Accessing Farm Programs Workshop

Have you ever wondered what all those letters meant from the federal agencies that are supposed to help farmers?  Do you know the difference between cost share, grants and loans?  Do you know what it takes to sign up for those government programs to help you with your farm?  If not, then join us for the Missouri Beginning Farmer Program Workshop on "Accessing Federal Programs" on August 18-19 at the Bradford Research and Extension Center in Columbia, MO.

The "Accessing Federal Programs" Workshop is divided into two sessions.  Session 1 will be held August 18th from 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm.  This session is a general overview of government agencies and their programs.  The cost for this session is $15/person.  Session 2 will be held August 19th from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.  This session begins with a farm tour followed by a working session on how to develop a plan which is necessary in applying for government farming programs.  Assistance from the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) staff will be on hand to assist you in applying for the EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program).  The cost for this session is $10/person.  You are welcome to attend either one or both of the sessions.  Click here for the registration form.

Agenda

August 18th
1:00 - 1:20 pm - Welcome and Introductions

1:20 - 2:00 pm - Overview of FSA, NRCS, RMA, SARE, and MDA

2:00 - 2:4:5 pm - Difference between Loans, Grants and Cost Sharing

2:45 - 3:00 pm - Break

3:00 - 5:00 pm - Curbside Consulting (spend 20 minutes with each of the different agencies - FSA, NRCS, RMA, SARE, RD

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm  - Local Foods Dinner

6:15 pm - 7:00 pm - Farmer Panel (discuss with farmers about their experience with access programs)

7:00 - 7:30 pm - Virtual Tour of Jefferson Farm and Garden from the NRCS Perspective

August 19th

7:30 - 8:30 am - Tour of Jefferson Farm and Garden (see the government programs installed on the farm)

9:00 - 1:00 pm - Components of the EQIP Program and Development of Your Farm Plan (write out your farm plan with NRCS staff assistance)

For additional information contact Lorin at 573-449-3518.