Rural Cooperative Development Grants

Rural Cooperative Development grants are made for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture desires to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts.

AFRI NIFA Fellowships Grant Program

AFRI NIFA Fellowships Grant Program
Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,000,000
Award Ceiling: $130,000
CFDA Number(s): 10.310 -- Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
Eligible Applicants:
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Individuals
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Eligible applicants for the program implemented under this subpart include: (1) State Agricultural Experiment Stations; (2) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher); (3) university research foundations; (4) other research institutions and organizations; (5) Federal agencies, (6) national laboratories; (7) private organizations or corporations; (8) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; and (9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in (1) through (8). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations. See RFA for additional details.

Organic Transitions Program

The overall goal of the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is to support the development and implementation of research, extension and higher education programs to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers, as well as those who are adopting organic practices. In FY 2010, ORG will focus on environmental services provided by organic farming systems that support soil conservation and contribute to climate change mitigation. Practices and systems to be addressed include those associated with organic crops, organic animal production (including dairy), and organic systems integrating plant and animal production.

Total Funding: $4,700,000
Award Ceiling: $700,000
Deadline: July 1, 2010

Small Producer Grant

Formerly known as the Small, Minority Producer Grant Program, the primary objective of the SSDPG program is to provide technical assistance to small, socially-disadvantaged agricultural producers through eligible cooperatives and associations of cooperatives. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum award amount per grant is $200,000.

Expected Number of Awards:	17
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$3,463,000
Award Ceiling:	$200,000

Deadline: July 27, 2010

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.