2020 Organic Survey, Grants, SBA, and More

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Last year, the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) program awarded $18.8 million in grants focusing on organic research. NSAC members – the Organic Farming and Research Foundation (OFRF) and the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) – received an OREI grant for their joint project that will help define the challenges and research priorities of organic and transitioning organic farmers and ranchers. OSA and OFRF have released two national surveys – one for certified organic producers and another for producers transitioning to organic certification. NSAC encourages all organic and transitioning producers to participate in this 2020 organic survey by June 1, 2020. READ MORE

This blog post has been updated with the latest information on the two SBA programs that the CARES Act expanded significantly – the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These two programs provide urgent relief for small businesses. Both programs have run out of funding and are no longer accepting loan applications, but Congress is currently negotiating another round of PPP and EIDL funding. Timing on when a deal will be reached is uncertain at this time. READ MORE

This blog post is meant to help readers cut through the chaos and keep track of the deadlines that matter to food and farm businesses and organizations. NSAC has put together a summary of currently active Request for Applications (RFA) as part of our ongoing efforts to help farmers and advocates stay up to date with federal policy and funding opportunities. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, several deadlines have been extended. This post has been updated to reflect extended deadlines, additional programs with active RFAs, and information on administrative flexibilities. READ MORE

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program has helped conserve thousands of acres of land across the United States. This program focuses on protecting watersheds by promoting soil health, well-managed working farmland, and general good conservation practices. Up to $50 million will be awarded this year for RCPP’s Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFAs).  Applications should be submitted by May 18, 2020 through NRCS’s funding portal. Through AFA, NRCS can make up to 15 awards per fiscal year to provide RCPP funding directly to eligible partners using a grant-like approach. READ MORE

Are you passionate about creating a more just, sustainable food and farm future? Are you an organizer with a commitment to grassroots leadership? Want to help build national grassroots campaigns around issues like climate change, local food, and beginning farmers, and explore how these issues intersect with racial equity? Are you a creative communicator excited to translate complex policy work into compelling narratives? NSAC is hiring:

Grassroots Director: This role represents a unique opportunity to work with hundreds of sustainable food and agriculture community leaders nationwide on shared campaigns that build grassroots power, achieve NSAC’s federal policy goals, and advance racial equity in agriculture and food systems. Learn more about the position and apply here. DEADLINE EXTENDED: April 27, 2020. READ MORE

 

• Learn more about loans, grants, and other funding resources at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/funding-resources/

• Get more information about Farm Policy and Agricultural Politics at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/farm-policy-agricultural-politics/

• Find more useful farming resources at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/