Welcome back to the Small Farms newsletter!
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Dear farmers friends,
During this time of sheltering in place, I have started preparing some land for a high tunnel and a larger vegetable and flower garden. Preparing a site, thinking about light and clearing some trees has helped me keep focused on some of the things that really matter to me, like soil and sunlight.
But I am lucky to have this home and space. There are so many near me that don’t have soil to touch. Here in Tompkins County, our COVID-19 Food Task Force has some 50+ volunteers (including farmers, food hub managers, health providers, nonprofit reps, distributors, legislators, Cornell and CCE staff and more) working hard to connect our food banks with food, our farmers with resources and neighbors with gardening spaces and know-how.
Giving to this type of effort has helped many of us feel connected while we sit apart. If we can strengthen the local food system in our community during this pandemic, we will be stronger in the long run.
I hope that you are finding ways to give to your local community. Our collective efforts make a difference, no matter how simple or local. Whether you can donate time or money, or even just call and connect with those struggling right now, we need you. Always.
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Be well and farm on, we are in this together.
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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Small Farms Program Updates
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Building Farm Resilience During COVID-19
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We are continuing to work in partnership with educators, researchers and others, to offer resources on building resilience in the various aspects of farming during COVID-19. Our most recent curation is on strategies to
manage stress and anxiety through this pandemic. We are regularly updating our
COVID-19 resource page as new information and resources become available.
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Best Management Practices for U-Pick Farms During COVID-19
U-Pick is a critical direct marketing approach for many of our farms and provides customers with a unique connection to fresh produce grown close to home. In light of what we understand about the spread of COVID-19,
new management practices will be needed to protect your farm team and your customers. We have provided recommended practices and communication strategies for U-Pick operations.
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Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
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mulched and set up the apiary for the arrival of their three new beehives.
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showed off this beautiful foggy morning in their field of tulips. ⠀
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Share what’s been happening on your farm with
#CornellSmallFarms
on Instagram and we may feature your image and story in the next newsletter.
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Economic Injury Disaster Loans Application Reopened for Ag Businesses
If you are an agricultural business and were unable to take advantage of the Small Business Administration's EIDL Loan and Advance Program, there is good news. The
loan portal reopened on May 4, for agricultural businesses that were previously ineligible for the program. The portal will be opened for a limited period, and it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
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The Adirondack Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs Fund
The SUN fund is a responsive granting resource that can be deployed to assist Adirondack communities during times of crisis, and is now mobilizing resources specifically for COVID-19 response. Examples of organizations eligible for this funding include food banks, pantries, and daily delivery for living support, among other non-profits. The grants are made available on a rolling basis of $1,000 to $10,000. In special cases, grants could be larger.
Learn more and apply.
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Organic Producer Relief Funds
The Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund administered by CCOF provides direct financial assistance exclusively to organic producers who suffer financial losses due to extreme hardship. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,500. Certified organic operations currently in good standing that experienced documented economic hardship in the 2020 calendar year are eligible to apply.
Learn more and apply by May 25.
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Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants
This USDA Agricultural Marketing Service program funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets. Projects help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing and expanding farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture, agritourism activities, online sales, or other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. A 25% match is required.
Learn more and apply by May 26.
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Business & Career Opportunities
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CCE Tioga County Seeks Executive Director
This full-time, exempt position based in Owego, NY, will provide overall leadership and management of an organization that delivers non-formal education programs, conducts applied research, and encourages community collaborations. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Learn more and apply.
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Part-Time Farmers Market Manager Needed for
Common Ground Farm
Given the coronavirus outbreak, part of the manager’s role will be to assess and plan the best way to support farmer vendors and to bring farm fresh food into Newburgh, NY. It may not be advisable to run an outdoor farmers’ market, in which case substitute method (pre-orders, deliveries) may be used. They seek a flexible, creative market manager to fulfill the market’s mission even in these challenging times.
Learn more and apply.
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Farm Apprentice Opportunity with Dig
The apprentice will assist the day-to-day operation of building Dig’s farm and will sustain it with their team through November (some flexibility on start/end dates) in Chester, NY. They are currently hiring for three full season apprentices as well as five high season (June/July – Sept/Oct) apprentices. Given their focus as a training operation, they are looking for apprentices with little to no experience (under 2 years).
Learn more and apply.
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Applications Open for the 2020 Grow New York Competition
The NYS Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech announced that applications are now being accepted for round two of the Grow-NY competition. This initiative provides funding, mentorship, business development support, and other key resources to leading food and ag startups from across the globe. A total of $3 million in prizes will be awarded this year to seven startups.
Learn more and apply.
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Top Tools for Winery Online Marketing
When: Wednesday, May 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m
Details: With social distancing measures in place, many Northeast wineries report strong online sales. This is the perfect time to fine-tune your strategy with this workshop, discussing established methods to improve online wine marketing.
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Food Industry Virtual Office Hours
When: Thursday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: Speak directly to Cornell University food safety experts in dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processed foods and beverages. Panelists have expertise in cleaning and sanitation, food safety culture, business continuity planning and more.
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Commercial Vegetable Online Office Hours
When: Thursday, May 7, from 7 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Details: Join the NY Vegetable Program and other commercial growers for production questions and community connections. Topics are group driven, and experts can provide photo diagnostics and ID lessons. A session will also be held on Thursday, May 14.
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Active Learning Calendar for Virtual Opportunities and Webinars
The Cornell Small Farms Program team has created this new calendar dedicated to the various webinars and other virtual learning opportunities being offered during this time of physical distancing.
Explore upcoming events.
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Additional Reading & Resources
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What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers
The Food and Agriculture Sector is designated as critical infrastructure, and it is essential that these operations continue during the pandemic. Workers are the backbone of this critical infrastructure, and the FDA is providing information to ensure employers can help support their workers and protect their health. These are
key steps that employers and workers can take to help stay open, prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, and support continuity of essential operations if workers are diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, or show symptoms associated with COVID-19.
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Lewis County Offers New, Free Agribusiness Directory
To ensure that the directory is as complete and accurate as possible, all agriculture-related businesses and agencies in the region that serve Lewis County are invited to complete a simple on-line form on the
Naturally Lewis website by May 15, 2020.
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About Us
The Small Farms Newsletter is a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and beyond. The newsletter is produced by the Cornell Small Farms Program (SFP), which helps farmers get expert assistance to facilitate all phases of small farm business development. SFP is housed at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and works collaboratively with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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Do you have farm-related questions? Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood Cornell Cooperative Extension agent.
Find your local contact
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