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Programs to Assist Small Farms

Upcoming Events

Farmer Field Day – June 5

A special event to meet the needs of veterans and underserved producers. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Bethesda Academy, 9520 Ferguson Avenue, Savannah, Ga. 31406. Lunch will be provided. Representatives from various organizations will be present to cover topics such as:

·     Organic Farm Field Tour

·     Beef Cattle Operation Field Tour

·     Game Plantation Field Tour

·     Soil Testing and Fertilization

·     Organic Certification Standards and Process

·     USDA Programs

·     Georgia AgrAbility Services

·     Veteran Farming Operations

·     Farmer Veteran Coalition

Please RVSP by emailing Dianne Griffin or calling 912-681-5241.

For additional information on the program contact Nick Ogden at 912-484-8282

 

Georgia Small Farm Conference - June 20-21 - No cost for farmers to attend

The Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a statewide conference at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Ga., on June 20-21, 2013, that will focus on helping farmers with small-scale operations improve their farms and run them more efficiently. Financial assistance through the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District and the Oconee River Resource Conservation and Development Council will cover costs for 120 farmers to attend the meeting, which includes one night at the Lodge at Unicoi State Park. For other individuals interested in attending, the registration cost is $220, which includes one night’s lodging. The two-day meeting will include general educational sessions covering major agricultural topics, as well as breakout sessions covering topics unique to small farming operations. Registrations must be received by June 10. Farmers interested in attending should contact the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Region II office at 706-552-4479 or email region2@gaswcc.org.

 

AgSouth financial planning workshops

AgSouth Farm Credit is offering an educational workshop for young, beginning, small and minority farmers. The workshop will focus on putting together a financial farm plan. Workshop dates are

June 8, 2013 - East Georgia State College, Statesboro Campus, Statesboro Ga. - Register by May 25, 2013

July 27, 2013 - Conner Hall, University of Georgia, Athens Ga. - Register by July 13, 2013

Information and sign-up

 

Climate-specific organic grain and oilseed production workshop – June 27

The free all-day workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature national experts in various types of organic grain production specific to Georgia's climate. A mixture of classroom presentations and in the field training's will give participants a great understanding of how to get started. The event will take place at NESPAL, 2360 Rainwater Road, NESPAL Building, Tifton, Ga. 31793-5737. Lunch will be provided for all attendees. Registration is required. Email Kate Munden or call 706-542-8084.

 

Lower Chattahoochee River SWCD Receives $50,000 NRCS Outreach Grant

The Lower Chattahoochee River SWCD recently received a $50,000 grant as part of NRCS’ Enhancing Program Delivery in Georgia outreach grant program.  The project aims to assist historically underserved farmers in accessing support and resources that can help to maintain their livelihoods and improve the financial and environmental management of their operations.  Project objectives include:

  1. Increase participation by historically underserved farmers in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs in the South Georgia target area. 
  2. Facilitate the use of technology-based tools and information networks by historically underserved farmers to engage them in improving environmental resource management and to increase their interactions with NRCS programs (environmental and otherwise).
  3. Build on existing farm agency and organization partnerships to focus on the delivery of services to historically underserved farmers.

For more information, please contact Luke Crosson, Region V at region5@gaswcc.org .

 

For small and new farmers in Northeast Georgia

Help for small and new farmers in Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Oglethorpe and Wilkes counties

The Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District has been awarded a new $19,250 grant to assist small and new farmers in its seven county district, which includes Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Oglethorpe and Wilkes counties.

The Broad River District will partner with other conservation groups and producers to promote sound conservation practices and highlight what assistance is available to producers.

“We recognize the need to promote sound conservation practices to protect our natural resources.” said Herman Wheatley, District Board Chair. “We are very excited to be able to offer environmental educational opportunities to the citizens of Georgia.”

The district will hold four targeted outreach programs and one small farm conference during the coming year. Topics will range from farm tax and accounting principles to organic farming, water efficiency and product marketing practices. The funding comes from a grant awarded to the district by USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

If you would like additional information on attending or participating in one of the upcoming events contact Robert Amos at 706-552-4479 or ramos@gaswcc.org.