In the news archives - Sustainable Agriculture

RESOURCES AND NEWS ARCHIVES 2004-2005

(2003 archives)

Trees Forever has funding through a NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant to provide technical and cost share assistance to five (5) organic producers in 2006 (10 additional producers will be sought for 2007) to establish agroforestry buffers for organic crops. Organic producers interested in installing agroforestry systemssuch as windbreaks, riparian buffers, and alley croppingare encouraged to apply. This is a competitive process. Trees Forever will assist producers selected to participate in planning and planting agroforestry practices that buffer organic crops. A 75% cost share (up to $3,500) will be available for establishment of the buffer planting. Trees Forever will also help the producers identify and seek additional cost share support.
The deadline for applying is December 9, 2005. The easy, two-page application can be found at the Trees Forever website, www.treesforever.org. Questions can be addressed to Carole Teator, 319-373-0650 or 800-369-1269.
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is pleased to announce the release of the Integrated Organic Program’s Request for Applications (RFA). The RFA can be found at the CSREES Funding Opportunities website: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm or at grants.gov: http://www.grants.gov/. Proposals must be received at CSREES headquarters by close of business December 20th, 2005
High Tunnel Workshop Planned for September 12
Producers of horticulture crops can learn how to extend the production season with the use of high tunnels at the first in a series of two workshops to be held at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm near Atlantic on Monday, September 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., including an "All-Iowa dinner." Speakers include Dr. Ted Carey from Kansas State University, Bill Campbell - a local grower, and a representative from the industry. Pre-registration is required. This program is sponsored by ISU Sustainable Agriculture. For more information and registration materials, contact Linda Naeve at lnaeve@iastate.edu.
The Practical Farmers of Iowa Farming Systems Program has an opening for someone with experience/training in sustainable agricultural systems and particularly with livestock, since a number of current projects involve herd health and record keeping in alternative swine systems. Since 1987 the Farming Systems Program has facilitated some 700 research trials by farmers, scientists, and collaborations of both. Since 1989, this nationally recognized program has been a joint effort by PFI and Iowa State University Extension.
Additional information on the position.
Sustainable Agriculture Grants
With the support of the North Central SARE, Iowa State University Extension is offering three mini-grant programs for research and travel related to sustainable agriculture: Professional Research Mini-Grant; Professional Travel Mini-Grant; and Student Research Mini-Grant.
The deadline for all applications is October 1, 2005. The funds may be used during 2005 and 2006. A focus of consideration will be whether the grant will benefit otherwise underserved audiences. More information (pdf)
SBIR Grants
The FY 2006 RFA for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is now posted on our website at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sbir_rfa.html. The closing date for submitting Phase I grant applications is September 1, 2005. One of the biggest differences this year is that the agricultural part of Rural and Community Development has been split off as a new topic area that is called Small and Mid-Size Farms. This topic area will be focused on developing new technologies to promote the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-size farms and ranches. Grant proposals have to be submitted by for-profit small business firms but university personnel can participate as consultants or subcontractors.
North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Program, 2006
PURPOSE: Study and demonstrate environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible agricultural systems.
Individual projects range from $10,000 to $100,000. Guidelines and abstracts from previously funded projects are available at:
http://www.sare.org/ncrsare/cfp.htm
DEADLINE: June 15, 2005 (pre-proposals)
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
PURPOSE: improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development by Centers.
The grants will facilitate the creation or retention of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value-added processing and other rural businesses. The maximum award amount is $300,000. Matching funds (25% of total project costs) are required; preference is given to applicants showing more than the minimum level of match.
Guidelines are available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm
DEADLINE: July 1, 2005
Check out this story on Rudy's Taco from Waterloo.
Diane Conners takes us to a Mexican restaurant in Iowa and to an independent grocery in Massachusetts that do well by featuring locally grown food. Diane says this growing trend pleases palates and helps small farms prosper. Click here for a very tasteful article.
James Kotcon Joined PAS as Program Leader for Organic Production
Dr. James (Jim) Kotcon will join the Plant and Animal Systems (PAS) unit on January 17 th to begin a one year term as the Agency's Program Leader for organic production. Dr. Kotcon is on the faculty at West Virginia University, where he has an active research program in the interactions of cropping system rotations with rotational grazing schemes for livestock production.
Jim was instrumental in the development of the West Virginia University organic research farm. This facility has been rated as third best in the U.S. by the Organic Farming Research Foundation. A nematologist by training, Jim also has an active undergraduate and graduate teaching program and has worked at the state level in the development of standards for organic agriculture.
During his tenure at CSREES, Jim will develop a strategic assessment of leadership needs at the federal level in the area of organic agriculture and will work to improve communication and interaction between academia and industry interested in organic agriculture and CSREES. Jim's appointment marks a new commitment by CSREES in the area of organic agriculture. Jim can be contacted at jkotcon@csrees.usda.gov or by phone at 202-401-4879.
Scholarships Available for Extension Educators to Attend Food Alliance Midwest Meeting Feb. 10
Travel scholarships are available for Extension educators interested in attending the Food Alliance Midwest's fourth Annual Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 in Saint Paul, MN. The meeting will be held in the Twin Cities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Scholarships will reimburse Extension educators for up to 200 miles of travel to attend the meeting, and will cover registration costs. The scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and/or to reserve a scholarship, please contact Food Alliance Midwest Certification Coordinator Ray Kirsch at 651-653-0618 or ray@foodalliance.org.
Food Alliance is one of the nation's leading certifiers of environmentally friendly and socially responsible farms and foods (http://www.foodalliance.org). Food Alliance Midwest, a regional affiliate of Food Alliance, finished 2004 with over 70 market partnerships and more than 100 different Food Alliance certified products.
At the annual meeting, educators will have an opportunity to learn how farmers are using Food Alliance certification and how Food Alliance market partnersdistributors, retailers and food service providersare working with certified farms to capitalize on consumer demand for local, environmentally friendly, socially responsible foods.
January 14-15, 2005: 2005 PFI Annual Conference
North Central Sustainable Agriculture Grants for Graduate Students
Graduate students enrolled at colleges or universities in the North Central Region can submit proposals for up to $10,000 to fund sustainable agriculture projects that will be part of their graduate programs. The program expects to fund 15 to 16 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region. The call for proposals is available on the NCR-SARE website (go to www.sare.org/ncrsare, click on "calls for proposals," and scroll down to "graduate student program.") The web site includes abstracts of previously funded projects. Potential applicants with questions about the program may contact Bill Wilcke at wilck001@umn.edu or 612-625-8205.
Organic Farming Is a Winner for Sustainability is the title of a November 26 USDA Agricultural Research Service News Release, which states in part that "...An organic crop rotation is at least as sustainable as no-till farming or chisel tillage in terms of nitrogen loss and corn yields, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study. The five-year study showed that a three-year rotation of organic corn, soybeans, wheat and a legume cover crop had nitrogen losses and corn yields similar to those on land where either chisel-tillage or no-till farming had been used ... Michel Cavigelli, an ARS soil scientist at the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville (Md.) Agricultural Research Center, and Steve Green, an ARS soil scientist research associate, are studying nitrogen losses with organic and other farming systems. The study is part of a farming systems project begun in 1996 to compare the sustainability of organic and conventional farming ..." - The complete text of the news release is posted at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2004/041126.htm - Questions may be directed to researcher Cavigelli at 301 504 8327 ext. 330; e-mail: CavigelM@ba.ars.usda.gov
The multi state program Reaping the Rewards of our SARE Investment: The Multi-State Farmer Linkage Program planned for Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, IA has been rescheduled for March 4-5. 2005.
Developing Local Food Networks Conference
Waverly, December 11, 2004
This Iowa State University Extension conference will be focusing on developing a branded product, establishing food networks, finding consumers, etc. To review the entire program and get registration materials, please visit the Bremer County website at www.extension.iastate.edu/bremer/news/localfood.htm.
A new publication has just been released by Rich Pirog of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture entitled, A Geography of Taste: Iowa's Potential for Developing Traditional and Place-Based Foods. The goals of the publication are:
- Provide a brief overview of how several place-based and traditional food products function in the European and U.S. marketplaces, and how those products provide premiums to farmers;
- Explore Iowa’s historical, ecological, cultural, and economic potential for developing place-based and traditional food products; and
- Make recommendations for action to research and further explore this opportunity.
Check it out at: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs/staff/taste/taste.htm
November 12-13, 2004: Reaping the Rewards of our SARE Investment: The Multi-State Farmer Linkage Program
Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, IA
This program provides a unique opportunity for educators from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota to learn first hand from the farmers and ranchers about their goals for sustainable agriculture. Since 1992 nearly 200 SARE Producer Grants have been awarded to farmers/ranchers in these five states, representing a wealth of knowledge. All of these past recipients along with others have been invited to attend November's Program in Sioux City, IA. This is your chance to meet the farmers/ranchers in your state and surrounding states that are dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Contact Elaine Cranford for registration details: eklaege2@unlnotes.unl.edu, 402-472-1748
On-Line Education
The Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA), anchored by Southwest Missouri State University in cooperation with Shawnee Community College and Northeast Iowa Community College, is offering a series of internet-based coursework in viticulture and enology. For more information on this educational opportunity, visit this website: http://www.vesta-usa.org/
Do You Know a Farmer Who Deserves to Win $10,000?
Nominations Sought for American Farmland Trust's 2005 Steward of the Land Award
American Farmland Trust has begun accepting nominations for its 2005 Steward of the Land Award. Each year, the prestigious $10,000 prize goes to the farming or ranching family that most exemplifies leadership in protecting farmland and caring for the environment. Nominations are due November 1, 2004
More information at http://www.farmland.org/steward/eligible.htm
The National Conference on Hoop Barns and Bedded Systems for Livestock Production will be held in Ames, IA on September 14, 2004. Registration is $25. More information at: http://www.abe.iastate.edu/ABLS/
Presidential Environmental Youth Awards US-EPA
PURPOSE: to recognize youth in the U.S. for projects that demonstrate the young people's commitment to the environment. Awards for projects have covered a wide range of topics including recycling, construction of nature preserves, tree planting, videos, skits, environmental science projects, and newsletters created by students. A student or students, sponsored by an adult, will submit the application and evidence of the completed project to their local EPA regional office. Regional winners will compete in the national competition. For more information, see: http://www.epa.gov/region7/news_events/newsreleases/n052004a.htm
The ISU Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program will sponsor two funded, competitive programs in 2004-2005. Mini-grants are available for both research and education and for travel scholarships to individuals and groups. Grants are available to support the study and demonstration of sustainable agriculture (SA) and to acquire knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices and systems. For more information and application procedures please see http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/sustag/information/rfpia04.pdf
North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program Announces 2005 Call for Preproposals - Research & Education Program
Download at www.sare.org/ncrsare/cfp.htm Deadline for receipt of preproposals: June 15, 2004. For more information or to get a hard copy or e-mailed file of the Call for Preproposals:
North Central Region SARE, University of Nebraska, 13A Activities Bldg, 1734 N 34th St, Lincoln NE 68583-0840, Phone: 402-472-7081
Youth Sustainable Ag Grant Program. Iowa youth through 12th grade are encouraged to apply for 2004 Youth Sustainable Agriculture Grants to support innovative and creative sustainable ag projects this summer. Information can be found at (web address). Applications are due June 1, 2004. Grants are being made available through Iowa State University Extension and The North Central SARE Program. More information (pdf)
From SAC news update:
Proposed Rule to Exempt Organic Producers from Promotion Program Assessments: The AMS released a proposed rule on Monday, April 26^th that would add language to each of 16 research and promotion orders to exempt 100% organic producers and processors from paying an assessment under these programs. This is in response to complaints that conventional commodity marketing programs do not serve the needs or interests of organic producers. The proposed rule is available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/2002farmbill/organicexempt/ . Comments are due by May 26^th, 2004
Since 1988 Iowa has received more than 2.3 million dollars for 88 research, education, and demonstration grants. Check out Iowa's record in securing these innovative SARE grants (more information, pdf)
Carrots! Check out this wonderful article about Iowa CSA growers, Gary and Nancy Guthrie from Nevada, IA.
CSREES has just released the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative funds.
See: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1140
June 7-10, 2004: Midwest Composting School 2004. More details
Information concerning Tilapia production and marketing can be found at the AgMRC web site: http://www.agmrc.org/aquaculture/tilapia.html
The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant: Program will open January 30 and the due date for proposals will be April 14. Please go to <http://www.grants.gov> and register your organization for electronic submission of proposals.
Farmer Grants for 2004: The call for proposals for midwest farmer and rancher grants from the NC SARE program will be released on January 16, 2004; Deadline for submission is March 24, 2004. For applications, contact: North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, 402.472.7081,402.472.0280 (fax), www.sare.org/ncrsare/, ncrsare@unl.edu
Value-Added Producer Grants: The Value-Added Producer Grants have been released. A total of 184 grants amounting to $28.7 million were awarded to 37 states. For a complete list of the grant awards, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ and click on �recipient list�.