Crowdfunding via social media has become an increasingly popular way for individuals to raise funds for many purposes, from taking a fancy vacation to paying medical expenses.
While public and private resources are available to assist farmers and ranchers affected by the recent atmospheric rivers that created widespread flooding, many are taking fundraising into their own hands and setting up appeals on the site GoFundMe.
New federal investments in the USDA’s conservation programs make this year the best in recent memory to secure a new contract through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Blong Xiong announced that 41 counties in California are accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages to eligible farmland, fences, and conservation structures or other installations from the recent severe storm. ECP signup will begin on February 13, 2023, and end on April 14, 2023.
In the wake of the atmospheric river that hit California with a series of intense storms in early January, many people had questions about the status of organically certified ground and about the safety of food grown in flooded fields.
An atmospheric river caused widespread flooding and landslides in California at the beginning of 2023, creating an estimated $5–7 billion of damage. Especially hard hit were farms in many rural areas adjacent to rivers that overflowed their banks, flooding fields, homes, and businesses. President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for California, which triggered the release of federal funds to assist people and businesses affected by the damage.
Purpose
With the ongoing drought crisis in California, farmers face increased costs ranging from higher water and energy bills to installing new equipment. This is especially difficult for smaller farms, BIPOC and immigrant farmers, and other socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Food Safety Webinar Series for Organic Processors
The Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is offering two web-based courses, Overview of Organic and Alternative Livestock Production For Veterinarians and Overview of Organic and Alternative Livestock Production for Veterinary Technicians, Extension Personnel And Other Animal Health Professionals. Registration opens June 30, 2022.
The deadline for farmers and ranchers to apply for financial relief from USDA through the second Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) is December 11. CCOF encourages members to consider applying for the program, which may provide significant financial relief for your agricultural business. The CCOF policy team has spoken with multiple members who have benefited from the program and is ready to support members with the application process directly.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications for the second round of funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) through December 11, 2020. CFAP 2 features a new payment structure and simplified application process that will likely benefit many organic producers, including those ineligible and those that qualified for little relief in the first round of funding.