USDA is currently accepting applications for the Acer Access and Development Program for efforts to promote the domestic United States maple syrup industry. The maximum award is $500,000 with $4 million in total funding. Application deadline is May 10, 2019.
Here are the topics that will be included. Check back for additions and the full schedule in the next few days, and register by March 31st for the early registration rate.
Discounted registration is available for the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Summit through March 31st. We are also accepting scholarship applications through March 25th, but scholarships will not cover travel and are intended for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.
https://pokagonfoodsummit.eventbrite.com
#foodsummit
USDA’s Rural Development is currently accepting applications for its Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to assist with the development and expansion of small businesses in rural areas. Application deadline is March 29, 2019.
Great Lakes Intertribal Food Summit organizers are working with our co-host, the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA), and their Mentorship Program in accepting culinary mentor and mentee applications , which offers an excellent opportunity to share and learn skills while making new connections. Limited travel funding may be available for selected applicants. Applications are due March 1st.
#foodsummit #mentorship
There is still time to register for the Tribal Food and Farming 101 Workshop that will be held at the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena, Wisconsin on February 15-16. There is no cost to register for Tribal community members (any Tribe) and staff.
Please note this event is on at the College of Menominee Nation’s Cultural Learning Center in Keshena Wisconsin (your phone app may show a College of Menominee Nation in Green Bay, which is about an hour away; don’t go to that location). Here’s more detailed maps.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production and transport, spurring major interest from many Tribes and individual producers. Like any agricultural endeavor, prospective growers must evaluate production and market feasibility.
Local extension agents may have some information, but the novelty of this new production opportunity creates knowledge gaps. The following study completed by the Congressional Research Service offers an overview of market and basic production information, as well as references to additional resources. Some highlights of the document include:
“Most researchers acknowledge the potential profitability of industrial hemp, but also the potential obstacles to its development. Current challenges facing the industry include the need to re-establish agricultural supply chains, breed varieties with modern attributes, upgrade harvesting equipment, modernize processing and manufacturing, and identify new market opportunities.
In the past two decades, researchers at the USDA and various land grant universities and state agencies (for example, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, and Vermont; see Appendix A) have conducted several feasibility and marketing studies. More recent available market reports indicate that the estimated gross value of hemp production per acre is about $21,000 from seeds and $12,500 from stalks.” (Page 6)
The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) is hiring an executive director. See job posting for more information on applying. Deadline is February 20, 2019.
Indigenous Seedkeepers Network and the Intertribal Agriculture Council are working together with Wisconsin-based tribes and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to create a collective seed stewardship education program with Wisconsin based tribes and others in the Upper Midwest region. The Wisconsin Intertribal Seed Stewardship cohort program is for those interested in learning to steward seed varieties and be a resource for others in your community.
We would love to invite you to sign up here to participate in the 9-month cohort program for developing seed stewardship leaders. The sessions will follow the growing season and guide you through planning, planting, pollinating, harvesting, storing and record keeping. We will also incorporate lessons on growing by the moon cycles, assessing seed sovereignty and seed systems in your community, maintaining good seed through mindful seed stewardship, and indigenous plant breeding and selection. We will facilitate monthly recorded call/video conferences, outside readings and videos, an interactive online classroom space, and 2 in-person workshops during the growing season.
Great Lakes Region IAC Website 