Classes/Workshops & Webinars
Annual Grain School in the Field – Cortez, Colorado
Join UCCS Grain School and the Colorado Grain Chain Friday, August 4th to Saturday, August 5th for our annual Grain School in the Field in Cortez, Colorado!
This immersive event is a summer camp for farmers, artisan makers, and every-day eaters to connect and learn more about the diversity of Colorado’s grain chain.
Through hands-on grain workshops, field tours with local experts, we will trace the grain value chain from farming, milling, to artisan baking, pie making, food culture, history and more! The experience will include delicious local food and a-maiz-ing opportunities to connect with rural links of the grain chain, while learning about food culture and history, biodiversity, and farming and culinary practices of local grains from spelt to blue corn!
Scholarships available for farmers and makers! For program updates, scholarships, and pre-registration, visit: https://rb.gy/zts7f [r20.rs6.net]
For additional information on upcoming agriculture workshops, webinars, and conferences, visit CSU’s Food Systems website, here.
Funding Opportunities
USDA FSA’s Organic Cost Share Now Open for 2023
This year the Farm Service Agency increased the cost share amount under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program [nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] (OCCSP). FSA will cover up to 75% of costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling and state organic program fees (California only). OCCSP will cover costs incurred from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023. Applications are now open, and due Oct. 31, 2023. To apply, producers and handlers should contact the FSA at their local USDA Service Center [r20.rs6.net]. FSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP.
Grants for Farmers and Ranchers Available
The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture.
This program aims to honor producer innovation by funding on-farm research that benefits and is led by producers themselves.
Proposals are due October 25, 2023.Learn more and download the Call for Proposal [r20.rs6.net]
Grants for Professionals and Producers Available
This grant program involves an agricultural technical advisor (main applicant) and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of at least three producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders.
It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers. $75,000 limit/one-three years in scope.
Proposals are due between October 25 and November 1, 2023
Click here [r20.rs6.net] for examples of Colorado projects.Learn more and download the Call for Proposals [r20.rs6.net].
Colorado Clean Diesel Program
This is an opportunity that can help farms and other Colorado business owners purchase electric or hybrid equipment and transportation vehicles. Businesses interested in replacing one or more of their older diesel machines with eligible lower- or zero-emissions equivalents can apply for a grant. Grants may be up to 25-45% of the project cost, depending on type of equipment. Anecdotally, this program is not very competitive and applicants who meet program eligibility criteria are likely to receive funding. Learn more by visiting their website. [r20.rs6.net]
