#16 December 10, 2024 Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, Tips for NYS Grown and Certified Grant, Podcast, Getting to Yes, Link to Grants and Funding, Upcoming Programs
Tag: USDA FSA
Important! Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program
USDA Farm Service Agency has just made $2 billion available to help specialty crop producers (fruit, vegetable, tree nuts, nursery crops, Christmas trees, floriculture, culinary and medicinal herbs and spices, honey, hops, maple sap, turfgrass and grass seed) expand markets and manage higher costs. Applications are only accepted from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025. Many NYS farms would seem to be eligible for these funds. This is not a grant; payments are based entirely on your sales history.
The Bottom Line #12
September 25, 2024. FSA loan rates begin to drop, grapevine insurance, research of impact of solar on farmland values, COVID relief funds still available for farmworkers, Upcoming programs.
The Bottom Line #11
September 4, 2024. Clinton and Essex Counties included in federal disaster declaration, Governor Hochul describes success of Executive Order 32 and signs three pieces of legislation related to agriculture. New FSA rules effective on Sept 25th to make accessing and affording a farm loan easier. Also, USDA FSA’s new online debt consolidation tool and improvements in loan servicing. Learn about AFT’s new Farmland Owner Hub. A new grant program, Business Builder Grants, funded by USDA and offered through the Northeast Regional Food Business Center will be available in 2025! Upcoming programs.
USDA Now Accepting Applications for Available Funds to Help Cover Organic Certification Costs – Deadline October 31, 2024
Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. The application and instructions can be found at the program’s website.
The Bottom Line No. 4
In this issue: DOL minimum salary increase for ‘exempt’ positions effective July 1! New federal Final Rule for H2A labor protections take effect on June 27. Point of Sale data can help you improve your returns at markets. Cornell Ag Workforce Farm-Provided Housing guide is available. USDA-FSA farm storage loans and upcoming programs
The Bottom Line No. 3
In this issue: US House Ag Labor Working Group releases H2A policy recommendations. How produce farms in New York are adapting to increased labor costs. Sources for ag data from USDA Economic Research Service you can use for your next grant or business plan. USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is accepting applications as well as USDA FSA farm labor housing loans and updates to other grant programs. Upcoming business programs.