. Several locations, NY. Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a free class in the class series focused on the claims and terms in meat used in meat marketing, featuring a panel of farmers to answer questions. For more information, visit https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxPXsBYomhBMZ1c3SE00WDJybTA/edit.
October 24, 2012. Leadership Forum: Creating Growth Opportunities. Ithaca, NY. Join the NY State Nursery and Landscape Association, industry experts, and academic researchers for the yearly Forum on opportunities in the green industry. Topics include: Growing a Successful Landscape Business; Tree Root System Development from Container to Field; and, Review and Preview of Landscape Diseases. For more information and to register, visit http://nysnla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=201.
October 26, 2012. Cornell Sheep & Goat Pre-Symposium. Harford, NY. Looking to start a sheep and goat farm operation? Or, just getting started? Join Cornell University for a hands-on practical workshop for novice sheep and goat farmers at the Cornell Sheep Farm. Attendees will learn how to trim hooves, give vaccinations, eartage and tattoo, among other skills. General management, breed choice, animal evaluation and more will be discussed. For more information and to register, visit https://blogs.cornell.edu/goats/events-programs/2012-proceedings/.
October 26-27, 2012. Value Added Institute: Food Processing Workshops. Canajoharie, NY. NY Small Scale Food Processors Association, in conjunction with Montgomery County Agriculture Development, is offering a variety of workshops focused on increasing the value of produce and meat products.For more information, contact Toni Christman at mcswcd4001@frontier.com.
October 27, 2012. Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium. Ithaca, NY. Join sheep and goat specialists and experienced farmers for workshops and lectures on a wide variety of sheep and goat topics. Get the most up-to-date information on parasite management, learn about targeting grazing and hear farmers speak about their unique enterprises. To view the full schedule and to register, visit https://blogs.cornell.edu/goats/events-programs/2012-proceedings/.
October 27, 2012. CSA: An Advanced Workshop for Western New York. Batavia, NY. Looking to start or improve your CSA farm? Join successful CSA farmers for a workshop on the ins & outs of CSAs, as well as, how to be creative and flexible with the CSA model to adapt to community needs. For more information, visit https://www.nofany.org/?q=events/field-days/csa-advanced-workshop-western-new-york.
October 27 & 28, 2012. Game of Logging Chainsaw Safety Training. Greenwich, NY. Looking to learn the proper technique for felling trees? Learn safety techniques, sustainable forestry management, and more. With funding from Farm Credit East and the Washington County Soil & Water District, the class is offered at a greatly reduced rate! For more information and to register, visit www.washingtoncountyswcd.org.
October 28-30, 2012. A Working Conference to Build Our Northeast Food System. Saratoga Springs, NY. The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) is hosting a conference focused on how to rebuild our food system and make a regional impact. To register, visit http://www.nefood.org/page/annual-conference.
October 29-30, 2012. Cost of Production: Answering Farming’s Toughest Questions. Geneva, NY. Join Cornell ag specialists for a two-day training on how to take your financial information and use it to guide your farm towards smart business decisions. This workshop aims to help farmers more effectively set prices, improve profitability, and make good financial decisions. For more information, visit https://www.nofany.org/?q=events/field-days/cost-production-answering-farming%E2%80%99s-toughest-questions.
November 1, 2012. NOFA-NY Fall Benefit Cocktail Party. New York, New York. An event featuring local and organic wine, beer, cocktails and hors d’oevres to benefit NOFA-NY. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.nofany.org/?q=events/regional-events/fall-benefit-cocktail-party.
November 3, 2012. The ABCs of CSA: A Workshop for Western New York. Batavia, NY. Interested in starting a CSA? Join experienced CSA members from Western New York for a comprehensive discussion of their CSA models. For more information and to register, visit https://www.nofany.org/events/field-days/abcs-csa-workshop-western-new-york.
November 3 – 4, 2012. Aquaponic Training Course. Sherrill, NY. Interested in starting an Aquaponic farm or learning more about aquaponics? Join Aqua Vita Farms for a two day workshop on the ins and outs of aquaponic agriculture. For more information and to register, visit http://www.aquavitafarms.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=87&Itemid=470.
November 5, 2012. Integrating Perennials, Annuals and Animals: Broad-scale permaculture. Interlaken, NY. Join the Good Life Farm for a farm tour and discussion of holistic orchard management, polyculture, low-energy systems for farm power, and more. For more information and to register, visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/.
November 9, 2012. Small Farm Cultivation Equipment Workshop. Livonia, NY. A half-day, comprehensive workshop on cultivation equipment. For more information and to register, contact Robert Hadad at rgh26@cornell.edu.
November 10, 2012. Introduction to Small Farm Hydroponics & Farm Tour.Penn Yann, NY. Join CCE of Ontario and Yates Counties for an introduction to agricultural hydroponics. For more information and to register, contact CCE Yates County at (315) 536-5123.
November 15, 2012. Cover Crop Workshop and Tour. Big Flats, NY. Join a wide variety of agricultural researchers, specialists and farmers for a cover crop tour and discussion of current research. Observe 25 different cover crops or mixes with different seeding dates. For more information: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6elpb3817b400b3&llr=7ex5qzeab.
November 15, 2012. Harvesting Opportunities Conference. Hotel Albany, Albany, NY.  This conference will bring together farmers, public officials, land trusts and local food and public health leaders to take a serious look at the potential to grow New York’s economy by strengthening connections between farmers and local consumers and protecting our state’s irreplaceable farmland.  For more details go to:  www.farmland.org/newyork.
November 27 – 28, 2012. IPM Field Days.Several locations, NY. Join CCE for integrated pest management workshops across the state. Learn the most up-to-date information on New York State IPM. For more information and to register, contact Betsy Lamb at 607-254-8800 oreml38@cornell.edu.
December 3 – 7, 2012. Cider and Perry Production: Principles & Practice. Geneva, NY. Join CCE and Peter Mitchell, a cider expert and producer, for a comprehensive workshop on cider and perry production. The class will cover the skills and knowledge necessary for producing high quality products. For more information, visit http://cce.cornell.edu/Pages/CCE-News.aspx.
December 18, 2012. Cornell Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Ithaca, NY. Join Ag Business professors and experts for a conference on the current situation and outlook of agricultural economy. For more information and to register, visit http://dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/ag_outlook_conference.php.
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CAREER, ETC. OPPORTUNITIES

Organic Farm Manager Wanted: Hudson Valley
Well established and profitable organic vegetable farm in Orange County, NY seeks experienced and highly motivated grower(s) to co-manage 14-acre operation and, within 2 to 5 years, assume full management responsibility and enter into a partnership arrangement with owner. Must be genial, even-tempered, have experience with farm equipment, crew management, and be comfortable selling in New York City Greenmarket. Competitive salary and good housing provided. Contact Keith Stewart, 845-856-4955. keithsfarm@frontiernet.net
NOFA-NY Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship Program – Apply by October 26, 2012
Are you a beginning or experienced farmer seeking a farm mentor. NOFA-NY Mentorship Program assists beginning or transitioning-to-organic farmers in finding a farmer mentor to who will help them develop their career and farming practices. The Mentorship Program also includes access to a roster of experienced farmers who are available for consultation via the Technical Consultancy Program. For more details and to get involved, visit https://www.nofany.org/?q=mentorship.
Beginning Women Farmers Whole Farm Training Program – Apply by October 26, 2012
Are you a beginning woman farmer seeking to expand your farm plan? Join the Central New York Resource Conservation and Development Project, Inc. for a comprehensive course on topics such as: goal setting, financial planning, soil fertility, and more. With a grant from USDA/NIFA, unlimited scholarships are available for this program! To apply and for more information, visit http://www.cnyrcd.org/.
Farmland Advisors Program (Land for Good & Farmland Trust) – Due October 31, 2012
The Farmland Advisors program aims to offering a new training program for professionals working with farmers and farmland owners as they seek access to land and navigate the challenges of farm transfers. The program will offer participants from New York and New England the opportunity to join a network of agricultural and conservation professionals to learn about a wide variety of topics: Farm transfer and succession planning; Financial, tax and legal issues in farm transfers; Land conservation as a farm transfer strategy; and more! For more information and to register, visit http://newyork.farmland.org/publications.
Food Processing Certification Specialist (OEFFA) – Apply Now
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is seeking a Food Processing Certification Specialist to support OEFFA in reviewing applications submitted by organic producers and processors and help farmers to maintain federal organic standards. Prospective applicants should have experience with organic food processing regulation, outstanding organizational skills, a relevant Bachelor’s degree, among other qualifications. For more information, contact Julia Barton at 614-262-2022 x220.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

SARE Funding: Partnership Grants – Due November 1, 2012
Northeast SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) is offering up to $15,000 to agricultural service providers who work directly with farmers to do on-farm demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects that contribute to the understanding of sustainable agriculture. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.nesare.org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Partnership-Grant?utm_source=Northeast+SARE+Master+List&utm_campaign=ea75987802-fall_deadline_tickler9_12_2012&utm_medium=email.
SARE Funding: Sustainable Community Grants – Due November 15, 2012
Northeast SARE is offering up to $15,000 for projects that address specific issues related to the connection between community revitalization and farming. Projects may focus on issues including, farm finance, marketing, land use, water use, enterprise development, value-added product development, among others. The grant is available to those affiliated with Cooperative Extension, a municipality, college or university, or other institutional entity. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.nesare.org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Sustainable-Community-Grant?utm_source=Northeast+SARE+Master+List&utm_campaign=ea75987802-fall_deadline_tickler9_12_2012&utm_medium=email.
SARE Funding: Farmer Grants – Due November 27, 2012
Are you a commercial agricultural producer with an innovating idea that you want test via a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique? Northeast SARE is offering up to $15,000 for agricultural producers to work with a technical advisor on such a project. Projects should aim to contribute to knowledge about effective sustainable practices. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.nesare.org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Farmer-Grant.
Organic Farming Education & Outreach Grant – Due November 27, 2012
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is offering funding for development of educational activities and resources on certified organic production. Project proposals can include but are not limited to: educational materials and activities; seed quality and breeding educational material; training in organic seed production or breeding. For more information and to apply, visit http://ofrf.org/proposal-information-education-outreach-projects.
Organic Farming Research Grant – Due November 27, 2012
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is providing funding for organic seed quality and crop breeding projects. Potential topics include: systems approaches to managing seed-borne diseases; developing organic seed treatment methods; plant breeding; and, more! For more information and to apply, visit https://ofrf.org/research/grant-awards/.
AgEnhancement Grants – Due December 1, 2012
Northeast agricultural credit associations and CoBank award grants to help organizations promote agricultural awareness in New England states, New York, and New Jersey. Eligible projects may seek to: development of young and beginning farmers; encourage leadership; promote interest in the agricultural industry; and more! For details and to apply, visit https://www.farmcrediteast.com/Industry-Support/AgEnhancement-Grants.aspx.
Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants Program – Due December 14, 2012
Looking to fund an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project? The Northeastern IPM Project is providing funding for projects that fall under several categories: IPM working groups; IPM issues; Regional IPM Publications; and IPM Planning and Assessment Documents. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/ipm-center-grants/ipm-partnership-grants/.
Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship – Apply by December 15, 2012
Are you studying sustainable agriculture as an undergraduate or graduate student? Apply for Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship, which provides funding directly to tuition for a 2 or 4 year college or graduate program. To apply, visit http://www.annies.com/our-practices/farming/agricultural-scholarships/apply/.
Heads up! 2013 NRCS Organic EQIP Funding
The National Resources Conservation Service will provide funding for over 64 conservations practices in 2013! EQIP is a great opportunity for organic and transitioning-to-organic growers to receive financial support to implement specific conservation practices. Contact your state NRCS office for more information: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/financial/eqip/?&cid=nrcs143_008223.
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RESOURCES

Handbook for Natural Beekeeping – Certified Naturally Grown
Are you a beekeeper seeking to manage your hive naturally – without the use of synthetic treatments? Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) has recently updated their Handbook for Natural Beekeeping which describes practices for promoting hive health and managing pests and diseases. The handbook also details requirements for CNG certification. To order the handbook, visit https://www.naturallygrown.org/natural-beekeeping-resources/.
Farm Energy Best Management Practices Guides
The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program recently published a series of guides with considerations for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Each guide focuses on a specific sector of agricultural production: Dairy Farms, Greenhouses & Nurseries, Maple Sugaring, Orchards & Vegetable Farms, and Renewable Energy. The guides were based on the experiences of Massachusetts farmers and propose Best Management Practices (BMPs) for farm energy use. To view the guides, visit http://www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/technical-resources.php.
USDA Organic Resource Guide
The United States Department of Agriculture has recently developed a guide to help connect current and prospective organic farmers with USDA resources. The guide aims to help farmers and organic operations in obtaining technical and financial assistance; insuring crops and livestock; accessing and funding research; securing loans; and, much more! To view the guide, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/organicinfo.
Food Systems Webinars Online
Webinars focused on food systems from the National Good Food Network (NGFN) and the Community Food Centres across Canada (CFCC) are now available online. The NGFN has made available Food Systems Networks That Work: Accelerating Learning and Increasing Commerce, with information on how to join, initiate, and strengthen an existing food system network. The CFCC has made available a strategy for evaluating community food initiatives including creating a theory of change, developing indicators, designing effective evaluation tools, and more! To view the NGFN webinar, visit https://youtu.be/Qhq-e2EYQus. To view the CFCC webinar, visit http://www.learningnetwork.thestop.org/content/tips-tools-and-telling-story.
Basics of Organic Seed Production – Free Online Course and Resources
Looking to incorporate organic seed production into your operation? The Organic Seed Alliance with a grant from SARE have provided a multitude of resources on seed production. Contributors to the course include representatives from High Mowing Seeds, Seeds of Change, Siskiyou Seeds. Topics include choosing the right seed for your climate, onion seed production, beet and chard seed production, brassica seed production, and more! To take the free course, visit http://campus.extension.org/course/view.php?id=377.
Research: Sustainable Approaches to Onion Production
With funding from SARE, Cornell Extension Vegetable Specialist Christine Hoepting, is investigating new approaches to onion production which incorporate conservation tillage and other soil conservation measures. Previous studies have shown reduction in onion spacing can decrease bacterial rot and the effect of surface residue decreasing wind damage. Hoepting findings are available on the SARE site by searching “Hoepting” under coordinator-name search: http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=search.
USDA: Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass
The Compass is a searchable map of projects that have received federal support for work with the local food system. The compass includes information about resources from the USDA and other government programs. To view the compass, visit https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/KYFCompass.pdf.
Dyson School: Agricultural Economic Development Report
The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management has recently published a report: “Agriculture-based economic development in NYS: trends and prospects.” The report provides baseline information on the current state of the NY agricultural and food system economy, as part of an effort to assist in strengthening opportunities for economic development in the agribusiness sector. To view the report, click here: http://dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2012/Cornell-Dyson-eb1211.pdf.
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