| Grants and business resources |
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| Points for grant seekers |
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- Grants are cyclical—they come and go. If you find something of interest, make sure you understand the criteria and prepare ahead of time for the next round if the grant is already closed for the current year.
- The proposed project must match the criteria that the funding entity has established. Read the criteria carefully and answer all the questions when developing a grant proposal, and be sure to include all required documentation.
- Grants are usually competitive and each proposal will be evaluated on its merits against other proposals.
- Grants bring obligations. If you are successful in securing a grant, you will be required to fulfill all the outcomes, record keeping, reporting, and efforts associated with the funding project.
Help preparing grants
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| Development and marketing |
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Rural Business Opportunity Grants
Grant application deadline is usually in September.
Who is eligible?
Rural public bodies, rural nonprofit corporations, rural Indian tribes, and cooperatives with primarily rural members.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/rbog.htm
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
The FY2009 VAPG program opened on May 6, 2009 and the application deadline is July 6, 2009. -- If you are interested in this grant, begin by reviewing the materials below.
Note: There are new "set aside funds" with different due dates.
- The deadline for regular VAPG applications is July 6, 2009.
- The deadline for VAPG applicants seeking funds from the "Beginning" or "Socially Disadvantaged" Farmer and Rancher reserve is June 22, 2009.
- The deadline for VAPG applicants seeking funds from the "Mid-Tier Value Chain" reserve is June 22, 2009.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/vapg.htm
There is an extensive worksheet/checklist at the USDA Web site (above) that can assist in preparing a grant application. There is also a list of individuals/companies that can assist in preparing the grant application: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/biz/PackagerList.pdf
The Value-added Producer Grant (USDA/VAPG) is intended to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The grant can be used to fund one of the following two activities:
- Planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan, legal work); or
- Working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.
- Renewable energy projects are also eligible for this funding (planning or working captal projects).
This grant is very competitive. For more information, please contact:
- Martin Zone, USDA Rural Development , 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97204-3222, Phone: (503) 414-3361, martin.zone@or.usda.gov
Note: The Oreogn Energy Trust may share the cost to hire a qualified grant consultant to assist applicants in writing proposals for USDA-VAPG energy related projects. To qualify for Energy Trust assistance, the grant must either be located in the Oregon service territory of Pacific Power or Portland General Electric, or have reasonable expectations of a power purchase agreement with one of those utilities. Off-grid projects are not eligible. Eligible renewable technologies include new electricity generation facilities, or new additions to existing facilities, fueled by: wind, solar or geothermal energy; low-emission, non-toxic, solid biomass from wood, forest and field residues; dedicated energy crops available on a renewable basis; landfill gas; digester gas; and hydroelectric facilities located outside protected areas as defined by Federal law in effect in 1999. Consultants must be pre-qualified with Energy Trust and possess demonstrated experience in grant writing. Energy Trust can also assist in identifying a qualified consultant. Energy Trust assistance will be limited to 50 percent of the consultant cost, up to $2,500. For more information contact Oregon Energy Trust at:
Receptionist: 503-493-8888
Fax: 503-546-6862
E-mail: info@energytrust.org
Specialty Crop Grant Program
The specialty crop grant program is closed for 2009, except to those applicants who were invited to Phase II of the grant proposal process in the 2009 program year. The program is likely to open again in the Spring of 2010.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has invited 23 applicants to submit a full grant proposal for the 2009 Specialty Crop Grant Program. Concept papers were received from 60 applicants representing over $4.2 million in funding. Applicants invited to submit a full proposal must return that proposal to the Department by August 10, 2009. Funding awards will be announced in the Fall.
Grant funds are for projects that enhance the competitiveness and production of specialty crops in Oregon. The ODA is looking for projects that benefit the greatest number of beneficiaries and to see projects that address challenges currently faced by Oregon’s specialty crop producers.
For the purposes of this program, specialty crops are defined as commonly recognized fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture and horticulture). Feed crops, food grains, livestock, dairy products, seafood products and oil seed crops are not eligible. See a complete list of eligible crops under the grant program at the USDA specialty crop block grant website at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.
If invited to submit a full application, proposals must be received by August 10, 2009 before 5:00 pm PST.
More information and program guidelines
Farmland Protection Grant
NRCS accepts applications for FRPP on a continuous basis throughout the year. In Oregon, applications received on or before May 22, 2009 will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2009.
The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the conservation easement.
To qualify, farmland must: be part of a pending offer from a State, tribe, or local farmland protection program; be privately owned; have a conservation plan for highly erodible land; be large enough to sustain agricultural production; be accessible to markets for what the land produces; have adequate infrastructure and agricultural support services; and have surrounding parcels of land that can support long-term agricultural production.
NRCS seeks FRPP proposals from entities that have: an established farm and ranch land protection program; funds to match the federal contribution; authority to hold and manage easements; and the capacity to acquire, manage, and enforce easements. Application must be made by the eligible entities to the NRCS state office in Portland, Oregon.
For application materials and more information, visit the NRCS Web site at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp or contact Meta Loftsgaarden, Oregon FRPP Program Manager, at (503) 414-3236
Food Processor's Exemption Claim from Property Tax
This program enables those involved in food processing to claim a property tax exemption for qualified real property machinery and equipment. The law defines a food processor as a person engaged in the business of freezing, canning, dehydrating, concentrating, preserving, processing or repacking for human consumption raw or fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes or seafood in any procedure that occurs prior to the point of first sale by the processor.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture provides the certification for machinery and equipment that can qualify for the tax exemption.
For details, see: http://oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/faq_479.shtml
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| Foreign and export market |
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Specialty Crop Technical Export Assistance Program
April 2, 2009—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) today announced that it continues to accept applications for fiscal year 2009 funding for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Program. TASC applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted at any time throughout this fiscal year.
The TASC Program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. U.S. specialty crops, for the purpose of the TASC Program, are defined to include all cultivated plants, or the products thereof, produced in the U.S., except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/tasc/tasc.asp
USDA Quality Samples Program
This grant program is annual.
SUMMARY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announces it is inviting proposals for the 2010 Quality Samples Program (QSP). The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible applicants and award funds in October 2009. The Quality Samples Program (QSP) helps U.S. agricultural trade organizations provide small samples of their agricultural products to potential importers in emerging markets overseas.
Focusing on industry and manufacturing, as opposed to end-use consumers, it permits potential customers to discover U.S. quality. It also allows manufacturers overseas to do test runs to assess how U.S. food and fiber products can best meet their production needs.
DATES: All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this date will be considered only if funds are still available.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/QSP.asp
Agribusiness Markets and Trade: Research Grants
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/marketsandtradeafri.cfm
Application Deadline − May 15, 2009 (5:00 P.M., ET)
The Agribusiness Markets and Trade program seeks to achieve three objectives during the next ten years:
(1) provide knowledge to enhance economic efficiency and equity in U.S. agribusiness sector;
(2) support research that builds international market opportunities; and
(3) provide economic analysis to assist with new product development and insertion in the value chain for value-added plant, animal and bio-based products.
Contacts:
Program Code - 96160
National Program Leader −
Dr. S. (Suresh) Sureshwaran (202-720-7536 or ssureshwaran@csrees.usda.gov)
Dr. Henry Bahn (202-720-8143 or hbahn@csrees.usda.gov)
Total Program Funds − anticipated funding at approximately $4.6 million
Proposed Budget Requests −
Proposed research project budget requests must not exceed $400,000 for multi-institution for project period of 2-4 years (including indirect costs).
Proposed research project budget requests must not exceed $325,000 for a single institution for project period of 2-4 years (including indirect costs).
Requests exceeding the budgetary guidelines above will not be reviewed.
FY 2009 Priority for Research Projects
. Enhance understanding of the changes in agribusiness structure and conduct, as well as its effectiveness in the development of markets at home and abroad.
. Provide knowledge to increase market access and reduce trade impediments for major agricultural products.
. Develop new models and theories to enhance understanding of changes in domestic and foreign consumer tastes and preferences.
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for the grant program implemented under this subpart include:
(1) State agricultural experiment stations;
(2) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher);
(3) university research foundations;
(4) other research institutions and organizations;
(5) Federal agencies,
(6) national laboratories;
(7) private organizations or corporations;
(8) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nations, or permanent residents; and
(9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in (1) through (8).
USDA Emerging Markets Program
This is an annual program.
Purpose. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by funding technical assistance activities that promote U.S. products in emerging foreign markets. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market development efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also be used to assist public organizations.
The Emerging Markets Program is a market access program that provides funding for technical assistance activities intended to promote exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to emerging markets in all geographic regions, consistent with U.S. foreign policy.
DATES: All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this time will be considered only if funds are still available.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.html
http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/2009/042909EMP.asp
USDA Market Access Program
This is an annual funding opportunity.
DATES: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
The Market Access Program (MAP), formerly the Market Promotion Program, uses funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to help U.S. producers, exporters, private companies, and other trade organizations finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products. The MAP encourages the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for agricultural commodities. Activities financed include consumer promotions, market research, technical assistance, and trade servicing.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone:
(202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp.Or contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Ag Marketing and Development Division, at 503-872-6600.
Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program
Purpose: The Cooperator program is designed to create, expand, and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products through cost-share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.
Dates: All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, May 29, 2009. Applications received after this date will not be considered. For Further Information Contact: Entities wishing to apply for funding assistance should contact the Program Operations Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20024, phone: (202) 720-4327, fax: (202) 720-9361, e-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov. Information is also available on the Foreign Agricultural Service Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmdprogram.asp. Oganizations may be approved for funding provided the following three conditions exist: 1. It can be determined that such an agreement will assist in developing, maintaining, or expanding foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. 2. The market development activities would not otherwise be undertaken by a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization. 3. A nonprofit U.S.agricultural trade organization designates a particular private organization to act in its behalf.
Foreign Currency Program (specific markets only)
The Section 108 Foreign Currency Program provides cost-sharing assistance in the form of foreign currencies to both the public and private sector for the development, maintenance, and expansion of long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products and agricultural technical assistance. FAS administers the program through cooperative agreements that authorize successful applicants the opportunity to work closely with FAS and its overseas offices to conduct these activities. Preference is given to nonprofit U.S. agricultural and trade groups that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. Priority is given to proposals that target markets with the greatest growth potential.
Export Assistance
Technical, financial, trade leads, and other assistance from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/exporter_assistance.asp
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| Stewardship & natural resource |
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USDA/NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
The 2009 program application closed March 20. Look for this program again in 2010.
The program is intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/
Conservation Stewardship Program
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
DEADLINE: Agricultural and forestry producers must submit applications by Sept. 30 to be considered for funding in the first ranking period. Congress capped the annual acreage enrollment at 12,769,000 acres for each fiscal year nationwide.
Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland-a new land use for the program-and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe.
Eligible applicants may include individual landowners, legal entities, and Indian tribes. The program will be offered to producers in all 50 states, District of Columbia and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups.
To apply for the newly revamped CSP, potential participants will be encouraged to use a self-screening checklist first to determine whether the new program is suitable for them or their operation. It will be available on NRCS Web sites and at NRCS field offices. After self-screening, the producer's current and proposed conservation practices are entered in the conservation measurement tool (CMT). This tool estimates the level of environmental performance to be achieved by a producer implementing and maintaining conservation activity. The conservation performance estimated by the CMT will be used to rank applications. States will determine their own priority resource concerns, one of the criteria that will be used to rank applications. States will establish ranking pools to rank applications with similar resource concerns.
NRCS field staff also will conduct on-site field verifications of applicants' information obtained from the CMT. Once the potential participant has been field verified and approved for funding, he or she must develop a conservation stewardship plan.
For information about CSP, including eligibility requirements, producers can visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp or visit their local NRCS field office.
2007 Farm Bill Conservation Programs
The 2007 Farm Bill provides many conservation opportunities for growers. The most comprehensive listing of natural resource conservation programs administered by USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service can be found at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/Index.html
Growers are encouraged to review this site; it has more than two dozen grant or cost-share programs and lots of technical resources listed.
Organic certification cost share reimbursement application
The Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program was approved by Congress and funds made available through the USDA to applicant states. The program provides reimbursement to growers, processors and handlers who obtain organic certification from USDA accredited certifiers (certifying to National Organic Program standards). Oregon received $405,000 in reimbursement funds.
How to apply
Oregon producers or handlers certified by USDA accredited certifiers between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2009 are eligible to receive reimbursement for 75% of certification fees, up to a maximum of $750 per qualifying period.
To request reimbursement you must complete an application form revised 03/09 (pdf) and a W-9 form. In addition, you must submit a copy of your fee invoice and proof you have been certified or re-certified. These documents must show payment and certification for the same year. Incomplete applications will be returned. Completed applications and all necessary documents must be submitted by October 31, 2009. Reimbursements will be made on a first-come first-serve basis until all available funds have been disbursed.
For additional information see Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program.
Watershed Resortation Grants for Landowners
The application forms have been revised, and all proposals submitted to OWEB for the April 20, 2009 deadline must use the revised application dated January 2009. If you submit an application using a previous application form, it will not be accepted.http://oregon.gov/OWEB/GRANTS/index.shtml
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) for Organic Conversion/Expansion
EQIP Organic Initiative
USDA has announced $50 million for a new initiative to meet the Obama Administration's promise to encourage more organic agriculture production. Funding for the initiative is being made available as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP. Under the Organic Initiative, required minimum core conservation practices will be determined by specific resource concerns. The practices are: Conservation Crop Rotation; Cover Crop; Nutrient Management; Pest Management; Prescribed Grazing; and Forage Harvest Management. States must consider using any appropriate practice that meets the resource concern on a particular operation.
The 2009 Organic Initiative will be administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility.
Proposals are due May 29, 2009.
This document gives guidance and strategies to applying for up to $20,000 per year or up to $80,000 over a 6 year period for organic farmers and to farmers transitioning to organic farming from the National Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).
http://attra.ncat.org/eqip/
EPA West Coast Collaborative
West Coast Collaborative - Grants & Resources for conservation, environmental compliance, research, and renewable energy:
http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org/grants.htm
Check back periodically to this site as they post new EPA and other sources of grants.
Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office, announces its intent to request proposals for Challenge Grants: Water Marketing and Efficiency Grants for the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009. This initiative will support projects that bank water, market water, conserve water, or generally make more efficient use of existing water supplies. Projects must take place in AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, AS, GU, CNMI, or the VI. As of 3/14/09, the anticipated RFP release date or funding amounts had not been posted. Proposals due 5/19/09. For more info, contact Stephanie Bartlett at sbartlett@usbr.gov or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=45930. Refer to Sol# 09SF811499. (Grants.gov 3/10/09)
Eligible applicants include: irrigation and water districts, water authorities of Federally recognized tribes, entities created under State or Territorial law with water management authority, which may include water user associations, water conservancy districts, canal, ditch and reservoir companies, municipal water authorities, State or Territory agencies or departments with water management authority. i.e., State departments of water resources, State engineer’s offices, and other State or Territory agencies, departments, and boards with water management authority
USDA & EPA - Pest Management and Pest Management Alternatives
Annual grant process, usually in the spring.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/ProgView.cfm?prnum=4007
More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/grants.htm
Region 10 EPA Grant Page: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/HOMEPAGE.NSF/webpage/Grants
US Fish and Wildlife Service: Grants and Other Assistance
Some grants for individuals; some for organizations. All intended to protect, enhance, and promote wildlife.
http://www.fws.gov/grants/
Western Region Sustainable Ag Research and Education Project Grants
This grant request is now OPEN. Deadlines vary by grant type. Farmer/Rancher grant applications are due in December. Check the link for updates.
http://wsare.usu.edu/grants
With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, one or more agricultural producers develop a proposal to conduct research and/or on-farm demonstrations and educational outreach in an area of sustainable agriculture with assistance from an agricultural or natural resource professional, who serves as a technical advisor. The goal is to achieve results that can be communicated to producers and professionals--information that can improve income, the environment, communities and quality of life for all citizens. With a Professional and Producer Grant, an ag or natural resource professional, working with one or more producers, develops a proposal to conduct research, on-farm demonstration and/or educational outreach in an area of sustainable agriculture. The goal is to achieve results that can be communicated to producers and professionals--information that can improve income, the environment, communities and quality of life for all citizens. Equally important is an opportunity for professionals to expand their knowledge and expertise in sustainable agriculture. Western SARE Sustainable Agricultural Tours Grant
The Administrative Council of the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program announces the Request for Sustainable Agricultural Tours Grant Applications for 2009. With a Sustainable Agricultural Tour Grant, farmers and ranchers will be able to network with other producers, researchers and other sustainable agricultural professionals in seeing and learning about sustainable agricultural production systems. These grants are targeted for producers to attend specific on-farm demonstration and/or educational outreach tours in an area of sustainable agriculture. The maximum allowed per grant application is $2,000.
These funds are awarded on a first come basis.
Environmental/Natural Resources Education Grant
Supports environmental education projects that enhance the public´s awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions that affect environmental quality.
http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html
Strategic Agricultural Initiative Program Grants
This grant is CLOSED at the present, however, it may open again in the future if additional funding is available. The program supports innovative efforts that enable growers to reduce their reliance on pesticides targeted for removal under FQPA while maintaining or enhancing their present income. American Farmland Trust´s Center for Agriculture in the Environment administers this program through a cooperative agreement with EPA. This grant opportunity is open to non-profit organizations, including commodity groups/associations and farmers groups, extension and university programs, state and federal government agencies, and tribes.
http://www.aftresearch.org/grant/
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| Research grants |
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USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program
These grants have various deadlines depending on project type. This is the primary funding initiative for agricultural research. Check for dates and proposal types.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfa_list.html
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/nri/nri_topics.html
USDA Office of Technology Transfer
Agricultural technology patented by USDA, looking for partnerships to commercialize new products.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/partnering
Specialty Crop Research Initiative
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/specialtycropresearchinitiative.cfm
The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) was established to solve critical industry issues through research and extension activities. SCRI will give priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or trans-disciplinary; and include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas: research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop characteristics; efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators; efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term; new innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops. PLEASE NOTE: The notification of intent to submit an application" deadline was changed from March 23, 2009 to March 02, 2009.
BioMass and Renewable Energy Research
Both USDA and the US Dept. of Energy will be investing in biomass research and development in the coming years. Resources vary by announcement.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/financial_opportunities.html
The Kellog Foundation: Food Systems and Rural Development Overview
Largely limited to research organizations.
http://www.wkkf.org/Programming/Overview.aspx?CID=4
Small Business Innovation & Research Grants and Technology Transfer Program
Eligibility: under 500 employees, for-profit organization, 51% owned by individuals, based in U.S.
This grant is for entities interested in doing work outlined by federal agencies -- if it fits your business strategy and focus, investigate it further. Phase I grants are to test an idea; Phase II grants are additional funding to carry the idea to commercialization. Involves 40-200 hours in grant preparation and 2-5 years through the entire funding process for Phase I and II. No matching requirements.
Research areas are extensive, and include: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection; Animal Production and Protection; Air, Water, and Soils; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; Marketing and Trade; Wildlife; Animal Waste Management; Small and Mid-Size Farms.
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sbir_rfa.html
Other resources:
http://www.gcap.org
http://www.zyn.com/sbir/
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| Business management info. |
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A Review of Strategic Thinking for Today's Agriculture Industry
http://oregon.gov/ODA/docs/pdf/grant_strategic.pdf
Typical business plan segments
http://oregon.gov/ODA/grants_business_plan.shtml
Managing a new business (link to OSU site)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/ec/ec1222/
Marketing Alternatives for Specialty Crops (link to OSU site)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw241/
Analyzing the whole farm business (link to OSU site)
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/em/em8558/
Options on small farms (link to OSU site)
Small Farms Program at Oregon State University
Multiple Resources for Small Business Management
Microenterprise Institute of Oregon
http://www.oregon-microbiz.org/
Starting a Business in Oregon
http://www.filinginoregon.com
Mega-library on Business Management
Incredible library of free material on business management, marketing, staffing, sales, and much more!
http://www.managementhelp.org/
SBA Financial Assistance and Resources
Multiple resources on how to start, finance, manage, and market a business; links to a variety of financial loans and programs to suit capital and credit needs of small businesses; workshop, and other resources. Tools for managing your money, including estimating costs, financial statements, grants, funding, equity capital, contract surety bonds, and more.
Commodity Food Network (CFN)
Provides a single-point-of-contact to all on-line federal resources and services related to the purchase and distribution of USDA commodities.
USDA purchase programs
How small food businesses can take advantage of USDA purchase programs.
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| Renewable Energy Grants |
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Link to Agriculture and Energy Website
Oregon farms both consume energy and create many potential feed stocks to generate energy and fuels. The concept of renewable fuels made from biomass and farm or forest-based feedstocks is not necessarily new, but technologies are improving and new opportunities are developing. These programs closed July 31, 2009. - Rural Energy for America Program/Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistant (REAP/EA/REDA)
- Rural Energy for America Program/Renewable Energy Systems/Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (REAP/RES/EEI)
- Rural Energy for America Program/Feasibility (REAP/FEASIBILITY)
HOW TO APPLY:You can find a detailed template for renewable energy grant applications here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/reapre.htm You can find a detailed template for energy efficiency grant applications here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/reapee.htm Please send your applications to: Don Hollis, Rural Energy Coordinator USDA Rural Development 200 SE Hailey Ave., Ste. 105 Pendleton, OR 97801-4143 Although there is currently no specific deadline, early applications have a better chance of success. This following link contains a brief overview of the Energy Title of the 2002 and 2007 Farm Bills, as well as various programs available through the State of Oregon Energy Office and various non-profit organizations and energy providers on various technologies and strategies. http://oregon.gov/ODA/energy.shtml
Payments in lieu of tax credits for specified energy property
https://treas1603.nrel.gov/ (Treasury page for applications).
Recovery Act Announcement: Energy, Treasury Now Accepting Applications for Funding for Renewable Energy Projects
With the goal of expanding development of renewable energy projects throughout the United States and creating new jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two Departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 biomass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. The funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. [Not for biofuels].
The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project's cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The Energy Department will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications.
Companies interested in applying for the program can visit application submission page for more information.
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| For more information |
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Information on grants and financial resources available to Oregon farmers and agricultural businesses is posted to this page as it becomes available. Most of these grants are not ODA resources, but if you have quesions that we can try to answer, contact Brent Searle, 503-986-4558.
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