Welcome to the refreshed Small Farms newsletter! As you may know from the last newsletter, we have recently welcomed new team members and are developing new strategies for our communication and outreach. While we consider new ideas, we thought the newsletter was the perfect platform to implement some initial changes.
Though the look has changed, this newsletter will continue to offer news stories, announcements, resources, opportunities and upcoming events relevant to small farms. If you would like to submit a story idea, event, or announcement for an upcoming newsletter, please use our
online form. You can subscribe to the Small Farms newsletter
here.
Thank you again for your interest and support of small farms in New York.
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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Our Recommended Reading:
New Blog Feature
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With a new, dedicated communications specialist on
our team
, we are rolling out exciting new storytelling features. This includes a consolidated weekly installment of “
Recommended Reading
” on our website, published each Monday. Check out what we’re reading
here.
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Let's Celebrate:
National Farmers Market Week
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Next week is all about farms and markets, because August 5-11 is National Farmers Market Week.
Check out the National Farmers Market Coalition website to learn more about the celebration, including activities and events near you.
Support your local farmers market this week and every week!
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Potential Solution to Mississippi Gulf Dead Zone?
The University of Missouri and SARE have completed a review of 98 different publications regarding cover crops and water quality to combat the hypoxic dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. These fact sheets, powerpoints, and other documents are available for education and outreach.
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Updated Farmers Guide to Business
In this comprehensive guide, learn all about business entities as they relate to farmers. Break down your options and choose a business entity that is best suited for your unique farming operation. The guide also explores complex issues like anti-corporate farming laws, running multiple entities, and going into business with other farmers.
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Newly Updated Guide to Herb Production
There are various marketing channels for organic herbs, and this new publication assesses the economic factors to consider for small-scale organic greenhouse production of fresh-cut herbs. The guide also addresses production methods, including potential for hydroponic production.
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Farmers Markets to Continue Accepting EB
T
Despite the Novo Dia Group (the primary vendor which allows for EBT to be accepted at farmers market nationally) ceasing operations, Governor Cuomo announced that an agreement had been reached between the company and New York state to continue operations through this farmers market season. Maintaining the ability to accept EBT is crucial to continue access to fresh food for those on SNAP benefits and to support local farmers. In 2017 alone, over $22 million was added to the local economy through EBT at farmers markets.
Read more.
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Small Dealers Exempt from Animal Welfare Act
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will be contacting small scale dealer and exhibitors currently licensed under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Those with eight or fewer “pet animals, small exotic or wild mammals, and domesticated farm-type animals” are now exempt from AWA licensing. In addition, APHIS expanded the list of animals eligible for an existing exemption for dealers who maintain four (4) or fewer breeding females and sell only the offspring of those animals born and raised on his or her premises, for pets or exhibition.
Read more.
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New York State Partners with Puerto Rico
As Puerto Rico struggles to recover from the devastating Hurricane Maria, Governor Cuomo announced new trade partnerships between NY and Puerto Rico. The new deals are mutually favorable and are conservatively estimated to exceed $1 million in economic benefit.
Read more.
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Labeling of Dairy Product VS Dairy Alternatives
The FDA desires feedback from producers and consumers regarding the labeling of plant-based milks and the assumption of nutritional benefits that are assumed with the “milk” label. With health cases cropping up — such as children with severe protein deficiencies after being raised on a soy-based milk — the FDA plans to study the consequences of the label categorization. This process began with the Nutrition Innovation Public Meeting on July 26, 2018, when public and stakeholder comments were heard.
Read more.
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44th Annual NOFA Summer Conference
August 10-12, 2018 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA.
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Quick & Clean-- Planning for an Efficient Harvest
August 15, 2018 at Fledging Crow Farm, Keeseville, NY.
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Capture Summer in a Jar: Preserving Tomatoes
September 22, 2018 at
St. Lawrence CCE
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Mohawk Valley Producers Eligible for Grants
New York State Grown and Certified has approved $500,000 in grant money to be awarded to producers in Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Schoharie and Otsego Counties that wish to meet the certification. Applicants are required to contribute 10 percent of the total project cost in the form of cash equity. Eligible producers can apply for grant funding up to $50,000 for farm business infrastructure improvements that directly impact a producer’s ability to increase market opportunities for their products. Cornell Cooperative Extension offices are resources to facilitate the implementation of the program in the region.
Schoharie and Otsego County producers should contact Shannon Kirch, Ag Implementation Specialist, 607-547-2536 (x227),
[email protected]
; or David Cox, Ag/Hort Program Leader, 518-234-4303 (x119),
[email protected]
. For application materials, contact Linda Wightman, CCE Oneida County at 315-736-3394 (x124),
[email protected]
; or
check online
.
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Organic Producers can apply for Certification Reimbursement
Farmers with existing organic certifications can apply by October 31 for partial reimbursement of certification costs. The reimbursement could be up to 75% each year, or a maximum of $750, per certification of scope-crops, livestock, wild crops and handling. Important information regarding the program can be found online and the application can be found
here.
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The Small Farms Update is a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and beyond. We envision a future where diverse and vibrant urban and rural farms build human capacity, revitalize communities, supply regional food systems, and foster ecological resilience in a changing world. The Cornell Small Farms Program (SFP) is a joint effort of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood Cornell Cooperative Extension agent. Check our
county-by-county listing for your small farm agents. Just starting to farm? We have an extensive resources available in the
"Plan Your Farm" section of our website.
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