Grants for Farmers

 

Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) provides energy audits, renewable energy assessments, and incentives for implementation of audit recommendations, including those recommended by public utility programs. MFEP covers 75% of the costs of audits, assessments, and consultations, and the farmer-applicant is responsible for the remaining 25%. Incentives for implementation are based on energy savings. Although the emphasis of the Audits & Incentives program is energy conservation and efficiency, there is some funding for renewable energy projects that are not eligible for other programs. The intent of the audits and incentives program is to encourage implementation of at least 50% of the recommended measures. The program administrators reserve the right to modify services as necessary to meet program goals.  Please visit Energy Audits & Incentives Now Available For Farmers. 

FSA, Farm Loan Programs, makes direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loans (OL) to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies. Our loans can also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements.  Please visit USDA for further information.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was approved in 1996 by amending the Food Security Act of 1985 (Farm Bill), reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and again reauthorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.  EQIP provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers, ranchers and owners of private, non-industrial forest land that promotes agricultural production, forest management and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible producers install or implement conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.  Please visit USDA for further information.

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the quality of life in all of rural America. Through our programs, we touch rural America in many ways.  Our financial programs support such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service. We promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services.  Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.  Rural Development works to make sure that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy. Please visit USDA for further information.

Harvest New England Agricultural Marketing Conference and Trade Show  March 1-3

 

Agricultural producers from across New England will meet in Sturbridge, MA on March 1-3 for Harvest New England Association's 3rd biennial marketing conference and trade show.  The theme is "The Expanding New England Farm Enterprise:  Reaping More from What We Sow".  This conference targets farmers interested in learning new marketing techniques and fine-tuning existing business strategies.  Conferences will include GAP training and speakers John Stanley,the Marketing Guru, and Ben Hewitt, the author of The Town that Food Saved.  The trade show of nearly 100 vendors on March 2nd & 3rd will provide information on the latest products and services for the agricultural community.  The event will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center.  For a complete schedule or to register, visit Harvest New England.  Register by February 14th and save money!  Also, Harvest New England is pleased to offer scholarships to qualified farmers to attend the conference.  The scholarship application deadline is January 19th. 

 

Backyard Livestock and Poultry Management

 

UMass Extension's Crop, Dairy, Livestock and Equine Team are hosting two seminars with a focus on "Backyard Livestock and Poultry Management".  These seminars are offered on Saturday, Feb 12th in Hadley and on Saturday, Feb 26th in Dighton.  Both seminars are the same and are taught by agricultural faculty and Extension staff from UMass Amherst.  They are designed for the home gardener or nonprofessional small farmer.  The courses are from 9am to 4pm and include the following: Manure and Mud, Sheep & Goats, Pasture, Hay & Weed Management, Poultry, Meat Rabbits, Camelids, and Animal Reproduction.  You may attend the full-day ($75) or part-day session ($50).  For registration information visit Mass Aggie Seminars or contact Jacqui Carlevale at 413-545-5221 or cdle@umext.umass.edu.

2011 Mass Aggie Seminars

Home Garden Series 

 

Mass Aggie Seminars is a series of educational programs for home gardeners, landscape managers, and beginning farmers.  Many of those seminars will be held in our area in March and April and the topics range from apples to wildflowers to weeds. 

March 5th - Growing Apples in the Home Garden, Topsfield

March 5th - Pruning Apples Trees, Brooksby Farm, Peabody

March 19th - Managing Weeds Organically in the Home Landscape,         Topsfield

March 26th - Wildflowers for Beginners, Topsfield

April 16th - Backyard Apple Orchard Fruiting Wall, Tougas Family Farm, Northborough

For more information and to register visit 2011 Mass Aggie Seminars.