- Author: Chris M. Webb
Committed to the future of rural communities, the USDA Rural Development agency has many programs designed to strengthen communities.
While most support targets rural locations, not all programs have population caps. Program areas include: business and economic development; renewable energy; community development; water and waste disposal; housing; and education.
A catalog of loans, grants and technical assistance for these programs is available. Additional USDA Rural Development information can be found at their website.
I will be out of the office the week of February 20 and will post a new article for you when I return on February 27.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Project provides “high value information and technical assistance to farmers, rancher, Extension agents, educators, and others” throughout the United States.
Founded in 1976, this nonprofit organization works to “promote self-reliance and sustainable lifestyles through wise use of appropriate technology. Its programs deal with sustainable and renewable energy, energy conservation, resource-efficient housing, sustainable community development, and sustainable agriculture.” These resources are available in Spanish.
Their information is organized under 14 topic areas:
- What is sustainable agriculture?
- Education
- Energy alternatives
- Beginning farmer
- Field crops
- Horticultural crops
- Livestock & pasture
- Local food systems
- Marketing, business & risk management
- Organic farming
- Pest management
- Soils & compost
- Water management
- Other resources
A variety of funding opportunities are available.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Since the 1930’s the NRCS has worked with landowners, community groups, and Federal, state, tribal and local governments throughout the U.S. with planning and implementing conservation measures.
Their overall mission of “Helping People Help the Land” is accomplished through six mission goals:
- High quality, productive soils
- Clean and abundant water
- Healthy plant and animal communities
- Clean air
- An adequate energy supply
- Working farms and ranchlands
NRCS activities include:
- Farmland protection
- Upstream flood prevention
- Emergency watershed protection
- Urban conservation
- Local community projects designed to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions
For more information, Ventura County residents can contact our local NRCS office at 3380 Somis Road in Somis or by calling 805-386-4489.
Funding opportunities and wonderful resources can also be found through the National NRCS website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
SAREP is a statewide program within the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources division. From their site:
“SAREP provides leadership and support for scientific research and education in agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state's communities. SAREP serves farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, researchers, educators, regulators, policy makers, industry professionals, consumers, and community organizations across the state."
Program areas are:
- biologically integrated farming systems
- community food systems
- crop/livestock production
- organic farming information
- methyl bromide alternatives
Related resources, reports, funding opportunities and much more can be easily accessed from this well laid out site.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Agricultural producers can increase revenue by adding value to basic agricultural products. This can be achieved in many ways including: branding, processing, product differentiation, and labeling and certification.
USDA’s Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program “includes projects that market inherently value-added production, such as organic crops, grass-fed livestock and locally produced and marketed food products.
Award sizes vary. To find out more, please visit this page of the USDA website. Additional information can be found from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.