The Grass Valley NRCS office (call Jason at 530 272-3417) has applications for local farmers to apply for a grant to build up to a 2500 sq ft “hightunnel greenhouse” on your farm to extend your growing season and thus increase your production.
This project was recently expanded to include Nevada County –but time is short!
Anyone needing more information on this – such as prices or other information- reply to this email and we will supply you with information on our hightunnels or/and references to other companies who build these hightunnels…
‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels
In an effort to help increase the availability of locally grown produce, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering farmers funding for one high tunnel per farm through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance Program. High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are constructed from metal rafters and covered with greenhouse film or fabric. They are used to extend the growing season and improve crop production. For more information on this program, visit USDA.gov or contact your local NRCS office.
A Nevada County town is using biological warfare in a battle to get rid of thousands of gophers that are overtaking a city park. They are planning an aerial assault using barn owls.
Last night we took a break from the daily grind and sat down and watched a movie. We have received Food Inc in the mail and absolutely loved it. I know many of you have already seen it by now, but if you haven’t, it’s a must see. (Food Inc Trailer (2:16))
While the ideas & observations put forth in the movie were not new to my family, it was a good reminder as to why we make the buying decisions we make. The movie also made me all the more thankful for the community we live in!
For example, when we buy beef, we always buy it from our local co-op which sells Nevada County Free Range beef. I’ve met the owner, I’ve seen the cows grazing on grass just outside of town, and I know where the beef I feed my family comes from. A few years ago, when we lived in a large city, we would buy packaged beef that had been shipped in from half way around the world! Having changed our buying practices, our old buying habits seem rediculous. This made me VERY thankful that we have a local, grass fed, beef supplier.
Chickens, however, are another story. I know of at least four local farms that process chickens (I’ve learned of them via our Local Food Coalition e-mail list), however their prices seem to start at $10 a bird and go quickly up to $20 a bird. This is hard to swallow when I can buy TWO chickens for $9.50 at a big box wholesale store. I guess I find myself in the “artificially cheap food” vs “organic &/or local food” price personal battle. In 2010 I plan on visiting these farms I’ve learned of. I hope to find a way to afford and/or buy many local chickens in bulk this year. One this is for sure, after watching Food Inc, I don’t think I can stomach buying chickens at the big box store for some time!
May we all find more local (& organic) food options in 2010!
We watched a documentary called “A Man Named Pearl” on Sunday night and felt good about it. It is a warm story about a man who is so talented at creating topiary statues on his three acres in rural South Carolina that people come from all over the country (even from foreign countries) to admire his garden. His motivation came from wanting to win “Yard of the Month” and his hidden talents as a plant sculptor emerged. He opens his garden, free of charge, to busloads of tourists. He opens his heart to everyone that watches the film.
The story is pleasant, and it is also inspirational. Pearl’s words of wisdom are words that we can always be reminded of. This is not a gardening documentary focused on “Organics”, but even though Pearl has a magic touch with plants he makes a point to say that if a plant needs chemical pesticides, it has no place in his garden….he only uses nature to maintain his healthy property. 2 thumbs up!
Everyone here at PVFS sends their wishes of happiness and joy to all of you on this Holiday Season. May you all stay warm, be close with those you love, and enjoy each minute of this special time of year. We thank you for your patronage in 2009.
You will all be happy to know that after multiple late nights, hours of editing, some hair loss due to stress, coffee, a false alarm and the arrival of 3 fire trucks, a few more edits, coffee, coffee, and some last minute changes, our 2010 garden catalog has been sent to the printers. We have some VERY exciting gardening offers for the coming year and we are so excited to share with you our new garden products, and the same great items we have brought to you since 1976 (with some exciting changes as well). We are so happy to be involved with all of you organic growers and individuals committed to sustainability. It brings a tear to my eye to think how far all of this has come. Happy Holidays to all and here’s to an even more environmentally friendly 2010!
The recent snow and freezing temps in the teens are now gone and I finally went out to my winter garden to check the carnage. Lo and behold, everything is HAPPY! The Kale is super sweet and extra yummy, the broccoli and brussel sprouts are humming along, and the other greens are just beautiful. I was sure they would be flat and black! Yeah winter vegetables!
Release No. 0617.09
Contact:
USDA Office of Communications
USDA TO LAUNCH HIGH TUNNEL PILOT STUDY TO INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF LOCALLY GROWN FOODS
3-Year Project To Verify Effectiveness Of High Tunnels In Natural Resource Conservation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2009 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new pilot project under the ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels – also known as hoop houses – to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. Merrigan and other Obama administration officials highlighted opportunities available for producers in a video posted on USDA’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07vtMJgp0no, which shows high tunnels recently installed in the White House garden.
“There is great potential for high tunnels to expand the availability of healthy, locally-grown crops – a win for producers and consumers,” said Merrigan. “This pilot project is going to give us real-world information that farmers all over the country can use to decide if they want to add high tunnels to their operations. We know that these fixtures can help producers extend their growing season and hopefully add to their bottom line.”
The 3-year, 38-state study will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers.
Made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting, high tunnels are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels are used year-round in parts of the country, providing steady incomes to farmers – a significant advantage to owners of small farms, limited-resource farmers and organic producers.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide financial assistance for the project through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the EQIP Organic Initiative, and the Agricultural Management Assistance program. NRCS will fund one high tunnel per farm. High tunnels in the study can cover as much as 5 percent of 1 acre. Participating states and territories are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Pacific Islands, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact a local NRCS office.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
Early this Fall we planted a couple of Improved Meyer Lemon Trees in front of our Grass Valley Location and now they are bristling with citrus goodness.
Of course we had to cover these babies with Agribon during our recent snow storm, but besides this little “Inuit-interlude” they have produced a copious yield. The attractive harvester shown in this picture is our very own Pattie Boudier V.P. getting her hands dirty while wearing a beautiful blue ensemble.
Here is a image of our harvest basket filled with small tasty Meyer Lemons. Pattie said something about making lemon-aid. Lemon-aid in December! Gotta love that!
Concerning Agribon take a Look at Autumn’s Posting here about her Agribon covered garden during the last snow storm here.
$2 Million in Conservation Funds Available For Organic and Transitioning Growers
Application deadline set for January 29
DAVIS, Calif., December 11, 2009 – California agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a special initiative administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Two million dollars in funding will be available to eligible producers in California as part of the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Organic producers must submit applications by January 31 for funding consideration during fiscal year 2010.
Noting that the EQIP deadline for most applicants is Jan. 15, 2010, California Assistant State Conservationist Alan Forkey said the agency was allowing a bit more time for organic and transitioning producers to develop their conservation applications but stressed they should begin the process as soon as possible. “Organic producers tend to be new to USDA and NRCS procedures and it is a learning process on both sides. Getting in early allows for a quality conservation planning experience,” says Forkey.
Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this initiative. The Organic Initiative targets core conservation practices such as Conservation Crop Rotation, Cover Crop, Nutrient Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Grazing, and Forage Harvest Management. “In addition to the six core practices, in California there are more than a dozen additional practices that can qualify for funding through this initiative,” Forkey said.
This is a nationwide special initiative to provide financial assistance to certified organic producers as well as producers transitioning to organic production. Applicants must either have an organic system plan or certify that they are working toward one. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under general EQIP.
Forkey encourages organic producers and those transitioning to organic production to contact their local USDA Service Center and learn more about this opportunity before the January 29 sign-up deadline. Driving directions and contact information to the Service Centers is available at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=CA.
$31.2 Million for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Available
Application deadline is set for January 15
Applications for EQIP are accepted year around. However, for initial funding consideration during fiscal year 2010, applications received by January 15 will be given first priority. To view EQIP information, visit to the California NRCS Web site: www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or click here.
Financial Assistance Available for Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Application Deadline is January 15, 2010
NRCS has $534,500 of financial assistance available for WHIP, and can offer up to 75 percent cost share to implement wildlife conservation practices on private land. WHIP is a voluntary, incentive-based Farm Bill program. To sign-up, visit your local NRCS office or USDA Service Center. Driving directions and contact information for the Service Centers are available on the Web site: http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/.
The WHIP program is a competitive conservation program reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. All program applicants must submit project proposals, which are ranked according to environmental benefits to wildlife. The ranking criteria as well as eligibility and application procedures are available at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or by clicking here
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January 19th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
What about, “Smart Chicken,” at Briar Patch? Any comments from anyone who has tried this brand?