Cold Storage Facilities Now Eligible For USDA Facility Loan Program

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said that the Farm Storage Facility Loan program has been amended to allow producers to build cold storage facilities to store their fresh fruits and vegetables. This program is part of USDA’s ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative and uses discretionary authority provided by…

Micro-Loan Program from HumanLinks

The HumanLinks Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to systematic improvements in education, healthcare and sustainable agriculture, is offering a micro-loan program to sustainable farmers to help strengthen the Washington farming community. As of March 2010, the Foundation, partnering with Banner Bank, will enable credit access to farmers who may not have been able to secure…

Winter Cover Crop School – March 22

Puyallup –Farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to a one-day workshop focused on effectively incorporating cover crops into vegetable production systems in western Washington.  Space is limited for the March 22 Cover Crop School that will include classroom and field activities.  Prior to this advanced cover crop training participants will complete a preliminary 2 hr…

First USDA Farm to School Webinar

Please register for the 1st FNS Farm to School Webinar!! Title: USDA Farm to School: Opportunities to Increase Local Food in School Meals Date & Time: Wednesday, March 10, 2010; 3:00pm-4:00pm EST Description: Are you interested in Farm to School? Have you been involved in Farm to School activities already? Please join us! The USDA…

David Presents in Kitsap

PSFN’s own David Bauermeister will be presenting on PSFN at the next KCAA meeting in Kitsap. David will also be offering info about NABC and its other endeavors. KCAA General Meeting Silverdale Grange Hall 12535 Clear Creek Rd NW Silverdale, WA 98383 Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 – 8:30 PM Find out more at http://www.buylocalfoodinkitsap.org/puget-sound-food-network#more-3092

Rare Makah Ozette Potato seed is now available to NW Farmers!

The Makah Ozette, a Potato with a Past. Gerry Warren Slow Food Seattle cgw@speakeasy.net “The history and the distinctive flavor of this potato give it a significant market advantage over most fingerling potatoes offered in today’s marketplace.” Says Andrew Stout of Full Circle Farm a grower in Carnation WA. It is visually attractive with its…

WSDA Handbook Helps Farmers Launch, Expand Direct-Sales Businesses

OLYMPIA – Farmers who sell their agricultural and food products directly to consumers now have a new tool to help launch a business or expand into new products:  the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Small Farm & Direct Marketing Handbook. Announced at the annual meeting of the Washington State Farmers Market Association last week, the…