This is a promising yet very disappointing attempt to shore up local and regional food systems Regional Food Business Center Grant https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp ..read more

I’m back after taking some time for self care. Things are opening up and I have been able to get some decent travel in. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been to Orlando, Memphis and Frankfort, Kentucky. Lots of good stuff happening out there. I’m glad to be back with you and I’m looking forward ..read more

In part two of our series on federal grants for agriculture, we will discuss the prerequisites that need to be completed before you can apply for many federal grant programs. Accessing federal grant funding involves more than just filling out an application. Applying for a Duns number, acquiring a tax identification number and registering with ..read more

Grants can serve an important role in funding farmer training programs, agricultural research and the development of local food systems. We’re at the time when many agricultural federal grant agencies are either accepting proposals or reviewing proposals they have received to make funding decisions. This is also the time of year when I see misinformation ..read more

USDA agencies have been the backbone of support to farmers the United States. From financing farm operations and acquisitions to helping farmers implement conservation measures, most agriculture in the US doesn’t get done without the USDA. However, the experience of Black farmers has been the opposite of their White counterparts. Discriminatory practices by the USDA ..read more

Southern SARE’s Research and Education program is now accepting application for two of their grant programs. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and outreach program. The overall objective of SARE is to assist agricultural communities so that sustainable agriculture practices advance ..read more

In most of the farmers markets throughout the south, you will see a bounty of wonderful locally grown produce. In many markets however, the one commodity that can be hard to come by is fruit. Of course, you can buy refreshing watermelons, juicy muscadines and flavorful peaches. But there is never a rich palette of ..read more

Around the country, we are heading into the season when we can head down to a farmers market, a roadside stand or pick up a CSA share and enjoy the results of some farmers labor. And many of those farmers grow the vegetables, fruits and herbs that we will enjoy, hopefully, with friends and family ..read more

Soil is the foundation upon which agriculture rests.  It has been said the true role of a farmer is to build healthy soils which in turn will provide him with healthy and bountiful crops.  While our soils in the United States has been a great benefactor to the country, our lack of stewardship of this ..read more

As the old saying goes, “true leaders are born, not made”. I happen to believe the opposite. I feel that people with leadership potential need to be identified, trained and provided with resources to allow them to grow into leadership roles within their communities and in their professional lives. In this episode of the Sustainable ..read more