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Resources & info for new or small farms
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Article Content
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| ODA provides resources for Oregon producers and processors |
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FAQ: So You Want to Be a Farmer? Key questions and answers to considering the options. Many resources are summed up in this necessary first read before venturing any further! (pdf document)
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Be part of a Farmers market! ODA helped launch the Oregon Farmers Markets Association in 1987, and hosted all their meetings and phone call conferences for a number of years. ODA staff have been serving on the Board since 2005. Farmers markets are a key outlet for many smaller farms.
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Buy Local—ODA has been working with retailers on "buy local" programs and identification of locally grown goods for more than 25 years. Some previous campaigns have been with the Agri-Business Council, commodity commissions, and the Oregon Specialty Foods Association. ODA staff helped organize a Fresh Market Growers Association. Growers developed a logo that some still use today on boxes of produce they sell to local retailers. ODA helped plan the 1987 Farm Direct Conference, and helped launch the Pacific Northwest Farm Direct Marketing Association (member list). These conferences preceded the OSU Small Farms Conferences, and continue today (they include WA, British Columbia and Oregon small farms that sell directly, mostly on their farms).
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Food Hub—ODA has been a key sponsor and partner in the development and launch of Food-hub.org over the past 3 years: while this new program is very broad in scope and can assist all sizes of buyers and sellers identify each other, it can be of great value to small farms who may lack the resources to be visible to all potential buyers.
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Farm to School Program—ODA brought the first school purchasing 'advisory committee' together about four years ago. ODA worked with the Legislature to create a position at ODA to develop farm-to-school connections, introducing growers to school. For more information regarding the Farm to School Program, please contact Michelle Markesteyn-Ratcliffe.
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| Clusters |
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"Cluster" in this sense is an economic term that means groups of related business interests in a similar geographic area come together to collaborate on mutually beneficial efforts.
ODA assisted the development of sector 'clusters' that support small producers, such as the Oregon Cheese Guild (2006). ODA directly helped launch the Guild by providing seed dollars, technical assistance, and support. The Oregon Gourmet Foods Association could be considered another "cluster" which ODA helped launch in organization in 1987, and provided financial support, such as purchasing signage and shelves for an OGF display at a Dallas, TX retail outlet, and also wrote articles for their newsletter for a number of years. The organization melded into the Northwest Specialty Foods Association. ODA helped mentor and support the formation and continuation of the Eastern Oregon Specialty Foods Co-op, comprised of mostly farmer-based, small value-added businesses. The group operated out of Milton Freewater in a shared-use kitchen for a number of years in the early 1990's. ODA assisted with their marketing activities, which included trade show exhibits, combining shipments, and promotional materials. Farm products included wheat (pickled wheat berries, pancake mix), green beans and asparagus (pickled), mustards and preserves from orchard fruit.
If you have a group of growers, buyers, suppliers, technical experts or other interests that are interested in forming a cluster to collaborate on marketing or other efforts, contact the marketing specialists in the resource section at the bottom of the page.
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| Farm Direct Nutrition Programs |
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ODA assisted in development of the Farm Direct Nutrition Program in Oregon that enables growers to receive food vouchers from Seniors and “WIC” coupons worth $1 million in direct farm sales. Now in its 13th year, ODA helps growers register for this program, as well as a new program which will reimburse up to $7 million of new WIC Fruit & Vegetable vouchers throughout Oregon for redemption at farm stands, farmer’s markets, and other direct sales, enhancing opportunities for small producers.
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| Farm internships |
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ODA recently convened a meeting about farm internships on small farms, bringing together regulatory agencies and growers to discuss concerns and opportunities. ODA has put information up on its webpage about farm internships for interested growers. oregon.gov/ODA/farm_internships.shtml
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| Farm transition and new farmers |
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ODA helped convene a conference in 2009 on farm transition and new farmers. Here are a number of resources related to these topics:
The USDA Transition Incentives Program (TIP) provides up to two additional CRP annual rental payments to a retired or retiring owner or operator of land under an expiring CRP contract if the land is sold or leased to a non-family member beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher for the purpose of returning some or all of the land to production using sustainable grazing or crop production methods.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/tipfactsheet.pdf
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| GAP cost-share |
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ODA applied for and received specialty crop block grant funding from USDA to provide cost-share reimbursement assistance, similar to the existing federal organic cost-share program, for Good Agricultural Practices certification costs. This cost-share is targeted toward small and beginning farmers who often have a larger barrier to entry in certification programs because of their size. Farms under 30 acres or farmers who have been farming 10 years or less are eligible for the funds.
Read more about the Good Agriculture Practices certification: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/CID/ghp_gap.shtml
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| Grant assistance and financial resources |
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Most grants available to growers are through the US Dept. of Agriculture. ODA staff have assisted many small farmers with counseling and applying for grant programs that can benefit their situation (but ODA does not administer or write the rules that govern how these funds are distributed). Some of those more fitting to new entrants or smaller growers include:
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Western Region Sustainable Ag Research and Education Project Grants (SARE). Farmer/Rancher grant applications are due in December. Check the link for updates. http://wsare.usu.edu/grants With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, one or more agricultural producers develop a proposal to conduct research and/or on-farm demonstrations and educational outreach in an area of sustainable agriculture with assistance from an agricultural or natural resource professional, who serves as a technical advisor. The goal is to achieve results that can be communicated to producers and professionals—information that can improve income, the environment, communities and quality of life for all citizens.
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Value-added Producer Grant (VAPG): http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG.html Intended to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The grant can be used to fund one of the following two activities:
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Planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product (e.g. conduct a feasibility study, develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan, legal work); or
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Working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.
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Renewable energy projects are also eligible for this funding (planning or working captal projects).
This grant is very competitive. For more information, please contact:
Martin Zone, USDA Rural Development , 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Ste. 801, Portland, OR 97204-3222, Phone: (503) 414-3361, martin.zone@or.usda.gov
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Specialty Crop Grant Program: http://oregon.gov/ODA/ADMD/grants_spec_crops.shtml While this grant is not available to individual growers, it is accessible to groups of growers of any size who present a need and meet the program qualifications. This is one of the few grants ODA does administer (funding is from USDA). Review current and previous grant awards for ideas:
FY2011 pdf file
FY2010
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| List of agricultural lenders |
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ODA has long maintained a list of agricultural lenders who specialize in financing farm operations. Two of these in particular have loan programs that set aside funding for small/expanding growers. The loan criteria are established by the lenders.
Microloan program
USDA announces microloan program available through Farm Service Agency
In January 2013, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new microloan
program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to help
small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged
farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new microloan program is aimed
at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by
providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that
farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their
operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome,
more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm
loans.
Producers
can apply for a maximum of $35,000 to pay for initial start-up expenses
such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, essential tools,
irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses such as seed,
fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing, and distribution expenses.
As their financing needs increase, applicants can apply for an
operating loan up to the maximum amount of $300,000 or obtain financing
from a commercial lender under FSA’s Guaranteed Loan Program.
USDA
farm loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed,
seed, and supplies, or be to construct buildings or make farm
improvements. Small farmers often rely on credit cards or personal
loans, which carry high interest rates and have less flexible payment
schedules, to finance their operations. Expanding access to credit,
USDA’s microloan will provide a simple and flexible loan process for
small operations.
Producers interested in applying for a microloan may contact their local Farm Service Agency office. More information is available about the program at the Farm Service Agency Loan Programs page.
OTHER LOAN PROGRAMS:
Farm Credit Services AgVision Young and Beginning Farmer Program: http://www.farm-credit.com/Default.aspx?pageid=355
Whole Foods Local Producer Loan Program: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/local-producer-details.php
USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loans: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/loans11.pdf
OTHER ag lenders: http://oregon.gov/ODA/pub_credit.shtml
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| Small-scale meat and other food processing |
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ODA has led discussions about small-scale meat processing for more than a decade, and subsequently hosted many meetings to discuss the opportunities and challenges. Further, ODA funded studies to evaluate the economics, barriers, and needs of those interested in these activities. Working with Dr. Lauren Gwinn, OSU, Dr. Cathy Durham, OSU and Martin Zone, USDA Rural Development, the ODA has taken the lead in assisting start-up and small scale meat processors in Wallowa, Baker, Harney, Wasco, Morrow, Jefferson, Deschutes, Jackson, Lincoln, Crook, Curry, and Yamhill Counties. Assistance ranges from business planning to help with food safety issues to obtaining a $65,000 grant to study the lack of rendering in the state. ODA assisted with a $20,000 study to evaluate the potential for a state meat inspection program. In mid-June 2010, ODA coordinated efforts with USDA and OSU to assist ranchers in Curry County expand that region's ability to process meat for local markets. These activities are on going and we have been involved since 2001. ODA provided technical assistance and market access to Oregon Country Natural Beef as the cooperative began its operations in the early 1990s.
For more information on the studies referenced above, or assistance in the economic/business side of small-scale meat processing, contact:
Jerry Gardner
Business Development Mgr.
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
(503)872-6608
jgardner@oda.state.or.us
Food safety side of small-scale processing:
If you are a producer or processor overwhelmed by the seemingly large list of things to do to start or maintain your food establishment in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has specialists who are dedicated to helping small or new producers and processors with food safety issues. If you don't know what to do next, give them a try!
Please contact Sarah Schwab or Will Fargo as the primary contacts. They work primarily in the field and may not be able to answer the phone immediately but will call you back as soon as possible. If you don't receive a response within 24 hours, please contact Monica Durazo or Terry Hill.
Northern Oregon and the Willamette Valley:
Sarah Schwab
Phone: 503-508-6028
email: sschwab@oda.state.or.us
Southern and Eastern Oregon:
Will Fargo
Phone: 503-432-7092
email: wfargo@oda.state.or.us
Monica Durazo
Phone: 503-551-1998
email: mdurazo@oda.state.or.us
Terry Hill
Phone: 541-994-9898
email: thill@oda.state.or.us
If the specialists are unavailable, please call our Salem office for assistance
Phone: 503-986-4720
email: fsd-expert@oda.state.or.us
Questions related to slaughter and sale of poultry:
Poultry slaughter frequently asked questions FAQ sheet
Statewide assistance:
Jim Postlewait
phone: 503-986-4724
e-mail: jpostlew@oda.state.or.us
Food Safety Program website
Other Resources on Small-scale Processing from the Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: https://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/attranews_0910.html
Another national small scale meat processing website = www.nichemeatprocessing.org
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| Additional resources for new farmers or small farms |
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Oregon State University Small Farms Newsletter
The OSU Small Farms Newsletter is a great resource for both existing small acreage farmers and those contemplating farming as a primary career. The newsletter is published quarterly and is full of informative tips, discussions, as well as a full list of upcoming workshops offered by the OSU Small Farms Program. Subscriptions are free, so order yours today. The newsletter announcement will come via email and provide a link to the pdf format. (This is an electronic publication, not a print periodical.)
Thinking About Farming? Start2Farm.gov
http://Start2Farm.gov/
The Start2Farm site and program are a project of the National Agricultural Library in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Start2Farm is funded through a USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Beginning Farming and Ranching Development Program grant and was developed to assist people new to farming or ranching and those who have less than 10 years experience
Marketing alternatives for specialty produce
Additional information on direct marketing, including roadside stands and farmers' market oppportunities is provided by the OSU Extension Service.
The Greenhorn's Guidebook for Beginning Farmers
The Greenhorns is a grassroots non-profit organization made up of young farmers and many collaborators. Our mission is to recruit, promote and support the new generation of young farmers in this ample and able 21st century America.
Guidebook for Beginning Farmers
Growing Farms
The OSU Extension Service offers a series of workshops targeting farmers who are in the first five years of their farm business. Called the "Successful Whole Farm Management and Workshop Series," the Growing Farms program is designed to provide beginning specialty crop and livestock farmers with the tools to manage both the biological and financial risks of farming.
Southern Oregon Farm Incubator
The Southern Oregon Farmer Incubator helps beginning farmers start and sustain their businesses while providing needed fresh produce to the Rogue Valley community. The program is a collaboration between the Oregon State University Small Farms program and Thrive in partnership with Friends of Family Farmers and Rogue Farm Corps. Participants can opt to participate in one or more program elements focusing on:
Hands-on farming experience and skill-building
Agricultural theory and practice
Business planning and skill-building
Market access and subsidy
Land link services
Peer mentoring groups
http://www.buylocalrogue.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=151
What can I do, FAQ
Many of us at the ODA have heard the question, "I want to be a farmer... but what can I do with my land?"
The OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program offers great answers to that question, as well as many others at their Beginning Farmers web page.
Small Plot Intensive Farming
http://www.spinfarming.com/whatsSpin/
http://www.spinfarming.com/faq/ -- Q&A on SPIN (small-plot intensive farming)
iFarm Land Link
link to iFarmOregon, a free listing and matching service to land holders and land seekers.
http://www.friendsoffamilyfarmers.org/ifarm/index.php?action=searchpage
Locate the Oregon State University Extension Service Office closest to you
Find your local extension office
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| Size-appropriate regulations |
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Several smaller farms have voiced a desire for “size-appropriate regulations” that don’t overburden smaller farms with licensing requirements, paperwork, fees, etc. For the record, ODA hears the same complaints from farms of all sizes. But to the point, ODA has been very involved with several work groups examining ways to accommodate these concerns. Some regulations are set by Oregon or federal law, so ODA can't change these. But we are willing to hear concerns.
Contact us: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/contact_us.shtml
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| Conclusion |
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Farms come in many sizes, shapes, and forms—and we need to embrace and support them all, small, medium, and large.
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Growers choose what to produce, how to produce, and—within good management practices and legal requirements—they can direct their efforts, resources, and operation to whatever market best fits.
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Small farms can merit by joining forces—with organizations, other growers (partnerships, cooperatives, etc), communities, and government agencies—to address challenges and opportunities.
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One of ODA’s obligations in the social arena is food safety. We work with all aspects of the industry to ensure safe and wholesome food to Oregon’s citizens. We will continue to work with farms and organizations, small and large, to ensure this goal—and federal laws and requirements will drive some of our efforts.
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The Oregon Department of Agriculture is a partner with the industry to expand and enhance the economic, environmental, and social success of each player to the extent our resources allow.
State Board of Agriculture Policy Statement on diversity of Oregon Farms (Big Tent):
http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/docs/pdf/Big_Tent.pdf
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