In this issue: Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "In this issue: Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences"

Lucas Hines
6 years ago
Views:

Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences June 2013 Volume 2, Issue 5 WASHINGTON, June 12, 2013 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty.

"These grants will jump start small business hiring and help producers in areas facing economic challenges get the tools they need to succeed," Vilsack said.

" Funding will be made available through USDA Rural Development's Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program (SSDPG). The maximum grant award is $200,000.

1 Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences June 2013 Volume 2, Issue 5 WASHINGTON, June 12, 2013 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications from cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers in rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. "These grants will jump start small business hiring and help producers in areas facing economic challenges get the tools they need to succeed," Vilsack said. "Small businesses are the engines of job growth and innovation in America." Funding will be made available through USDA Rural Development's Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program (SSDPG). The maximum grant award is $200,000. The grants assist producers like Frank Taylor who returned home after college and established the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative in Mississippi, a consortium of local farmers that pool their resources to receive training in business development, conservation and health. The Cooperative also has a youth program, which teaches skills to the next generation of Winston County farmers. The Winston County Self-Help Cooperative, whose motto is "Saving Rural America," has received USDA funding to expand operations into the surrounding counties of central Mississippi. In this issue: USDA finances 2 broadband for rural communities FAMU Vet Tech Program 3 Upcoming Events 4-6 Cooperative Extension 7 The SSDPG and other USDA business and cooperative development programs have had a significant impact on rural communities. In 2012 alone, they helped almost 10,000 rural small business owners or farmers improve their enterprises. Business and cooperative program funding created or saved an estimated 53,000 rural jobs in Eligible applicants include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers where a majority of the governing board or board of directors is comprised of individuals who are members of socially disadvantaged groups. Small, socially disadvantaged producers include farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters, and fishermen that have averaged $250,000 or less in annual gross sales of agricultural products in the last three years. Producers will be able to conduct market research, product and/or service improvement, feasibility studies, training, and implement business plans. Continue on next page.

2 Continued.. The application deadline for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grants is July 15, 2013 for paper applications and July 10, 2013 for electronic applications. For additional information on how to apply, see the June 12 Federal Register, page 35239, or visit President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration the acrossthe-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible. USDA Seeks Applications to Finance Rural Broadband in Remote WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that applications are being accepted for grants to finance broadband deployment in remote, rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy. "The Obama Administration believes that reliable infrastructure is critical to rural economic opportunity. Broadband service expands educational, medical and health services for rural residents," Vilsack said. "Expanded broadband service also is important because it supports employment opportunities and makes income growth possible in rural areas." Through this notice, USDA Rural Development may award up to $21 million in grants through the Community Connect Grant program. It serves rural communities where broadband service is not available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. For example, last year USDA provided a grant to the isolated Alaska Native Community of Saint Paul. Located in Alaska's Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, the town of about 500 is installing a modern system, and the Native-owned firm that will operate it estimates that in the next five years Internet access will result in saving or creating an estimated additional 44 full time jobs including the five existing jobs on the island. The project will also support 23 construction and clerical jobs. Complementing today's funding opportunity, USDA recently announced new rules to better target Community Connect broadband grants to areas where they are needed the most. To view the rules, go to: pdf/ pdf. Since its inception, the Community Connect program has funded 229 projects with USDA investments of $122 million. In 2012, USDA assistance led to improved broadband service nationwide for nearly 65,000 rural households, businesses and community institutions such as libraries, schools and first responders. For more information, see page of the June 11, 2013 Federal Register, or visit The deadline for submitting applications is July 11. 2

3 FAMU Veterinary Technology Program Quincy, Florida, June 5, The last several months has been a very exciting and busy time for Animal Health, Animal Science and Veterinary technology. First, we would like to give special recognition to our students that are doing great things. We have one student, Mary Alice Teague, that has been accepted into 5 different veterinary colleges. And for those that who are unaware, veterinary school is one of the most challenging professional schools to gain acceptance. There are only 28 veterinary schools in the United States. We have another student Miranda Shaw who has been accepted into the VetLead program. This is a collaborative agreement the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine that facilitates early admission to high-achieving qualified students. We have two more students that have applied to this program and are awaiting a decision, Bianca McCraken and Nohely Gonzalez. We congratulate the students who have been accepted and support those awaiting a decision. The Veterinary Technology program will have a site visit by the accrediting body (AVMA CVTEA) in late October After the site visit we will receive an official accreditation status. We have worked very hard to get to this point. We continue to improve as we get closer to the site visit. We are officially listed on the American veterinary medical association website as a program that has applied for accreditation. We have started our second year of the Animal Health/Veterinary Technology Internship. We have 10 eager and energetic students completing our internship. They will be trained in husbandry, nutrition, general animal care and other animal science related topics. We are continuing to upgrade our animal facilities at the FAMU Research and Extension Center. We are constructing a goat chute for easier, safer animal handling for teaching, instruction and demonstration. We conducted in early May an artificial insemination workshop for students and staff. This was led by Dr. Ralph Noble from North Carolina A&T University. We also assisted in administering HACCP course Training with Dr. Keawin Sarjeant. We are engaged in making multiple extension contacts monthly. We provide phone consults, farm visits, lectures, demonstrations, school visits, and trainings. We also work with state and federal Veterinarians and Animal Health professionals. The Animal Health can be contacted through the extension office or directly, at or Article provided by Dr Glen Wright. 3

UPCOMING EVENTS The purpose of the annual Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference is to provide farmers with up-to-date, research -based, in-depth educational information.

4 UPCOMING EVENTS The purpose of the annual Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference is to provide farmers with up-to-date, research -based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing aware-ness of Florida s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Through concurrent educational sessions led by industry experts and noted researchers, the annual Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference provides opportunities for attendees to learn about groundbreaking research and access educational support about topics such as operating sustainable and profitable enterprises, integrating cost-effective methods to meet state regulations, and applying the latest research to real-world problems. Attendees also participate in workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and organized networking activities, enabling them to share their knowledge while interacting with peers from all over the state. Who Should Attend: Small family farms Transitional farmers Beginning farmers Allied-industry representatives Educators and researchers Agricultural associations Policy-makers Foundations Anyone interested in becoming a part of, and strengthening, the small farm community in Florida. How to Register? Online registration is NOW available! Log onto to the website: Sponsors 4

NATIONAL GOAT CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 15-18 2013 HOSTED BY: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State

University Farm Tour Demonstrations Profitable Goat Enterprises THE NATIONAL GOAT CONSORTIUM An Initiative of the

MARKET STREET GREENSBORO, N.C. 27411 National Goat Conference SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2013 JOSEPH S.

5 NATIONAL GOAT CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER HOSTED BY: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University The School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences SESSIONS TO INCLUDE: Latest Goat Research University Farm Tour Demonstrations Profitable Goat Enterprises THE NATIONAL GOAT CONSORTIUM An Initiative of the 1890 Land Grant System STRENGTHENING THE GOAT INDUSTRY THROUGH PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION B.C. WEBB HALL, SUITE E. MARKET STREET GREENSBORO, N.C National Goat Conference SEPTEMBER 15-18, 2013 JOSEPH S. KOURY CONVENTION CENTER 3121 HIGH POINT ROAD GREENSBORO, NC FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: click on goat conference 5

Annual Grape Harvest Festival August 24, 2013 8:00 am until 4:00 pm Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 6505 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32317 FAMU will host its Annual Grape Harvest

6 Annual Grape Harvest Festival August 24, :00 am until 4:00 pm Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research 6505 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL FAMU will host its Annual Grape Harvest Festival Saturday, August 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 13th Annual FAMU Grape Harvest Festival is a community event being sponsored by FAMU and coordinated through its Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research in the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences. This year s festival will have an assortment of fun-filled amusements, educational displays and informative demonstrations for both young and old. For more information, call (850) If you require a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAA), please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at (850) at least 10 working days prior to the start of the event. 6

7 Florida A&M University College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Cooperative Extension Program 1740 S. MLK Jr, Blvd, Tallahassee, FL Telephone : (850) * Fax: (850) * TDD: (850) Website: FAMU Research & Extension Center (Quincy Farm) 4259 Bainbridge Hwy, Quincy, FL Telephone: (850) * Fax: (850) COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FACULTY / STAFF SOLUTIONS FOR FLORIDA CITIZENS Dr. Robert Taylor, Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) Vonda Richardson, Interim Assistant Director, Cooperative Extension Programs Dr. Lawrence Carter, Director of Special Outreach Programs Dr. Ray Mobley, Extension Veterinarian Lue Jolly, Coordinator/ Enhanced Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Extension Specialist Small Farms/Sustainable Development Tondalaya Nelson, 4-H Youth Development Specialist Angela McKenzie-Jakes, Extension Animal Science Specialist/ Program Leader Small Ruminant Program Carmen Lyttle-N guessan, Coordinator, Animal Healthcare/Veterinary Tech. Program Dr. Dreamal Worthen, Professor/Community Resource Development Sandra Thompson, Community Resource Development Program Leader/ Extension Specialist Dr. Glen Wright, Director of Animal Health Dr. Robert Purvis, Extension Veterinarian Gilbert Queeley, Research Associate Dr. Keawin Sergeant, Asst. Professor, Animal Science/Trainer- HACCP Trevor Hylton, County Extension Agent (Leon & Wakulla) Dr. Alex Bolques, County Extension Agent (Gadsden) Lester Muralles, County Extension Agent (Gadsden) Melva Morfaw, County Extension Agent (Madison) Donna Salters, Coordinator Rural Entrepreneurial Outreach Program Amelia Davis, Coordinator, Management Analysis/ SDA Newsletter Editor Linda Sapp, Project Coordinator, Vet-Tech Program Faith Clarke, Coordinator, OASDFR Project Carmita Whitehead, CYFAR Site Coordinator Sonji West, EFNEP Program Assistant (Gadsden County) Tonia Torres, EFNEP Program Assistant (Hillsborough County) Maria Jones, EFNEP Program Assistant (Gulf County) Jimonica Geri, EFNEP Program Assistant (Escambia County) The Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program is an equal employment/educational opportunity access organization which provides research-based educational information and other services only to eligible individuals and institutions regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, martial or veteran status. 7

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding To Create Jobs in Rural Communities in 26 States

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding To Create Jobs in Rural Communities in 26 States ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., - October 26, 2011 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced