Women's Agricultural Network Blog

Learning and networking are centerstage at the upcoming New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show being held this December 15, 16, 17 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. This conference includes 27 educational sessions over 3 days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A Farmer to Farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion on certain issues. For full conference details are available at the website.
There is also an extensive Trade Show with over 100 exhibitors. We hope that you will enjoy your time here, and meet with fellow growers, advisors, researchers, and industry representatives. We want you to leave with new ideas and new information that will have a positive impact on your farm.
This conference is special because it is put together with close collaboration between growers and Extension from across the region. The steering committee gathers the best speakers from within our region and across the country to tell you about the latest innovations and advances in the fruit and vegetable industry. Almost every session includes both farmers and research or extension personnel, so you are getting the “best of both worlds.”

Holistic Management International has been funded through the USDA’s Beginning Farmer Grant to teach beginning women farmers the tools of whole farm planning. Groups are forming in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York.
Classes will begin in January 2010. Participants must agree to attend the 6 sessions that will take place over the winter of 2010 and 4 farm tours that will take place during the spring and fall of 2010. Sessions will be scheduled when the participants are selected but will likely be held on Saturday. There will be farm mentors also available.
If you are a woman farmer who has been farming less than 10 years, contact the coordinator for your state for an application. If you would like to participate as a farmer mentor, please also contact your state coordinator.
Applications must be submitted by November 25, 2009. Class is limited to 15 participants.
In Vermont contact: Mary Peabody, UVM Extension/VT WAgN, 802/223-2389, Mary.Peabody@uvm.edu
In New Hampshire contact: Kate Kerman, Small and, Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire
(603) 876-4562; leader@sbfnh.org

In Massachusetts contact: Kelly Coleman, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) & Massachusetts WAgN, 413/665-7100; kelly@buylocalfood.org
In New York contact: Phil Metzger, phil.metzger@ny.usda.gov, 607-334-3231 x4
In Maine, contact: Gail Chase, WAgN Maine, 207/568-7599; gchase@uninets.net
In Connecticut: Bill Duesing, Connecticut NOFA, 203/888-5146; www.ctnofa.org

Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers
Deadline: November 27, 2009
The Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers will be accepting applications through November 27, 2009 for loans of $10,000 or less. Applicants must live in one of the four counties of Western Massachusetts or in Vermont, and must prequalify. To learn more, visit The Carrot Project Farm Financing

Northeast SARE Farmer Grants
Deadline: December 8, 2009
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers Farmer Grants for commercial farmers who have a new production or marketing idea that will likely boost profits, improve stewardship, and strengthen the farm community. To learn more, download an application and instruction booklet, please visit NESare Farmer Grants. The Northeast Region is comprised of Connecticut Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington, DC.

Community Capital Management Assistance Program (MAP) Grants
Deadline: Rolling until funds are fully disbursed
Thanks to a $99,000 USDA Rural Development Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG), Community Capital is pleased to launch its Management Assistance Program (MAP). Visit http://communitycapitalvt.org/images/Forms/map%20application.pdf 6Businesses located in one of the following eight Vermont counties can apply for up to $2,500 and formal or informal groups of businesses can apply for up to $5,000 to purchase consulting services that advance their individual or shared business goals. Eligible counties include: Addison, Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange and Washington. There are match requirements, so read the application carefully to find out how you can meet those requirements. Applicants can expect a 2-week turn around time on their application provided it is complete when submitted. All decisions are made by staff.