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The West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition is an initiative of the West Virginia Community Development Hub with funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The Coalition is establishing a statewide conversation about the development of local food systems across West Virginia, with the goal of providing healthy, locally-produced food to all citizens, especially low income families and other vulnerable groups. The Coalition's startup process is advised by a temporary advisory committee. As we gain members, we are working towards a more developed decision-making structure inclusive of the various geographic regions of the state as well as a broad range of stakeholders. We invite you to get involved!***
The West Virginia Community
Development Hub is a statewide non-profit organization with the mission of engaging communities and providers in an intentional, aligned and continuous system of community development.
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Greetings!
This newsletter provides a regular compilation of events, resources, and ideas that are relevant to farms and food access in West Virginia. Whether you are a producer, consumer, nonprofit organization, educator, agency or food-related business, there may be something here to help you with your work. The information in this newsletter is compiled by the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition, which is an organizing initiative currently coordinated by the West Virginia Community Development Hub. Read more in the left sidebar of this newsletter or visit the WVFFC website.
WV Food & Farm Coalition News
Get more local farm products in WV schools!
WVFFC has partnered with the WV Department of Education, WV Department of Agriculture, WVU Small Farm Center and the Center for Economic Options to put together this bulletin for farmers about how to market local products to schools. The announcement includes contact information for school food service directors as well as info on the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, which has already enabled WV several schools to pay a fair price to local farmers for fresh produce. Please help circulate this information to farmers and farmer groups!
West Virginia Food News
West Virginia Celebrates National Farmers Market Week
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack officially proclaimed August 7-13 National Farmers Market Week - a chance to celebrate the many ways in which farmers markets build healthier communities and a healthier nation. The WV Food & Farm Coalition and its partners celebrated with a press release on the economic benefits farmers markets bring to the state, which was picked up by the Shepherdstown Chronicle among others. The WV Department of Agriculture also issued a release on the contributions of farmers markets and hosted a corn roast on the State Capitol grounds.
One more reason to celebrate: Putnam County's Farmers Market made the list for the "Top 20 America's Favorite Farmers Markets" -- voting for the top market ends August 31.
A snapshot of the lives of two young Preston County farmers
This WV Public Radio video interview provides a beautiful glimpse into the work and philosophy of the small-scale, organic Round Right Farm.
Williamson farmers market part of plan for a sustainable city
Williamson, WV, once touted as the "Heart of the Billion-Dollar Coalfield," is now striving to reinvigorate its economy and the health of its community. The vision for a "Sustainable Williamson" includes a new farmers market (with funding assistance through WVFFC) and community gardens. Read the in-depth article on the Daily Yonder blog.
National Food News
USDA "Turns the Page" on Past Discrimination Against Hispanic, Women Farmers
USDA is reaching out to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers and Ranchers that may have been discriminated against by USDA between 1981 and 2000. A new USDA claims process for Discrimination Claims offers a streamlined alternative to litigation. "USDA is committed to resolving allegations of past discrimination and ushering in 'a new era of civil rights' for the Department," said Alfred Lewis, State Executive Director of West Virginia Farm Service Agency and Bobby Lewis, State Director of West Virginia Rural Development. Farmers can register to receive a claims package by calling the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or visiting www.farmersclaims.gov. More information on the process is here.
Cargill recalls turkey linked to salmonella outbreak
Cargill, a major United States meat processor, has recalled about 36 million pounds of ground turkey after it was linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella sickness. The recall appears to be one of the largest meat recalls in history. One person in California has died in the outbreak and at least 76 have become sick. The New York Times reports.
Federal food policies could boost farmers markets' impact, new report finds
The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a new report recommending federal food policies that could support farmers markets - so that farmers markets could benefit farmers, consumers, and economies even more. Read the report: Market Forces: Creating Jobs through Public Investment in Local and Regional Food Systems.
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Upcoming Events
in and near West Virginia |
WV Farm to School Conference
September 27-28 at Lakeside Conference Center in Morgantown, WV
SAVE THE DATE! Join the Center for Economic Options, WesMonTy and Potomac Headwaters RC&Ds, WV Department of Education's Office of Child Nutrition, and others to explore issues and opportunities related to farm to school initiatives. Discussion topics will include purchasing, food safety, food preparation, pricing, supply and production/availability.
Look for more information soon from the Center for Economic Options (CEO) and in the WVFFC newsletter. Questions? Contact Cindy Manning at CEO: cmanning@economicoptions.org / (304) 345-1298 ext. 10.
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26th Annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference
Nov. 11-13, 2011 in Durham, NC
This year's conference features:
* Over 60 skill-building workshops on horticulture, livestock, soils, high tunnels, mushrooms, permaculture, bees, food, and more!
* Pre-conference tours and workshops from the experts in organic certification, mob grazing, organic production, and more
* Scholarships for beginning farmers and ranchers! Go here to apply. Scholarship Deadline: Sept. 3.
Find general conference info here.
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Opportunities
(grants, awards, partnership ideas)
* Find a full grants calendar here, on our website!
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Captain Planet Foundation Grants for Education
Application Deadline: September 30, 2011
The Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. * Serve as a catalyst to getting environment-based education in schools, and * Inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. CPF grants are limited to $2,500 and preferential consideration is given to applicants who have secured at least 50% matching or in-kind funding for their program. Find more info here.
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Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE):
Sustainable Community Grants
Application Deadline: October 19, 2011
Projects must address specific key issues such as farm finance, marketing, land use, water use, enterprise development, value-added product development, or other delineated topic areas. Eligible applicants: Cooperative Extension, a municipality, a state department of agriculture, a college or university, a community organization, or other institutional entity. Find more info here.
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Raising Organic Family Farms Grants
Application Deadline: October 31, 2011
Lundberg Family Farms has launched a new initiative to help nurture, grow and redefine a new generation of organic family farmers. Aspiring commercial organic family farmers can self-nominate or be nominated by submitting a 500-word essay - along with optional photos and/or video content - in one of three categories: *Seed money for equipment, supplies or repairs *Education funding towards schooling or conference registration *Mentorship with experts in business planning, marketing, retail, livestock management or crop planning. Up to $50,000 total in grants and scholarships will be awarded. Find more info here.
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Food Policy Issues
(opportunities to get involved)
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USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Animal Disease Traceability
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to establish general regulations for improving the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate when animal disease events take place. Consideration will be given to comments received on or before November 9. Read more here.
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Food for Thought
(fruitful reading, research & case studies) |
Food Policy: A Resource for Growers
A new brochure entitled "Food Policy: a Resource for Growers," created for the Tygart Valley Growers Association, provides information on several policy issues that may affect growers in 2011, as well as resources to learn more. The brochure was funded by the Central Appalachian Network and created by Downstream Strategies, LLC.
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Promoting Local in Southwestern VA
The New York Times reports on the Harvest Table restaurant's efforts to promote local food in southwestern Virginia. The article chronicles the successes and struggles of restaurant owner Steven Hopp, husband of award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver.
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This is YOUR space, YOUR newsletter and YOUR Coalition. If you have suggestions, announcements or resources you would like to share please contact us. |
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