Weekly Sustainable Agriculture News August 15-19, 2011

Posted on August 21, 2011 by in News, Sustainable Agriculture // 0 Comments

Weekly news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for August 15-19, 2011

USDA NEWS

USDA Announces $3.2 Million in 2011 Rural Business Enterprise Grants: On Thursday, August 18, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of $3.2 million in grants to a variety of investments in rural and Tribal community development across the nation. A total of 32 projects in 15 states will receive funding. more…

USDA Announces $55 Million in Nationwide Community Facilities Grants: On Thursday, August 18, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of $55 million in loans and grants to a variety of investments in rural community development across the nation. A total of 107 projects in 31 states and Puerto Rico will receive funding. Read more…

USDA Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Grants: On Wednesday, August 17, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of $11.6 million in FY2011 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to over 900 agricultural producers and rural small businesses across the country. Read more…

2011 Healthy Food Enterprise Awards Announced: In mid-July the Healthy Food Enterprise Development (HUFED) Center announced its 2011 HUFED awards. The Center is administered by the Wallace Center at Winrock International, an NSAC member organization. A total of $630,000 will be awarded to 17 enterprises over the next two years for “innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to resolve barriers to healthy food access among the poorest in the country.” Read more…

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

NSAC is currently seeking a Grassroots Advocacy Director. This director, working collaboratively with staff and member organizations, will create grassroots campaigns and conduct outreach to galvanize support for and advance NSAC federal policy priorities, including agricultural appropriations and 2012 Farm Bill priorities.

NSAC is also accepting applications for our 2011 Fall Policy Intern. Read the job and internship descriptions here.