Farm Development Resources - PowerPoint Presentation

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Farm Development Resources

Grants, Loans & MorePresented by: Michele R. Beener, MSLBENovember 13, 2016

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About Aspire

Michele is the President of Aspire Grant & Development, LLC, a full service Federal, State and private grant research,

submission and management agency. Aspire offers clients over fifty-years of combined consulting experience in the field. The firm has a diverse mix of clients, including Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Michele, along with partner consultants, has won over $15 million in competitive grant awards over the last five years. Funding sources to support conservation, sustainable energy conversion and outdoor recreation are areas of special interest for Michele.

Community impact is central to our work: http://www.aspiregrants.com/community/

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More Importantly

Michele's true passion is the circa 1877 farm she purchased ten years ago (and horses)!

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Chippewa Farms

308 acres of fun, where we:Select cut timber farmHold events in the circa 1877 restored barn

Love the 144 head of Black Angus CattleHave a lot of cats, kittens, chickens and ducksAllow the horses to chill and eat (lots)

Make cider from farm apples

Sell beef retail to the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Highlands Market

Restore and display antique farm equipment

Brainstorm for other methods of farm revenue!

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Farm Snapshots

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Our Restoration Work

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So Where Do Grants Come In?

Grants require a solid business plan and patience. Plus, some match and a little determination!

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Steps to Winning a Grant

Assess your farms financial needs and consider:How much capital can you access for match?Can you launch the project if funded now or one year out?Is your business plan secure?Research opportunities that are available for the specific niche markets you wish to enter. In many cases, United States House of Representatives or Senate offices have a dedicated grant research assistant on staff to assist. Or, use this presentation as a guide! Never apply for grants just as a means to generate capital or correct a red bottom line unless that’s the specific goal of the program.

Stay connected to local, state, and land bank University resources throughout the process!

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Develop a Solid Grant Proposal

This can take some serious time.You may indeed need audited financial statements.You will need to attest to match requirement with a bank statement or letter on farm letterhead.Your lender may be involved.Make certain your product and process meets or exceeds requirements of the agency (USDA, etc.)

Get creative! Research funding priorities of the agency and past awards.Consider support letters and economic impact (firms like Aspire use economic impact modeling to analyze direct, indirect and induced economic impact from investment in a specific industry by NAICS code). Retain everything; public grant awards can involve an audit.

Put web resources to work for you! There are lots of opportunities, public and private. Start small!

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Sources of Funding

Federal: USDA, SARE, NIFAState: Land Grant Universities, Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources/Environmental ProtectionPrivate: Established organizations that support animal welfare, sustainable energy, conservation, forestry, farm to table initiatives and more!

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Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (Formed in 2008 under the Farm Bill) provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. We invest in and support initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice.

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Application Process - NIFA

PRE-AWARDThe Pre-Award phase begins with the announcement of funding opportunities for grants and involves the preparation, submission, and review of proposals to those announcements.Search — Search for grants and cooperative agreements Apply — Apply for a grant at Grants.gov

Review — NIFA reviews your applicationAWARDThe Award phase involves making funding decisions and notifying awardees of their selection for a grant.Response — Applicants are notified of the funding decision

Processing — NIFA reviews, approves, and sends award documents to awardees

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Application Process - NIFA

POST-AWARDThe Post-Award phase involves setting up accounts in the financial payment system and monitoring awardees for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and submission of required reports.Payments — Awardee sets up an account in the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system to receive fundingMonitoring — Awardee and NIFA each monitor grant activities to ensure compliance with specific program policies, regulations, and required reporting, including annual accomplishments reports

CLOSE OUTThe close-out phase of the grant lifecycle involves the submission, review, and approval of all final reports as required by specific program policies and regulations.

Reporting — Awardee submits the final federal financial report and final technical report

Review and Approval — NIFA reviews and approves final financial and technical reports for regulatory compliance and quality of final technical accomplishment descriptions

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Agency: USDA

Farm to School

USDA’s Farm to School Program is housed in the Food and Nutrition Service’s Office of Community Food Systems (OCFS). OCFS helps child nutrition program operators incorporate local foods in the National School Lunch Program and its associated programs, as well as the Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. In addition, OCFS staff works with tribal communities to respond to their desire to better incorporate traditional foods into our meal programs. OCFS accomplishes this through grant making, training and technical assistance and research. Due December 8, 2016

Organizations (not farmers) apply.

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Agency: USDA

Loan ProgramsDirect and Guaranteed Farm Loans DIRECT Provides government loans to allow family farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, purchase farmland, equipment, and other start-up and production necessities. GUARANTEE Provides a government guarantee on commercial loans to family farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, for real estate costs or farm operating expenses.

Down Payment LoansProvides a low-interest government loan, made in conjunction with a private bank loan and a borrower down payment, to help beginning, minority, and women farmers purchase a farm or ranch. Land Contract GuaranteeReduces risk for retiring farmers who sell land via a multi-year land contract to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers by providing a federal guarantee in case the buyer encounters problems making payments.

Microloans

Provides small farm loans (up to $50,000) for annual operating expenses tailored for small, young, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and diversified farming operations serving local markets.

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Agency: USDA

Value Added Producer GrantsAwards planning and working capital competitive grants to farmers to develop value-added farmer-owned businesses, including processing, market differentiation, and local and regional supply networks.Discuss: Success Story

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Agency: USDA

Development of OrganicsNational Organic Certification Cost Share ProgramProvides cost-share assistance to help farmers with annual organic certification costs; covers up to 75 percent of annual certification costs with maximum payments of $750 per year per farm. Organic Crop Insurance

Highlights special crop insurance provisions for organic producers, including organic price elections, contract price addendums, and Whole Farm Revenue Protection.

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Agency: USDA

Energy ConservationBiomass Crop Assistance Program Promotes renewable energy production by providing incentives to help farmers grow bioenergy feedstocks (crops that are well-suited to be turned into energy) and connect with relevant energy facility.Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)Enables farmers and businesses to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and undertake energy audits through grants and/or loans.

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Agency: USDA

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants (REAP) Basics:Application Deadline: Grants of $20,000 or less: October 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017; Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000): March 31, 2017; Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year. What does this program do?

Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.Who may apply?Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income coming from agricultural operations, and

Small businesses in eligible rural areas.

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Agency: USDA

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants (REAP) Basics:What is an eligible area? Businesses must be in an area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area of that city or town. Check eligible business addresses. Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.How may the funds be used?

Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)Geothermal for electric generation or direct use

Hydropower below 30 megawatts

Hydrogen

Small and large wind generation

Small and large solar generation

Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation

High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)

Insulation

Lighting

Cooling or refrigeration units

Doors and windows

Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots

Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor

Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment

Don’t forget about your local Sustainable Energy Fund!!!

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Agency: USDA

Note: Before applying to REAP contact your local State Energy Coordinator, as illustrated here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdfYouth Loanshttps://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index

FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization.

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State Based Energy Incentives

There are a variety of state incentives for energy conservation projects available through the US Department of Energy:http://www.dsireusa.org/

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Private Source:

Food Animal Concerns Trust

Creating Healthy & Humane Farms

The Fund-a-Farmer Project, a project of Food Animal Concerns Trust, awards grants and facilitates peer-to-peer farmer education to increase the number of animals that are raised humanely. Together with our farmer partners, we are leading our country back to a food system that is both financially and ecologically sustainable.

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Fund-a-Farmer is Open!

The application deadline is November 21, 2016. We will award grants of up to $2,500 in March 2017 to working, independent, family farmers who raise pigs, broiler chickens, laying hens, turkeys, dairy cows and/or beef cattle for two types of projects:Animal Welfare Certification projects: New! Projects that are designed to help farms achieve Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, or Global Animal Partnership (GAP) steps 4 – 5 certification through on-farm improvements. This grant category has been made possible by generous support from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Pasture Improvement projects: Projects that help farms transition to pasture-based systems or improve access to pasture for their animals. To be eligible for a Pasture Improvement Grant, farms must already be considered highly welfare-oriented, as determined by holding or actively working toward one of six specified humane certifications for their livestock or poultry: AGA Certified

Grassfed

, Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, Certified Naturally Grown, USDA Certified Organic, Global Animal Partnership (GAP) steps 4 to 5+

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Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

Since 1988, the SARE grants and education program has advanced agricultural innovation that promotes profitability, stewardship of the land, air and water, and quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities. Click on links below to learn about different aspects of the SARE program.

Find your region online:

http://www.sare.org/Grants

Discuss: funded projects

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Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

1. Farmer Rancher Grant ProgramFarmers and ranchers have a critical insight when it comes to improving their systems. Whether they need to limit off-farm inputs, reduce erosion, create more time for family or community activities, learn marketing skills, or find other ways to enhance their livelihoods, farmers and ranchers can turn to the North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) for grant opportunities and information. In 1992, NCR-SARE began a competitive Farmer Rancher Grant Program exclusively to fund farmers and ranchers striving for agricultural sustainability.

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Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

Farmer Rancher grants are offered as individual ($7,500 maximum), team of two ($15,000 maximum), or group ($22,500 maximum) grants for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers.Projects may last up to 24 months.About 40 projects are funded each year.Proposals due: December 8, 2016

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Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

Visit the National SARE Project Database for example projects that have been awarded funding.http://mysare.sare.org/search-projects/Average grant awards range from $3,000 to $25,000 (average)Individual farmers or ranchers may apply for up to $20,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $25,000Sample grant proposals are available: http://www.westernsare.org/Grants/Writing-a-Successful-Grant

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Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education

2. Professional Development Program GrantsClosed November 2, 2016, 12:00 MDTThese grants focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. PDP Grants are limited to $75,000. Grants can run for up to three years, with the final year to be focused on project evaluation. The 2017 Call for Proposals will open in April 2016, with proposals due October or November 2016. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical panel in January 2017, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2017.

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Private Source: Animal Welfare Approved

Farmer ApplicationThe Animal Welfare Approved seal is a hard earned badge of difference and demonstrates the farmer’s commitment to the care of animals, land and the local community. Farmers in this program will be distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude towards the animals in their care as evidenced by physical audit and development of detailed plans and records of farm practices. Participation in the AWA program is voluntary.

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Sample Projects Funded: Animal Welfare Approved

Boggy Creek Farms, Ararat, NC: Genetic improvementCambridgeshire Farm, Oakboro, NC: Mobile housingCedar Creek Farm, Cedarville, AR: Breeding for pasture-based productionCircle O Livestock, LLC, Vale, OR: Mobile housing and shadeCricket Creek Farm, Williamstown, MA: Breeding for pasture-based production

Cris-Co Farms, Gray, TN: Improved pasture managementD&A Farm, Autryville, NC: Genetic improvementDeer Run Farm, Danville, VT: Mobile housing

Double R Farms, LLC, Asher, OK: Mobile housing

Granny Creek Farm, Lamar, AR: Infrastructure to expand pasture access

GrassRoots

Pork Co., Beulaville, NC: Non-GMO feed production

Kauai

Kunana

Dairy, Kilauea, HI: Livestock guardian dogs for non-lethal predator control

Madrone Coast Farm, Felton, CA: Mobile housing

Majestic Farm, Mountain Dale, NY: Mobile housing

Nelson Family Farm, Zionville, NC: Breeding for pasture-based production

Platypus Flats Ranch, Shawano, WI: Mobile housing

Pockerchickory

Farms, Union Grove, NC: Breeding for pasture-based production

Rising Phoenix Farm, Morning View, KY: Breeding for pasture-based productionShelly’s Farm Fresh, Brentwood, CA: Improved pasture managementSimon Boers Chevon, LLC, Hagerman, ID: Breeding for pasture-based productionSwallow Rail Farm, Simpsonville, KY: Non-lethal predator controlThe Taylor-Wright Farm, Brodnax, VA: Mobile housingVernal Vibe Rise,

Renick

, WV: Mobile housing

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http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/grassrootsguide/farm-bill-programs-and-grants/

http://sustainableagriculture.net/take-action/#signup

Agency: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities.

NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities.

Links to great resources including Farm Bill (below, right)!

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Private Sources

Seed Money (Formerly Kitchen Gardeners International)Deadline: November 12th, 2016SeedMoney is a great way to catapult your garden’s sustainable fundraising plan. They are offering 125 $400 grants this year. 75 of these will “Challenge Grants” awarded to the first 75 projects that are able to raise $600 via their crowdfunding

pages during SeedMoney’s 30-day challenge period running from November 15 to December 15. The other 50 will be “Merit Grants” that are more like traditional grants that don’t require that groups raise any funds of their own. Projects that don’t win Challenge Grants will automatically be considered for Merit Grants. Groups get to keep whatever funds they raise via their

crowdfunding

page whether or not they reach their funding target.

http://tinyurl.com/jnggua9

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Private Sources

IOBYIf you’ve ever considered the possibility of crowd-funding to support your community garden or urban farm but weren’t sure how to start, the answer is now in your backyard. ioby.org, an environmental nonprofit, has just announced its national expansion after a successful NYC pilot fully funded nearly 2000 community-led parks, garden, biking, hiking, composting and chicken projects across the city. ioby (its name derived from the opposite of NIMBY) intends to connect people to environmental projects in their own neighborhoods. And, in fact, most

ioby micro-donors give on average $35, live within 2 miles of the project site they’re supporting and regularly volunteer with the project.Post your project today at ioby.org.

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Private Sources

OCIA Research & Education Micro GrantsDeadline: March 15th and November 15thOCIA International (Organic Crop Improvement Association) offers grants in the range of $300 to $1,500 for organic research, organic education, and other ideas supporting organic agriculture. Projects must benefit multiple producers, processors and/or consumers. There may be limitations on the number of grants given within any one region.http://www.ociaresearchandeducation.org/index.php/awards/micro-grants

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Private Sources

Simply Organic 1% FundDeadline: October 31st each yearSimply Organic has given more than a million dollars to organic research, education and grower development projects since the Simply Organic 1% Fund was established in 2001. One percent of all Simply Organic sales go into the fund, which supports training and community projects for organic farmers where our spices are grown, as well as a variety of organizations and events that study, support and promote organic agriculture.

https://www.simplyorganic.com/community/about/giving-back/grant-application

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Resources

National Association of State Departments of Agriculturehttp://www.nasda.org/

National Association of Women in Agriculturehttp://www.nwiaa.org/

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Farm Development Resources

Thank You!Contact me for more information!www.aspiregrants.com

info@aspiregrantdev.com(814)-701-2787