While Wisconsin has yet to financially support Farm to School programs, some schools in the state may get assistance through the federal Farm to School Grant program. The grants will range in size from $20,000 to $100,000 and can be for planning a Farm to School program or expanding an existing program. Proposals are due June 15th.
Public Policy
Why does Michael Fields Agricultural Institute work on policy? In a word, leverage.
In a representative democracy, government policies and programs reflect society’s values and can accomplish change on a scale greater than what any farmer, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute or any other individual or organization can accomplish. By steering government programs and policies, policy advocates can guide whether those resources leverage change in favor of or opposition to a sustainable agriculture.
Sound sustainable agriculture policies are designed around defined needs of farmers, consumers and other stakeholders to support aspects of an environmentally sound, socially responsible, profitable agriculture.
Our policy program empowers citizens to use democratic processes to direct government resources to support sustainable agriculture’s many objectives. Find out more about our policy work as well as what you can do.
As our legislators head home to campaign, it’s time to take stock: how did sustainable agriculture fare? Here’s the scoop…
Get an update March 20th, 12-1 pm, on what’s going on with the annual federal appropriations process and 2012 Farm Bill, and find out how you can make your voice heard.
Organic farmers depend on conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient and pest management, seasonal high tunnels, crop rotation, and fencing. And there’s a program to help organic farmers with those conservation practices.
Have federal programs helped your farm or business? Please share how …
American farmers have always been among the nation’s innovators, and USDA began offering Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG’s) about ten years ago to help them keep innovating. This grant program is a crucial economic driver in rural America, helping farmers explore new options, expand their businesses, boost profits, and employ new workers.
Are you interested in the future of organic agriculture in Wisconsin and are willing to do your part to help it grow? If so, the nomination period is now open for four seats on the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council. Nominations must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by Monday, March 19, 2012. [Read more...]
This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster sustainable and innovative initiatives in this country associated with agriculture and forestry. Sustainability is commonly understood to embrace the triple concepts of economic, environmental and social viability. Specifically, the guide provides information about program resources pertaining to natural resources conservation and management; [...]
Wisconsin’s AmeriCorps Farm to School Program has created active and engaged Farm to School programs at schools around the state, and they are currently accepting new applicants.
The deadline just got pushed back, so you have until January 27 to fill out an application form and get in the Conservation Stewardship Program this year!
There are lots of federal and state programs to help build food systems (Really! For information about all of them, check out our Building Sustainable Places Guide). But how do we make it easier for farmers to access these programs? Well, Brittany did it, with a little help from us.
The Conservation Stewardship Program rewards farmers for the conservation they are already doing and provides the means to do more. As Chippewa County farmer Bob Bernier says, “You’re saving your soil, your costs are cheaper, and you’re going to make more money in the end. You’re a fool not to be in this program.” To get in the program for next year, fill out an application form by January 13th.
