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February 28, 2013 @ 3:45 PM

From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition:

USDA recently announced the availability of funding through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program.  The FY 2013 request for pre-proposals lists several major project categories, including soil health and co-management of conservation and food safety.  The list also includes projects that address beginning, underserved, and small-scale producers, energy conservation, nutrient management, economics, wildlife habitat, and adaptive management.

I know that some of you have already begun putting together proposals.  We think that this year's CIG announcement provides a great opportunity for NSAC members to submit proposals.  In some cases, it might make a ...
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February 12, 2013 @ 6:59 AM

USDA Finalizes New Microloan Program

Microloans up to $35,000 aim to assist small farmers, veterans, and disadvantaged producers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new microloan program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application ......

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