Cinda Williams UI Extension Educator Creative Financing: Producer Grants

USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Affecting change by funding competitive grants focused on Sustainable Agricultural Systems

USDA Definition for Sustainable Agriculture: 1.Satisfy human food and fiber needs 2.Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends 3.Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on- farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; 4.Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and 5.Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

In short, Sustainable Agriculture is: 1.Economically Viable... If it is not profitable, it is not sustainable... 2.Socially Acceptable... The quality of life of farmers, farm families and farm communities is important... 3.Ecologically Sound... We must preserve the resource base that sustains us all...

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Types of grants: –Farmer/Rancher & Professional + Producer Grants –Research and Education Grants –Professional Development Grants –State Implementation Grants –Graduate Student Fellow Grants

WSARE Producer Grant Criteria Contribute to goals of SARE Farmers as lead Innovative & creative Outreach to other farmers

SARE Producer Grants How much? One producer - $15,000 Three or more - $25,000) How long? (one to three years) How does the money flow? Technical Advisor Extension, NRCS, SCD, etc.)

Professionals + Producers Grants How much? (up to $50,000) Minimum of 5 producers How long? (one to three years) Funds go through professionals institution/agency

Funding Cycle for Producer Grants Next Funding Cycle – CFP in April; Due on December) Technical Review – January Funding Approved March Contracts signed in April/May

What Type of Projects? Define a problem or issue related to improving the sustainability of farms in your area Propose innovative, specific solutions Wide range of topics possible

Getting Ideas…What are other farmers doing? Go to Project Reports Then Search Database Go to the National SARE data base:

Goats and Weeds: Salmon, Idaho 2001 grant Produces goat meat and cattle and contracts goats to graze noxious weeds. Tested the feasibility of grazing goats to eliminate undesirable forage and open up range. Bonnie Jensen inspects her goats impact on leafy spurge on BLM land east of Salmon.

Tracking Costs and Returns in a Transition to Grass-based Dairying Transition of a dairy from: silage/hay mixed ration and supplemental grazing to an intensively grazed dairy operation 50 acres pasture, 100 head cattle

On-farm Biodiesel Production From Waste Vegetable Oil Feasibility of a biodiesel production system using vegetable oil waste System tested for quality control and costs of production For use in farm equipment

Colorado Quality Lamb: Direct Marketing to Food Service Establishments Increase the marketability of Colorado lamb Develop a model for structuring a local partnership with food suppliers Worked with chefs; developed display and advertising materials

Low Stress Stockmanship School for Lemhi County, ID Three day seminar focused on working with livestock to gain control with less stress on animals Potential to reduce pressure on riparian areas by keeping the herd on the uplands

Pastured Poultry With Research on Sustainability of Grazing Lands Testing to show that a sustainable chicken operation is viable for the west Looking at the effect on the grass, amount of manure produced, and the required amount of land per numbers of chickens

Alternative Crops No-till Field Trials Testing crops that have shown promise in 20 to 80 acre plots (flax, mustard, safflower, oats, and triticale Also testing other crops on small, 1/2 acre plots

For More Info on SARE Western Region SARE National SARE

Value-Added Producer Grants USDA Rural Development Who is eligible: –Independent Producer –Agricultural Producer Group –Farmer or Rancher Cooperative –Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture

What is a VAPG? Value-added activities related to processing and/or marketing Goals: –Generating new products –Creating and expanding marketing –Increasing producer income

Amount of Funds Maximum Grant Amount: –$100,000 for planning grants –$300,000 for working capital grants In-kind match: –Equal to at least the amount requested

2011 Idaho Value-added Producer Grants Colter's Creek Winery Juliaetta 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, LLC Eagle Idaho's Bounty Ketchum Moss Produce Rupert Clover Leaf Creamery Buhl Fish Processors Inc. Hagerman

What are the funds used for? Economic planning: –Conducting feasibility studies –Developing business Eligible working capital expenses: –Processing costs –Marketing and advertising expenses –Some inventory and salary expenses

For more information: USDA Rural Development Idaho Rural Development office: Wallace Hedrick, State Director 1 (800) (208)

For more information: Contact me: Cinda Williams Latah County Extension