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USDA Announces Funding Availability for Biomass Material into Energy<\/h3>\n
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving forest or agricultural residues to generate clean energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.<\/p>\n
BCAP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility. Of the total $25 million per year authorized for BCAP, the 2014 Farm Bill provides up to 50 percent ($12.5 million) each year for matching payments for the harvest and transportation of biomass residues. BCAP matching payments will resume this summer, while crop incentives will begin in 2015. Some matching payments will support the removal of dead or diseased trees from National Forests and Bureau of Land Management public lands. This will be turned into renewable energy while reducing the risk of forest fire. Agriculture residues, such as corn cobs and stalks, also may qualify as energy-producing feedstock.<\/p>\n
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers BCAP, will begin accepting applications from biomass conversion facilities beginning June 16, 2014, through July 14, 2014. Information on funding availability can be found in the Federal Register notice<\/a>. For more details on applications and deadlines on BCAP, visit a local FSA county office or go online<\/a>.<\/p>\n June has been a great month for making hay. If you have excess or are the position to sell hay or straw, consider using the Maine Hay and Straw Directory. It is free to use. More information is available online<\/a>, or call Cooperative Extension 1.800.287.1426.<\/p>\n Ever wonder about preserving your garden produce? Learn how at a University of Maine Preserving the Harvest class. Visit the UMaine Cooperative Extension Food and Health page<\/a> for a listing of current workshops<\/p>\n Gardening advice by the month throughout the growing season! Sign up for gardening information, timely tips and research-based articles written by UMaine Extension staff and Master Gardener Volunteers at Maine Home Garden News<\/a><\/p>\n Agritoursim is one way to generate more income from the farm. But it is not for every farm. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks by visiting a website<\/a> hosted by Rutgers University. The site was initiated to train agriculture service providers. However, much of the information posted can be used directly by farmers and growers. At the site, you will find short videos, training module, fact sheets and worksheets.<\/p>\n Consider a safety check-in and conversation with your family members or employees regarding operating tractors on public roads.<\/p>\n The Maine Family Farms: Life and Business in Balance<\/a> series recognizes that the needs of farmers at each various life stage are unique, as choices about farming practices, child rearing, business growth, and succession planning enter into decision making. This series consists of five fact sheets plus an introductory fact sheet that can purchased\/downloaded individually or as a series. Click here to view<\/a><\/p>\n Retail price:<\/strong> FREE DOWNLOAD<\/strong>; color printout $3.00 entire series \/ $0.50 – $0.75 each<\/p>\n Contact person:<\/strong> Leslie Forstadt and Tori Jackson<\/p>\n Publisher:<\/strong> UMaine Extension<\/p>\n To order:<\/strong> by email extension.orders@maine.edu<\/a> or call 207.581.3792 .<\/p>\n To view all the publications:<\/p>\n Backyard Locavore Day scheduled for August 9,<\/strong> Rain or Shine. This is a unique one day educational event. Gain knowledge on food preservation and gardening from UMaine Extension’s Master Food Preservers and Master Volunteers.<\/p>\n The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the application deadline dates for two of its conservation programs — the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Agricultural Management Assistance Program. The Fiscal Year 2015 application deadline for both of these programs is August 15, 2014.<\/p>\n Agricultural producers and foresters are encouraged to sign up now for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides financial and technical assistance to address varying natural resource priorities. The Fiscal Year 2015 funding consideration application deadline for most EQIP fund pool categories will be August 15, 2014. This does not include the EQIP National Water Quality Initiative and Conservation Innovation Grants. These deadlines are yet to be determined.<\/p>\n The August 15, 2014 deadline for 2015 funding consideration is for both applications for EQIP local Field Office fund pool categories (such as animal waste, cropland, forestry, seasonal high tunnels, pasture, and wildlife) and the statewide fund pool categories (Beginning Farmer, Socially Disadvantaged, Tribal Projects, Water Conservation\/Irrigation, Aquatic Organism Passage Projects, Conservation Activity Plans, On-Farm Energy and Organic). The August 15, 2014 signup deadline is an extension to the previously posted July 1, 2014 deadline for the EQIP local Field Office fund pool, or “general” categories.<\/p>\n Agricultural producers are also encouraged to sign up now for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), which also has a Fiscal Year 2015 funding consideration application deadline of August 15, 2014. AMA assists agricultural producers to manage risk and voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation practices into their farming operations. For 2015, Maine NRCS will again be offering financial assistance for irrigation systems and introducing an opportunity for funding deer exclusion fencing for orchards through the AMA program.<\/p>\n There is a continuous, year-round sign-up for these two programs, but applications submitted by August 15, 2014 will be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2015. Proposals submitted after that date will be held for Fiscal Year 2016 funding consideration.<\/p>\n Interested landowners should visit their local NRCS office located at the USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. USDA Service Centers are listed online<\/a>, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. For more information on EQIP and AMA, please visit the NRCS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n “New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture,” Said Deputy Secretary Harden. “The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising, so we must help new farmers get started if America is going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong agriculture economy. The new policies announced today will help give beginning farmers the financial security they need to succeed. Our new online tool will provide one-stop shopping for beginning farmers to learn more about accessing USDA services that can help their operations thrive.”<\/p>\n USDA’s new farmer website<\/a> has in depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to increase access to land and capital; build new market opportunities; participate in conservation opportunities; select and use the right risk management tools; and access USDA education, and technical support programs. These issues have been identified as top priorities by new farmers. The website will also feature instructive case studies about beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start or expand their business operations.<\/p>\n Today’s policy announcements in support of beginning farmers and ranchers include:<\/p>\n The Deputy Secretary made these announcements at the inaugural meeting of the reconvened Beginning Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee held at the University of California Davis, California. This Advisory Committee, composed of 20 members, including Extension agents, lenders, farmers, ranchers and academics will meet through 2015 to learn, discuss, and formulate recommendations to USDA on how to support new and beginning farmers.<\/p>\n
\nHay & Straw Directory
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\nPreserving the Harvest July Workshops Announced<\/h3>\n
\nMaine Home Garden News July Issue Announced<\/h3>\n
\nHave you Considered Agritoursim?<\/h3>\n
\nTractor Safety on Public Roads
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\nMaine Farms: Life and Business in Balance<\/h3>\n
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\nBackyard Locavore Day<\/h3>\n
\nNRCS Announces Application Deadline for Conservation Programs<\/h3>\n
\nNew USDA Website for Beginning Farmers<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>New Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled www.usda.gov\/newfarmers<\/a>, a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed.<\/p>\n\n
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In the near future, USDA will also announce additional crop insurance program changes for beginning farmers and ranchers — including discounted premiums, waiver of administrative fees, and other benefits. These policy announcements are made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov\/farmbill<\/a>.<\/p>\n