NB3 Foundation Youth Capacity Grant

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Dan

The Notah Begay III Foundation’s “Native Strong: Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures” national initiative is accepting applications for projects aimed at 1) community health assessments and/or 2) community planning and capacity building. Requests may be up to $20,000. Tribes and 501c3 non-profits are eligible to apply, and priority is given to Tribes in the Upper Midwest (MN, WI), Southwest (AZ, NM), and Southern Regions (OK, TX). The application deadline is September 12th.

Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Rancher (2501) Grant

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Dan

The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (“2501”) grant is accepting applications until August 25th, 2014. Intended to assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in owning and operating farms and ranches while increasing their participation in USDA programs, the 2501 grant program has a total of $9.1 million available, which is split into three different categories.

Seed Saving with the Three Sisters this Friday! JULY 25

Posted on July 21, 2014 by leanoh

Join us at the LCO Community College Sustainable Agriculture Research Station for a beginners course in seed saving. Learn where and when to plant the three sisters for the best seeds. This course is offered for FREE to Tribal Members and educators.

We’ll see you on Friday!

Summer Leadership Summit: Native Youth in Agriculture

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Dan

The University of Arkansas’ Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative is hosting a Summer Leadership Summit focused on Native Youth in Agriculture from July 21-25 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Spots are limited, and the application is on the event website. Participants are responsible for travel costs, but summit expenses are covered.

Three Sisters Workshop

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Dan

This “mini-workshop” will cover planting the three sisters of corn, beans, and squash on Saturday, June 31st at the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s sustainable farm. We’ll be serving corn soup for lunch.

workshops_3 sisters_may14

USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program & Local Foods Promotion Program

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Dan

USDA’s AMS (Ag. Marketing Service) is accepting applications for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to increase domestic consumption and access to locally and regionally produced foods and to develop new market opportunities for local producers. Awards will range between $15,000-100,000. A total of $15 million is available and the application deadline is June 20, 2014.

The related Local Food Promotion Program (LMPP) provides funds to support the development and expansion of local and regional food businesses. Funding is available for planning grants ranging between $5000-25,000 and implementation grants for between $25,000-100,000. A total of $15 million is available and the application deadline is June 20, 2014. A 25% match is required.

Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Dan

USDA’s Rural Development is accepting applications for the Small Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant (SSDPG) to provide technical assistance to small, socially-disadvantaged agricultural producers through eligible cooperatives and cooperative development centers. A total of $3 million is available with a maximum award of $200,000 and no match is required.

Reminder – Seed School

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Dan

There are still spots left in the Seed Keepers School from May 11-16 at Shakopee, but they are filling fast, so please register soon if you are planning to attend. Lodging is available free in tipis and at a reduced rate in the Mystic Lake Hotel. This training event is a tremendous opportunity to learning and network-building opportunity.

Seed School

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP)

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Dan

USDA’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) is accepting requesting grant applications until June 12th, 2014. Approximately $19 million in funding is available for efforts aimed at education, training, outreach, and mentoring of new and beginning farmers.

Great Lakes Region Monthly Update Conference Call

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Dan

2:00pm central time, Wednesday, April 9th will be our monthly update conference call. Call in number is 866-614-2162 and the code is 987 114 7244. These call will take place the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00pm using the same phone number and access code. Please feel free to spread the word. We’re planning to give everyone who is interested up to 2 minutes to give your own update.

April 9th Agenda

Introductions
Food Sovereignty Summit
Intertribal Maple Syrup Producers Co-op
USDA Farm to School Grant
Mobile Farmers Market 2014 Schedule
Discussion and individual updates

Great Lakes Region IAC Website

The place to learn about opportunities for Tribal agriculture in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin