Vermont Directory of Farm Services Agencies and Statewide Nonprofits DRAFT

Transcription

1 Vermont Directory of Farm Services Agencies and Statewide Nonprofits DRAFT June 2015

2 Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) MISSION: Creating affordable housing for Vermonters, and conserving and protecting Vermont's agricultural land, forestland, historic properties, important natural areas, and recreational lands. Funds the purchase of development rights on farmland, often used as a tool by farmers to purchase farmland at an affordable price, expand, diversify, reduce debt, build infrastructure, and/or transfer the farm to the next generation or to a new farm buyer. Farmers and other farmland owners, working with land trust staff. VHCB also provides funding to non profits, towns, and some state agencies to conserve natural areas, forest lands, recreational lands, and historic properties. The process of selling development rights includes technical assistance and referral to other partners. The conservation easement may include riparian buffers and/or other surface water protections, and now requires compliance with an Agricultural Lands Management plan. The proceeds from selling an easement can be used to invest in infrastructure improvements. Nancy Everhart, nancy@vhcb.org, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) Farm and Forest Viability Program MISSION: To enhance the economic viability of Vermont's farm and forestry businesses. We pair farmers with advisors to work on in depth business and transfer planning, marketing, financial management, production efficiency, and accessing capital. We also run grant programs for dairy farmers and for those farmers who have completed the business planning program. Vermont farmers interested in improving business management skills that have an established farm business grossing a minimum of $15,000 annually. Advisors with VHCB's Farm Viability Program can help farmers run the numbers on various water quality related improvements to make the best choices for their farm; determine the appropriate number of animals and production methods for their farm that allow for profitability and environmental stewardship; write high quality business plans for use in accessing capital to pay for farm improvements; and can support farmers as they work through decision making related to water quality issues. Liz Gleason, Program Coordinator, liz@vhcb.org,

3 Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) MISSION: VACD is a non profit organization that represents and supports Vermont s fourteen Natural Resources Conservation Districts and implements state wide educational, technical assistance, and Best Management Practice implementation programs. VACD Agricultural Conservation Programs are provided free of charge by our staff who work with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other agencies to maximize assistance to farmers and landowners Agriculture Resource Specialist Program Accepted Agricultural Practices Assistance (AAPA) offers farmers free technical assistance and information to help them meet the requirements of VAAFM s AAP regulations. Farm Well Water Testing (FWWT) is a free drinking water protection service for farms. Land Treatment & Nutrient Management VACD staff provide assistance in developing Land Treatment Plans and Nutrient Management Plans. With RCPP, NRCD s and VACD staff will assist small farm operators in the development of nutrient management plans (NMPs). Riparian Buffers VACD staff assist agricultural producers in planning and implementing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), funded by the USDA Farm Service Agency. Farm Water Quality Improvement Projects VACD regularly seeks funding to make voluntary on farm Best Management Practice (BMP) water quality improvements affordable to landowners by offering reimbursement of up to 90% of total project costs. Focusing on Small Livestock Operations, VACD s Agricultural Conservation Programs bring information, technical expertise and financing to landowners who want to improve water quality and habitats while enhancing farm operations. VACD Agricultural Conservation Programs are statewide and voluntary programs that help landowners protect the quality of their natural resources the foundation of a farm s economic viability and longevity. Farmers are important stewards of Vermont s working landscape and through our Conservation Programs, VACD staff help landowners: 1) Assess conservation needs, 2) Document farm practices, 3) Prioritize farm improvements, 4) Gain access to State, Federal and Conservation District cost share programs (up to 90% of the cost of implementation) and 5) Evaluate results. Jill Arace, Executive Director, PO Box 566, Waitsfield, VT , Phone: Fax: jill.arace@vacd.org MISSION: To protect land for the future of Vermont. Vermont Land Trust (VLT) VLT is an active partner in Vermont s Farmland Protection Program. VLT partners with VAAFM, VHCB and NRCS, as funding sources, to purchase development rights on operating farms and productive farmland around the State. VLT also operates the Farmland Access Program (FAP), with the goal to provide farmers with opportunities to purchase or lease affordable farmland so that they can start or expand agricultural businesses. Through its stewardship program VLT also

4 purchases additional rights (such as buffers, river corridor easements and affordability provisions) on previously conserved land and provides technical assistance and resource referrals to the owners of conserved land. VLT is a private, non profit land conservation organization that works with landowners both individuals and families and with municipalities, community groups, and state agencies to permanently protect and steward farms and forestland, recreational sites, and wildlife habitat that contribute to the rural character of Vermont and the vitality of our communities. VLT s conservation easements provide permanent protection of farmland from development. These conservation restrictions can also include setbacks, special protections and buffer zones to help improve water quality. Further, the sale of development rights can provide significant capital to help pay for improvements on a farm or assist with transitions to a new owner. Annual stewardship visits provide opportunities for technical assistance and referrals for farmland owners needing assistance with water quality issues that are not addressed in the conservation easement. Tracy Zschau, Conservation Director, , tracy@vlt.org University of Vermont Extension MISSION: to improve the quality of life of Vermonters by providing research based educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses and the natural environment. UVM Extension offers education for farmers in all of these areas: Farm business management including farm transfer, finance and taxation, management of farm labor Farm health and safety Crops, soils and pasture including forages, grains, oilseeds and hops; best agronomic practices; nutrient management; grazing and pasture management; cover cropping, no till agriculture, precision feed management Agricultural engineering including post harvest cold storage, energy efficiency, Migrant education Food safety produce and meats Pest management New farmer development Women in Agriculture Livestock and poultry production Vegetable fruit and berry production Sustainable agriculture Support for disabled farmers Organic farming Biodiesel Biosecurity Agritourism Youth Farming/Youth Development All Vermonters who will benefit from research based information and expertise in agriculture, food systems, community and economic development, and youth development. UVM Extension provides research based knowledge and expertise to farmers to address water quality concerns. We work with key partners NRCS, AAFM, ANR, VACD are some examples to identify water quality concerns and support farmers adoption of a suite of practices that will help to improve them. Dan Lerner, Associate Dean, dlerner@uvm.edu (802)

5 University of Vermont Extension: Farm Viability Program MISSION: Provide business education and assistance to commercial farms in Vermont Access to business planning programs that provide: management team facilitation, strategic planning, financial analysis, market analysis, risk management planning and transfer/succession planning. Established commercial farms in Vermont. (in certain cases prospective farm owners are eligible for programs) Analysis of specific investments, cash flow/budget planning in relation to debt or government program reimbursements, support farmer decision making options when faced with multi agencies priorities/options (UVM Extension provides other programs related to water quality through agronomy, livestock grazing, nutrient management planning and climate change resiliency specialists.) Mark Cannella, UVM Extension Farm Business Specialist, (802) , Ext. 207, 617 Comstock Road Suite 5 Berlin, VT 05602, mark.cannella@uvm.edu. Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) MISSION: Facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment. The VAAFM is organized into four divisions: The Division of Administration oversees and coordinates agency policy and promotes interests of consumers and producers. The Division of Agricultural Development provides a role in developing local, regional, national and global markets for Vermont's agricultural products. The Division of Agricultural Resource Management (ARM) regulates pesticides, feed, seed and fertilizers. The division administers Vermont's agricultural water quality programs and enforcement of environmental and safety laws. The Division of Food Safety and Consumer Protection is organized into the following sections providing oversight in the areas of: livestock heath, consumer safety and protection, dairy inspection, and meat inspection. Farmers & Ag service providers \ The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has a variety of resources available to assist the farming community. These resources include both voluntary and financial assistance and regulatory programs. AGR.WaterQuality@state.vt.us (802)

6 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) MISSION: to provide Vermont s farmers and private landowners with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, not only helping the environment, but ag operations too. As the leading Federal agency for assisting in restoring watershed health on private land, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to producers who implement conservation practices and management strategies, including the restoration and protection of wetlands that benefit water quality and improve water management. NRCS conservationists provide technical expertise and conservation planning for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to make conservation improvements to their land. VT NRCS delivers conservation technical assistance through its voluntary Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA). CTA is available to any group or individual interested in conserving our natural resources and sustaining agricultural production in this country. NRCS also offers financial assistance to help eligible agricultural producers make and maintain conservation improvements on their land. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. More on EQIP. NRCS also provides incentives to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners wanting to put wetlands, agricultural land, grasslands and forests under long term easements. Private farmers and landowners, regardless of farm size. NRCS in Vermont works collaboratively with many partners to provide technical and financial assistance to Vermont citizens with the goal of improving water quality through reduced nutrient and sediment loadings to surface waters of the State from agricultural sources. Kip Potter, Water Quality Specialist, kip.potter@vt.usda.gov (802) , ext. 238 Obe Raciot, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, obe.raciot@vt.usda.gov (802) , ext. 228 Land For Good MISSION: To ensure the future of agriculture in New England by putting more farmers more securely on more land. Our Farm Seekers program helps farmers acquire farms and farmland by providing educational and planning materials, workshops and trainings, and technical assistance and support on farmland tenure, access, affordability, lease or purchase, and related topics. Our Farm Legacy Program helps farmers and farm families, including farmers without identified successors and the junior generation on the farm, transfer farms to the next generation or operator. We educate and training, and provide direct advising to help them prepare for, plan, and navigate the farm transfer process. Our Working Lands Program helps landowners make land available for farming through education, training, and consulting.

7 Since 2004 we have provided caring support and expert guidance to farmers, farm families, nonfarming landowners, communities and agricultural service providers navigate the complex challenges of land access, tenure and transfer. Land For Good services help farmers gain and maintain secure, long term tenure on the land, which supports farmer investment in soil and water conservation in the short and long term. Our education and advising encourages farmers to address land stewardship considerations as part of planning to access and transfer farmland, and we connect them with additional resources to do this. Mike Ghia, VT Field Agent, Intervale Center/Intervale Conservation Nursery MISSION: Our mission is to strengthen community food systems. Since 1988, we ve been dedicated to improving farm viability, promoting sustainable land use and engaging our community in the food system. Business planning and financial analysis. Comprehensive planting services for restoration and conservation projects. Farmers, landowners, businesses, watershed organizations and government agencies. We can assist farmers in planning for the financial and regulatory impacts of changes necessary to improve water quality. Our nursery can assist in the design and installation of native species buffers. Sam Smith, Business Planning, or Mike Ingalls, Conservation Nursery, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) MISSION: Our mission is to draw from and build upon Vermonters' shared ethic of responsibility for our natural environment, an ethic that encompasses a sense of place, community and quality of life, and understanding that we are an integral part of the environment and that we must all be responsible stewards for this and future generations. Coordination with AAFM for education, inspections, programs, policies funding through Ecosystem restoration program for project implementation. Ag producers, Watershed groups who work with farmers Referral to those who can help, inspections and enforcement Marli Rupe, marli.rupe@state.vt.us,

8 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program American people. MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the The Partners Program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners who are willing to work with us and other partners on a voluntary basis to help meet the habitat needs of our Federal fish and wildlife resources. Private landowners with an emphasis on agricultural and forest landowners. The Partners Program can provide technical and financial assistance to help landowners install riparian buffers to help reduce runoff. The program works with landowners and other conservation partners to fence livestock out of streams and rivers. Christopher Smith Program Coordinator Ext.20 Connecticut River Watershed Council MISSION: CRWC works to protect and improve the entire 4 state watershed from source to sea. Technical assistance with planning, resource problems, and programs available to help address issues. Financial assistance available to help farmers implement conservation practices, especially fish and wildlife habitat (e.g. trees, streams crossings etc.). Farms/producers as well as all riverfront landowners CRWC has helped numerous farmers and landowners understand the maze of programs and funding available to implement conservation practices on their land. In addition, we help find other sources of funding that helps keep the landowners cost to a bare minimum. Ron Rhodes, rrhodes@ctriver.org,

9 Friends of Northern Lake Champlain MISSION: Working for clean water! Provide farmers with technical assistance and connections to funding. Have access to statewide, federal, and private funding for on farm research projects and implementation projects. Anyone interested in working on water quality, whether through policy or practices. We are mainly a local contact and liaison between the farmer, the agencies, and the service providers. We have local access to most of the farmers in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. Denise Smith denisefnlc@gmail.com USDA Farm Service Agency MISSION: Farm Service Agency is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans. The USDA Farm Service Agency is an agricultural lender providing farm loan programs to establish, improve, expand, transition, and strengthen Vermont farms. The Farm Service Agency also offers risk management programs, disaster assistance programs, income stability programs and the Conservation Reserve Program(CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Vermont Farm Service Agency works with Vermont farmers, ranchers and landowners and provides program assistance from offices located in nine service centers around the state. Landowners with serious water quality issues are encouraged to submit an application for CREP which is an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the country s largest private land conservation program. Administered by the FSA), CREP targets high priority conservation issues identified by local, state, or tribal governments or non governmental organizations. In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and introducing conservation practices, farmers, ranchers, and agricultural land owners are paid an annual rental rate. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 15 years, along with other federal and state incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Kim Peck/kim.peck@vt.usda.gov/ /