Resources Farmers
Deadline 02/26: Farmer Microloan Increased to $15,000
FARMER MICROLOAN INCREASED TO $15,000
We are pleased to announce that the Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers will be accepting prequalified applications through February 26th, 2010 for loans of $15,000 or less. Applicants must live in one of the four counties of Western Massachusetts or in Vermont, and must prequalify.
For more information, please go to www.thecarrotproject.org/farm_financing or contact Dorothy Suput at 617-666-9637 or at dsuput@thecarrotproject.org.
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
From their website (http://attra.ncat.org/)
"Looking for the latest in sustainable agriculture and organic farming news, events and funding opportunities? We feature all that, plus in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities."
Water Quality Information
Download an Accepted Agricultural Practice (AAP) brochure (.pdf format. Current as of January, 2009)Download a brochure about F*A*S, a program for free well water testing on farms (.pdf format. Current as of January, 2009)
Wholesale Readiness Tipsheets for Farmers
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)Wholesale Readiness Tipsheets for Farmers
LEOPOLD TOOL ESTIMATES MARKETS FOR 204 FOOD PRODUCTS NATIONWIDE
The U.S. Food Market Size Estimator, is available at: www.ctre.iastate.edu/marketsize READ MORE
Internet Resources for Farmers
Resources for farmers looking to use the internet to help their farms in various ways. Simple, easy ways to expand networking, advertising, and more.Download the report here (pdf).
Publication: Farmers' Guide to Disaster Assistance
Download the book for free from the FLAG website here. And other related publications here.
LocallyGrown.net
LocallyGrown.net gives the internet's advantages to Farmers' Markets.Whether you manage or sell at a traditional farmers' market with many other vendors or use a small email list to market produce off your farm, LocallyGrown.net is for you!
http://www.locallygrown.net/
The AgrAbility Project
The AgrAbility Project was created to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture.http://www.agrabilityproject.org/
Guides Help Farmers Understand and Negotiate Organic Dairy Contracts
When Your Processor Requires More than Organic Certification: Additional Requirements in Organic Milk ContractsHushed Up: Confidentiality Clauses in Organic Milk Contracts
Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
A national network of people and organizations assisting niche meat processors and the livestock producers and niche meat buyers who depend on them.
Agricultural Mediation
Mediation for Agriculture-related meetings, conflicts, and situations. READ MORE
SolarWrights solar energy incentives for farmers
Incentives for Vermont Farmers who want to use renewable energy technology on their farms.READ MORE
CISA Marketing Tip Sheets and Wholesale Readiness Tip Sheets
July 13, 2006 (links updated 9/23/09)Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) announces a series of marketing tip sheets, "Marketing to Enhance Farm Viability," provides valuable information on a variety of topics for growers and agricultural businesses. The tip sheets include information from our work with Local Hero members and the expertise of experienced farmers, including several active in the Women in Agriculture Network. To view and download the tip sheets, visit our web site:
Marketing Tip Sheets:
http://www.buylocalfood.org/page.php?id=110
Wholesale Readiness Tip Sheets:
http://www.buylocalfood.org/page.php?id=109
Agricultural Resource Links
http://nffc.netThe National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), provides a voice for grassroots groups on farm, food, trade and rural economic issues to ensure fair prices for family farmers, safe and healthy food, and vibrant, environmentally sound rural communities here and around the world. The NFFC (founded in 1986) represents family farm and rural groups in 30 states whose members' face the challenge of the deepening economic recession in rural communities caused primarily by low farm prices and the increasing corporate control of agriculture.
http://farmaid.org
By raising awareness and funds with an annual signature music concert and by awarding grants and by developing funding programs for farmers and rural service organizations, Farm Aid is helping to keep family farmers on their land. Farm Aid’s goal is to bring together family farmers and citizens to restore family farm – centered agriculture.
http://nofa.org
The Northeast Organic Farmers Association is a non-profit organization of 4,000 farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote healthy food, organic farming practices and a cleaner environment. NOFA has chapters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
http://nofavt.org
NOFA Vermont is a non-profit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations. READ MORE