National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Accepting Preproposals for Acres for America Conservation Program

[From Philanthropy News Digest] Acres for America, a partnership between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, annually provides funding for projects that conserve large landscape-level areas that are important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property.

The goal of the Acres for America program is to offset the footprint of Wal-Mart's domestic facilities on at least an acre-by-acre basis through acquisitions of interest in real property. Endorsement of a proposed acquisition by appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies and by nonprofit organizations that the land is of high conservation value is a primary program consideration. Preference will be given to acquisitions that are part of published conservation plans, State Wildlife Action Plans, or Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans.

Approximately $2.5 million in total funding is available annually through 2014 for conservation investments. All grant awards require a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services. Visit the NFWF Web site for complete program guidelines.
Link to Complete RFP

USDA Launches High Tunnel Pilot Study to Increase Availability of Locally Grown Foods

[From The Rural Focus: PA Governor's Newsletter] Pennsylvania farmers have the opportunity to participate in a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative called “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food.” The initiative asks farmers to establish high tunnels, or hoop houses, to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

The 3-year, 38-state study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre.

To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact your local NRCS office. More information is also available in a video posted on USDA's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07vtMJgp0no, which shows high tunnels installed in the White House garden.

Penn State beginning farmer program

Penn State supports beginning farmers through classes, workshops, demonstrations, and information for: farm dreamers, new farmers, and diversifying farmers. Whether you are dreaming of starting a small farm, or are in the first few years of production Penn State's beginning farmer program offers tools and techniques to help you succeed. An upcoming March 20 workshop will feature access to land, capital, and equipment for new farmers.

Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program

RMA announces availability of approximately $2.5 million for partnership agreements to fund outreach projects to provide information and training for limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce Priority Commodities as defined in Part I.C. Awards will be made on a competitive basis for projects of up to one year. Recipients must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a partnership agreement and must agree to the substantial RMA involvement in the project. More details can be accessed here.

Ag Awareness week: Resources for businesses

AG AWARENESS WEEK IS MARCH 15 - 20
Providing a Wealth of Production and Farm Business Development Ideas!
IN THE NEWS
3/5/2010 Ag Awareness Week has a new look this year (an article by Lydia Cottrell on the Times Observer website.)

Penn State Extension and the Future of Ag Task Force are proud to sponsor Ag Awareness Week, 2010. This year’s schedule includes:
Monday, March 15 - Agronomy Day
Tuesday, March 16 - Vegetable Day, Evening program - Backyard Gardens
Wednesday, March 17 - Dairy Day
Friday, March 19 - Business Development Day
Saturday, March 20 - Forestry/Natural Resources Day

All programs will be held at the Warren Extension Center in Youngsville, PA. See the Ag Awareness Week Schedule (a PDF file) for program details.
To register for any program, please print and mail in the registration form. The day time programs have a nominal ($10) fee to cover refreshments, lunch and materials. The registration deadline is March 12, 2010

Paul F. Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced a $20 million gift from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation to support agribusiness entrepreneurship at the university.

Awarded as part of the University of Nebraska Foundation's Campaign for Nebraska, the grant will establish a permanently endowed fund for the Paul F. Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The endowment will support new student scholarships, an endowed chair, student courses, a lectureship series, entrepreneurship training, internship placement assistance, student travel, and a venture capital fund for student start-up businesses.