USDA's Economic Research Service releases "Small Farm-Based Recreation"
December 2007 -- "Farm-Based Recreation: A Statistical Profile" co-authored by Dennis M. Brown and Richard J. Reeder details farm-based recreation, or agritourism in the this comprehensive 28 page profile. Using survey data from more than 20,000 U.S. farms the summary provides information on farm-based recreation and data on place-based factors.
Agritourism May Provide New Source of Income for Rural Communities
December 2007 -- Agricultural tourism, or agri-tourism, is one alternative for improving the incomes and potential economic viability of small farms and rural communities. The above link provides access to abundant sources of information regarding resources, information, etc. If you are interested in agritourism, there is sure to be some useful information for you!
2008 Galaxy III Conference Call for Proposals
December 2007 -- Joint Council of Extension Professionals invites proposal submissions to present at the 2008 Galaxy III Conference, September 15-19, 2008, in Indianapolis, IN. Participants will Celebrate the Extension System: Strengths, Diversity, and Unique Qualities as they learn best practices for Cooperative Extension programs and renew their personal and professional spirit for working together across organizational and programming lines. There are four types of presentations: research/evaluation, competency building workshop, poster, and roundtable. The proposal submission deadline is January 15, 2008.
CSREES Makes Available Discussion Papers on the Bioeconomy's Impacts on Rural People and Places
December 2007 -- In an effort to make research available to the public, CSREES has posted two papers which discuss the effects of biofuels and other elements of the bioeconomy on the well-being of rural people and places. The papers address issues important to CSREES, USDA, and the Land-Grant University System in agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities. They are intended to be forward-thinking, innovative, and trend-setting; broadly advance knowledge; and promote interagency collaboration.
USDA Announces More Than $6.2 Million for Rural Community Development Initiatives
17 December 2007 -- Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today announced the selection of 38 organizations in 23 states to receive more than $6.2 million in grants to support rural economic development efforts. The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Rural Community Development Initiative Program.
Roberts Environmental Center Announce Their Findings on Corporations' Sustainability
12 December 2007 -- The Roberts Environmental Center analyzes the environmental and social reporting of the world's largest companies and publishes the results of up to 30 companies at a time in industrial sector reports. They rank the companies for overall quality of reporting and assign letter grades. Clicking on the link will bring you to the summaries of the recently published reports: 2007 Petroleum Refining Sector, 2007 Mining and Crude-Oil Production Sector, 2007 Airline Sector, 2007 General Merchandisers Sector, and 2007 Homebuilders Sector.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Announces Rural People, Rural Policy Program Now Accepting Request for Participation Proposals for 2008 Grantees
December 2007 -- The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is now accepting request for participation proposals for 2008 grantees of the Rural People, Rural Policy Initiative. This is the last year that new proposals will be accepted to join the initiative. Rural People, Rural Policy is based on the premise that rural America has abundant assets and that the brightest potential for rural America emerges when a critical mass of rural people are stronger, more organized policy actors.
EPA Issues Broad Agency Annoucement on Funding Opportunities for Conferences and Workshops
December 2007 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting applications from eligible applicants for the planning, arranging, administering and/or conducting of conferences, workshops, and/or meetings that focus on research to protect human health and safeguard the environment. Specifically, EPA is interested in supporting scientific and technical research conferences that address the following research program areas: (1) human health; (2) ecosystems; water and security; (3) economics and sustainability; (4) air and global climate change; and (5) technology. This BAA is open from December 10, 2007 through December 9, 2008. Applications must be received by January 7, 2008; June 5, 2008; and December 9, 2008 depending upon the cycle.
FCC Launches Initiative to Increase Access to Healthcare in Rural America Through Broadband Telehealth Services
20 November 2007 -- To significantly increase access to acute, primary and preventive health care in rural America, the Federal Communications Commission today dedicated over $417 million for the construction of 69 statewide or regional broadband telehealth networks in 42 states and three U.S. territories under the Rural Health Care Pilot Program (RHCPP).
The Rural Monitor Examines Trauma Care Systems in Rural America
November 2007 -- The Rural Monitor takes a look at the new trauma training and emergency response systems becoming increasingly common in rural America. It appears that these systems save lives in isolated communities.
Women in Agriculture Announce Their National Educators Conference
19 November 2007 --The 2008 National Women in Agriculture Educators conference will bring together private and public sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals who are involved in outreach education, to share ongoing and emerging successful risk management education efforts directed toward women who are involved in production agriculture. Conference participants will learn about educational efforts which assist women producers and their families to effectively manage financial, production, marketing, legal and human resource risks associated with their agribusinesses. See our "events" page for more specific contact information and links.
SARE Announces its "New Voices" Contest
November 2007 -- As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, SARE has announced its New Voices Contest, which is looking for visionary and innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. SARE seeks written, audio, and/or video submissions that articulate emerging perspectives and illustrate an inspirational and pioneering vision for the advancement of sustainable agriculture over the next 20 years. The winning entry will be presented at the closing plenary session of the conference. Top finalists will also be invited to participate in leadership sessions at the conference at SARE’s expense.
Daily Yonder Announces List of Rural America's Most Prosperous Counties
8 November 2007 -- If you were looking for a rural community where people worked, graduated from school, lived in good homes and stayed out of poverty, this list is where you'd want to start.
Western Center Announces Grant Opportunities for At-Risk Farmers and Ranchers
1 November 2007 -- In conjunction with the Northeast, North Central and Southern Center, the Western Center announces a funding opportunity for project that help farm and ranch families succeed through targeted risk-management strategies. The awards will typically range from $5000 to $50,000 and will go to families which need to protect themselves from the risks associated with farming and ranching. The closing date for the application is 13 December 2007.
Scholarships Available for Community College Professionals for Building Bridges Through Entrepreneurship Conference
2 November 2007 -- As part of its mission to promote entrepreneurship, the Coleman Foundation (http://www.colemanfoundation.org) is generously providing scholarships for 100 community college professionals to attend the 2008 NACCE Conference. The purpose of these scholarships is to introduce new attendees to the network of community colleges interested in entrepreneurship. Persons interested in sharing/discovering funding sources to increase the quality and quantity of entrepreneurship education programs on their campus are encouraged to attend.
USDA Awards Over $5 Million to Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
31 October 2007 -- Today, the USDA announced that it will award $5 million to institutions and organizations who conduct training, outreach and technical assistance to assure increased opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
New Web-Based Calculator Helps Community Leaders Evaluate Quality of Jobs
29 October 2007 -- When communities bring new industries into their communities, leaders often wonder whether the business will create enough good jobs to be worth the icentives requested by them. Today, the Northwest Area Foundation launched a Web-based tool to help communities get answers. The Wage & Benefits Metric was designed to help users evaluate the quality of jobs a new or existing business brings to a community. Users can determine if the proposed jobs will offer wages and benefits that allow individuals and families to be self-sustaining within the local economy.
Northwest Area Foundation Awards Grant to Society for Advancement of Native Interests
16 October 2007 -- Today, the Northwest Area Foundation announced the award of a one-year, $500,000 grant to the Society for the Advancement of Native Interests-Today, Rapid City, South Dakota. It is one of four grants recently made to help build organizational capacity and/or community programs to reduce poverty among urban Indian populations.
Rural America Gets Ready for New Nukes
15 October 2007 -- Financial incentives passed by Congress in 2005 — and worries about global warming — have revitalized the nuclear industry. Twenty-one applications totalling 32 new reactors are expected. But is this safe for rural America?
RUPRI Releases Farm Bill Policy Brief
15 October 2007 -- With the passage of the new Farm Bill in July, RUPRI has prepared a policy brief which makes the repercussions of the Bill accessible and comprehensible for everyone.
USDA Announces $11 Million in Water Quality Grants
10 October 2007 -- Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced today that more than $11 million in grants will be awarded to universities nationwide to address water supply and water quality issues in rural, agricultural and urbanizing watersheds. Highlighted among these grants are two projects that address bioenergy production and water resource issues.
SARE Announces American Farm Photo Contest
September 2007 - In celebration of the 20th anniversary, SARE announces their first ever national photo contest! They are looking for photos from throughout the nation, which depict groundbreaking innovatives, people, and partners advancing sustainable agriculture in the US. Four winners will be chosen, one from each region. Those lucky people will be awarded with free attendance and accommodations at SARE's 20th annual conference, held in Kansas City, MO, on March 25-27, 2008. Good luck!
Rural Heroes Honored at First National Rural Assembly
September 2007 -- A gathering of the nation's leading rural organizations and leaders has named six individuals as Rural Heroes for their long-time
dedication, commitment and contribution to rural America.
CSREES and USDA Announce National Research Initiative (NRI) Funding Opportunities
Sep 2007 -- The USDA has just announced an outstanding funding opportunity. The NRI program supports (1) high priority fundamental and mission-linked research of importance in the biological, environmental, physical, and social sciences relevant to agriculture, food, and the environment and (2) competitively awarded research, extension, and education grants addressing key issues of national and regional importance to agriculture, forestry, and related topics.
New Research Looks at Rural Immigrants' Housing Challenges
Sep 2007 -- A new study by the Housing Assistance Council examines the housing situations of various immigrant populations settling in the West and throughout the country. The research uncovered difficulties experienced by immigrants in finding housing, as well as solutions which could be provided by local and extralocal officials and advocates.
Economic Outcomes of Rural Microenterprise Development in the 2007 Farm Bill
September 2007 -- Center for Rural Affairs report examines the potential economic outcomes of the Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance Program (REMAP), including the potential job creation and effects on income and assets for rural people and rural households should REMAP be part of the final 2007 Farm Bill.
WRDC Announces Mini-Grant Research Program
AUG 28, 2007--The Western Rural Development Center is pleased to announce our new "Rural Development and Natural Resources Research Mini-Grant Program." This program is designed to support innovative social sciences research that advances our knowledge and understanding of rural development and natural resource issues in the West. The RFP provides detailed information on the grant structure, topics and timeline. Deadline for proposals submission is November 1, 2007.
USDA Broadband Grants for Rural Communities
JUNE 29, 2007--USDA announces availability of $8.9 million in broadband grants for communities without broadband servies. The closing date is August 13, 2007 so act today!
New Publication Released by The Soil and Water Conservation Society
JUNE 19, 2007--The Soil and Water Conservation Society announces the release of a new book, Managing Agricultural Landscapes for Environmental Quality which examines the environmental impact of agricultural practices at the watershed and landscape scales.
What's the Carbon Footprint of your Groceries?
JUNE 2007--Orion magazine reports that the British grocery chain, Tesco, will begin "carbon labeling" all 70,000 products the stores sell.
2007 Farm Bill Language
MAY 2007-- USDA releases Legislative Language for the Administrator's 2007 Farm Bill proposals.
National Continuing Education Program in Sustainable Agriculture
APRIL 2007--SARE announces the National Continuing Education Program in Sustainable Agriculture. This program begins with Course 1: Sustainable Agriculture: Basic Principles and Concept Overview.
SRDC Releases Report on Entrepreneurial Listening Sessions
APRIL 2007--The Southern Rural Development Center releases its report "The Voices of the People: Strategies for Expanding Entrepreneurship in the Rural South".
Foundation Announces Food and Fitness Community Grantees
APRIL 2007--The W.K. Kellogg Foundation announced today $4.5 million in grants to nine projects nationwide that will participate in an effort to help communities embrace active living and healthy eating.
USU Ethnographic Field School: Asset-Based Community Development
JANUARY 2007--Utah State University faculty and students worked with a community in Peru utilizing Asset-Based Community Development.
Charities, Grant Makers and Politicians Seek More Support for Rural Causes
JULY 26, 2007--Suzanne Perry reports in The Chronicle of Philanthropy that fewer foundation dollars make their way to the rural West.
U.S. Forest Service announces program for citizens to offset carbon emissions
JULY 26, 2007--The
U.S. Forest Service announces program for citizens to offset carbon emissions
JULY 26, 2007--The
RCAC is Recruiting a Rural Development Specialist and a Program Developer
JULY 26, 2007--The
USDA Food Assistance Research Program - Proposal Deadline Extended
JULY 12, 2007--The
SAN Publishes Bulletin on SARE-funded Research
JULY 10, 2007--"Rangeland Management Strategies," a free 16-page bulletin published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), features innovative SARE-funded research on creating and sustaining a healthy range.
Small Business Innovation Research Program
JULY 3, 2007--USDA announces availability of $18 million in grants for the Small Business Innovation Research Progream (SBIR). Projects dealing with agriculturally related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies are encouraged. The closing date is September 5, 2007 for Phase One and February 6, 2008 for Phase Two.