Building Better Rural Places

Federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry,

conservation and community development

A publication of the U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies

working together for sustainable rural development

in collaboration with

The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Original Authors:

Romana A. Vysatova and Laurie S.Z. Greenberg

Revised by Valerie Berton and Jennifer Butler

Edited by Margaret Krome

USDA agencies and programs providing major support for this publication:

Resource Conservation and Development

Natural Resources Conservation Service

U.S. Forest Service

Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

January 2001
Acknowledgments

This guide resulted from a collaboration of individuals from USDA agencies who are working together for

sustainable rural development in concert with the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute.

The authors would like to thank the dedicated staff of the many programs included in this volume who reviewed

listings for this guide as originally published and helped update it for the current edition.

The effort to foster collaboration and partnerships among USDA agencies in support of sustainable community

development is championed by the Rural Economic Development Action Team, the National RC&D Working

Group, and the Council on Sustainable Development at USDA. Among other federal, state, and local partners

are the National Rural Development Partnership, State Rural Development Councils, and RC&D Councils. We

appreciate the hard work and cooperation of members of all of these entities in supporting the development of

this guide. The guide could not have been completed for its first edition without the support and leadership of

SARE directors, past and present, from Rob Myers and Jerry DeWitt to Jill Auburn. This revised edition owes

special thanks to Jill Auburn and to Teresa Maurer, Manager of the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural

Areas (ATTRA) program, for their commitment to providing staff and other resources to help research, update

and print the guide and to maintain its presence on the ATTRA website.

Finally, the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute's contributions to producing both editions of this guide have

been made possible by generous grants from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Jessie Smith Noyes

Foundation.
Table of Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 6

I. Research, Information and New Technologies ........................... 10

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) .......................................................... 11

Cooperative Extension System (CES) ................................................................................................. 13

Food Safety (Section 406).................................................................................................................... 21

Forest Products Conservation and Recycling (FPC&R) .................................................................... 15

Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) ...................................................................................................... 17

Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS)............................................................ 19

Integrated Research, Education and Extension Competitive Grants Program (Section 406).......... 21

National Agroforestry Center (NAC) ................................................................................................. 23

National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP) ............................................ 25

Pest Management Alternatives Program ........................................................................................... 28

Pesticides (Section 406: RAMP, CAR, Pest Mgmt Centers) .............................................................. 21

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) ................................................................... 30

Regional Integrated Pest Management Program............................................................................... 32

Science To Achieve Results (STAR) ................................................................................................... 34

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program ................................................ 36

Technology Transfer Program ........................................................................................................... 39

Water Quality (Section 406) ............................................................................................................... 21

Wood in Transportation (WIT) Program ........................................................................................... 43

II. Financing Businesses and New Enterprises ................................ 45

Business and Industrial (B & I) Guaranteed Loan Program ............................................................ 46

Business and Industrial Direct Loan (B & I Direct) Program ........................................................... 48

Direct Farm Ownership and Operating Loans ................................................................................. 50

Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans ........................................................................ 52

Intermediary Relending Loan Program (IRP).................................................................................... 54

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) ........................................................................................ 56

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) .................................................................................... 57

Introduction to the U.S. Small Business Administration .................................................................. 58

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) ...................................................................... 59

7(a) Loan Guaranty Program ............................................................................................................. 61
504 Certified Development Company (504 CDC) Program (SBA) .................................................... 63

MicroLoan Program............................................................................................................................ 65

Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) ................................................................................ 66

Downpayment Farm Ownership Loan Program .............................................................................. 67

Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Persons ....................................................................................... 69

III. Management Assistance ................................................................ 71

Cooperative Services (CS)................................................................................................................... 72

Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG) ................................................................ 74

The SCORE Association -- Counselors to America’s Small Business .............................................. 76

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program ..................................................................... 77

Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program ............................................ 80

IV. Marketing Assistance ..................................................................... 82

Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) ................................................................. 83

Market Access Program (MAP) .......................................................................................................... 85

National Organic Program ................................................................................................................. 87

Research and Promotion Program (R&P) .......................................................................................... 88

Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program (W&AM) ................................................................... 89

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) ...................... 91

V. Conservation and Resource Management................................... 93

Conservation Reserve Program.......................................................................................................... 94

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) .......................................................................... 96

Farmland Protection Program............................................................................................................ 98

Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) ...................................................................................................... 100

Forest Legacy Program ....................................................................................................................... 102

Partners for Fish and Wildlife ............................................................................................................ 104

Pesticides (Section 406: RAMP, CAR, Pest Mgmt. Centers) ............................................................. 21

Water Quality (Section 406) ............................................................................................................... 21

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) .................................................................................................... 106

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).................................................................................... 108

Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) ........................................................................... 110

Environmental Finance Program ....................................................................................................... 112

VI. Community Development ............................................................ 114
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) ...................................................................................... 115

Community Facilities Loan Program ................................................................................................. 117

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program .................................................................. 119

The Forest Service’s Economic Recovery Program ............................................................................ 121

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program .................................................................................. 123

The Forest Service’s Rural Development Program ............................................................................ 125

Resource Conservation and Development (RC& D) ........................................................................ 127

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants (REDLG) ............................................................ 129

Urban and Community Forestry ........................................................................................................ 130

VII. Additional Resources .................................................................... 132

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) .............................................................................. 133

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) .......................................................................................... 135

Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst ......................................................................................................... 136

Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) ............................................................................................... 137

National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center ...................................................................... 139

National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management ........................................... 140

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program Grants ....................................................................... 141

Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) ........................................................................ 142

USDA/CSREES’ Small Farm Program .............................................................................................. 144

Wildlife Services (WS) ........................................................................................................................ 146

VII. General Information Sources ...................................................... 147

The Consumer Information Center and Catalog ............................................................................... 148

National Agricultural Library Information Resource Centers ......................................................... 149

U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Offices ........................................................... 150
8 • Building Better Rural Places

Introduction

Guide to This Guide

Who Should Use the Guide?

This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster innovative enterprises in

agriculture and forestry in the United States. Specifically, the guide addresses program resources in valueadded and diversified agriculture and forestry, sustainable land management, and community development.

Thus, it can help farmers, entrepreneurs, community developers, conservationists, and many other

individuals, as well as private and public organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit. The guide also aims

to help USDA and other agency employees become aware of and take better advantage of the enormous array

of federal programs and resources available to support agricultural and forestry innovations.

How Can the Guide Help You?

We hope to introduce you to programs that will help advance your work. We have included descriptions of

federal programs or resources that may create opportunities or provide assistance in adding value,

diversifying, or adopting more sustainable practices in agricultural and forest product enterprises. Along with

a general overview of each resource, the guide explains what each program offers and, wherever possible,

gives specific examples of how the program has actually supported such work.

How is the Guide Organized?

The guide is organized by the type of assistance and resources that federal programs offer to support

agricultural and forestry innovations. These include resources in the categories of research and information;

financing; business management; marketing; land and resource management; and community development.

Programs are often represented in more than one category, such as when a program offers assistance

pertaining both to research and community development, for example. When this occurs, the program is fully

described in the section where it is first relevant and is referenced in future sections. Additional programs,

whose relevance may be limited to a small segment of the guide’s intended audience, can be found in a special

section at the end.

We have included programs based upon whether they offer significant funding or technical assistance to

support agricultural and forestry innovations, particularly those related to value-added and diversified

enterprises, sustainable land and resource management, and community development.

In choosing programs for this guide, we sought suggestions from many whom this guide is designed to serve.

But undoubtedly some relevant programs escaped our attention. Further, although these program descriptions

are accurate as of this printing, we expect that aspects of some programs will change. Please check programs’

Internet websites, when available, for program updates and applications.

Why Address Innovations?

Both agriculture and forestry are undergoing enormous change in response to technological, trade, social,

regulatory and economic forces. Perhaps it is not surprising, given such sweeping changes, that the customary

livelihoods of many in agriculture and forestry are disrupted and threatened. It is also true, however, that

periods of upheaval in an industry often have produced great innovations and creative leaps forward. We see

particular potential in the movements toward building local businesses that add value to agricultural and

forestry resources; improving land and resource management; and stimulating community-based local

economic development. These innovations can help create profitable opportunities for entrepreneurs and

operators of all scales in agriculture and forestry.

What are Value-Added Strategies and Why Pursue Them?

Communities that specialize in the simple extraction of local bio-based inputs sometimes seek to gain and
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 9

retain greater value from those natural resources. They may pursue a variety of “value-added” approaches,

such as processing, packaging, marketing, and distributing products derived from local natural resources.

Since earnings in simple extractive industries (agricultural production and timber harvesting in particular)

may be low and highly volatile, the addition of such “downstream” activities can improve a community’s

economic and environmental sustainability. Value-added enterprises represent excellent business

development opportunities for farming, forest-based and other rural communities because a community

located near raw inputs can turn its location into a competitive advantage and build on local job skills. With

declining employment in farming and forestry, workers leaving these industries are more likely to be able

transfer their skills to value-added enterprises than to non-farm manufacturing and service industries.

Creating value-added jobs can improve the diversity of the local economy, increase local incomes, capture

higher profits locally, and use the local natural resource base more efficiently and sustainably.

The guide is organized with a logic that may be helpful for people seeking resources to support value-added

enterprises. The guide’s first four sections follow the progressive stages of developing a new enterprise. Thus,

it begins with resources providing information, then proceeds to financial, business management, and

marketing assistance. This logic aims to help you consider your own needs in a systematic way.

What Motivates Sustainable Land Management Practices?

Increasing numbers of farmers, foresters, and other landowners are seeking to manage their lands using

practices that are both environmentally and economically sound. Many farmers, for example, want to reduce

their use of pesticides, protect their soil, or improve habitat for wildlife, while maintaining or increasing the

profitability of their land. Other landowners, not necessarily farmers, simply aim to protect their land from

development pressures. For some, interest in these practices grows from an increasingly regulatory

environment. (For example, the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 in the next few years will remove several

commonly used pesticides, encouraging alternative forms of pest management.) Still other farmland owners

are inspired to seek new practices because of personal concerns about environmental degradation or because

they hope to gain better returns in the marketplace as a reward for producing commodities in environmentally

sustainable systems.

This guide offers landowners help in pursuing a wide variety of strategies in land management that combine

environmental and economic concerns. These include the following: intensive rotational grazing of livestock;

erecting soil conserving structures; establishing organic or biodynamic farming systems; implementing

integrated pest management (IPM); diversifying crops and otherwise strengthening crop rotations; restoring

wetlands, native prairie or other habitat; and many other strategies.

What Does Community Development Entail?

All communities suffer from losing physical and economic resources. Both rural and urban commuities are

concerned about job creation, increasing social stability and raising the standard of living of their citizens.

These needs translate into a broad array of initiatives, from spawning new businesses through such

mechanisms as incubators to training programs, job creation, market development, and road-building or other

infrastructural improvements. In this process, localities often seek the types of federal economic and technical

assistance described in this guide.

Strategies for Using Federal Programs

What Makes a Successful Proposal for Federal Funding?

A successful federally funded project, such as a research proposal, conservation plan or marketing strategy, is

no different from any other good project. It has tightly defined purposes, a clear strategy to accomplish them

on a realistic timeline, the necessary people, money, and other resources, a basis for evaluating the process

throughout, and an effective means of communicating results. Many projects are improved by a thoughtful

effort to build supporting coalitions. In fact, a funder will often look favorably on, and may require, local

matches of funding, whether in staff salaries, “in-kind” contributions or actual dollars.

In designing a good project, be sure that you have included the right people in the planning process itself.
10 • Building Better Rural Places

Some starting questions to consider in developing your proposal include the following:

• What problem do you seek to address?

• What is your principal strategy to resolve that problem?

• Why is this strategy better than other approaches you might consider?

• Have other people, locally or otherwise, addressed this problem? If so, what have you learned from

their work, and how does your effort relate to theirs?

• Who else might be concerned about your issues? Should they be involved in your project?

• What’s a realistic timeline for action?

• What resources do you need to implement your project? What resources can you use for a nonfederal match?

• Would others profit from knowing about your initiative? If so, how do you plan to get the word out?

• How will you measure and evaluate your project’s outcomes?

Identifying and Meeting Federal Programs Halfway

Once you’ve got a good idea of what your project should look like and what resources it requires, it’s time to

explore federal programs and figure out what programs, if any, can help you achieve your goals. This guide is

designed for just that activity. In doing this, remember that few programs were designed for needs precisely

like yours. To avoid chasing programs that have incompatible goals and increase your chances of funding,

invest time in researching how well your project fits within various programs.

First, identify programs in this guide and from other sources whose purposes and available resources seem

most suitable to your purposes. It’s wise to think creatively about your project’s needs. The problems for

which you seek help are likely complex, and often more than one program may contribute to their solution. For

example, you may think your problem can best be solved by applying to a grant or loan program. But don’t

forget that technical assistance, information, conservation cost-share and other resources may strengthen your

project as well. So be sure to consider your needs broadly.

Besides this guide, there are many ways to locate resources that may be useful to you. The reference section of

larger public libraries, most universities’ main libraries, and the development office of any large university

often have copies of many useful directories, some dealing with private sources and others with federal ones.

Just a few include The Foundation Directory, the National Directory of Corporate Giving, Complete Grants Sourcebook

for Higher Education; Directory of Research Grants; Funding Sources for Community and Economic Development;

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance; The Federal Register; Federal Support for Nonprofits; Government Assistance

Almanac; Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs; Guide to Federal Funding for Governments and Nonprofits; and

the Guide to Federal Funding for Education. Many of these resources are available on the Internet. A few Internet

addresses are noted here. The Catalog of Federal Assistance is at http://www.gsa.gov/fdac. FEDIX offers

information and access to free federal grant searches for education and research by agency, subject, and

specific interest groups at http://www.fie.com. And the Research Administrators Resources Network is at

http://sra.rams.com/cws/sra/resource.htm. Private funding sources are catalogued through The Foundation

Center at http://fdncenter.org.

Further, many other private and public resources exist at the state and local levels, but are not covered here.

Contact your state Department of Agriculture, state forester, local Extension Office and local Resource

Conservation and Development (RC&D) coordinator to explore those possibilities. Also, asking yourself who

might have a stake in the outcomes of your work can sometimes lead to additional potential funding sources.

Figure out where your needs and federal programs’ defined purposes overlap. Get as much information as

you can about past projects these programs have funded or collaborated with. You may want to talk with

program staff, people previously funded, or organizations that have worked with a program, to understand

better whether there is a fit and if so, how to argue for it.

Try to figure out clearly what factors, in addition to a thoughtfully assembled project proposal, determine

funding or a successful collaboration. Examples might include relevance of your topic to a program’s current

“hot topics,” geographical location, extent of non-federal funding match, support from state or federal agencies
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 11

or political representatives, and so forth. There will be factors you can’t control, so be sure to excel in the ones

you can.

Hints for Submitting Federal Applications

Once you’ve designed a good project, prepare it for submission to any program to which you’re applying so

that it stands the greatest chance of being approved. Make sure it’s written according to specified format

requirements. Identify your central points, including how your proposal addresses a program’s key goals. Be

precise and accurate; don’t be tempted to exaggerate the need or over-promise results. Use clear, concise

language to make your application or proposal readable. It’s smart to have it reviewed by someone whose

editing skills you trust. Is it clear? Readable? Grammatical? Pay close attention to formatting, deadline, nonfederal monetary match and other stated requirements. Be sure that your budget is accurate, clear, and is

accompanied by a budget narrative to clarify any points you think might be misunderstood by reviewers. And,

of course, be prepared to readjust your proposal for each program to which you submit it.

Make sure you understand the review process. Is it based on only a few people, or is it comprehensive? If the

contact person makes funding decisions, get to know their preferences. Under any circumstances, be pleasant

and non-combative in discussing your project.

Finally, but very important—don’t be discouraged! Many successfully funded grants and applications for

federal resources are the result of earlier failed attempts. Understanding why your earlier efforts were rejected

is likely to help in future ones, so seek that information from program staff if it is not automatically sent to you.

Getting a Copy of the Guide

To obtain a free copy of Building Better Rural Places, please contact Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural

Areas (ATTRA), P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702, 1-800-346-9140; fax (501) 442-9842; email:

askattra@ncatark.uark.edu. You may also find the entire guide on ATTRA’s website at www.attra.org.

Workshops on Using the Guide

Want to learn more about how to secure federal funding to support sustainable agriculture enterprises? Upon

reuest, the Micheael Fields Agricultural Institute will conduct a training workshop in your area. You will learn

how to conceptualize projects, how to identify programs offering resources and how to maximize the chances

of getting proposals funded by federal agencies. For more information, contact Margaret Krome, agricultural

policy coordinator for the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, 2524 Chamberlain Ave., Madison, WI 53705;

(608) 238-1440; (608) 238-1569 - fax; mkrome@inxpress.net
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 13

I. Research, Information and

New Technologies

Also see:

Cooperative Services

The Forest Service’s Economic Recovery Program

The Forest Service’s Rural Development Program

Urban and Community Forestry
14 • Building Better Rural Places

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural

Areas (ATTRA)

Free Technical Information Provided to Producers on a Wide Variety of Alternative Crops

and Sustainable Farming Topics

ATTRA is the national sustainable farming information center located at the University of Arkansas at

Fayetteville and in Butte, Montana. ATTRA provides information free-of-charge through telephone requests

from those engaged in or serving commercial agriculture, such as farmers, Extension agents, university

researchers, farm organizations, and agribusinesses. ATTRA can provide a wide variety of information on

sustainable or alternative agriculture, from horticultural and agronomic crops to livestock and farming

systems. ATTRA’s goal is to help U.S. farmers boost profits and provide healthier food for consumers, while

becoming better stewards of the precious natural resources and environment of America’s farmlands. Since its

inception in 1987, ATTRA’s staff of friendly, resourceful specialists has prepared more than 135,000 reports

for callers on how to:

Improve farm income with a diversity of crops/livestock

Reduce dependence on costly off-farm inputs

Assess new direct marketing methods

Produce alternative crops and livestock

Institute organic farming practices

Incorporate value-added and farm-processed products

Improve soil fertility and water quality

Rejuvenate rural America through agricultural enterprises

Information Available

ATTRA specializes in responding to questions on

specific sustainable enterprises or practices. Staff

will research the question, summarize findings in

writing, and compile supporting literature as

appropriate to accompany the report which a caller

receives by mail. In addition to providing

customized research, ATTRA offers three types of

prepared materials which are often updated:

Information Packages, Current Topics in Sustainable

Agriculture, and Resource Lists.

An Information Package contains a 5-20 page topic

review written by ATTRA specialists and may also

include enclosures, bibliographies, and supply

sources. A Current Topic is shorter than an

Information Package and usually focuses more on a

particular topic of interest rather than providing an

overview, and contains few, if any, enclosures for

further reading.

A Resource List is designed to make networking

easier for organizations, individuals and companies

interested in sustainable agriculture.

Legislative Authority

The Food Security Act of 1985

Financial Information

Funding for fiscal year 2000 is $1.5 million through

USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service to

support the informational and educational work of

ATTRA’s 25-member staff. The program is operated

by the nonprofit National Center for Appropriate

Technology (NCAT).

Eligibility

ATTRA provides information to farmers, extension

agents, university researchers, farm organizers, and

agribusinesses as well as other information

providers.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 15

ATTRA cannot handle requests for conventional

agricultural information or requests by home

gardeners ond other people not actually involved in

or serving commercial agriculture.

Uses and Restrictions

ATTRA provides information and publications on

sustainable and alternative agriculture. For other

information, please contact local services, such as the

county Extension office.

Contact

ATTRA prefers requests by telephone. Contact the

national program office for assistance and to request

information.

National Program Office

P.O. Box 3657

Fayetteville, AR 72702

1-800-346-9140

(501) 442-9824

(501) 442-9842 - fax

Internet

www.attra.org

A growing number of ATTRA’s publications,

resource lists and other materials are available on

our web site, which also links to newsletters and

other web sites related to sustainable agriculture.
16 • Building Better Rural Places

Cooperative Extension System (CES)

A Partnership Effort in Information Delivery and Educational Support Programs

The partnership occurs among federal, state, and county governments who all provide funding support and

management direction to the nation’s cooperative extension system.

The CES network links the research and education programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the landgrant universities in each state and to county-level government. The structure and services provided by

extension are largely determined at the state and county levels, and vary accordingly. USDA, which has its

link to extension through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) agency,

provides only general guidelines and coordination of the extension system, as well as partial funding.

A user can contact CES either at the state or county level, or both. State extension specialists, who are also

university faculty, provide in-depth information on a variety of technical subjects, including many agriculture,

natural resource, and household/family topics. More than 9,600 local extension agents work in 3,150 U.S.

counties. In addition to paid extension staff, trained volunteers work with a number of programs, such as the

youth-oriented 4-H programs.

The type of information available through extension offices and programs is very comprehensive, and usually

tailored in part to local information needs. In general, information and some technical assistance are available

on agriculture, forestry, gardening, household, family, and youth topics. Extension does not normally provide

financial assistance, but instead focuses on information delivery through the Internet, printed publications

and newsletters, broadcast media, staff presentations at public meetings, and one-on-one assistance in person

or by phone with information seekers. In some locations, diagnostic services are available for soil testing and

garden or farm pests. Most extension publications and programs are available for free or at nominal cost

through county or university extension offices or via Internet web sites.

Project Examples

The CES has responded over the years to hundreds of

thousands of questions and inquiries on literally

thousands of topics, as well as proactively delivering

educational programs. There are no national level

extension initiatives at this time on value-added

agriculture or diversification. However, printed

literature and some staff expertise relevant to these

topics is available in most states. Many states have

extension publications on alternative agricultural

crops, sometimes emphasizing horticultural

alternatives, sometimes alternative field crops, and

sometimes alternative enterprises such as Christmas

tree or mushroom production. Usually information

is available in each state on developing a farm

enterprise budget and/or beginning a small

business. Information not available in printed form

may be obtained by talking to one or more extension

staff at the county or state level and asking for a

resource person familiar with these topics.

Legislative Authority

The First Morrill Act, passed in 1862, established a

network of public institutions known as the "landgrant colleges and universities." The Smith-Lever

Act in 1914 created the Cooperative Agricultural

Extension Service (a partnership among Federal,

state, and county governments), which now

functions as the Cooperative Extension System. The

Second Morrill Act provided additional

appropriations for the original 1862 land-grant

institutions as well as stimulating establishment of

the 1890 land-grant institutions. The Equity in

Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994

designated certain tribal colleges as land grant

institutions ("1994 Institutions").

Application and Financial

Information

There is generally no financial assistance available

through extension and thus no application forms.

There are a variety of methods to obtain extension

publications. Most county extension offices have

available for free or at low cost copies of the
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 17

extension publications available in the state, and

call-in or walk-in assistance can be provided.

Typically, a state-level extension publications office

has a list of all currently available extension

publications in that state, plus some that are regional

extension publications, and will take publications

orders by phone or mail. Contacting an extension

technical staff person can lead to that person

providing publications by mail. Many publications

are available at state or county fairs, or other public

extension events. Also, a neighboring state often will

have extension publications covering different topics

which are available to anyone, sometimes for a

slightly higher fee to non-residents (get the number of

other state extension publication offices from the one

in your state). Many states make their publications

available via the World Wide Web. If you have

Internet access go to: www.e-answers.org to see if

your state’s extension materials are available in

electronic format. Finally, over the phone or walk-in

technical assistance and other value-added topics is

available from extension offices.

Eligibility

CSREES programs are open to all citizens without

regard to race, gender, disability, religion, age or

national origin. Specific eligibility requirements can

vary by program.

Contact

Contact your local county extension office (see your

local government in the telephone directory), a landgrant university (call the university’s main

information number and ask for the extension

administration office, extension publications office,

or the agriculture extension office) or the national

agency office listed here.

National Program Office

Dr. Colien Hefferan, Administrator

Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

800 9th Street, S.W.

4014 Waterfront Centre

Washington, D.C. 20250-2215

(202) 720-5384

(202) 720-8987 - fax

Internet

www.reeusda.gov
18 • Building Better Rural Places

Forest Products Conservation and Recycling

(FPC&R)

Technology Transfer and Technical and Marketing Assistance to Improve Processing of

Forest Products and Utilization of Wood Wastes and Residues

The Forest Service’s Forest Products Conservation and Recycling (FPC&R) program supports technical

specialists in the Forest Service Regional Offices and the FPC&R Technology Marketing Unit at the Forest

Products Laboratory in Madison, WI. These specialists assist State Foresters, communities, and businesses in

activities that encourage and facilitate the wise, efficient use of forest resources to enhance economic

development and stimulate better stewardship of the forest resource. Technology transfer plus technical and

marketing assistance are provided to increase economic opportunities through market and community

development; reduced environmental impact of harvesting and processing forest products; improved

utilization of wood wastes and residues; extended useful life of forest products; and improved understanding

of forest resource values. Financial assistance is not provided by FPC&R; however, FPC&R activities are often

associated with state- or community-based projects funded by the Forest Service’s Economic Recovery or Rural

Development programs. These activities generally fall into three categories:

•Conservation activities encourage stewardship through conservation--the wise care for and use of forest

products to protect a sustainable, diverse forest resource. Wise use strengthens markets, which increases

values and creates incentives for proper forest management to improve the quality of the resource. Technical

assistance and technology transfer efforts are targeted toward increasing the understanding of forest

resource values; implementing technologies which improve environmental sensitivity of harvesting and

processing forest products; and increasing the useful life of forest products.

•Value-Added and Alternative Products activities encourage and facilitate increased economic returns from

forest assets by providing technical and marketing assistance to communities and businesses. The principal

aim is to increase value-added forest product processing which create long-term, sustainable jobs. Activities

include: drying or finishing wood products; adding new product lines; improving product quality or

productivity; and creating new business ventures to expand and serve markets for the many hundreds of

nontraditional (special) forest products ranging from pine straw, pine boughs, bear grass, honey, and

mushrooms.

•Recycling activities target wood and wood fiber wastes and residues currently being land-filled or

underutilized. They support efforts to find ways to use this material for value-added products, bio-energy,

or chemicals and market new or adapt existing products. Mill residue reduction through increased

efficiency and opportunities for reuse of wood fiber based products are also key focus areas.

The FPC&R Technology Marketing Unit (TMU) focuses on disseminating and marketing the forest products

technology and research capabilities of the Forest Service. The TMU uses an interactive technology transfer

approach for working in collaboration with researchers and local governments, private landowners, and forest

industries to uncover problems and needs facing these user groups and provide a technological solution. It

supports the unique national and international research mission of the Forest Service in forest products

utilization and structural and chemical engineering research by ensuring ready adoption of wood-based

material technologies developed at the Forest Products Laboratory and other Forest Service research

installations. TMU’s mission includes manufacturing, marketing, conserving, and recycling of forest-based

products. Its objectives and activities include:

• Extending the wood resource through implementation of new technologies for efficient use of wood and

fiber-based materials.

• Forming partnerships and coordinate technology transfer programs to pilot forest products technology

adoption.

• Providing consultative support for licensing and commercialization of Forest Service inventions with

significant resource implications.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 19

• Communicating needs for new technology by private industry, landowners, and other governmental units

to research units for their use in establishing research directions.

• Maintaining a network of private and governmental forest products technology utilization specialists as a

vehicle for disseminating research information, to obtain input on resource utilization needs, and to promote

dialogue between user and researcher.

• Developing and applying new systems to increase productivity and efficiency in dissemination of

technical information to industry, environmental, governmental, and consumer groups, educators, and

individuals.

Project Examples

In addition to assisting individual projects, FPC&R

has conducted a number of workshops on the

financing, marketing and feasibility of engineered

wood products and special forest products;

improved solid wood utilization; waste wood and

paper recycling; and lumber manufacturing quality

improvement, among others.

Information Available

The FPC&R Review is a distillation of new forest

products technology, upcoming meetings and

workshops, and emerging issues. This is distributed

electronically and mailed (hard copy) through the

FPC&R network to Forest Service personnel, USDA

Extension System, State Utilization and Marketing

specialists, RC&D Councils, and other affiliated

programs interested in developing markets for forest

products.

Legislative Authority

Section 3 of the Cooperative Forestry Act of 1978, as

amended.

Application and Financial

In fo rm atio n

No direct financial assistance is provided under this

program; see entries for the Forest Service’s Rural

Development and Economic Recovery programs.

Eligibility

Any individual, business or public entity is eligible

to receive technical assistance within the scope of the

program.

Uses and Restrictions

This program provides technical information, advice,

and related assistance to private forest landowners

and managers, vendors, forest resource operators,

forest resource professionals, public agencies and

individuals to enable such persons to carry out the

management of resources of forest lands, including

harvesting, processing and marketing of timber and

other forest resources and the marketing and

utilization of wood and wood products; and the

conversion of wood to energy for domestic,

industrial, municipal, and other uses.

Contact

For more information, contact the regional office of

the Forest Service near you (see the contact list in the

entry for Wood in Transportation) or contact the

Forest Products Laboratory:

FPC&R Technology Marketing Unit

Forest Products Laboratory

Madison, Wisconsin

(608) 231-9200

(608) 231-9592 (fax)

Email: tmu/fpl@fs.fed.us

National Program Office

Cooperative Forestry

USDA Forest Service

P.O. Box 96090

Washington, DC 20090-6090

(202) 205-1383

(202) 205-0975 - fax

Internet

www.fpl.fs.fed.us/rwus/fpcr.htm
20 • Building Better Rural Places

Forest Products Laboratory (FPL)

Information on Commercial Technological Opportunities, Research and Development

Partnerships, and Wood Products

The Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), established in 1910 in Madison, Wis., serves as a

centralized wood research laboratory. Its role is to improve the use of wood through science and technology,

thereby contributing to the conservation, management, conversion and use of the forest resource. FPL's

research programs are accomplished through coordinated partnerships involving industry, university, and

government. When beneficial to public interests, innovations developed at the Forest Products Laboratory are

patented and licensed for use in private companies for commercial application. The Forest Service Patent

Program coordinates its services with the USDA Office of Technology Transfer.

The Forest Products Conservation & Recycling Technology Marketing Unit helps bring FPL’s research to

potential users by matching customer needs with existing research or guiding new research. Development of

cooperative projects provides enhanced benefits to private sector participants through leveraging of R&D

funds and bring greater efficiency to public dollars expended for new research.

Current research and technology transfer are conducted in the following areas:

•Biodiversity and Biosystematics of Fungi

•Decay Processes and Bioprocessing

•Durability

•General

•Papermaking and Paper Recycling

•Recycling of Wood Products

• Properties and Use of Wood, Composites, and

Fiber Products

• Surface Chemistry

• Timber and Fiber Demand and Technology

Assessment

• Wood Chemistry

• Special Items

Project Examples

Project examples that relate to value-added wood

products and commercial applications of FPL

technologies include:

• FPL is investigating the potential of

economically utilizing low-grade hardwood

lumber and processing residuals for structural

components, such as trusses and I-joists. This

research opens a new source of raw material for

structural products and reduces pressure on the

softwood forest resource. Producers of hardwood

lumber could increase profitability if a high

percentage of the hardwood resource was

converted to high-value products and if they had

more lucrative markets for residual materials. This

technology holds promise for both increasing

utilization efficiency and providing jobs and

stabilizing rural economies.

• Most paper production involves the use of

environmentally-damaging chemicals for both

pulping and bleaching. FPL researchers are

developing alternative processing technologies

that will reduce the environmental impact of

papermaking. Research is underway to develop

the most effective technologies for utilizing

microbial enzymes to bleach pulp. Another

promising technology involves the use of

polyoxometalates, a class of nontoxic chemical

compounds, for both bleaching and pulping. This

technology has recently been found to be a

promising basis for effluent-free bleaching as well

as an effective, environmentally-friendly

replacement for conventional pulping chemicals.

• The FPL is working with the U.S. Postal Service

to ensure that the extremely popular pressuresensitive adhesive stamps pose no problems to

recycling of postal materials. Currently, most

pressure-sensitive adhesives in general use create

major removal problems to mills recycling

recovered papers. FPL researchers are working
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 21

with the U.S. Postal Service, companies using

recycled fiber for papermaking, pressure-sensitive

adhesive suppliers, and recycling equipment

suppliers to evaluate the recycling performance of

current and new pressure-sensitive adhesive

formulations that will be compatible with

recovered papermaking mill processing

operations.

• To maintain forest health and productivity,

small-diameter and underutilized material needs

to be removed. However, there is little market

demand for this material, as evidenced by the lack

of bids on timber sales containing this material.

The FPL is gearing research toward developing

marketable uses for this material. As a result,

projects are underway in communities throughout

the United States to increase the demand for

small-diameter wood. Many communities will

benefit by having sustainable new industries

based on a resource that is inexpensive and

available, and forest managers will benefit

because small-diameter material will become more

valuable, which in turn will help them recover the

costs of removing this material from the forest.

• Recycling waste preservative-treated wood into

high-value composite products has traditionally

been limited by technical barriers. Much

preservative-treated wood contains chromiumbased preservatives, such as chromated copper

arsenate (CCA) that interfere with the adhesives

used in composite manufacturing. FPL

researchers created a patented coupling agent that

overcomes this interference and can be used to

manufacture flakeboards from CCA-treated wood.

CCA-treated flakeboards would be well suited for

use in high-decay risk applications, and represent

a more efficient and environmentally sensitive use

of wood resources than landfilling.

Information Available

FPL publishes research findings useful to the

general public, industry, regulatory agencies, state

and private foresters, educators, and other

government agencies and organizations. It has

published thousands of technical reports and

several major USDA handbooks. More than 100

scholarly journals publish its research results.

Publications are available on the FPL website (http:/

/www.fpl.fs.fed.us/).

Legislative Authority

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources

Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. S 1641-1647), as

amended. Agreements are authorized by many

different statutes.

Application and Financial

Information

Potential users should call, write, fax, or e-mail for

assistance in locating technical resources. FPL staff

will provide information upon request, help develop

the information required, or help identify alternative

sources of information or expertise.

Eligibility

Information on commercial opportunities and

technology transfer programs can be provided upon

request.

Uses and Restrictions

FPL does not provide financial assistance to the

private sector in the development of cooperative

agreements. FPL can assist private sector partners in

locating appropriate sources of capital either

through other USDA agencies or participating state

government incentive programs.

Contact

For more information about resources and

opportunities, contact:

National Program Office

USDA, Forest Service FPL

One Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison, WI 53705-2398

(608) 231-9200

(608) 231-9592 - fax

Internet

www.fpl.fs.fed.us/
22 • Building Better Rural Places

Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food

Systems (IFAFS)

Grants for Research, Extension and Education to Address Emerging Agricultural Issues

Related to Future Food Production, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources Management and Farm Income

Grants awarded must address priority mission areas related to: (a) Agricultural genome, (b) Food safety, food

technology and human nutrition, (c) New and alternative uses and production of agricultural commodities and

products, (d) Agricultural biotechnology, (e) Natural resource management, including precision agriculture, and

(f) Farm efficiency and profitability, including the viability and competitiveness of small- and medium-sized

dairy, livestock, crop, and other commodity operations.

Priority is given to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary and projects that integrate

agricultural research, extension and education. IFAFS is distinct from other CSREES programs because of its

priority on integrating research, extension, and education; its consideration of the concerns of small and midsized operations; its emphasis on agricultural production issues; and its goal to support relatively large projects

that provide more intensive support to the research, extension, and education system.

Project Examples

In IFAFS’ first year, five projects addressing whole-farm

approaches to improve profitability included organic

farming efforts in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, and Iowa and targeted small

farm initiatives in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and

Mississippi.

Two projects spanning Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee aim to improve beef

cattle production, marketing systems and value-added

products. A New England consortium of service providers assisting beginning farmers explores issues of

farm scale. A Southwestern U.S. project aims to reduce

labor requirements and increase profitability of domestic chili pepper production. Research and extension

on raising hybrid catfish in hillside ponds of the Southeast aims to develop a new source of farm income.

A Florida research and education project seeks to better manage phosphorus in the Suwannee River watershed.

Projects to develop new uses for agricultural crops include improving production systems for biobased fuels; increasing efficiencies of converting biomass into

a feasible substitute for petroleum feedstock for a variety of products; and further developing biobased solvents for de-inking recyclable paper, environmentally

friendly paint-strippers, non-allergenic latex products,

and crop-based grease and lubricant products.

Legislative Authority

Section 401 of the Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA)

Application and Financial

Information

Typically the program’s request for proposals (RFP) is

published in the Federal Register in January, proposals are due in March, and awards are made in August.

To receive e-mail notification of RFP publication and

other IFAFS announcements, send an e-mail message

to <majordomo@reeusda.gov>. Leave the subject blank.

In the message space write: “subscribe ifafs-pubs”.

Grants may be funded at between $1 and 5 million

over 4 years. If a grant provides for applied research

that is commodity-specific and not of national scope,

the grantee must provide funds or in-kind support to

match the amount of federal grant funds provided.

The IFAFS program disbursed about $113 million in

grants in Fiscal Year 2000; the same is expected in FY

2001. First year funds were distributed in the following priority areas: Agriculture Genome and Agricultural Biotechnology ($31.8 million); Food Safety, Food

Technology, and Human Nutrition ($21.9 million);

New and Alternative Uses and Production of Agricultural Commodities and Products ($9 million); Natural

Resource Management, including Precision Agriculture ($30.9 million); and Farm Efficiency and Profitability, Including the Viability and Competitiveness of

Small- and Medium-sized Dairy, Livestock, Crop, and

Other Commodity Operations ($18.8 million).
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 23

Eligibility

In the project’s first year, eligible grantees included

Federal research agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities or research foundations maintained by a college or university, or a private research

organization with an established and demonstrated

capacity to perform research or technology transfer.

Grants could also be awarded to ensure that faculty of

small and mid-sized institutions that had not previously been successful in obtaining competitive grants

under subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and

Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C 450i(b)) (i.e. the

CSREES National Research Initiative Competitive

Grants Program) received a portion of the IFAFS grants.

As of this writing, eligible institutions will change beginning in IFAFS’s second year. Unless altered, language in the Fiscal Year 2001 appropriations bill directs that only Land-Grant and Hispanic Serving Institutions will be eligible to receive grants directly from

this program. As before, farmers, nonprofit organizations and other collaborators may be sub-grantees to

these eligible grantees.

Uses and Restrictions

Funds may not be used to renovate or refurbish research

spaces; purchase or install fixed equipment in such

spaces; or plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct buildings or facilities.

Contact

Dr. Rodney Foil, Director

IFAFS Program

1400 Independence Avenue., SW.

4309 Waterfront Center

Washington, D.C. 20250

(202) 720-4423

E-mail: rfoil@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/ifafs/
24 • Building Better Rural Places

Integrated Research, Education and

Extension Competitive Grants Program

(also known as the “Section 406” program)

A mechanism within USDA for funding activities on a wide variety of potential topics that

integrate research and extension with education.

In 1998, Congress authorized the establishment of a competitive grant program to fund integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The Secretary may award grants to colleges and

universities (as defined by section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy

Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) for projects that address priorities in U.S. agriculture involving integrated research,

education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural

Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The program is administered through the

Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES).

Individual programs funded and amounts of funding under the Section 406 funding mechanism may vary from

fiscal year to fiscal year, depending on topics of highest priority to congressional appropriators.

Project Examples

Congress appropriated Fiscal Year 2001 (FY01) funding for Section 406 “Integrated Programs” for activities at the following levels: $13 million for Water Quality; $15 million for Food Safety; $4.5 million for Pesticide Impact Assessment; $1.5 million for Crops at Risk

from FQPA Implementation; $4.9 million for FQPA Risk

Mitigation Program for Major Crop Systems; $2.5 for

Methyl Bromide Transition Program; and $500,000 for

Organic Transitions. These were similar to programs

funded and the levels at which they were funded in

FY2000. However, in future fiscal years, new programs

might be added, others de-funded, or funding levels

changed.

Legislative Authority

Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension,

and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C.

7626)

Eligibility, Application and Financial

Information

Eligible institutions include colleges and universities

(as defined by section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of

1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)). Beyond this, each activity or

program noted below – or any likely to be funded in

the future through Section 406 funding - has its own

call for proposals, application process, and any more

specific eligibility requirements. For more information,

contact program coordinators as noted below.

Contact

Call or e-mail the coordinator for each program as

noted below. During 2001 or 2002 an overall coordinator for Section 406 or “Integrated Programs” may

be assigned.

Water Quality Contact

 Mike O’Neill

 (202) 205-5952, moneill@reeusda.gov

National Food Safety Initiative Contact:

 Jan Singleton

 (202) 401-1954, jsingleton@reeusda.gov

Pesticide Impact Assessment – Pest Management

Centers Contact:

Dr. Dennis Kopp

 (202) 401-5437, dkopp@reeusda.gov

Crops at Risk from FQPA Implementation (CAR)

Contact:

 Dr. H. J. “Rick” Meyer

(202) 401-4891, hmeyer@reeusda.gov

FQPA Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program for

Major Food Crop Systems (RAMP) Contact

 Mike Fitzner

 (202) 401-4939, mfitzner@reeusda.gov
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 25

Methyl Bromide Transition Contact

Tom Bewick

(202) 401-3356, tbewick@reeusda.gov

Organic Transitions Contact

Anne Bertinuson

 (202) 401-6825, abertinuson@reeusda.gov

Internet

As of late 2000, CSREES was revamping its web site, so

we can’t provide a website for the Integrated Activities

Program at this time. Go to the CSREES home page at

www.reeusda.gov for updates on this program.
26 • Building Better Rural Places

National Agroforestry Center (NAC)

Develops and Disseminates Agroforestry Technologies and Information

The USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC), representing a partnership of the USDA Forest Service and

Natural Resources Conservation Service, was authorized by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill to accelerate the

development and application of agroforestry technologies to attain more economically, environmentally, and

socially sustainable land-use systems. The Center acts as a catalyst organization to involve cooperators and

stakeholders in all aspects of agroforestry technology development through cooperative research and

development, technology transfer and applications, and international exchange.

Agroforestry is defined as the intentional growing of trees and shrubs in combination with crops or forage. It

also includes tree and shrub plantings on farms and ranches that improve habitat value for humans and

wildlife, or that provide woody plant products in addition to agricultural crops or forage. Agroforestry is

distinguished from traditional forestry by having the additional aspect of a closely associated agricultural or

forage crop. Agroforestry provides both income for the landowner and conservation/environmental

enhancement benefits for the land. A key concept in agroforestry is “Working Trees”—trees planted in a

specific place for a specific purpose. Agroforestry practices include riparian buffer strips, streambank

bioengineering, alley cropping, windbreaks, grazing/timber systems, tree/specialty crop systems, living

snowfences, forest farming, waste disposal systems and wildlife habitat plantings.

Information Available

Publications include:

• Inside Agroforestry, a quarterly newsletter mailed

to over 8,000 natural resource professionals.

• Agroforestry Working Trees Series. Trees can

perform many jobs for communities, farms, and

ranches. They can increase farm or ranch income

as well as promote conservation of land, water,

and wildlife. Brochures illustrating a variety of

uses for trees in those settings include: Working

Trees for Agriculture, Working Trees for

Communites, Working Trees for Wildlife, Working

Trees for Livestock, and Working Trees for Waste.

• Agroforestry Technical Note Series. Five main

practices make up agroforestry. Several technical

notes describing their application are available

from the National Agroforestry Center, including:

«Alley Cropping: Growing annual crops

between rows of trees;

«Riparian Forest Buffers: Protecting waters for

nutrients, pesticides and sediments;

«Forest Farming: Producing specialty products

like ginseng or shiitake mushrooms;

«Windbreaks: Providing conservation plus

protecting crops, livestock and communities;

«Silvopasture Systems: Integrating timber

production with livestock grazing; and

«Special Applications: Growing hybrid

poplars; better managing wastewater and

wildlife.

• Working tree displays.

• Videos such as Green Side Up, a three-module tree

planting training video, and Agroforestry:

Agriculture & Forestry Working Together

Legislative Authority

Section 1243 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,

and Trade Act of 1990 (1990 Farm Bill).

Application and Financial

Information

The NAC co-funds small producer grants on

agroforestry with the USDA Sustainable Agriculture

Research and Education program. Limited funding is

also available for demonstrations and workshops.

Eligibility

NAC’s target audience is technical assistance

providers. Any practitioner may seek technical

information, educational materials, and training in

agroforestry opportunities though NAC. These
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 27

services are provided free of charge.

Contact

For more information and assistance, you may

contact the national program manager in Lincoln,

Nebraska, or any of the following agroforesters:

Central and Northern Great Plains

Rich Straight, (402) 437-5178 ext. 24

Northeast and Midwest

Bruce Wight, (402) 437-5178 ext. 36

Mike Majeski, (651) 649-5240

South

Jim Robinson, (817) 334-5232 ext. 3624

West

Gary Kuhn, (509) 358-7946

National Program Office

Greg Ruark

Director

National Agroforestry Center

East Campus--UNL

Lincoln, NE 68583-0822

(402) 437-5178

(402) 437-5712 - fax

Internet

www.unl.edu/nac
28 • Building Better Rural Places

National Research Initiative Competitive

Grants Program (NRICGP)

Grants for Research and Development for Sustainable Production Systems, New Uses and

Added Value for Agricultural Products, and Revitalized Rural Economies

The National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP) provides grants for research that will

provide new knowledge for improved national agricultural competitiveness, sustainability, and economic

performance; for credible environmental stewardship; for improved human health; and for the revitalization of

rural communities. More specifically, research funded by proposals will form a broad base of knowledge for

acceptable cost-effective improvements in agricultural products, processes, and practices, particularly for

developing production systems that are sustainable both environmentally and economically; for finding new

uses of agricultural products; for adding value to all stages of agricultural products; for enhancing

competitiveness of agricultural products; for developing means to protect natural resources and wildlife; for

optimizing livestock and crop health, quality, and productivity; for protecting human health and improving

food safety.

There are nine program research division areas under the NRICGP. The research division areas that relate

directly to sustainable value-added systems and diversification in agriculture and forest products are:

• Markets, Trade and Rural Development

• Enhancing Value and Use of Agricultural and Forest Products

• Agricultural Systems Research

Markets, Trade and Rural Development

The purpose of this Division is twofold. One is to support research to enhance the global marketability and

competitiveness of U.S. agricultural, forest, and fish products. The second purpose of the Division is to develop

and/or apply research methodologies to problems affecting economic welfare and quality of living of rural

communities and people by examining the effects of international, national, and local policies. Research

involves comparative analysis of the impacts of policy options and alternatives on natural resource use,

population distribution, and the structure of rural society. The goal is to develop new economic development

opportunities to sustain rural communities and people in the United States.

Rural areas dependent on agriculture, forestry, and other natural resource based industries have been

subjected to various forces that reduce their economic vitality. This program calls for theoretical and empirical

research to help understand the ways these forces affect economic vitality and evaluate how well public

policies might restore the vitality. Research is supported in three general areas: (1) New theoretical and

methodological studies to focus on improving the social and economic well-being of rural families and

communities at the national, regional and local levels; (2) Empirical studies to identify the forces that influence

population changes, employment, wage levels and other indicators of social an economic viability; and (3)

Empirical evaluations of methods and policies to diversify the economics of rural areas, particularly those

highly dependent on agriculture, forestry, and other natural resource extractive industries.

Enhancing Value and Use of Agricultural and Forest Products

This division responds to the growing need to enhance the competitive value and quality of U.S. Agricultural

and forest products. Research in this area builds the scientific base of knowledge to use agricultural and forest

materials more fully and effectively. The Division supports both fundamental and applied research on new

and improved processes and on development of new uses for agricultural and forest materials. Program Areas

in this Division include: Value-Added Products Research encompassing Food and Non-Food

Characterization/Process/Product Research, Biofuels Research, and Improved Utilization of Wood and Wood
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 29

Fiber.

Agricultural Systems

Although agricultural research has most often focused on individual system elements, the Agricultural

Systems program provides opportunities for integration of these elements through a systems research program.

The objective is to obtain knowledge that is essential to sustain the viability of agriculture. Such research is

needed to address directly interaction among the elements that comprise agricultural systems.

The program supports systems research that has the potential to aid in the development and/or evaluation of

national, regional, community, and/or farm level practices and policies that will sustain: a safe and adequate

supply of agricultural products and services; environmental quality and the natural resource base, human

health, and the economic viability and quality of life of rural communities; and address linkages between

urban and rural areas.

Project Examples

Markets, Trade and Rural Development. Situational

Segmentation Opportunities for U.S. Fruit Exports to

Japan, University of Arizona. This $103,122 grant

was for studying U.S. fruit exports to Japan. Japanese

fruit consumption often takes place in the context of

snacking and gift giving. This project will assess

situational factors that influence the snacking and

gift giving distribution systems.

Non-Food Characterization/Process/Product Research.

Production of High Value Biodegradable Polymers in

Tobacco, Auburn University. Grant of $120,000.

Environmental problems require the development of

biodegradable plastics which can be produced from

renewable resource without the use of toxic and

hazardous chemicals and which will help to solve

the increasing global disposal problem. Every year a

large surplus of agricultural raw materials are

produced in the United States. High value products

may be produced and harvested from the leafy

biomass without any additional investment.

Therefore, this project is designed to reduce reliance

on petrochemicals while promoting the use of

surplus agro-based raw materials to make

environmentally friendly biodegradable plastics in

plants. The primary goal of this project is to achieve

low-cost production of protein-based polymers in

plants.

Agricultural Systems. Farmer Goals and Management

Strategies: Implication for Adoption of Sustainable

Practices. A three-year grant of $185,911 to the

University of California, Davis; Department of

Agricultural and Resource Economics. The overall

goal of this three-year project is to identify the

barriers and opportunities for the adoption of

sustainable farming techniques using farmer goals,

management styles and information inputs as the

primary determinants. First, farmer goals and

management styles will be identified using Q

methodology. Management goals and styles will be

related to the different production decisions that

impact the sustainability of perennial crop

production. Second, field and farm level economic

and crop performance data will be compared using a

variety of sources. Finally, the project will identify

the information needs of conventional and biological

farmers with respect to goals and management

styles, and assess how well existing information

delivery and education programs meet those needs.

In total, this project will provide a better

understanding of the management and information

requirements of farmers, explain decision-making

processes, compare performance across systems and

aid in meeting growers’ long-term information

needs.

Application and Financial

Information

The NRICGP solicits proposals that are single or

multi-disciplinary; fundamental or mission-linked.

The following definitions apply:

Fundamental Research: Research that tests scientific

hypothesis and provides basic knowledge which

allows advances in applied research and from

which major conceptual breakthroughs are expected

to occur.

Mission-Linked Research: Research on specifically

identified agricultural problems which, although a

continuum of efforts provides information and

technology that may be transferred to users and may

relate to a product, practice, or process.

Multidisciplinary Research: Research in which

investigators from two or more disciplines are

collaborating closely. These collaborations, where

appropriate, may integrate the biological, physical,

chemical, or social sciences.
30 • Building Better Rural Places

The purpose of a grant application is to persuade the

NRICGP and members of the scientific community

who provide advice to the NRICGP that the proposed

project is important, methodologically sound, and

worthy of support. Therefore, the proposal must be

submitted in response to one of the announced highpriority program areas. The application should be

self-contained, should clearly present the merits of

the proposed project, and should be written with care

and thoroughness. It is important that all essential

information for comprehensive evaluation be

included. Omissions often result in processing

delays and can jeopardize funding opportunities.

Note that the deadline for FY 2000 submissions

ended in November 1999. The submission deadline

for FY 2001, will be November 15, 2000.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the NRICGP are as

follows: Except where otherwise prohibited by law,

State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges

and universities, other research institutions and

organizations, Federal agencies, private

organizations or corporations, and individuals are

eligible to apply for and to receive a competitive

grant. Unsolicited proposals will not be considered

and proposals from scientists at non-United States

organizations will not be accepted.

In addition to the above, eligibility to receive a

research grant award will be determined by the

results of competitive peer evaluation. Only those

proposals that are judged to be the most meritorious

(within the limit of available funding) can be funded.

Further, it must be determined that the applicant is a

potentially responsible grantee. To qualify as

responsible, an applicant must meet the following

standards as they relate to a particular project:

•Adequate financial resources for performance, the

necessary experience, organizational and technical

qualifications, and facilities, or a firm commitment,

arrangement, or ability to obtain such (including any

to be obtained through subagreement(s));

•Ability to comply with the proposed or required

completion schedule for the project;

•Satisfactory record of integrity, judgment, and

performance, in particular, any prior performance

under grants and contracts from the Federal

government, including filing Current Research

Information System (CRIS) reports and other

documents related to the progress of grants;

•Adequate financial management system and audit

procedures that provide efficient and effective

accountability and control of all property, funds, and

other assets; and

•Otherwise qualified and eligible to receive a grant

under the applicable laws and regulations.

Contact

For more applications and proposal submissions,

contact the Proposal Services Unit. The following

materials are available via Internet by sending a

message with your name, mailing address (not email

address), phone number, and a list of materials that

you are requesting to psb@reeusda.gov. These

materials will then be mailed to you:

• NRI Program Description, which describes all of

the funding programs available through NRICGP.

• NRI Application Kit, which is a document that

contains guidelines for proposal preparation and

the requisite forms.

• NRI Abstracts of Funded Research, which is a

searchable database of nontechnical abstracts

written by the principal investigator or recent

research projects.

• NRI Annual Report, starting with Fiscal Year

1995, describes the program concept,

authorization, policy, inputs to establish research

needs, program execution, and outcomes,

including relevant statistics.

Proposal Services Unit/OEP/CSREES/USDA

Janice Donatone

NRICGP/USDA

Stop 2245

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-2245

(202) 401-5048

(202) 410-1901 - fax

jdonatone@reeusda.gov or psb@reeusda.gov

For general information, details regarding

programmatic issues, and research ideas, contact the

National Program Office.

National Program Office

Mark Bailey

NRICGP/USDA

Stop 2241

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20250-2241

(202) 401-1898/(202) 401-4327 - fax

mbailey@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/nri/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 31

Pest Management Alternatives Program

Competitive Grants Supporting the Development and Implementation of Pest Management Alternatives When Regulatory Action by EPA or Voluntary Cancellation by the

Registrant Results in the Unavailability of Certain Agricultural Pesticides or Pesticide Uses

The Pest Management Alternatives special research grant supports projects that help farmers respond to the

environmental and regulatory issues confronting agriculture. These special grant funds support research that

provides farmers with replacement technologies for pesticides that are under consideration for regulatory action

by EPA and for which producers do not have effective alternatives. The passage of the Food Quality Protection Act

of 1996 (FQPA) makes this special research grant of critical importance to the nation’s farmers. New pest management tools are being developed to address critical pest problems identified by farmers and others in a crop

production region and to identify new approaches to managing pests without some of the most widely used

pesticides. Farmers have identified the lack of effective alternative pest management tactics as a primary reason

for not implementing IPM on their farms. Where effective alternative tactics have been developed, they are widely

and rapidly implemented by farmers. These special research grant funds are distributed on a competitive basis to

all eligible research institutions through the Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP). Research priorities

for PMAP are established with a database analysis system, which draws upon the expertise of the land-grant

university system, commodity groups, and others.

Project Examples

A full listing of projects funded by this program from

1996 through 2000 can be found at

www.reeusda.gov/ipm/pmap.htm

• Pest Management Solutions to Sustain High-Value

Florida Vegetable Production . The purpose of this

project work is to monitor, evaluate, and project the

impact of the Food Quality Protection Act on Florida

vegetable IPM systems to assure that reliable and

affordable IPM systems and services can continue.

Funded at $152,907 for 2 years.

• Development of a Blueberry IPM Program Utilizing

Behavioral & Chemical Approaches. This project in New

Jersey involves developing a new suite of IPM tactics

for blueberries based on behavioral, reduced-risk and

novel chemical approaches that are not being

reassessed under the Food Quality Protection Act.

Funded at $98,093 for 3 years.

• Biological Control of European Corn Borer with

Inoculative Releases of Trichogramma ostriniae. This

project, in New York State, will evaluate early season

inoculative releasees of parasitic wasps for the

suppression of corn borer in fresh market sweet corn.

It will also determine dispersal rates, evaluate the

influence of nectar sources on the effectiveness of this

parasite, and test compatibility with commonly used

insecticides. Funded at $155,642 for 2 years.

Application and Financial

Information

To obtain copies of the full solicitation of proposals,

the administrative provisions for the program, and

the Application Kit (containing required forms,

certifications, and instructions for preparing and

submitting applications for funding) contact:

Proposal Services Unit; Office of Extramural

Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education,

and Extension Service; U.S. Department of

Agriculture; Stop 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue,

SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245; (202) 401-5048.

When contacting the Proposal Services Unit, please

indicate that you are requesting forms for the Pest

Management Alternatives Program.

You may also request application materials via

Internet by sending a message with your name,

mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone number

to psb@reeusda.gov that states you wish to receive a

copy of the application materials for the FY 2000 Pest

Management Alternatives Program. The materials

will then be mailed to you as quickly as possible.

Grant amounts averaged $85,000 since 1996. About

13-25 grants are awarded annually.
32 • Building Better Rural Places

Eligibility

Under this authority, subject to the availability of

funds, the Secretary may make grants, for periods not

to exceed five years, to state agricultural experiment

stations, all colleges and universities, other research

institutions and organizations, federal agencies,

private organizations or corporations and

individuals.

Proposals from scientists affiliated with foreign

organizations are not eligible for funding nor are

scientists who are directly or indirectly engaged in

the registration of pesticides for profit; however, their

collaboration with funded projects is encouraged.

Uses and Restrictions

CSREES seeks proposals that identify or develop

replacement or mitigation technologies. The program

funds the identification and demonstration of pest

management alternatives or mitigation procedures

for one or more pesticides (from a list identified by

CSREES). The focus should be on modifying existing

approaches or introducing new methods, especially

ecologically based methods, that can be rapidly

brought to bear on pest management challenges

resulting from implementation of FQPA. Durability

and practicality of the proposed pest management

option(s) or mitigation procedure(s), and

compatibility with integrated pest management

systems is critical. Both technological and economic

feasibility should be considered. Pest management

alternatives or risk mitigation options identified

should address various EPA risk concerns for

pesticides being reviewed under FQPA (e.g., dietary

or worker exposure, groundwater or ecological risk).

Replacements for methyl bromide are not addressed

by this request for proposals.

Proposals must show evidence of significant

involvement of producers or other pesticide user

groups in project design and implementation,

including data acquisition and analysis, and the

identification of potential solutions. Public-private

partnerships and matching resources from nonfederal sources, including producer or commodity

groups, are encouraged. Proposals should describe

how state and federal registrations of new pest

management options will be obtained when they are

required prior to use of new methods.

Contact

See “Application and Financial Information” to

obtain application materials.

National Program Office

Dennis Kopp

Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2220

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20250-2220

(202) 401-6437

(202) 401-4888 - fax

Email: dkopp@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/ipm/funding.htm
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 33

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship

Program (PESP)

Grants to be Matched by States for Projects Aimed at Reducing the Risks and Uses of

Pesticides in Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Settings

Project grants for PESP are administered by the National Foundation for IPM Education, using funding from

the U.S. EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs. The goal of PESP is to reduce the risks and use of pesticides in

agricultural and non-agricultural settings in the U.S. The program’s two major goals are: 1) to develop specific

use/risk reduction strategies that include reliance on biological pesticides and other approaches to pest

control that are thought to be safer than traditional chemical methods; and 2) by the year 2000, to have 75% of

U.S. agricultural acreage adopt integrated pest management programs.

Organizations can participate in PESP either as partners or supporters. Partners are organizations that use

pesticides or represent pesticide users. Partners agree to develop and implement formal strategies to reduce the

use and risk of pesticides. In particular, they agree pesticide use will be tailored to specific sites, crops, and

regions of the country. Partners commit themselves to define and implement their strategies in a timely fashion

and to report regularly on progress.

Supporters are organizations that do not use pesticides, but do have significant influence over pest

management practices. Food processors, for example, may influence the use of pesticides on produce they buy,

even though they do not apply pesticides to the produce themselves. Supporters may include public interest

groups whose constituencies have a strong interest in pesticide use/risk reduction. Unlike partners,

supporters do not need to develop formal pest management strategies. Instead, they agree to promote programs

that facilitate environmental stewardship. Participation in PESP offers the following benefits:

• It offers the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhance public

perception of the organization, constituent support, and employee morale.

•Upon joining, an organization is assigned a liaison who serves as the official contact with EPA. The liaison

can help obtain information about the partnership and other EPA programs, policies, and procedures, and

represent the organization to the EPA.

•As funds allow, EPA and USDA provide partners with seed money to help support pest management

practices that reduce pesticide use and risk.

Project Examples

Among the grants awarded in fiscal year 1999 were

those to:

Agricultural Conservation Innovation CenterAccelerating IPM adoption through risk management

Almond Board of California-An outreach campaign

to educate California almond growers about dormant

spray impacts from almond orchards

American Peanut Council-Coupling IPM and

precision agriculture technologies for economic and

environmental gains in peanut pest management

City of Davis, CA-Expand the Healthy Gardens

Program to target elementary age children and their

families and develop tools to measure the program’s

effectiveness in changing behavior and improving the

environment

U.S. Hops Industry Plant Protection CommitteePesticide use in hops and the potential for reduced use

Bio-Integral Resource Center-Community outreach to

increase public familiarity with IPM in order to reduce

pesticide use

Cranberry Institute-Implementation of sustainable,

low-risk, alternative pest management strategies for

cranberries under FQPA

• Iowa State University-Standardized Measurement

Tool for Adoption of Integrated Pest Management
34 • Building Better Rural Places

Uses and Restrictions

Projects must address the risk/use reduction goals of

the PESP, pesticide pollution prevention or

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Other projects

may be considered if they complement these goals

such as work with nutrient management. The type of

projects that will be considered include education,

demonstration, outreach and technology transfer.

Projects may carry out education, demonstration,

outreach, and technology transfer. Construction

projects are not permitted under this award.

Application and Financial

Information

The federal share of project grants is limited to a

range of $30,000-$40,000 of allowable project costs.

Organizations receiving funds are required to match

federal funds by at least 50 percent. For example, a

grant request for $30,000 would support a project of

no less than $60,000, with the state providing the

balance. State contributions may come in the form of

dollars, in-kind good and services, and/or third

party contributions. Project duration should be 18 to

24 months.

The EPA Regional Offices are responsible for all

mailings of the Request for Proposals within each

region. Proposals should be submitted to regional

offices for review and ranking. Proposals that the

regions rank highest are evaluated by a panel

composed of headquarters and regional

representatives. Funding decisions will be made

based on the ranking panel’s recommendations.

Criteria for evaluation of applications include, but

are not limited to: the partner’s progress toward

developing a stewardship strategy, the technical

merits of the project, the need for the project and the

potential of the project to contribute to meaningful

and measurable pesticide risk and use reduction.

Proposals must be submitted on the format provided

by the PESP. The deadline is generally in June.

Notification is usually given in less than 30 days.

Application forms and instructions are available

from the PESP web site.

Eligibility

All organizations with a commitment to pesticide

use/risk reduction are eligible to join the PESP, either

as partners or as supporters. Eligible applicants

include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the

U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto

Rico, any U.S. territory or possession, any agency or

instrumentality of a state, including state

universities, and all federally recognized Native

American tribes. For convenience, the term “state” in

this notice refers to all eligible applicants. Local

governments, private universities, private nonprofit

entities, private businesses and individuals are not

eligible. The organizations excluded from applying

directly are encouraged to work with eligible

applicants in developing proposals that include

them as participants in the projects. Contact your

EPA Regional Environmental Stewardship Program

coordinator for assistance in identifying potential

project partners. EPA strongly encourages this type

of cooperative arrangement.

Contact

PESP

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

401 M St. SW (7511C)

Washington, DC 20460

(703) 308-8712 or (800) 972-7717

(703) 308-7026 - fax

Internet

www.pesp.org/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 35

The following projects were funded by regional

programs:

•Process to Identify Barriers and Opportunities to

Biologically-Based IPM: A large-scale mailed

survey of growers was conducted to establish the

extent of adoption of various IPM systems, to

identify factors which hinder adoption of

biologically-based IPM systems, and to prioritize

future research, extension and training needs.

• Ecological Pest and Soil Management Systems

for Potatoes in Maine: Conventional, reduced

chemical, and biological pest management systems

for potato cultivation were compared within a 15-

acre cropping system study to analyze the

management, ecological, and economic

implications of these alternative cropping systems.

• Development of Sustainable Urban AgroEcosystems and Biocontrol Strategies for Gypsy

Moth and Turf Pests: This research, carried out at

the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in

Maryland, focused on the development of pest

management techniques and programs for the

gypsy moth in non-forest areas such as homesites,

communities, and suburban parks.

• Cover Crops Role in Reduced-Tillage

Sustainable Farming: The Agricultural Research

Service of the Rodale Institute, in Pennsylvania,

received funds to develop, document, and

demonstrate innovative cover crop management

systems for profitable no-till production of cotton,

sorghum and corn in the southern U.S. by

comparing systems which do not increase

herbicide applications with predominant

conventional practices. Field days and other

demonstration activities will convey findings to

farmers.

Eligibility

Staff of land grant universities in the U.S. may apply

for this competition. Other organizations and

individuals may work only as collaborators or as 

sub-contractors. This is highly encouraged by

CREES.

Uses and Restrictions

In each of the four regions, research and extension

staff appointed by their respective agricultural

experiment station and cooperative extension

directors work together to develop requests for

proposals that ensure that available resources

address priority pest management problems in the

region.

Regional Integrated Pest Management

Program

Competitive Grants for Research and Extension Activities Related to Integrated Pest

Management (IPM) Administered through Regional Networks

A competitive grants program for research and extension activities related to Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) administered through four regional networks, the IPM Special Grants research program has been funded

at around $2.7 million annually. The corresponding extension program has been funded at around $11 million

per year, administered through land grants in each of the four regions.

Projects may span the spectrum from development of new IPM tactics, to combined research-extension

implementation projects, to extension education and training. Because production systems and specific pest

management problems vary significantly across the country, each of the four regions is given maximum

flexibility in setting research and education priorities. Each region runs its own competition, establishing

regional priorities for funding of projects. Some priorities are crop-specific, while others are based on various

approaches to problem-solving through IPM. Collaborators are encouraged in both programs. However,

CSREES can only award funds to land grant universities as per funding legislation.

Project Examples
36 • Building Better Rural Places

Application and Financial

Information

Requests for proposals are available through the

Internet and by more conventional means in each of

the four regions. Your regional contact person (see

“Contact” below) can suggest the best means to

obtain information on: funding opportunities,

priorities for research and extension projects, and

application deadlines.

Proposals are evaluated through a peer review

process and ranked according to the goals and

objectives of the program, scientific merit and

appropriateness of budget. Funding

recommendations are then submitted to CSREES by

each region’s administrate advisers.

Contact

Northeast Region

Dr. John Ayers

Pennsylvania State

Department of Plant Pathology

212 Buckhout Laboratory

University Park, PA 16802

(814) 865-7776; (814) 863-7213 - fax

e-mail: jea@psu.edu

North Central Region

Dr. Eldon E. Ortman

Agricultural Research Programs

Purdue University

1140 AGAD

West Lafayette, IN 47907-1158

(765) 494-8363; (765) 494-0808 - fax

e-mail: eldon_ortman@aes.purdue.edu

Southern Region

Dr. Fred Knapp

Agriculture Experiment Station

University of Kentucky

S107 Agriculture Science Building N.

Lexington, KY 40506-0091

(859) 257-8989; (859) 323-3824 - fax

email: fknapp@ca.uky.edu

Western Region

Dr. Nick Toscano

University of California

Dept. of Entomology

Riverside, CA 92521

(909) 787-5826; (909) 787-3087 - fax

e-mail: ntoscano@uracl.ucr.edu

National Program Office

Dr. Michael Fitzner

Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail Stop 2220

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20250-2220

(202) 401-4939; (202) 401-4888 - fax

e-mail: mfitzner@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/ipm/regrants.htm
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 37

Science To Achieve Results (STAR)

Grant Competitions for Research that can Inform EPA Decision-Making

STAR is a research program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focusing on the reduction of

uncertainty associated with risk assessment and reduction of risks to human health and ecosystems. The

grants are intended to facilitate cooperation between EPA and the scientific community to help forge solutions

to environmental problems.

The STAR Program was intended to improve the quality of science used in EPA’s decision-making process.

STAR is designed to recruit and engage the participation of the nation's best scientists in the implementation of

the Office of Research and Development’s research program. The STAR Program includes the grant

opportunities discussed below and fellowships and research center programs which are not discussed here.

Project Examples

The following are examples of a few of the projects

funded by the STAR program in different project

categories:

• Endocrine Disrupters: The Michigan PBB Cohort

20 Years Later: Endocrine Disruption? This

project examines the cohort of 1900 women and

their offspring who were exposed to

polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) as a contaminant

of cattle feed in l973. The project will ascertain the

cumulative incidence since exposure and will

attempt to determine if there is evidence of

endocrine disruption associated with PBB

exposure. Project Amount: $360,005 over three

years.

• Water and Watersheds: Modeling Effects of

Alternative Landscape Design and Management

on Water Quality and Biodiversity in Midwest

Agricultural Watersheds. The ecological and

socioeconomic impacts of human land use and

management decisions will be analyzed for six

agricultural watersheds in Iowa, comparing the

present landscape and three designed alternative

visions of these same watersheds 25 years in the

future. The project aims to inform land owners and

policy-makers of the effects of land-use and

management choices on water resources,

ecosystem function, and human social systems in

the Western Corn Belt Region. Project Amount:

$1,228,521 over three years.

• Exposure of Children to Pesticides: Exposure of

Children to Pesticides in Yuma County, Arizona.

Yuma County is responsible for growing much of

the nation's fresh fruit and vegetable supply

during the winter months.

Seasonal and migrant laborers and their families

are often exposed to a variety of pesticides. The

project will evaluate 300 children recruited from

the Valley Health Clinic, a primary care provider

that serves primarily low- income Hispanic and

Cocopah residents who are at great risk for routine

exposure to pyrethroids and cholinesterase

inhibitors. Project Amount: $596,039 over three

years.

Application and Financial

Information

Grant applications are initially reviewed by EPA to

determine their legal and administrative

acceptability. Acceptable applications are then

reviewed by a technical peer review group. This

review is designed to evaluate each proposal

according to its scientific merit. Each review group is

composed of non-EPA scientists, engineers, social

scientists, and/or economists who are experts in

their respective disciplines and are proficient in the

technical areas they are reviewing. A summary

statement of the scientific review by the panel will be

provided to each applicant. Funding decisions are

the sole responsibility of EPA. Grants are selected on

the basis of technical merit, relevancy to the research

priorities outlined, program balance, and budget.

Funding levels vary ($75,000 to $500,000 per year),

depending on the solicitation and research area.

Eligibility

These grants are available to principal investigators

in universities and other nonprofit research

institutions. Academic and nonprofit institutions
38 • Building Better Rural Places

located in the U.S., and state or local governments are

eligible under all existing authorizations. Profitmaking firms and other federal agencies are not

eligible to receive assistance from EPA under this

program.

Potential applicants who are uncertain of their

eligibility should contact Dr. Robert E. Menzer (see

“Contact” below).

Uses and Restrictions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

Office of Research and Development (ORD),

entertained proposals for the following areas of

special interest in FY 2000: 1) Drinking Water;

2) Aggregate and Cumulative Exposures to

Pesticides; 3) Statistical Survey Design and Analysis

Programs; 4) Exploratory Research and Futures;

5) Issues in Human Health Risk Assessment; and

6) Risk Assessment for Wildlife.

EPA collaborated with other federal agencies in FY

1999 by soliciting grant applications in the following

research areas: 1) Water and Watersheds (joint with

NSF); 2) Technology for a Sustainable Environment

(joint with NSF); 3) Decision-making and Valuation

for Environmental Policy (joint with NSF); 4)

Environmental Statistics (joint with NSF); 5) Harmful

Algal Blooms (joint with NOAA, NSF, and ONR); 6)

Mechanistic-based Cancer Risk Assessment Methods

(joint with NIOSH and NCI); and 7) Endocrine

Disruptors (joint with NIEHS and DOI).

Contact

Additional general information on the grants

program, forms used for applications, etc., may be

obtained by exploring NCER’s web page (see below).

EPA does not make mass-mailings of Requests for

Applications. Information not available on the

Internet may be obtained by contacting the national

program office.

National Program Office

Elaine Francis

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

National Center for Environmental Research

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington DC 20460

(202) 564-6789

(202) 565-2444 - fax

Information: (800) 490-9194

e-mail: francis.elaine@epa.gov

Internet

www.epa.gov/ncerqa
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 39

Project Examples

SARE has funded some 1,600 projects to explore and

apply economically profitable, environmentally

sound and socially supporting farming systems. The

following examples focus on the development of

diversification and value-added opportunities, in

grants directly to farmers, universities and other

organizations:

Producing and Processing Sweet Sorghum in the Upper

Midwest: A Wisconsin farmer who raised crops

and livestock on 170 acres decided to scale back to

grow high-value crops on fewer acres. As part of

his new approach, this producer grant recipient

learned how to successfully grow sweet sorghum

in Wisconsin's short growing season. The

producer now sells sorghum syrup, as well as

pumpkins, sweet corn, and broom corn for

handmade brooms, at local farmers

markets.Funding: $1,700.

Investigating the Viability of Growing Herbs as

Alternative Crops for Iowa Farmers: This project

examined how herb production practices could fit

into current farm operations, determine which

herb crops had the highest profit potential, and

evaluated various retail and wholesale marketing

alternatives. Funding: $50,260

Sustainable Agriculture Research and

Education (SARE) Program

Grants to Improve the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Farming and

Ranching to Educational Institutions, Nonprofits and Producers

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants to advance farming

systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities. Specifically, the program

awards grants to farms, universities, nonprofit organizations, and research/education institutions or agencies

to improve the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of farming and ranching. SARE also

conducts educational and extension programs in an effort to increase knowledge about—and help farmers and

ranchers adopt—practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible.

SARE’s regional offices administer three grant programs. Two of SARE’s grant programs, Producer Grants

and Research and Education Grants, may be used for on-farm research to explore diversification and

marketing opportunities. SARE Professional Development Grants are used for a variety of professional

development activities, ranging from conducting workshops to creating educational videos to hosting on-farm

training sessions for extension workers and conservation professionals.

Getting research results and helpful information to farmers in a timely, useful fashion is a high priority of the

SARE program. SAN, advised through a cooperative effort between land-grant universities, extension

educators, nonprofit organizations, agribusinesses, farmers and ranchers to promote effective communication

about sustainable agriculture through a variety of printed and electronic information tools.

Organic Tomato Production and Marketing Manual:

This producer project built upon a previous New

Jersey Agriculture Department and NOFA New

Jersey initiative that successfully developed

uniform packaging systems and established a

market for organic tomatoes. Funding: $4,935

New Harvesting and Marketing Methods for Chinese

Chestnuts: This producer grant recipient

experimented with harvesting and marketing

methods for Chinese chestnuts. Funding: $2,400

Expanding the Market for Sustainably Produced Beef

in Pennsylvania: This producer grant recipient

expanded direct sales of sustainably produced

beef in the Harrisburg area and offered customers

the opportunity to visit the farm. Funding: $1,304

Information Available

SARE, through SAN, publishes handbooks, free

bulletins and CD-ROMs. Information about SAN

and SARE publications is available at www.sare.org

or through any SARE office. Call (802) 656-0484 to

order SAN publications, such as:

• Building Soils for Better Crops, 2nd edition. $19.95

This book for farmers, extension educators and
40 • Building Better Rural Places

soil science students unlocks the secret of maintaining a diverse ecosystem below ground to foster

healthy crops above. The 240-page handbook

contains detailed information about soil structure

and the management practices that affect soils -- as

well as practical information like how to interpret

soil test results.

Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 2nd edition. $19.

A practical handbook that helps remove the

guesswork for farmers considering cover crops.

Explores how and why cover crops work and

provides all the information needed to build covers

into any farming operation.

 Steel in the Field: A farmer's guide to weed

management tools. $18. This farmer-oriented book

speaks to experienced or novice crop producers in

any part of the country. More than 45 drawings

accent technical descriptions on the role, design

and cost of tools. Twenty-one farmers

(representing row crop, vegetable and dryland

systems) from across the country on large to small

farms explain their sustainable, profitable weed

management systems integrating cultivation,

flaming, crop rotation, careful tillage and soil

management with reduced herbicides — or none at

all. Includes index; contact list; and a source list

for many tools.

The Real Dirt—Farmers Tell About Organic and LowInput Practices in the Northeast. $13.95. 264 pages of

firsthand advice from experienced practitioners on

the many biological, cultural, mechanical and

chemical options available to organic and lowinput farmers.

The Small Dairy Resource Book. $8. Intended for

family farmers who want to produce value-added

dairy products, The Small Dairy Resource Book

evaluates books, periodicals, videos and other

materials on farmstead dairy processing in a

thorough, annotated bibliography. Extension

agents and other agricultural educators also will

find this cohesive guide a valuable source of

information about farmstead dairy production and

processing.

 Source Book of Sustainable Agriculture. $12. More

than 500 entries abstracting publications, videos,

and other information sources on sustainable

farming. Several indexes and simple icons

simplify searches. Expanded and updated in

1997, this is an excellent resource for educators,

outreach personnel, and producers.

• Free information bulletins for producers and

agricultural professionals are available at

www.sare.org/san/htdocs/pubs/ or call

(301) 504-6422. Topics include:

- ‘Naturalize’ Your Farming System: A Whole-Farm

Approach to Managing Pests. This 20-page bulletin

helps producers — and the educators who work

with them — design farm-wide approaches to

control pests.

- Reap New Profits: Marketing Strategies for Farmers

and Ranchers

This 20-page bulletin offers snapshots of the many

alternatives to marketing commodities through

conventional channels.

- Diversify Crops to Boost Profits & Stewardship. This

12-page bulletin explores how alternative crops

and agroforestry help increase profits and improve

stewardship by expanding markets, reducing pest

pressures and improving soil.

- Put Your Ideas to the Test: How to Conduct Research

on Your Farm or Ranch. This 12-page bulletin for

farmers, ranchers and the extension educators

who work with them outlines how to conduct

research at the farm level. The bulletin offers

practical tips for both crop and livestock

producers.

Legislative Authority

Title 16—Subtitle B—Sustainable Agriculture

Research and Education —of the Food, Agriculture,

Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (1990 Farm Bill)

Application and Financial

Information

SARE’s four regional offices administer three grant

programs: (1) SARE Research and Education grants,

(2) SARE Producer Grants, and (3) SARE

Professional Development grants. All grant

programs have only one application period per year.

However, each grant has its own application,

deadline, and focus. Each region solicits proposals

and awards grants.

• SARE Research and Education Grants: Since 1988,

competitive grants for sustainable agriculture

research and education have been awarded by

four regional administrative councils. Generally

ranging from $30,000 to $200,000, they fund

projects that usually involve scientists, producers

and others in an interdisciplinary approach.

Many funded projects involve on-farm research

trials with crops and/or livestock; other projects

have studied quality of life, agricultural marketing,

integrated farming systems, and soil and water

conservation. Successful proposals typically
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 41

include economic analysis and outreach

components. The program also funds education

and demonstration projects, including the

development of farmer-to-farmer networks.

Producers can team up with one or more technical

experts (such as a university researcher) to apply

for this grant. Typically $1.2 to $1.4 million is

available for each region.

• SARE Producer Grants: Producers wanting to test

an idea should consider this grant program for a

research or education project. Many producer

projects involve on-farm trials with crops or

livestock, but some have focused on marketing or

educational activities. Producers are expected to

partner with an extension professional or other

agricultural adviser and include a strategy for

sharing their results with others. Usually,

$150,000 to $200,000 is available for each region.

• SARE Professional Development Grants: To spread

the knowledge about sustainable concepts and

practices gained from SARE projects, Congress

began appropriating funds for professional

development for Cooperative Extension Service

(CES) staff and other agriculture professionals in

1994. To date, funds have been used for

competitive grants and state-specific funding.

SARE professional development grants are used

for a variety of approaches, ranging from

conducting workshops to creating educational

videos to hosting on-farm training sessions for

extension workers. Successful proposals have

ranged from $10,000 to $100,000 and from single

state to multi-state projects. Proposals that involve

both extension personnel and producers are

preferred, and partnerships of nonprofit

organizations with extension and/or Natural

Resource Conservation Service staff are welcome.

Professional development activities are intended to

be “train-the-trainer” programs, with a primary

emphasis on CES staff, but they also provide

opportunities for NRCS and other field agency

staff. Typically, $300,000 to $400,000 is available

for each region for grants.

Eligibility

Universities, nonprofit organizations, government

agency staff, and agricultural producers are eligible

for SARE grants.

Uses and Restrictions

The uses and restrictions vary from region to region

and from year to year, depending on the specific call

for proposals for a given year. Call the regional

office for details on the call for proposals.

Contact

Proposal guidelines for each of the grants programs

are available from the regional SARE offices or the

national program office. Each region solicits

proposals and awards grants independently;

contact the regional office for applications and

deadlines.

North Central Region

13-A Activities Building, P.O. Box 830840

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE 68583-0840

(402) 472-0265

email: ncrsare@unl.edu

Northeast Region

University of Vermont

Hills Building

Burlington, VT 05405-0082

(802) 656-0471

email: nesare@zoo.uvm.edu

Southern Region

University of Georgia

Ag Experiment Station

1109 Experiment Street

Griffin, GA 30223-1797

(770) 412-4787

email: groland@gaes.griffin.peachnet.edu

Western Region

Utah State University

Ag Science Bldg., Rm. 322

4865 Old Main Hill Road

Logan, UT 84322-4865

(801) 797-2257

email: wsare@mendel.usu.edu

National Program Office

Director, Sustainable Agriculture Programs

1400 Independence Ave. SW

USDA Mail Stop 2223

Washington, DC 20250-2223

(202) 720-6527; (202) 720-6071 - fax

email: ehauhn@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.sare.org
42 • Building Better Rural Places

Technology Transfer Program

Information on Commercial Technological Opportunities, Intellectual Property Protection,

and Research and Development Partnerships with Private Sector Customers

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the primary agency within USDA engaged in technology transfer.

Through its Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), ARS has delegated authority to administer a patent and

licensing program for USDA. This program carries out the policy and objectives of federal technology transfer

legislation that enables and mandates the use of the patent system to promote the utilization of inventions

arising from federally-supported research and development. The primary goal of the OTT program is to ensure

that ARS inventions are brought to practical application so that their benefits are available to the public.

OTT provides a wide range of technological and industry partnership services to expedite the transfer of ARS

technology to the private sector. These include Cooperative Research and Development Agreements

(CRADAs), Trust Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, and

Confidentiality Agreements. A primary vehicle of these government industry partnerships is the CRADA.

This program, authorized under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, allows industry to enter

contracts with government labs. In exchange for this cooperation, the company involved is entitled to first

rights to obtain an exclusive license of any inventions that may emerge as a result of the CRADA. The impetus

of the CRADA program is the ARS scientist. Researchers and companies work together on the structure of a

CRADA, which is then reviewed by OTT’s Washington office for ethics questions and consistency with the

agency’s research mission. Seven regionally-based technology transfer coordinators facilitate the negotiation

these industry-government partnerships.

OTT has been designated by the Department to coordinate the USDA National Patent Program. USDA/ARS

has nine patent advisors who assist scientists at approximately 95 laboratories nationwide. Each advisor has

a patent committee, which is comprised of ARS scientists. This committee reviews all invention disclosures

submitted to the respective patent advisor to determine which will proceed with patent prosecution based on

their commercial potential. The patent advisor develops and files patent applications with the U.S. Patent and

Trademark Office (PTO), and in some cases internationally. The patent advisor responds to actions from the

PTO and coordinates responses of these actions with USDA inventors.

OTT also negotiates with the private sector the licensing of USDA patented technologies, pursuant to the

policy and objectives set forth in the 1980 Amendments to the Patent and Trademark Laws (Bayh-Dole) Act

and the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986. License fees and royalties are negotiated on a case by case

basis and depend upon several factors including the scope of the rights granted, the size of the potential

market, and the time and financial investment required by the licensee to bring a product to market.

Information provided by the license applicant concerning the product concept, market size, profitability, and

additional research and development required prior to product introduction is used to determine fair fees and

royalties for each invention. Licenses can be granted both exclusively and non-exclusively or by specific field

of use, thus enabling a small business to utilize ARS’ technology for commercial development. Negotiated

royalty rates are based upon the anticipated profit margins for the products to be marketed by the licensee.

OTT plays a critical role in marketing USDA technology by identifying target industries and providing these

industries with essential technical and business information on various technology opportunities. Marketing

activities are conducted through the development and continued maintenance of an on-line Home Page to

provide industrial customers with essential information on technology transfer programs and commercial

opportunities. OTT also exhibits its services at various business and technology conferences, offering

individual assistance on technology transfer programs and research areas. Marketing activities also include

developing formal partnerships on technology transfer with individual state economic development and

agriculture entities. This function allows OTT to coordinate commercial opportunities with state entities that

match a respective state’s industry profile and/or needs to enhance the transfer of ARS’ technology.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 43

Project Examples

Since 1987, OTT has developed more than 930

CRADAs with the private sector. Thirty-four percent

of those CRADAs are with small business. ARS

signed 98 CRADAs with the private sector during

Fiscal Year 1999.

In addition, approximately 200 active licenses with

industry have been granted on ARS patented

technology, with approximately 40 percent of this

portfolio licensed to small business. ARS granted 26

licenses to the private sector during Fiscal Year 1999.

Examples of CRADAs:

• A CRADA with Soil Technology of Fallbrook,

California, is testing environmentally-friendly

ways to protect strawberries from disease. ARS

scientists are optimizing biologically integrated

pest management systems to control disease. This

is being achieved by understanding the role

biological agents and biological mulches play in a

biologically integrated pest management system

developed by Soil Technology. As part of the

agreement, ARS researchers are determining the

efficacy of this system as a replacement for methyl

bromide fumigation, which will be banned in the

near future. In addition to strawberry production,

researchers are looking at the potential of using

this as a delivery system for other ARS-developed

technologies.

• A CRADA with Gustafson, Inc. of Plano, Texas,

ARS scientists are developing biologically-based

products to enhance plant growth and protection

against soilborne pathogens when added to

vegetable transplant growing mixes. ARS

researchers are working on biologically based

alternatives to the chemical fumigant methyl

bromide. They are investigating the use of

vegetable transplants grown in mixes amended

with organic material and Plant Growth Promoting

Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in an Integrated Pest

Management (1PM) program which includes soil

solarization. The combination of amended

transplant mixes with soil solarization may further

enhance colonization and survival of the applied

PGPR and the beneficial effects of these

microorganisms on host plants. Currently, the

methyl bromide is used to control soilborne pests in

high-value vegetable crops. However, methyl

bromide has been implicated as an ozonedepleting compound, and production and sale of

the fumigant in the United States will be banned in

January 2001.

• A CRADA with Wildlife Management

Technologies, of Noank, Connecticut, ARS

scientists is developing and testing automatic

devices for collaring white-tailed deer and other

animals with acaricide/insecticide, identification,

treatment, and tracking collars. This technology

could significantly reduce environmental

contamination by minimizing high volume areawide applications of pesticides to control ticks.

White-tailed deer are the main host animals of tick

adults that transmit disease agents to humans

causing Lyme disease, monocytic and

granulocytic ehrlichiosis, and other diseases. The

goal of the partnership is to place acaricidal/

insecticidal collars on deer to kill a sufficient

number of adult ticks, thus reducing free-living

tick populations. The technology could also

minimize the incidence of tick-borne diseases in

humans. Ultimately the technology could be used

to reduce tick numbers in residential areas, parks

and recreational grounds, military installations,

and other tick infested premises.

 Examples of Licenses:

• A non-separable starch and oil combination

was licensed to Seedbiotics Inc. of Caldwell,

Idaho to manufacture seed coatings of fertilizers,

herbicides, and pesticides. Opta Food

Ingredients of Bedford, Massachusetts also

licensed the technology for a variety of food

applications such as fat replacements. Union

Camp Corporation of Wayne, New Jersey

licensed the technology to manufacture

environmentally-friendly adhesives, glues, and

coatings.

• Separate technologies incorporating beneficial

organisms to control the presence of pathogens

such as Salmonella and Camplylobaacter in

poultry were licensed to Milk Specialties Inc. of

Dundee, Illinois and Continental Grain of

Gainesville, Georgia. Each company is

developing product lines that can be applied to

poultry feed to reduce pathogen growth.

• Consep Inc. of Bend, Oregon licensed an ARS

patent involving a trapping system for fruit flies.

A product will soon be on the market that

incorporates a feeding attractant to lure both

male and female insects into a trap for effective

monitoring and control.

• A process to make hypo-allergenic latex

products from the domestic guayule plant was

licensed to the Yulex Corporation of
44 • Building Better Rural Places

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To replace current

latex products that contain allergenic proteins,

the company intends to manufacture products

for the health care industry such as surgical

gloves and catheters.

 Examples of Commercial Products:

• A degradable hydraulic fluid has been

developed by ARS and Lambent Technologies

Corporation of Norcross, Georgia that is made

from oilseeds such as soybeans and sunflowers.

This new product has the industrial quality and

performance characteristics of current petroleumbased hydraulic fluids. In industry tests, the

new degradable hydraulic fluid meets or exceeds

industry specifications for off-road vehicles at a

very competitive price. The product can be

produced in tank-car quantities to meet military

or private fleet needs.

• Uni-Star Industries of Marion, Arkansas,

manufactures degradable products from corn

starch and resin from technology developed by

ARS scientists in Peoria, Illinois. Uni-Star

Industries extracts starch and resin from corn

and other commodities, which is then sold to a

number of end users nationwide and in Canada

for the manufacture of a variety of degradable

products. Uni-Star manufactures resins for foam

board production and biodegradable packing

peanuts and has an annual payroll in excess of

$200,000.

• ASPIRE — A biological control against post

harvest diseases, this product is being

manufactured and marketed by Ecogen Inc. of

Langhorne, Pennsylvania. This granular

product, which can be incorporated into a liquid

spray, is registered by the Environmental

Protection Agency for postharvest treatment of

apples and pears. ASPIRE’s main ingredient for

control is the yeast Candida oleophila.

• Super Slurper — A cornstarch-based absorbent

dubbed super slurper has proved to be a valuable

alternative to petroleum-based chemical

absorbents, like carboxymethyl, which was

discontinued in feminine hygiene products

because it was found to contribute to toxic shock

syndrome. At least four companies are

manufacturing a variety of environmental

products using the starch-absorbent technology.

Products currently on the market that use super

slurper range anywhere from baby diapers to

absorbent mats used to sow grass along

construction areas, helping to prevent erosion.

Information Available

OTT is the Department’s recognized resource for the

private sector in obtaining information on

technology transfer programs and commercial

opportunities available from ARS laboratories.

Information includes written and electronic

technology summaries of licensable USDA

technologies. To visit the OTT Home Page on the

Internet type: http://ott.arsusda.gov.

Legislative Authority

The Stevenson-Wydler Act of 1980

The Bayh-Dole Act of 1980

The Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986

The National Competitiveness Technology Transfer

Act of 1989

The Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 1995

Application and Financial

Information

Industries seeking a license to a USDA patent can

obtain a license application from the OTT. Generic

CRADA boilerplates are also available to private

sector customers interested in entering research

partnership with an ARS laboratory.

Eligibility

Information on commercial opportunities and

technology transfer programs can be provided to

anyone upon request. OTT offers preference to small

businesses in obtaining licenses and CRADAs.

Uses and Restrictions

OTT does not provide financial assistance to the

private sector in the development of cooperative

agreements. OTT can assist private sector partners

in locating appropriate sources of capital either

through other Departmental agencies or

participating state government incentive programs.

Contact

Private sector customers should contact regionallybased technology transfer coordinators for

information on establishing a research collaboration,

or the OTT licensing specialists.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 45

Technology Transfer Coordinators:

North Atlantic Area

Dr. Claud “Gerry” Crawford

USDA-ARS-OTT Eastern Regional Research Center

Room 1036, 600 Mermaid Lane

Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598

(215) 233-6610; (215) 233-6777 - fax

e-mail: cgcrawford@arserrc.gov

South Atlantic Area, Mid-South Area

Dr. George R. “Bob” Burns

USDA, ARS, Russell Agricultural Research Center

P.O. Box 5677, College Station Road

Athens, GA 30604-5677

(706) 546-3496; (706) 546-3401 - fax

e-mail: mvaughn@asrr.arsusda.gov

Midwest Area, Northern Plains Area, Southern

Plains Area

Dr. Phillip A. O’Berry

USDA, ARS, National Soil Tilth Laboratory

2150 Pammel Drive, Room 118

Ames, IA 50011

(515) 294-7762 / (515) 294-8125 - fax

e-mail: usdaott@iastate.edu

Pacific West Area

Martha Steinbock

USDA, ARS, Western Regional Research Center

800 Buchanan Street

Albany, CA 94710

(510) 559-5641; (510) 559-5963 - fax

e-mail: mbs@pw.usda.gov

Beltsville Area

Dr. Harry Danforth (acting)

USDA, ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Bldg. 003, Room 208, BARC-West

Beltsville, MD 20705-2350

(301) 504-6421 / (301) 504-6001 - fax

Southern Regional Research Center

Joe Lipovsky

1815 North University Street

Peoria, IL 61604

(309) 681-6514; (309) 681-6688 - fax

e-mail: joe@mail.ncaur.usda.gov

National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research

Dr. Craig J. Carriere (Acting)

1815 North University Street

Peoria, IL 61604

(309) 681-6448; (309) 681-6682 - fax

e-mail: carriecj@mail.ncaur.usda.gov

Office of Technology Transfer

Technology Transfer Marketing Specialist

USDA-ARS-OTT

5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 4-1178

Beltsville, MD 20705-5131

(301) 504-6965; (301) 504-5060 - fax

Internet

www.ott.ars.usda.gov
46 • Building Better Rural Places

Wood in Transportation (WIT) Program

Financial and Technical Assistance for Demonstration and Commercialization of WoodBased Technology for Transportation

The Forest Service’s Wood In Transportation (WIT) program provides financial and technical assistance for

demonstration and commercialization of technologies utilizing wood in local transportation networks.

Improvements in wood treatment, engineered wood composite products, and bridge designs make wood a

cost-effective alternative material to use for replacing deteriorating bridges in many situations. These advances

also open the door to a realm of opportunities to add value to underutilized timber species, create new rural

timber based industries and improve rural transportation networks. The WIT program introduces people to

these opportunities, gives them access to information on the latest technology, and assists them in pioneering

efforts that will create new markets and better ways to manage forest resources. The program also awards

grants for transportation-related structures that demonstrate new wood technology, or special projects that

provide useful information on markets, new products or standard plans.

The National Wood In Transportation Information Center (NWITIC) (formerly known as the Timber Bridge

Information Resource Center), located in Morgantown, W.Va., administers the WIT program. The Forest

Products Laboratory (FPL), located in Madison, Wis., works closely with the NWITIC to link new research to

identified needs, and to customize research results for specific applications. The National Forest System

Washington Office and Regional Office Engineering staffs provide support as needed in the development of

pilot projects. WIT coordinators are responsible for local program implementation.

For financial assistance, the USDA-Forest Service accepts proposals for vehicular timber bridge projects—

structures designed for normal highway use, pedestrian/trail bridge projects—structures for recreational trail

activities, commercialization projects, and special projects—with a focus on structurally adequate and

economical designs or other types of structures used in transportation applications, such as retaining walls.

These projects should focus on advancing one or more of the following objectives: structural adequacy,

longevity, serviceability, and economy.

Commercialization Projects were introduced as a component to the grants program in 1996 to foster the

commercialization of modern wood in transportation technology. A key concept of these projects is to develop

cooperative partnerships which join public and private entities and promote productive efforts to satisfy local

transportation needs and stimulate local economic vitality.

Project Examples

 • A Double Diffusion Treatment Plant was

cooperatively funded with the Tyonek Native

Corporation in Alaska in 1995. This project assisted

in developing an innovative preservative treatment

facility for local timber species in Alaska. The

treatment plant preserves local timber species using a

double-diffusion process, which involves doubledipping green lumber in sodium fluoride and copper

sulfate. The plant will provide long-term employment

for area residents and allow Alaska to decrease its

reliance on imported timber. The plant will also

supply the lumber for two bridges that are being

designed and fabricated on Tyonek land; a third is

being developed nearby.

• Meriwether County, Ga., Demonstration Bridge

Project: Meriwether County is a rural county about 60

miles southwest of Atlanta, Ga. The Meriwether

County Board of Commissioners used a grant from

the USDA Forest Service to build a 40-foot, two-lane

vehicular bridge. The bridge’s strength and stability

were proven when it withstood a 500-year flood in

July 1994.

• McCurdy Road Bridge Project, Richland County,

Ohio—This project develops designs and methods

for the construction of small bridges on rural, lightly

traveled county roads. The bridge was installed in

1995 with partial funding by the WIT program, the

Richland County Engineer’s Office and the Erie

Basin Resource Conservation and Development

Council. The 16-foot timber bridge, which meets the
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 47

American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design

standards, was built and installed by county

personnel and equipment.

Information Available

The USDA Forest Service prepared and published a

design and construction manual, which can be

acquired from the NWITIC. Other publications

offered by the Center include Crossings, WIT’s

quarterly newsletter and fact sheets that contain

information about completed projects.

Many publications developed by the Forest Products

Laboratory, such as Standard Plans for Southern

Pine Bridges, Plans for Crash-Tested Bridge Railings

for Longitudinal Wood Decks, and a variety of

monitoring reports are also available from the

NWITIC.

Legislative Authority

Section 1241 of the Forest Stewardship Act of 1990

Application and Financial

Information

An application package is developed each year to

provide guidelines for applicants. These

applications become available in September each

year. All proposals must be returned to regional

coordinators within the first week of December, and

they are evaluated during January. Formal

notification about projects selected for funding are

issued in March. Applicants must match funding

proposals dollar-for dollar. The maximum Forest

Service cost-share amount is $50,000 for vehicular

bridge projects, $10,000 for pedestrian/trail bridge

projects, $150,000 for commercialization projects and

$30,000 for special projects. The Forest Service

contribution must be equal to or less than the

cooperator’s contribution to ensure up to a 50-

percent match of federal funds. Matching funds

cannot be other federal funds. Funding available for

financial and technical assistance for fiscal year

2000 was $500,000.

Eligibility

Local and state governments, and nonprofit

organizations are eligible provided the structure is to

be built on public lands.

Uses and Restrictions

This funding opportunity is not intended to be a cure

for all deficient bridges/structures, but rather to

demonstrate the feasibility of modern timber structures

as an economical solution. Proposals to rehabilitate

or rebuild covered bridges will not be accepted.

Contact

Northern Region (Northern ID, MT, ND)

(801) 625-5370

Rocky Mountain Region (CO, KS, NE, SD, WY)

(303) 275-5741

Southwestern Region (AZ, NM)

(505) 842-3229

Intermountain Region (Southern ID, NV, UT)

(801) 625-5370

Pacific Southwest Region (CA, HI)

(707) 562-8911

Pacific Northwest Region (OR, WA)

(503) 808-2348

Southern Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC,

OK, SC, TN, TX, VA)

(404) 347-7206

Northeastern Area, S&PF

(IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, WI) (651) 649-5246

(CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT) (603) 868-7689

(DE, MD, NJ, OH, PA, WV) (304) 285-1530

Alaskan Region (907) 271-2550

National Program Office

Ed Cesa, Program Coordinator

USDA Forest Service

WIT National Information Center

180 Canfield Street

Morgantown, WV 26505

(304) 285-1593; (304) 285-1587 - fax

E-mail: ecesa@fs.fed.us

Internet

www.fs.fed.us/na/wit/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 49

II. Financing Businesses and New Enterprises

Also see:

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants
50 • Building Better Rural Places

Business and Industrial (B&I) Guaranteed

Loan Program

Guarantees Loans by Commercial Lenders to Rural Businesses

The Business and Industrial (B&I) Guaranteed Loan program guarantees loans by commercial local lenders to

businesses in rural areas. By guaranteeing loans made by commercial lenders against a portion (up to a

maximum of 90%) of loss resulting from borrower default, the B&I Guaranteed Loan program is meant to

expand the available credit for businesses. B&I guarantees can result in a number of benefits to such

businesses.

The loan guarantee may be used for business and industrial acquisitions, construction, conversion, expansion,

repair, modernization, or development costs; purchase of equipment, machinery, or supplies; startup costs and

working capital; processing and marketing facilities; pollution control and abatement; and refinancing for

viable projects, under certain conditions. The 1996 Farm Bill created another eligible use for B&I Guaranteed

loan funds: the purchase of startup cooperative stock for family-sized farms where commodities are produced

to be processed by the cooperative. Ineligible loan purposes include: lines of credit, agricultural production

which is not part of an integrated business involved in processing of agricultural products, or any project

likely to transfer employment from one area to another.

Project Examples

• In Century, Fla., the Alger-Sullivan Lumber

Company was granted a B&I loan guarantee of $10

million to revive a defunct sawmill that is expected

to bring 80 jobs to the area. The business intends

to establish a niche by specializing and

customizing lumber sold and services provided.

The principal products and services include

drying and dressing lumber products, exporting

and importing production of quartersawed

southern pine and cypress and other high-margin

products, and treating and storage of hardwood

and pine pulpwood logs.

• In Wahpeton, N.D., PrimeBoard, Inc was granted

a B&I loan guarantee of $8.8 million to finance the

total startup costs associated with the production

of particle board from wheat straw. This included

purchasing real estate, building the factory, and

purchasing machinery. PrimeBoard also obtained

early stage financing from USDA’s Alternative

Agriculture Research and Commercialization

(AARC) Corporation.

• In Zeeland, Mich., Zeeland Farm Service was

granted a B&I loan guarantee for debt refinancing

and equipment purchase for a start-up soybean

processing plant in the amount of $8 million. This

provides a new value-added product and market

for soybean growers within the state of Michigan.

Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural

Development Act of 1972, as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

As is the case with SBA loan guarantees, the

business must first find a bank or lending institution

willing to extend a loan subject to a guarantee. The

bank then makes a joint application with the

borrower to the USDA state or district office of Rural

Development. The state office generally has loan

approval authority. Applications for loan

guarantees over the states’ loan approval authority

are submitted to the national office. Applications are

available throughout the year and are accepted on

an ongoing basis. Loan guarantees are to be

approved within 60 days subject to the availability

of funds. Pre-application reviews and advice are

also available through state offices.

The maximum aggregate B&I guaranteed loan(s)

• In West Lebanon, Ind., a borrower was granted a

B&I loan guarantee of $2.4 million to purchase a

seed conditioning plant that will result in the

creation of 24 new jobs in the county. The

company purchases raw seed corn and soybeans,

conditions, packages, stores and finally

distributes the value-added product to

wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. and Europe.

Legislative Authority
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 51

amount is $10 million to any one borrower, although

the program administrator can grant up to $25

million. For loans of $2 million or less, the maximum

percentage of guarantee is 90%; for loans over $2

million but not over $5 million, the maximum is 80%;

and for loans in excess of $5 million, the maximum is

70%. Maximum repayment terms are seven years for

working capital, 15 years (or useful life) for

machinery and equipment, and 30 years for real

estate. Collateral must be sufficient to protect the

interests of the lender and the government and

usually include personal and/or corporate

guarantees. A minimum of 10% tangible balance

sheet equity is required for existing businesses, and

20% for new businesses. Feasibility studies may be

required. The interest rate is negotiated between the

lender and borrower and may be fixed or variable.

The lender addresses the business adequacy of

equity, cash flow, collateral, history, management,

and the current status of the industry in a written

credit analysis. The funding level for fiscal year 2000

is $850 million. Lenders are expected to service, and

if necessary, liquidate loans, with USDA’s Rural

Development’s concurrence.

Eligibility

B&I loans can be guaranteed in rural areas outside of

cities with population of 50,000 or more. Priority is

given to applications for loans in rural communities

of 25,000 or less. Any legal entity, including

individuals, public or private organizations and

federally recognized Indian tribal groups, may

borrow, except charitable, religious or fraternal

institutions or organizations. Local economic

development organizations and investors can also be

considered. There is no size restriction on the

business. Inability to obtain other credit is not a

requirement. Authorized lenders include: federal or

state chartered banks, credit unions, insurance

companies, savings and loan associations, the Farm

Credit Bank, and other Farm Credit System

institutions with direct lending authority, and

nontraditional lenders that must be approved on an

individual lender basis.

Uses and Restrictions

The loan guarantee may be used for business and

industrial acquisitions, construction, conversion,

expansion, repair, modernization, or development

costs; purchase of equipment, machinery, or

supplies; startup costs and working capital;

processing and marketing facilities; pollution control

and abatement; and refinancing for viable projects,

under certain conditions. The 1996 Farm Bill created

another eligible use for B&I Guaranteed loan funds:

the purchase of startup cooperative stock for familysized farms where commodities are produced to be

processed by the cooperative. Ineligible loan

purposes include: lines of credit, agricultural

production which is not part of an integrated

business involved in processing of agricultural

products, or any project likely to transfer employment

from one area to another.

Contact

The 47 state offices for USDA’s Rural Development

Program (formerly the Farmers Home

Administration) deliver the B&I program (along with

other business and community programs) to

potential borrowers and lenders. For more

information and applications, contact your state

USDA Rural Development office or any Rural

Development field office. These offices can also

provide contact information for local banks and

lending institutions that have experience with the

B&I program. Applications are not available through

the national program office, but inquiries are

welcome.

National Program Office

Dwight Carmon, Division Director

Processing Division

USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service

1400 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-0700

(202) 690-4100; (202) 690-3808 - fax

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&i_gar.htm
52 • Building Better Rural Places

Business and Industrial Direct Loan

(B&I Direct) Program

Direct Loans to Rural Businesses

The Business and Industrial Direct Loan (Direct B&I) Program is meant to expand the available credit for

businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank financing in certain rural areas of the country suffering

fundamental and economic stress. The program’s primary purpose is to improve, develop or finance business,

industry and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities,

including pollution abatement and control.

Loans may not be used for agricultural production either directly or for integrated facilities, except for

aquaculture, commercial nurseries, forestry, mushrooms, and hydroponics. Businesses engaged in the

processing, marketing, or packaging of agricultural (including forest) products are eligible, provided any

agricultural production aspect is separate from the rest of the business.

Project Examples

• A gas station /convenience store in Tennessee

received funds to replace tanks that no longer met

EPA standards.

• A poultry processing plant in the Northeast

received funds for equipment and working capital.

• A minority business in the Southeast received

funds to purchase a roofing plant.

Legislative Authority

Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural

Development Act of 1972, as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

The USDA state or district office of Rural

Development makes the loan directly to the

applicant. The state office generally has loan

approval authority. Applications for loans over $5

million are submitted to the national office.

Applications are available throughout the year and

are accepted on an ongoing basis. Loans are to be

approved within 60 days subject to the availability of

funds. Pre-application reviews and advice are

available through state offices.

The maximum aggregate B&I Direct loan(s) amount

is $10 million to any one borrower. Maximum

repayment terms are seven years for working capital,

15 years (or useful life) for machinery and equipment,

30 years for real estate, and up to 40 years for

community facilities. Collateral must be sufficient to

protect the interest of the government and usually

include personal and/or corporate guarantees. A

minimum of 10 percent tangible balance sheet equity

is required for existing businesses, and 20% for new

businesses. Feasibility studies may be required. The

interest rate is fixed. Funding available for loans for

fiscal year 1997 is $32 million.

Eligibility

B&I Direct loans can be made in rural areas with

populations up to 50,000 that are suffering

economic stress. Any legal entity, including

individuals, public or private organizations and

federally recognized Indian tribal groups, may

borrow. Charitable, religious or fraternal

institutions or organizations are excluded. Local

economic development organizations and investors

can also be considered. There is no size restriction

on the business. Inability to obtain other credit is a

requirement.

Uses and Restrictions

The loan may be used for business and industrial

acquisitions, construction, conversion, expansion,

repair, modernization, or development costs;

purchase of equipment, machinery, or supplies;

startup costs and working capital; processing and

marketing facilities; pollution control and

abatement; and refinancing for viable projects, under

certain conditions. Ineligible loan purposes include:

lines of credit, tourist or recreation facilities, or any

project likely to transfer employment from one area
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 53

to another. In addition, loans may not be used for

agricultural production either directly or for

integrated facilities, except for aquaculture,

commercial nurseries, forestry, mushrooms, and

hydroponics. Businesses engaged in the processing,

marketing or packaging of agricultural (including

forest) products are eligible, provided any

agricultural production aspect is separate from the

rest of the business.

Contact

The 47 state offices for USDA’s Rural Development

(formerly the Farmers Home Administration) deliver

the B&I program (along with other business and

community programs) to potential borrowers. For

more information and applications, contact your

state USDA Rural Development Program office or

any Rural Development field office. Applications are

not available through the national program office,

but inquiries are welcome.

National Program Office

Dwight Carmon, Division Director

Processing Division

USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service

1400 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-0700

(202) 690-4100; (202) 690-3808 - fax

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&i_dir.htm
54 • Building Better Rural Places

Direct Farm Ownership and Operating

Loans

Government Loans to Family Farmers and Ranchers for Farm Ownership and Operating

Purposes

The purpose of the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) direct farm ownership (FO) and operating (OL) loan programs

are to provide financing and assistance to family farmers to establish farms, achieve financial success and

graduate to commercial credit or self-financing. FSA has various tools to assist family farmers, which include

low interest rates, and individualized credit counseling and supervision. Emphasis is placed on assisting

beginning, minority and other limited-resource family sized farms through regular and low-interest loans and

individualized credit counseling and supervision.

• An Idaho farmer received an FSA ownership

loan to finance the establishment of buffer strips

along a creek running through the farm.

Legislative Authority

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of

1972, as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

Applicant must apply for direct loan assistance at an

FSA (formerly the Agricultural Stabilization and

Conservation Service, and the Farm Loan Programs

of the former Farmers Home Administration), county

office or USDA Service Center located in the county

where the applicant operates his/her farm. FSA

officials will meet with the applicant to assess all

aspects of the proposed or existing farming or

ranching operation, and determine if the applicant

meets the eligibility requirements. Local FSA County

Committees will act in an advisory capacity to FSA

loan officials on local agricultural practices,

production conditions and loan applicants.

Once FSA receives all the financial and

organizational information, the applicant will be

notified whether the loan has been approved. The

loan recipient must meet certain eligibility

requirements, request funds for authorized

purposes, have repayment ability, be able to provide

enough collateral to secure the loan on at least a

dollar-for-dollar basis and enroll in a borrower

training program. The number of direct and

guaranteed operating loans that FSA can make each

year may vary depending on the demand for such

loans and the amount of funds appropriated by

Congress.

Eligibility

Eligible borrowers must be U.S. citizens, be unable to

obtain credit through commercial sources, have

sufficient training or experience, have an acceptable

credit history, be or becoming owners or operators of

family sized farms and be able to demonstrate the

need to maximize income from farming. In addition,

applicants requesting direct FO assistance must

have operated a farm or ranch for at least three

years. An applicant who applies for FO assistance

must be a beginning farmer or one who has either

never received an FO or has received FO assistance

not more than 10 years before the date of the

Project Examples

• A beginning farmer in Illinois obtained a 4-

percent FSA downpayment loan for 30 percent of

the purchase price of a home farm, put up 10

percent of the purchase price from family farms,

and received a low-interest loan from the Illinois

beginning farmers “aggie bond” program for the

remaining 60 percent.

• A farmer in Kentucky obtained an FSA operating

loan to partially shift production out of a

traditional, yet unprofitable cropping pattern and

into an alternative enterprise for which there was a

specialized local market.

• An African American farmer in Mississippi used

an FSA operating loan five-year line of credit to

purchase inputs required to produce row crops

and livestock, and a seven-year loan to purchase

machinery.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 55

proposed loan. An applicant who applies for OL

assistance must be a beginning farmer or one who

has never received OL assistance or received OL

assistance not more than six years before the date of

the proposed loan.

Uses and Restrictions

FO loans may be used for acquiring or enlarging a

farm or ranch, making capital improvement, paying

closing costs and paying for soil and water

conservation improvements, including sustainable

agriculture practices and systems. OLs may be used

for paying costs for reorganizing a farm or ranch,

purchasing livestock or equipment, purchasing

supplies, financing conservation costs, paying

closing costs, complying with requirements under

the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,

paying tuition for borrower training classes,

refinancing indebtedness under certain conditions,

and providing farm and family living expenses.

OLs are generally for one year, except for equipment

loans, which are generally seven years. Standard FO

loans may be made up to 40 years, except for special

beginning farmer downpayment loans, which are 30-

year loans that balloon after 10 years, leading to

refinancing as commercial loans. Interest rates are at

cost to the government rates for regular loans, onehalf cost of money plus 1 percent for certain limitedresource borrowers, and 4 percent for downpayment

loans. Loans may be made up to $200,000.

A portion of available loan funds are reserved for

minority farmers and beginning farmers. “Beginning

farmer” is defined in part as an applicant who has

not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years.

For beginning farmer ownership loans, borrowers

may not already own acreage exceeding 25 percent of

the median acreage for farms in the county. In the

beginning farmer downpayment loan program,

borrowers put up 10 percent of the cost of the

purchase, FSA finances 30 percent for 10 years at

four percent interest, and the rest of the financial

package is owner-financed or from commercial

sources, including those made through special state

beginning farmer programs available in many states.

Loans for conservation may be used for installation

of conservation structures, establishment of forest

cover or permanent pasture, conversion to

sustainable agriculture production systems and

other purposes consistent with conservation,

integrated farm management, water quality or

wildlife habitat plans.

Contact

FSA is organized on a national, state and county

basis. Applicants apply directly through local FSA

county offices or USDA Service Centers. Individuals

can locate the nearest FSA office by checking in the

telephone white pages under U.S. Government,

Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.

National Program Office

James F. Radintz, Director

Farm Service Agency

Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Division

14th & Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 0522

Washington D.C. 20250-0522

(202) 690-1656; (202) 720-6797 - fax

Internet

www.fsa.usda.gov
56 • Building Better Rural Places

Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating

Loans

Federally Guaranteed Loans for Family Farmers for Farm Ownership and Operating

Purposes, Including the Purchase of Stock in Cooperatives

The purpose of Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) guaranteed farm ownership (GFO) and guaranteed operating

loan (GOL) programs are to help family farmers obtain commercial credit to establish or maintain a family farm

or ranch. FSA guarantees the repayment of the commercial loan at 90 percent of its value or 95 percent in the

case of loans to refinance an existing direct farm ownership or operating loan or for loans made in conjunction

with a beginning farmer downpayment loan.

Farmers also may use FSA guaranteed loans to purchase stock in a member-owned cooperative. The

cooperatives can be engaged in production, processing, packaging and/or marketing of agricultural and forest

products.

In some instances, a special interest rate assistance program may be used in which FSA provides assistance to

lower the interest rate. The interest assistance is designed in part to assist direct loan borrowers graduate to

commercial credit.

Project Examples

• A beginning farmer working with a bank in Iowa

obtained a 95-percent loan guarantee for an

ownership loan and operating loan made in

conjunction with an FSA downpayment loan,

enabling the bank to make a loan it would not

without the federal participation.

• A rancher in California used an FSA guaranteed

loan to purchase stock in a newly formed

marketing cooperative that processes and sells

specially raised beef to Japan.

• A commercial lender in Ohio obtained an FSA

guarantee on an operating loan to a farmer who

will use integrated pest management (IPM) on a

new agricultural enterprise. The guarantee was

important to the lender, who was not familiar with

IPM.

Legislative Authority

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of

1972, as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

Applicants apply for agricultural loans as they

normally would with a local commercial lenders

that make agricultural loans in their community.

The lender will analyze the farm customer's

business plan and financial condition. If the farm

loan proposal looks realistic, financially feasible

and there is sufficient collateral, but it cannot be

approved because it does not meet the lending

institution's loan underwriting standards, the lender

may apply for an FSA loan guarantee.

In some cases, applicants may seek an FSA direct

loan first, but a guaranteed loan must always be

considered before a direct loan can be provided.

Once applicants provide all the financial and

organizational information to their lender, the lender

submits a guaranteed loan application to the local

FSA office and the request will be approved or

disapproved within 30 days.

Farm customers must meet FSA eligibility

requirements, request funds for authorized

purposes, have repayment ability, and be able to

provide enough collateral to secure the loan on at

least a dollar for dollar basis. The number of

guaranteed loans that FSA can provide each year

varies depending on (1) the demand for loan

guarantees, and (2) the amount of guarantee

authority appropriated by Congress.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 57

Eligibility

To qualify for an FSA Guarantee, a loan applicant

must:

• be a citizen of the United States (or legal resident

alien), which includes Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and

certain former Pacific Trust Territories;

• have the legal capacity to incur the obligations of

the loan and provide sufficient security;

• have a satisfactory credit history and

demonstrate repayment ability;

• have not had a previous Direct or Guaranteed

Loan which resulted in a loss to FSA and not be

delinquent on any Federal debt.

• be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at

reasonable rates and terms to finance needs;

• For an Operating Loan, the producer must be the

operator of a family farm after the loan is closed.

For an Farm Ownership Loan, the producer

needs to also own the farm.

• Corporations, cooperatives, joint operations, and

partnerships must meet these same eligibility

requirements, and the entity must also be

authorized to operate a farm or ranch in the State

where the land is located.

• In addition, the loan programs contain

limitations on the length of time the loan

applicant has operated a farm or borrowed from

FSA.

Uses and Restrictions

The maximum operating or ownership loan size that

FSA will guarantee is $717,000.

For operating purposes, authorized loan purposes

include:

• payment of costs associated with reorganizing a

farm to improve its profitability,

• purchase of livestock, equipment, quotas and

bases,

• cooperative stock for credit, production,

processing and marketing purposes,

• payment of annual operating expenses,

• payment of costs for land and water

development for conservation or use purposes,

• payment of loan closing costs,

• payment of other farm and home needs, and

• refinancing of debt subject to certain restrictions.

For farm ownership purposes, authorized purposes

include:

• Acquiring or enlarging a farm,

• making capital improvements,

• promoting soil and water conservation and

protection,

• payment of loan closing costs,

• debt refinancing.

Contact

FSA is organized on a national, state and county

basis. However, guaranteed applications are only

accepted and processed in county offices.

Individuals should contact an agricultural lender but

may also contact the nearest FSA county office by

checking in the telephone white pages under U.S.

Government, Department of Agriculture, Farm

Service Agency.

National Program Office

James F. Radintz, Director

Farm Service Agency

Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Division

14th & Independence Ave., SW, Stop 0522

Washington D.C. 20250-0522

(202) 720-1656; (202) 720-6797 - fax

Internet

www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl/guar.htm
58 • Building Better Rural Places

Intermediary Relending Loan Program

(IRP)

Loans for Establishing Revolving Loan Funds to Provide Financing for Rural Businesses

and Community Development

The Intermediary Relending Loan Program (IRP) provides direct loans at 1 percent interest to intermediaries

for establishing revolving loan funds for small businesses and community development projects in rural areas.

Intermediaries are nonprofit organizations or public agencies that relend money through loan pools to

ultimate recipients, who are businesses, individuals and others.

Final recipients of loans from IRP revolving loan funds involved in agricultural production are not eligible.

However, businesses processing, packaging and marketing agricultural products will be considered.

Project Examples

• As part of the Pacific Northwest Economic

Adjustment Initiative, an IRP loan of $1.5 million

supplemented an existing revolving loan fund for

relending to small businesses in rural Jackson and

Josephine Counties in Oregon. Businesses that

create or retain permanent jobs involving skills

related to manufacturing, industrial production,

and wood products are given preference. The

Southern Oregon Regional Economic

Development, Inc., the intermediary, estimates that

by targeting a maximum of $20,000 per full-time

equivalent job created or saved, the IRP loan will

create or save at least 50 jobs in the fund's first

round of loans in these communities.

• The North Kennebec Regional Planning

Commission in Maine made a $150,000 working

capital loan to KD Wood Products out of its

revolving loan fund, created with a $2 million IRP

loan. KD Wood Products buys lumber from local

sawmills and processes it into about 200 different

products, including unfinished furniture and

lawn and garden items, such as fences, edging,

and planters. KD used the loan to expand its

operations and create new jobs.

• In Salem, Ore., BC Hop Farms, Ltd. received a

loan from the local revolving loan fund established

with IRP funds. BC Hop Farms provides

processing facilities for local farmers who grow

hops and contract with breweries for sale of their

processed hops. The loan was used for building

construction and purchase of equipment to

expand existing facilities, providing capacity to

process a larger volume of hops.

• American Cedar, Inc., of Arkedelphia, Ark.,

received loans of $225,000 from a local revolving

loan fund, partially funded by IRP. American

Cedar produces dimensioned lumber, finished

lumber, finished panels, closet accessories,

decorative moth repellents, and custom products

for the domestic and international markets. Wood

shavings from the manufacturing process are also

sold to local horse stables.

Legislative Authority

Section 1323 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as

amended

Application and Financial

Information

Intermediaries with experience and expertise

running revolving loan funds make applications to

the USDA state offices of Rural Development.

Applications are considered for allocation of funds

in a quarterly national competition. Loans to

intermediaries range from $100,000 to $2 million.

Intermediaries receive a 30-year loan with a fixed

annual interest rate of one percent. Funding

available for fiscal year 1999 was $33 million.

Loans made by intermediaries from the revolving

loan fund are limited to $250,000 per ultimate

recipient. Intermediaries develop their own

application procedures for ultimate recipients.

Factors considered in judging applications from

intermediaries include: financial condition,

assurance of repayment ability, equity, collateral,

experience and record of managing a loan program
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 59

or providing other assistance to rural businesses,

ability to leverage with funds from other sources,

extent assistance would flow to low-income persons.

Eligibility

Nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Native

American tribes, and cooperatives are eligible to

receive IRP funds as intermediaries. Intermediaries

must have adequate legal authority and a proven

record of successfully assisting rural businesses and

industries. The ultimate recipients of loans from IRP

revolving loan funds can be for-profit organizations,

individuals, and public and private nonprofit

organizations, and must be located in

unincorporated areas or cities with populations

under 25,000. Both intermediaries and ultimate

recipients must be unable to obtain the loan at

reasonable rates and terms through commercial

credit or other federal, state, or local programs.

Uses and Restrictions

Final recipients of loans from IRP revolving loan

funds involved in agricultural production are not

eligible. However, businesses processing, packaging

and marketing agricultural products will be

considered. Intermediaries may not use IRP funds to

finance more than 75 percent of the cost of an

ultimate recipient's project or for a loan of more than

$250,000 to one ultimate recipient.

Contact

For a list of intermediaries and their service areas,

more detailed information, or an application, please

contact your USDA state or district office of Rural

Development (formerly the Farmers Home

Administration).

National Program Office

Wayne Stansbery

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Specialty Lenders Division

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3225

(202) 720-6819; (202) 720-2213 - fax

Email: wstansbe@rus.usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov:80/rbs/busp/irp.htm
60 • Building Better Rural Places

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)

Grants for Assisting Small and Emerging Rural Businesses to Nonprofits and Public Bodies

The purpose of the Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) program is to finance and facilitate the

development of small and emerging private business enterprises located in rural areas through grants to

public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized Indian Tribal groups. This includes starting and operating

revolving loan funds, business incubators, and industrial parks. In addition, costs that may be paid from

grant funds include the acquisition and development of land and the construction of buildings, plants,

equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, and utility and service extensions; refinancing; fees for

professional services; technical assistance and training associated with technical assistance; startup operating

costs and working capital, providing financial assistance to a third party; production of television programs to

provide information to rural residents; and creating, expanding, and operating rural distance learning

networks.

commercial nurseries, timber operations, and limited

production related to technical assistance. Grants

cannot be used for comprehensive, area-wide

planning; loans by grantees with unreasonable

terms, rates, and charges; development of a proposal

that could pull business activity or jobs away from

one area to another; development of a proposal that

could result in an area with too many goods or

materials and not enough demand.

All funded projects are subject to an environmental

assessment in accordance with the National

Environmental Policy Act. Applicants for grants to

establish a revolving loan fund must include detail

on their experience operating a revolving loan

program, proposed projects, financial ability to

operate a revolving fund, and plans for leveraging.

Contact

To receive an application, contact one of the 47

USDA Rural Development State Offices where the

project is located.

National Program Office

Carole Boyko

USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)

Room 6868 South Building, Stop 3225

Washington, D.C. 20250

(202) 720-1400; (202) 720-2213 - fax

Internet

www.usda.gov/agency/rbcds/html/biloan

Legislative Authority

Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural

Development Act of 1972.

Application and Financial

Information

Applicants are required to submit supporting data

before a formal application is made. After

determining the order of funding priorities, RBS will

tentatively determine eligibility and request

applicants to submit formal applications.

Application forms are available from and may be

filed in any state USDA Rural Development office,

but applications are usually processed in a district or

area office. Grant amounts are based on need and

available appropriate funds. The funding level in

fiscal year 2000 was $34.6 million.

Eligibility

The RBEG program is for non-profits and public

bodies to assist small and emerging businesses in

rural areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or

more and their immediately adjacent urbanized or

urbanizing areas. Public bodies include

incorporated towns and villages, boroughs,

townships, counties, states, authorities, districts, and

Native American Tribes on federal and state

reservations, and other federally recognized Indian

Tribal groups in rural areas.

Uses and Restrictions

While RBEG funds cannot be used for agricultural

production (through growing, cultivation, and

harvesting directly or through horizontally

integrated operation) they can be used for
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 61

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG)

Grants to Nonprofits and Public Bodies for Community Planning, Technical Assistance and

Training for Rural Businesses

The Rural Business Opportunity Grants program (RBOG) was created by the 1996 Farm Bill to assist in the

economic development of rural areas by providing grants to assist business and community development.

Grant funds may be used to:

• Identify and analyze business opportunities, including export markets, that will use local natural and

human resources;

• Identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers;

• Establish business support centers and otherwise assist in the creation of new rural businesses;

• Conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning;

• Establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses in the

utilization of interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and

markets;

• Conduct leadership development training of existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; and

• Pay reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary to conduct the technical assistance,

training or planning functions.

Legislative Authority

Section 741 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement

and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Bill).

Application and Financial

Information

Regulations and application materials are in the

process of being developed for this new program.

Applications will be solicited annually and scored

according to defined selection criteria, to include:

likelihood of project being sustainable, transferability

of project to other rural areas, ability to improve

economic conditions, leveraging and community

need. Total grant funds available for fiscal year 2000

are estimated at approximately $3.5 million.

Eligibility

Eligible recipients for this competitive grants

program will be public bodies, nonprofit

corporations, Native American tribes, and

cooperatives.

Uses and Restrictions

Grants may be made only when there is a reasonable

prospect that the project will result in the economic

development of a rural area and must be consistent

with local and area wide strategic plans for

community activities in the project area.

Contact

When the regulations and application materials for

this new program are completed, more detailed

information and applications will be available

through the state offices for USDA’s Rural

Development Program (formerly the Farmers Home

Administration). Inquiries may also be directed to

the national program office.

National Program Office

Wayne Stansbery

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Specialty Lenders Division

1400 Independence Ave, SW, Stop 3225

Washington, D.C. 20250-1521

(202) 720-6819; (202) 720-2213 - fax

Email: wstansbe@rus.usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm
62 • Building Better Rural Places

Introduction to the U.S. Small Business

Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an agency of the federal government to

aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small businesses, to preserve and promote free competitive

enterprise, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the United States.

To meet these goals the SBA works with banks, intermediaries, and other lending institutions to provide loans

and venture capital financing to small businesses unable to secure financing through normal lending

channels. Most businesses meet SBA size standards, but check with your local SBA office for additional

details.

The majority of SBA’s financial assistance is in the form of loan guarantees. The SBA itself does not provide

direct loans or grants to small businesses. The SBA also supports other organizations which provide loans,

management training and services for small businesses (see Section III. Business Development Assistance:

SCORE and SBDCs, pgs. 80-81.)

Contact

SBA offices are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. For

the office nearest you, look under “U.S. Government” in your telephone directory, or contact:

1-800 U ASK SBA; (202) 205-7064 - fax

E-mail: answerdesk@sba.gov

TDD: 704-344-6640

Your rights to regulatory fairness: 1-888-REG-FAIR

Internet

www.sba.gov

Inquire at your local SBA office for the location of the following resources:

BICs - Business Information Centers

TBICs - Tribal Business Information Centers

OSCSs - One Stop Capital Shops

SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives

SBDCs - Small Business Development Centers

USEACs - U.S. Export Assistance Centers

WBCs -Women’s Business Centers

Publications

Call your local SBA office or the SBA Answer desk to obtain:

The Facts About ... SBA Publications -- a listing of free SBA publications
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 63

Small Business Innovation Research Program

(SBIR)

Grants for Feasibility Studies and Product Research and Development to Small Businesses

Ten federal agencies grant SBIR funds. The USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program

makes grants that are competitively awarded for feasibility studies and product research and development to

qualified small businesses. SBIR funds support high quality research proposals containing advanced

concepts related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant

public benefit if the research is successful. Objectives of the SBIR Program are to stimulate technological

innovations in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and

development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported

research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation by women-owned and socially and

economically disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovations. Research topic categories of

the SBIR program include: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection; Animal

Production and Protection; Air, Water and Soils; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community

Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; and Marketing and Trade.

The SBIR grant program is divided into two phases, Phase I and Phase II. Phase I grants support technical

feasibility studies. Phase II grants provide financial assistance for Phase I projects to enter the development

stage to the point of commercialization. Businesses are encouraged to pursue Phase III—commercialization—

through other sources as SBIR does not provide funding for expansion, marketing, and application of the

developed technology.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Innovation, Research, and Technology (phone (202) 205-

6450; Internet: www.sba.gov/sbir) oversees the SBIR program across the federal government. Other federal

departments that may have relevant SBIR programs include the National Science Foundation ((703) 306-1390),

the Department of Energy ((301) 903-3054), and the Environmental Protection Agency ((202) 564-6823).

Project Examples

Phase I

• Fresh Peeled Chestnuts: In Carrollton, Ohio, the

Empire Chestnut Company was awarded a

$50,000 grant to study a simple impact peeling

process that will produce a value-added chestnut

product--fresh peeled chestnuts. The present

market volume of chestnuts is rather small and

dominated by imported, in-shell chestnuts which

often reach the consumer in poor condition and

are tedious to peel by hand. The objectives of the

study were to improve chestnut preconditioning

and the peeling device for maximum peeling with

minimal kernel damage and to develop handling

methods to obtain at least a two-week shelf life.

Snowmobile Trail Grooming: Somero Enterprises,

Inc., a small company in Houghton, Mich.,

developed the idea of “Fostering Rural Economic

Development Using New Concepts in Snowmobile

Trail Grooming.” The feasibility study of the same

title was awarded a $50,000 grant for an 18 month

study. As recreation and tourism have become a

major part of the economic stability in rural areas

over the past decade, more and more businesses

have looked into different kinds of trail grooming.

Snowmobiling has become a major winter pastime

with considerable income for local hotels,

restaurants, markets and other establishments. A

trail groomer that would enhance the physical

properties of individual snow crystals would

cause increased durability for the trail, decreasing

set up time, and lengthening the snowmobiling

season.

• Advanced Ceramics Using Rice Husks: Under the

Industrial Applications heading, the SBIR

program awarded a grant of $50,000 to

Nanomaterials Research Corporation in Tucson,

Arizona. The proposal was for developing a

process to produce advanced ceramics cost

effectively using agricultural raw products, such

as rice husk. Potential commercial applications of

advanced ceramics include: structural,

mechanical, electrical, optical, catalytic, magnetic,

sensor, etc. The company, during Phase I will

demonstrate the proof-of-concept.
64 • Building Better Rural Places

Phase II

• Cane-Based Syrup for Small-Scale Limited Resource

Farmers: In Boligee, Alabama, Hall’s Homemade

Syrup was awarded an SBIR grant for $190,000

over a 24 month period to develop syrup

production for small-scale limited resource

farmers. A major problem for rural communities in

the Alabama Black Belt is finding a high value

crop and associated products that can be

processed by the small, limited resource farmers in

the region. This research proposed taking a

cultural practice, cane-based syrup, and refining

its production and developing value-added

products from the ribbon cane.

• Grass Forage Cropping: The G&G Hay and Black

Ram Engineering companies of Princeton, Idaho

developed a research project to look into foragebased agriculture on the sloping, highly erodible

terrain in northern Idaho. Phase I research

showed that central Idaho can produce grass

forage products which are competitive in regional

and export markets. Commercial grass forage

cropping has the potential to serve as an economic

engine in a manner similar to other grass forage

areas in central Washington, the Columbia River

Basin and west central Oregon. These areas have

developed vibrant economies using commercial

grass forage cropping as an alternative

agricultural enterprise.

Information Available

The program solicitation, proposal preparation

instructions, evaluation criteria, considerations,

information sources, research topic descriptions,

technical abstracts, and information on upcoming

national conferences are available on SBIR’s website.

Legislative Authority

Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982,

as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

Phase I grants are for six months and will not exceed

$70,000 beginning fiscal year 2000. Phase II grants are

for 24 months, and do not exceed $250,000. The average

grant award for a Phase II study is $225,000.

Permission for extended studies may be granted.

Applications in the form of program solicitations are

generally available and open in early June and close

in early September. Pre-applications and proposals

are not accepted, but advice may be sought from the

national program office.

Eligibility

To be eligible for either Phase I or Phase II grants, the

principal investigator’s employer must be a small

business. A small business is defined under Section

2.2 of the Program Solicitation. Briefly, though, a

small business must be independently owned, with

at least 51 percent owned or for purposes of publicly

owned businesses, 51 percent of its voting stock

must be owned by United States citizens or lawfully

admitted permanent resident aliens. The business,

which can be a small farm, can employ not more

than 500 employees (full time, part-time, temporary,

or other). Recipients of SBIR Phase I grants are the

only eligible contenders for an SBIR Phase II grant.

Phase I grantees can apply for Phase II applications,

but must have been awarded the grant within two

years of applying for a Phase II grant.

Uses and Restrictions

For both Phase I and Phase II, the grantee must be

considered a small business at the time of grant award.

Contact

Application materials, known as the Program

Solicitation, and further information is available on

SBIR’s website or by contacting the national

program office.

National Program Office

Charles Cleland, Director SBIR Program

Cooperative State Research, Education, and

Extension Service, USDA, Ag Box 2243

Washington, D.C. 20250-2243

(202) 401-4002 or Ruth Lange: (202) 401-1839;

(202) 401-6070 - fax

Email: ccleland@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/sbir/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 65

7(a) Loan Guaranty Program

Guaranteed Loans to Small Businesses Unable to Secure Financing on Reasonable Terms

through Normal Lending Channels; Operates through Private-Sector Lenders that Provide

Loans Guaranteed by the SBA

Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee loans

to small businesses that cannot obtain financing on reasonable terms through normal lending channels. The

SBA basic guaranty program is designed to promote small business formation and growth by guaranteeing

long-term loans to qualified firms. Loans are available for many business purposes, such as real estate,

expansion, equipment, working capital or inventory. The SBA can guarantee 75 percent of the loan amount up

to $750,000. For loans of $100,000 or less, the guaranty rate is 80 percent. The interest rate is not to exceed 2.75

over the prime lending rate. Maturities are up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for fixed

assets.

The 7(a) Program is the largest of the SBA’s financial assistance programs, handling more than 80 percent of

all SBA business lending activity. In addition to general financing, the 7(a) program encompasses a number of

the SBA’s specialized loan programs:

 Basic 7(a): Guarantees long-term loans to small businesses that cannot obtain financing on reasonable terms

through normal lending channels for uses such as real estate, expansion, equipment, working capital or

inventory.

• LowDoc: Designed to reduce the paperwork involved in loan requests of $150,000 or less. The SBA uses a

one-page application and relies on the strength of the individual applicant's character and credit history. The

applicant must first satisfy all of the lender's requirements; then the lender may request a LowDoc guaranty.

• SBAExpress: SBAExpress encourages participating banks to use their own documentation and procedures

to approve, service and liquidate loans of up to $150,000. In return, the SBA agrees to guarantee up to 50

percent of each loan. This is a pilot program with selected banks nationwide.

• CAPLines: Finances small business short-term, cyclical working-capital needs. There are five distinct shortterm working capital loans: the Seasonal, Contract, Builder's, Standard Asset-Based, and Small Asset-Based

lines. Most SBA regulations governing the 7(a) Program also govern this program. SBA generally can

guarantee up to $750,000.

• International: Offers long-term financing to small businesses working or preparing to work in international

trade, as well as those businesses adversely affected by import competition.

• Export: Provides short-term working capital to exporters in a combined working effort of the SBA and the

Export-Import Bank.

• Prequalification Loans: A pilot loan program enabling the SBA to prequalify a guaranty for loans of

$250,000 or less before the business owner goes to a bank. This program is designed for women, veterans,

minorities, rural businesses, and selected industries and geographical areas.

• 7(m) Microloan: Available in selected locations around the country, the MicroLoan program provides shortterm loans of up to $25,000. If you need a loan for small-scale financing purposes such as inventory, supplies

and working capital (but not to pay existing debts), this program may be your answer. MicroLoans are made

through SBA-approved nonprofit groups, known as intermediaries, which also provide counseling and

technical assistance. Call your local SBA office to locate the nearest SBA-designated group.

Repayment ability from the cash flow of the business is a primary consideration in the SBA loan decision

process. Good character, management capability, collateral, and owner's equity contribution are also

important considerations. All owners of 20 percent or more are required to personally guarantee SBA loans.
66 • Building Better Rural Places

Project Examples

A policy of client confidentiality prevents SBA staff

from providing examples of loan projects. You can

obtain a free copy of “The Resource Directory for

Small Business Management,” a listing of

publications and videotapes available for purchase,

from your local SBA office or the SBA Answer Desk

(see Contact section below).

Eligibility

The vast majority of businesses are eligible for

financial assistance from the SBA. Applicant

businesses must operate for profit; be engaged in, or

propose to do business in the United States or its

possessions; have reasonable owner equity to invest;

and must have used alternative financial resources

including personal assets.

Ineligible businesses are those which are engaged in

illegal activities, loan packaging, speculation, multisales distribution, gambling, investment or lending,

or where the owner is on parole. Also ineligible are

the following types of businesses: real estate

investment; speculative activities; academic schools;

pyramid sales plans; illegal activities; charitable or

religious activities, or nonprofit institutions.

The Small Business Act defines an eligible small

business as one that is independently owned and

operated and not dominant in its field of operation.

This can vary from industry to industry. Size

standards which define the maximum size of an

eligible small business are as follows:

Industry Size

Retail $5.0 - $21 million receipts

Construction $7 - $17 million receipts

Agriculture $0.5 - $3.5 million receipts

Wholesale No > than 100 employees

Manufacturing 500 to 1,500 employees

Service No > than $21.5 million

receipts

Size eligibility should be discussed with the local

SBA office staff. Also note that the standards for a

particular business may change from time to time

and some exceptions do apply.

The proceeds of SBA loans can be used for most

business purposes, including the purchase of real

estate to house business operations; construction,

renovation or leasehold improvements; acquisition of

furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment;

purchase of inventory; and working capital.

Loan proceeds may not be used to: finance floor plan

needs; purchase real estate where the participant

has issued a forward commitment to the builder/

developer, or where the real estate will be held

primarily for investment purposes; make payments

to owners or pay delinquent withholding taxes; or

pay existing debt unless it can be shown that the

refinancing will benefit the small business and that

the need to refinance is not indicative of imprudent

management. (Proceeds can never be used to reduce

the exposure of the participant in the loans being

refinanced.)

Uses and Restrictions

SBA loans can be used for most business purposes

including establishing a new business, purchasing

inventory, furniture and fixtures, machinery,

equipment, buying land for construction, building,

financing leasehold improvements, real property, and

for use as working capital. In some cases, proceeds

may be used for financing certain types of debt. Some

restrictions and special circumstances exist.

Contact

Check the telephone directory under “U.S.

Government” for the nearest SBA office or call the

Small Business Answer Desk 1-(800) 8-ASK-SBA or

(202) 205-7064. For the hearing impaired the TDD

number is (202) 205-7333.

SBA OnLine- electronic bulletin board - modem and

computer required

(800) 697-4636 (limited access)

(900) 463-4636 (full access)

(202) 401-9600 (D.C. metro only)

Internet

www.sba.gov/

7(a) Program:

www.sbaonline.sba.gov/business_finances/

7aloan.html
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 67

504 Certified Development Company

(504 CDC) Program (SBA)

Stimulates Creation of Jobs by Providing Fixed Asset Financing to Small Firms for the

Construction or Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied or Leased Premises

The 504 Certified Development Company (504 CDC) Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

makes loans available to growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets

through SBA Certified Development Companies (CDCs). Loans can be used to acquire land, buildings,

machinery and equipment; and for building, modernizing, renovating or restoring existing facilities and sites.

CDCs are private, nonprofit corporations whose purpose is to contribute to the economic development of their

communities by assisting small businesses. There are about 270 CDCs nationwide.

Although the total size of projects using CDC financing is unlimited, the maximum amount of CDC

participation in any individual project is usually $750,000. Typical projects range in size from $500,000 to $2

million with the average project totaling $1 million. The average CDC participation in any project $870,000.

Project Examples

A typical project includes approximately 50 percent

financed by a bank.

Application and Financial

Information

Initial contact should be made through a local CDC

(see “Contact” below).

Interest rates are based on the current market rate for

five- and 10-year U.S. Treasury issues, plus an

increment above the Treasury rate, based on market

conditions. Maturities of 10 and 20 years are

available. Repayment is made in monthly, level-debt

installments.

Collateral typically includes a mortgage on the land

and the building being financed, liens on machinery,

equipment and fixtures, and lease assignments.

Private sector lenders are secured by a first lien on

the project. The SBA is secured by a second lien. The

SBA also requires personal guaranties from all

persons who own 20 percent or more of the small

business borrower.

SBA regulations specify limits on fees that must be

paid in connection with SBA financing.

Eligibility

To be eligible, a business must be a for-profit

corporation, partnership or proprietorship. Under the

504 Program, the business qualifies if its net worth does

not exceed $6 million, and its average net profit after

taxes does exceed $2 million in the previous two years.

Loans cannot be made to businesses engaged in

speculation, investment in rental real estate, gambling,

lending or nonprofit concerns.

Uses and Restrictions

Loan proceeds may be used for fixed asset projects

such as: purchasing existing buildings; purchasing

land in connection with the construction of a

building; and land improvements such as grading,

street improvements, utilities, parking lots and

landscaping; construction; modernizing, renovating

or converting existing facilities; purchasing

machinery and equipment; paying interest on

interim financing; and paying professional fees

directly attributable to the project, such as surveying,

engineering, architect, appraisal, legal and

accounting fees.

The 504 Program cannot be used for working capital

or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt,

refinancing, or financing a plant not located in the

U.S., its territories and possessions.

Contact

Local Certified Development Companies can be

identified by contacting your local Chamber of

Commerce or economic development authority in

your city, county, or state government. You may also

call any SBA District office for assistance in locating
68 • Building Better Rural Places

a Certified Development Company.

Check the telephone directory under “U.S.

Government” for the nearest SBA office or:

Telephone inquiries- Small Business Answer Desk 1-

(800) 8-ASK-SBA or (202) 205-7064. For the hearing

impaired the TDD number is (202) 205-7333.

SBA OnLine- electronic bulletin board - modem and

computer required

(800) 697-4636 (limited access)

(900) 463-4636 (full access)

(202) 401-9600 (D.C. metro only)

Internet

CDC Program:

www.sba.gov/financing/frcdc504.html

SBA Home Page:

www.sba.gov/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 69

MicroLoan Program

Short-Term Loans for Financing Inventory, Purchasing Equipment, Machinery, and

Fixtures, Seeking Leasehold Improvements, Providing Working Capital or Receiving

Technical Assistance

The MicroLoan Program was developed to increase the availability of very small loans to prospective small

business borrowers. Under this program, the SBA makes funds available to nonprofit intermediaries, who in

turn make loans to eligible borrowers.

Project Examples

Client confidentiality does not permit the SBA or

nonprofit lenders to release information to the public

on specific projects.

Application and Financial

Information

Loans are made by selected nonprofit lenders in

amounts up to a maximum of $25,000. The average

loan size is $10,500. Each nonprofit lending

organization has its own loan requirements.

Generally, lenders will take collateral against a loan.

In most cases, the personal guaranties of the business

owners are also required.

Depending on the earnings of the business, the loan

maturity may be as long as six years. Rates for

microloans are determined by the intermediary’s cost

of funds and the size of the microloan.

Eligibility

Virtually all types of for-profit businesses that meet

SBA basic requirements are eligible. Lending

decisions under this program are made solely by the

intermediary lender. They are based on credit

experience, character, and/or relationships built

during the preloan technical assistance and training.

Uses and Restrictions

Loans may be used for furniture, fixtures, supplies,

inventory, machinery, equipment and working

capital. Loans may not be used as a downpayment

or for the purchase of real estate.

The MicroLoan Program is a relatively new program.

It is available in most areas of the country.

Contact

Check the telephone directory under “U.S.

Government” for the nearest SBA office to ask for

information regarding your local intermediary lender

or call the SBA Answer Desk 1-(800) 8-ASK-SBA or

(202) 205-7064. For the hearing impaired the TDD

number is (202) 205-7333.

SBA OnLine- electronic bulletin board - modem and

computer required

(800) 697-4636 (limited access)

(900) 463-4636 (full access)

(202) 401-9600 (D.C. metro only)

Internet

SBA Home Page:

www.sba.gov/

SBA gopher:

gopher.sbaonline.sba.gov/

File transfer protocol:

ftp.sbaonline.sba.gov/
70 • Building Better Rural Places

Small Business Investment Companies

(SBICs)

Equity Capital, Long-Term Loans and Expert Management Assistance

Congress created the Small Business Investment Company Program in 1958 to fill the gap between the

availability of venture capital and the needs of small business in start-up and growth situations. SBICs,

licensed and regulated by the Small Business Administration (SBA), are privately owned and managed

investment firms. They use their own funds, plus funds obtained by borrowing at favorable rates with an SBA

guaranty and/or by selling their preferred stock to the SBA, to make venture-capital investments in small

businesses.

Virtually all SBICs are profit-motivated businesses. They provide equity capital, long-term loans, debt-equity

investments and management assistance to qualifying small businesses. Their incentive is the chance to share

in the success of the small business as it grows and prospers. Most SBICs are owned by small groups of local

investors. Many, however, are owned by commercial banks. Some SBICs are corporations with publicly traded

stock; others are subsidiaries of corporations.

The program makes funding available to all types of manufacturing, distribution and service industries.

According to SBA data, the industry group “Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries” received less than 2 percent

of SBIC funds from 1994-1996.

Many investment companies seek out small businesses with new products or services because of the strong

growth potential of such firms. Some SBICs specialize in a particular field in which their management has

special knowledge or competency. Most, however, consider a wide variety of investment opportunities.

Project Examples

Client confidentiality in SBIC affairs prohibits the

description of specific examples.

Eligibility

A business must meet the SBA’s definition of “small”

to be eligible for SBIC financing. In general, the SBA

defines small businesses as companies whose net

worth is $18 million or less and whose average net

(after-tax) income for the preceding two years does

not exceed $6 million. For some industries, the above

standards are too low, and alternative size standards

are used. In determining whether a business

qualifies, the SBA considers its parent, subsidiaries

and affiliates.

Uses and Restrictions

The SBA publishes a regularly updated directory all

current SBIC licenses as well as the amount of each

SBIC’s private capital and the amount of government

leverage it has received. Information on each SBIC’s

type of ownership and investment policies are also

available from the SBA by mail or over the Internet

and through SBA OnLine, the electronic bulletin

board.

Contact

The nearest SBA office can be identified in the

telephone directory under “U.S. Government” or call

the SBA Anser Desk at (800) 8-ASK-SBA. To send a

fax to the SBA, dial (202) 205-7064. For the hearing

impaired, the TDD is (704) 344-6640.

SBA OnLine: electronic bulletin board - modem and

computer required

(800) 697-4636 (limited access)

(900) 463-4636 (full access)

(202) 401-9600 (D.C. metro area)

Internet

www.sba.gov/inv
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 71

Downpayment Farm Ownership Loan

Program

Loans for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers & Purchase Options on Inventory Farmland

The Farm Service Agency FSA has a special downpayment FO loan program to assist beginning farmers and

ranchers to purchase a farm or ranch. This program also provides a means for retiring farmers to transfer their

land to a future generation of farmers and ranchers.

FSA provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain

financing from commercial credit sources. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and

guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers.

FSA advertises acquired farm property within 15 days of acquisition. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers

are given first priority to purchase these properties at the appraised market value for the first 75 days after

acquisition. If more than one eligible beginning farmer or rancher offers to purchase the property, the buyer is

chosen randomly.

In fiscal year 1999 the obligations incurred for Downpayment Farm Ownership loans exceeded $11.7 million.

Application and Financial

Information

Applications for direct loan assistance may be made

at the FSA county office serving the county where

the operation is located. Local FSA offices are listed

in the telephone directory under U.S. Government,

Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.

For guaranteed loans, applicants must apply to a

commercial lender who participates in the

Guaranteed Loan Program. Local FSA offices have

lists of participating lenders.

Maximum amounts of indebtedness are:

• Direct FO or OL: $200,000

• Guaranteed FO or OL: $700,000

Beginning farmer or rancher applicants may choose

to participate in a joint financing plan that is also

available to other applicants. In this program, FSA

lends up to 50 percent of the amount financed, and

another lender provides 50 percent or more. FSA

will charge a reduced interest rate on the loan.

Eligibility

A beginning farmer or rancher is an individual or

entity who (1) has not operated a farm or ranch for

more than 10 years; (2) meets the loan eligibility

requirements of the program to which he/she is

applying; (3) substantially participates in the

operation; and, (4) for FO loan purposes, does not

own a farm greater than 25 percent of the average

size farm in the county.

To qualify:

• An applicant must make a cash downpayment of at

least 10 percent of the purchase price.

• FSA may provide a maximum amount equal to 30

percent of the purchase price or appraised value,

whichever is less. The term of the loan is 10 years at a

fixed interest rate of 4 percent.

• The remaining balance may be obtained from a

commercial lender or private party. FSA can provide

up to a 95 percent guarantee if financing is obtained

from a commercial lender. Participating lenders do

not have to pay a guarantee fee.

• The purchase price or appraised value, whichever

is lower, may not exceed $250,000.

Uses and Restrictions

Note: all applicants for direct FO loans must have

operated a farm for at least 3 years. If the applicant is

a business entity, all members must be related by

blood or marriage, and all stockholders in a

corporation must be eligible beginning farmers.
72 • Building Better Rural Places

Contact

FSA is organized on a national, state and county

basis. Applicants apply directly through the county

or area office. Individuals can locate the nearest

FSA office by checking in the telephone white pages

under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture,

Farm Service Agency.

National Program Office

James F. Radintz, Director

Farm Service Agency

Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Division

14th & Independence Ave., SW, Stop 0522

Washington, D.C. 20250-0522

(202) 720-6797; (202) 690-1117 - fax

Internet

www.fsa.usda.gov
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 73

Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Persons

Farm Purchase and Operating Loans Targeting Socially Disadvantaged Groups

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) can make and guarantee loans to socially disadvantaged applicants to buy

and operate family-size farms and ranches. Funds specifically for these loans are reserved each year.

A socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial,

ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their

individual qualities. For purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups are women, African

Americans, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and Asians and Pacific Islanders.

The purposes of the program are to:

• Target direct and guaranteed loan assistance to socially disadvantaged persons;

• Discover and remove obstacles that prevent the full participation of those persons in FSA’s farm loan

programs;

• Provide advice to qualified applicants to help them develop sound farm management practices, analyze

problems, and plan the best use of available resources essential for success in farming or ranching.

In fiscal year 1999 the obligations incurred for Socially Disadvantaged loans exceeded $94.5 million and

$68.9 million for direct and guaranteed operating loans respectively. It exceeded $34.9 million and $97.6

million for direct farm ownership and guaranteed farm ownership loans respectively.

Application and Financial

Information

Direct loans are made to applicants by FSA and

include both farm operating and farm ownership

loans.

Guaranteed loans also may be made for ownership

or operating purposes, and may be made by any

lending institution subject to Federal or State

supervision (banks, savings and loans, insurance

companies and units of the Farm Credit System

including the Bank for Cooperatives) and

guaranteed by FSA. Some State governments also

operate farm loan programs that are eligible for FSA

guarantees. Typically, FSA guarantees 90 or 95

percent of a loan against any loss that might be

incurred if the loan fails.

Repayment terms for direct operating loans depend

on the collateral securing the loan and usually run

from 1 to 7 years. Repayment terms for direct

ownership loans can be as long as 40 years.

Guaranteed loan terms are set by the lender.

Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically

according to the Government’s cost of borrowing.

Interest rates for guaranteed loans are established

by the lender.

Applications for all FSA direct loan programs are

made through FSA’s county offices. Offices often are

located in county seats, and their addresses and

telephone numbers can be found in local telephone

directories under “United States Government,

Department of Agriculture.”

Guaranteed loan applications are made with the

lender. In cases where a lender is not known to an

applicant, personnel at the county offices will help

find one and will help with an application, either for

a direct loan or a guaranteed loan.

Eligibility

Individuals, partnerships, joint operations,

corporations, and cooperatives primarily and

directly engaged in farming and ranching on familysize operations may apply. A family-size farm is

considered to be one that a family can operate and

manage itself.

In addition to being members of a socially

disadvantaged group, individual applicants under

this program must meet all requirements for FSA’s

regular farm loan program assistance. To be eligible,
74 • Building Better Rural Places

an applicant must, among other requirements:

• Have a satisfactory history of meeting credit

obligations;

• Have sufficient education, training, or at least 1

year’s experience in managing or operating a farm or

ranch within the last 5 years for a direct operating

loan (OL) or, for a direct farm ownership loan, have 3

years experience in operating a farm or ranch;

• Be a citizen of the United States (or a legal resident

alien), including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific

Island Trust Territories;

• Be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable

rates and terms to meet actual needs;

• Possess the legal capacity to incur the obligations of

the loan.

In the case of corporations, cooperatives, joint

operations, or partnerships, the stockholders,

members, or partners holding a majority interest

must meet these same eligibility requirements. The

borrowing entity must be authorized to operate a

farm or ranch in the State where the actual operation

is located.

In addition, the entity must be owned by U.S. citizens

or legal resident aliens, and the socially

disadvantaged members must hold a majority

interest in the entity.

If the individuals holding a majority interest in the

entity are related by blood or marriage, at least one

stockholder, member, or partner must operate the

family farm or ranch. If they are not related by blood

or marriage, those holding a majority interest must

operate the farm or ranch.

Uses and Restrictions

Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase

or enlarge a farm or ranch, purchase easements or

rights of way needed in the farm’s operation, erect or

improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn,

promote soil and water conservation and

development, and pay closing costs.

Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase

livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer, and

other materials necessary to operate a successful

farm. OL funds can also be used for family living

expenses, refinancing debts under certain conditions,

paying salaries of hired farm laborers, installing or

improving water systems for home use, livestock, or

irrigation and other improvements.

Contact

FSA is organized on a national, state and county

basis. Applicants apply directly through the county

or area office. Individuals can locate the nearest FSA

office by checking in the telephone white pages

under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture,

Farm Service Agency.

National Program Office

James F. Radintz, Director

Farm Service Agency

Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Division

14th & Independence Ave., SW, Stop 0522

Washington, D.C. 20250-0522

(202) 720-1656; (202) 720-6797 - fax

Internet

www.fsa.usda.gov
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 75

III. Management Assistance

Also see:

Rural Business Enterprise Grants

Intermediary Relending Loan Program

Rural Business Opportunity Grants
76 • Building Better Rural Places

Cooperative Services (CS)

Assistance for Forming and Operating Agricultural Cooperatives in the Form of Research,

Technical Assistance, Information, Training, Educational Materials and Limited Funding

for Cooperative Research Agreements

Cooperative Services (CS) helps rural residents form new cooperative businesses and improve the operations of

existing cooperatives. To accomplish this, CS provides technical assistance, conducts training workshops, and

produces and distributes information and educational materials. Currently, CS works almost exclusively with

agricultural (including forest product) cooperatives. A legislative initiative is underway, however, to expand

its authority to provide services to all rural cooperatives. Recent projects already include other types of rural

cooperatives.

CS provides a wide range of assistance for people interested in forming new cooperatives. This help can range

from an initial feasibility study to the creation and implementation of a business plan. CS staff includes

cooperative development specialists who do everything from identifying potential cooperative functions

through developing bylaws and business plans. They also provide training for cooperative directors on

operations, management and fiduciary responsibilities, and member information, among other topics.

CS also provides technical assistance to existing cooperatives on a full range of issues facing cooperative

business enterprises to help improve a cooperative's business structure and operating efficiency. Examples of

technical assistance include help in: assessing the economic feasibility of new facilities or adding new

products or services, developing a strategic marketing plan to cope with new competitive forces, making a

crucial decision about whether to merge or form a joint venture with other cooperatives, or finding ways to turn

the raw products of cooperative members into value-added products.

Finally, CS conducts research, both internally and through cooperative agreements, to provide a knowledge

base necessary to support cooperatives dealing with changing markets and business trends. Studies include

financial, structural, managerial, policy, member governance, legal, and social issues, as well as various other

economic activities of cooperatives. Research is designed to have direct application to current and emerging

requirements of cooperatives. A major challenge is to analyze industry structure and cooperative operational

practices to determine the changes required to maintain or achieve a producer-oriented marketing system.

Recent research studies have focused on equity redemption plans used by cooperatives, identification of new

niche markets for cooperatives, and opportunities and obstacles cooperatives face when exporting goods

overseas.

Project Examples

Cooperative Services has provided assistance to a

variety of groups of rural producers wishing to add

value to their products. Current and past projects

include:

• Working with a group of grain producers to

determine the feasibility of forming a cooperative

to add value to their grain by drying, storing, and

marketing on a cooperative basis;

• Helping small-scale hog producers organize a

transportation and marketing cooperative, to help

save on costs and gain access to packers;

• Assisting the formation of a cooperative for rural

women who produce hand-crafted gift items;

• Conducting a feasibility analysis for dry edible

bean producers and assisting them in organizing

a marketing cooperative to increase their returns;

• Assisting in the formation of an aquaculture

cooperative that provides members with a facility

to process, package and market crabmeat;

• Working with a group of turkey farmers in

formation of a cooperative to take over a closing

processing plant, which saved and created jobs,

and prevented turkey farmers from losing a viable

market; and

• Assisting the formation of vegetable marketing

cooperatives that enabled small tobacco farmers to

diversify into a variety of alternative crops.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 77

Information Available

Cooperative Services is the nation's leading resource

for information, research and technical assistance

relating to rural cooperatives. This information

includes resource guides to educational programs for

cooperatives, directories of rural cooperatives,

management and financial guidelines. For a free

catalog listing more than 200 USDA publications

and videos about cooperatives, call (202) 690-0357 or

see the website. Cooperative Services also publishes

a bi-monthly magazine, Rural Cooperatives. Nominal

fees are charged for some publications.

Legislative Authority

Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946

Application and Financial

Information

With the exception of the Rural Cooperative

Development Grant Program, (see p. 78), CS provides

services to rural residents, not direct financial

assistance.

Eligibility

Currently, CS works almost exclusively with

agricultural (including forest product) cooperatives.

A legislative initiative is underway, however, to

expand its authority to provide services to all rural

cooperatives.

Contact

CS staff members in the national office work in

conjunction with cooperative development

specialists located at many of USDA's state Rural

Development offices; technical assistance is available

through some of these offices (see Appendix). For

educational programs and workshops, and further

information about technical assistance available,

please write to the national program office. For

publications and videos about cooperatives, call

(202) 720-7558 or see the website.

National Program Office

Randall E. Torgerson, Deputy Administrator

Cooperative Services

Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA

Stop 3250

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3250

(202) 720-7558; (202) 720-4641 - fax

Email: randall.torgerson@usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/
78 • Building Better Rural Places

Rural Cooperative Development Grant

Program (RCDG)

Grants for Establishing and Operating Centers for Cooperative Development

The Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program was established under the 1996 Farm Bill to provide

grants to nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education for the primary purpose of improving the

economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of

existing cooperatives. Emphasis is placed on those projects with high potential to improve rural business

activity through the cooperative form of business.

The 1996 Farm Bill removed “Technology” from the previous Rural Technology and Cooperative Development

Grant (RTCDG) program, thereby directing the focus of the program specifically to cooperative development.

Project Examples

The following are examples of cooperative

development activities that could be funded under

this program:

Cooperative Development Centers

• Providing services to newly developing

cooperatives in its geographic area on (1)

organizational guidance, (2) cooperative

development strategies, (3) business plans, and (4)

feasibility analyses.

• Arranging training on cooperative organization

and management skills.

• Developing expertise in financial management,

bookkeeping/accounting, and cooperative law to

enable hands-on assistance to developing

cooperatives.

• Evaluating the potential for development of a base

of support for cooperative programs within local

communities to assure needed leadership is

mobilized.

Other Cooperative Development Assistance

This new program replaces the mandates of the

Rural Technology and Cooperative Development

Grants program. The following examples, funded

under the old program, could also be considered

under the new Rural Cooperative Development

Grant Program:

• Intertribal Value-Added Agricultural Cooperative

Development: The Intertribal Agricultural Council,

Inc. of Montana was awarded a grant to establish a

cooperative Rural Development Center serving 42

Native American tribes in 20 states. The Center is

assisting in the start-up, expansion, and operational

funding for agricultural marketing and production

cooperatives for the benefit of people located on

rural Native American reservations in 20 states. A

major function of the center is fostering working

relationships and interdependence among the

various reservation cooperatives in order to share

experiences, build marketing and production

networks, take advantage of value-added

opportunities, and enhance inter-tribal cooperation.

• Rocky Mountain Center for Cooperative

Development: The grant provided funding to

support the operation and expansion of the Regional

Cooperative Development Center to cover three

states (Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming) to

fulfill the growing demands of the Rocky Mountain

West by providing technical assistance and support

to rural communities engaged in cooperative

development initiatives.

Information Available

Please see the entry for Cooperative Services.

Legislative Authority

Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of

1996 (1996 Farm Bill)
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 79

Application and Financial

Information

An invitation for pre-applications for RCDG grants

is published in the Federal Register each Spring.

Funding available in FY 2000 was $40 million.

Eligibility

Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher

education are eligible to receive grants.

Uses and Restrictions

Grants may go to eligible recipients to form and

operate centers for cooperative development--for

providing education, research, and technical

assistance to rural cooperatives and assisting the

cooperative development process. Grants may be

awarded for up to 75 percent of the total cost of the

project. The applicant must contribute at least 25

percent from non-federal sources. Grants are

awarded on a competitive basis and are based on

specific selection criteria These criteria are

published each year in Federal Register notices.

Contact

For information on the status of this program and

other information, contact the national program

office. The Internet site listed below is for USDA’s

Cooperative Services.

National Program Office

James E. Haskell

Assistant Deputy Administrator

Cooperative Services,

Rural Business-Cooperative Services

Stop 3250, Room 4016 South Building

1400 Independence Ave S.W.

Washington, DC 20250-3250

(202) 720-8460; (202) 720-4641 - fax

Email:james.haskell@usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg.htm
80 • Building Better Rural Places

Project Examples

A policy of client confidentiality prevents SCORE

staff from providing examples for this guide.

Application and Financial

Information

Potential clients should contact their local SBA or

SCORE office to request a meeting with a counselor.

The SCORE chapter volunteers will check their

rosters to attempt to pair clients with counselors who

have relevant business experience.

Eligibility

Any small independent business can receive help

from SCORE. Clients need not have an SBA loan to

receive support. SCORE services also are available to

nonprofit associations.

Uses and Restrictions

SCORE is a free business counseling service

available to all American businesses.

The SCORE Association — “Counselors to

America’s Small Business”

Management and Mentoring Assistance for Small Businesses

SCORE is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) dedicated to

helping small businesses prosper since 1964. SCORE’s 389 locally organized, self-administered chapters offer

services throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Volunteers are trained as counselors, advisers and

mentors to work in management and training for existing small businesses and for those considering going

into business.

SCORE attempts to match clients’ needs with a counselor whose experience is in a comparable line of

business. Check with your local SCORE office to determine if counselors with relevant expertise are available.

SCORE can offer pre-business counseling, existing business counseling and mentoring sessions for no charge.

SCORE also provides low-cost local workshops on business planning, management, financing and marketing.

If no local counselor has relevant experience, search online at www.score.org to establish e-mail counseling

sessions. Log on and click “Get E-mail Counseling.”

Contact

To locate the SCORE office nearest you, check your

local telephone directory or call 1-800-634-0245 or

send a fax to (202) 205-7636. For the hearing

impaired, the TDD number is (202) 205-7333.

National Program Office

The SCORE Association

409 Third Street, S.W., 6th Floor

Washington, D.C. 20024

E-mail: contact.score@sba.gov

Internet

www.score.org

Visit SCORE’s award-winning web site for more than

2,000 pages of small business “how to” and trend

articles, to find your nearest counseling location and

to get e-mail counseling.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 81

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Program

Short-Term Training and Counseling for Small Businesses in Central and Easily Accessible

Branch Locations

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the Small Business Development Center Program

(SBDC) to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. The program is

a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments.

It enhances economic development by providing small businesses with management and technical assistance.

The SBDC Program is designed to deliver up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all

aspects of small business management. SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small

businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and

feasibility studies. Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include international trade

assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development.

There are 58 small business development centers — one in every state (Texas has four), the District of

Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa— with a network of nearly 1,000

service locations. In each state a lead organization sponsors the SBDC and manages the program. The lead

organization coordinates the programs and services which are offered to small businesses through a network

of subcenters and satellite locations in each state. Subcenters are located at numerous colleges, universities,

community colleges, vocational schools, chambers of commerce and economic development corporations.

The SBDCs make special efforts to reach members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups,

veterans, women and the disabled. SBDCs also provide assistance to small businesses applying for Small

Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) grants from federal agencies.

SBDC assistance is tailored to the local community and the needs of individual clients. Each center develops

services in cooperation with local SBA district offices to ensure statewide coordination with other available

resources.

Each center has a director, staff members, volunteers and part-time personnel. Qualified individuals recruited

from professional and trade associations, the legal and banking community, academia, chambers of commerce

and SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives) are among those who donate their services. SBDCs also

use paid consultants, consulting engineers and testing laboratories from the private sector to help clients who

need specialized expertise.

The SBA provides 50 percent or less of the operating funds for each state SBDC; one or more sponsors provide

the rest. These matching fund contributions are provided by state legislatures, private sector foundations and

grants, state and local chambers of commerce, state-chartered economic development corporations, public and

private universities, vocational and technical schools, community colleges, etc. Increasingly, sponsors’

contributions exceed the minimum 50 percent matching share.

Project Examples

Client confidentiality prohibits SBDC staff from

providing examples.

Eligibility

Assistance from an SBDC is available to anyone

interested in beginning a small business for the first

time or improving or expanding an existing small

business, who cannot afford the services of a private

consultant.
82 • Building Better Rural Places

Uses and Restrictions

Specific uses and offerings vary among SBDCs. Some

may have programs or offerings specifically directed

at agricultural businesses while others may not.

Contact your local SBDC for additional information.

Contact

For additional information or to take advantage of

SBDC offerings, contact the SBDC located nearest to

you. There are 58 SBDCs—at least one in every state

(Texas has four), the District of Columbia, Guam,

Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and American

Samoa. A lead organization in each state sponsors

and manages the SBDC program. The lead centers

are as follows:

Region I (Boston)

University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

(207) 780-4420

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

(413) 545-6301

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

(860)486-4135

Bryant College, Smithfield, RI

(401) 232-6111

Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT

(802) 728-9101

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

(603) 862-4879

Region II (New York)

Rutgers University, Newark, NJ

(973) 353-1927

State University of New York, Albany, NY

(518) 443-5398

University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin

Islands

(340) 776-3206

Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Hato Rey, PR

(787) 763-6811

Region III (Philadelphia)

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

(215) 898-1219

Howard University, Washington, DC

(202) 806-1550 ext. 208

University of Delaware, Newark, DE

(302) 831-2747

W. Virginia Development Office, Charleston, WV

(304) 558-2960

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

(301) 403-8300

Department of Economic Development, Richmond VA

(804) 371-8251

Region IV (Atlanta)

University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

(803)777-4907

University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL

(850) 595-6060

University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL

(205) 943-6750

University of Georgia, Athens, GA

(706) 542-6762

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

(606) 257-7668

University of Mississippi, University, MS

(662) 915-5001

Board of Regents, Nashville, TN

(615) 366-3931

University of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC

(919) 715-7272

Region V (Chicago)

University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

(608) 263-7794

Dept. of Trade and Economic Development, St. Paul, MN

(651) 297-5770

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

(313) 964-1798

Department of Commerce and Community Affairs,

Springfield, IL

(217) 524-5856

Economic Development Council, Indianapolis, IN

(317) 264-2820 ext.17

Department of Develpment, Columbus, OH

(614) 466-2711

Region VI (Dallas)

University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR

(501) 324-9043

Northeast Louisiana Univerity, Monroe, LA

(318) 342-5506

SE Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

(405) 924-0277

University of Houston, Houston, TX

(713) 752-8425

University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

(210) 458-2450

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

(806) 745-3973

Dallas County Community College, Dallas, TX 75215

(214) 860-5835

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM

(505) 428-1362

Region VII (Kansas City)

University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE

(402) 554-2521

Iowa State University, Ames, IA

(515)292-6351
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 83

University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

(573) 882-0344

Fort Hays State University, Topeka, KS

(785)296-6514

Region VIII (Denver)

Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, UT

(801) 957-3481

University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD

(605) 677-5287

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

(701) 777-3700

Department of Commerce, Helena, MT

(406) 444-4780

Office of Economic Development, Denver, CO

(303) 892-3794

University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

(307) 766-3505

Region IX (San Francisco)

American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS

011-684-699-9155 x 370

University of Nevada in Reno, Reno, NV

(775) 784-1717

Maricopa County Community College, Tempe, AZ

(480) 731-8720

University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI

(808) 974-7515

California Trade & Commerce, Sacramento, CA

(916) 324-9538

University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam

(671) 735-2590

Region X (Seattle)

Washington State University, Spokane, WA

(509) 358-7765

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR

(541) 726-2250

Boise State University, Boise, ID

(208) 426-3799

University of Alaska at Anchorage, Anchorage, AK

(907) 274-7232
84 • Building Better Rural Places

Small Farmer Outreach Training and

Technical Assistance Program

Grants to Educational Institutions and Nonprofit Organizations that Provide Outreach,

Training, and Technical Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

This program is designed to reverse the decline of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The intended

outcome is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms,

participate in agricultural programs, and become an integral part of the agricultural community.

Project Examples

The following are examples of funded projects:

• Providing assistance to farmers in marketing

strategies and improvements, including the

processing and marketing of food products

through a food park developed in conjunction

with a local chamber of commerce. The project also

includes assistance to farmer participants to

provide access to new markets and adding value

(such as packing capabilities) to joint marketing

efforts. The overall goal of the project is to increase

net yields for participaing small and

disadvantaged farmers.

• Providing farm planning and marketing

assistance to increase the variety (including

reintroducing native plants) of vegetables.

Participation in the project also enables the

farmers to pursue continuing education toward a

degree in agricultural fields. The overall goal is to

increase farmer yields by better meeting food

security and nutrition needs of local customers.

• Providing training workshops and meetings (68)

on farm management and record-keeping, as well

as marketing topics. As a result of these and other

project activities, 121 farmers were assisted in

developing farm and home plans; 88 farmers

began using record-keeping systems; 49 farmers

secured loans from commercial banks and 29

secured loans from Farm Service Agency (FSA); 21

farmers completed conservation plans; and six

farmers graduated from FSA credit to commercial

sources. The project also developed a

demonstration on how to grow greens and an

eight week residential program for youth on

beginning agriculture.

Legislative Authority

Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,

and Trade Act of 1990.

Application and Financial

Information

Any requests for proposals appear in the Federal

Register. Eligible educational institutions and

community-based organizations should submit a

written proposal to the address given in the Federal

Register. Notice of action taken on proposals will

generally be given within 90 days of the proposal

submission deadline.

Eligibility

Eligible institutions include community-based

institutions, land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee

University, Indian tribal community colleges and

Alaska Native cooperative colleges, and Hispanicserving post-secondary educational institutions that:

(1) have demonstrated experience in providing

agricultural education or other agriculturally related

services to socially disadvantaged farmers and

ranchers; (2) provide documentary evidence of past

experience in working with socially disadvantaged

farmers and ranchers during the two years preceding

the application for assistance; and (3) do not engage

in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Applicants must have the financial, legal,

administrative, and operational capacity to carry out

the objectives of the program. Applicants should

provide a certification of all members of the

applicant/applicant entity including name, gender,

race and national origin.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 85

Uses and Restrictions

Educational and community-based organizations

receive grants to provide outreach and technical

assistance to encourage and assist socially

disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and

operate farms and ranches and to participate in

USDA programs and services. Assistance includes

information on farm management -- operating a farm

or ranch to produce income adequate to service debt,

maintain farm or ranch operations, and provide a

reasonable standard of living; application and

bidding procedures; and other essential information

needed to participate in USDA programs and

services.

Contact

National Program Office

Sherie Hinton Henry

Acting Director

(202) 720-6350; (800) 880-4183

(202) 720-7489 - fax
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 87

IV. Marketing Assistance

Also see:

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas

Forest Products Conservation and Recycling

Cooperative Services

Community Facilities Loan Program
88 • Building Better Rural Places

Federal-State Marketing Improvement

Program (FSMIP)

Matching Grants for Marketing Agricultural Products through State Departments of

Agriculture

The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) provides matching funds, on a competitive basis,

to State departments of agriculture or similar state agencies to conduct studies or develop innovative

approaches related to the marketing of agricultural products. Federal funds in the amount of $1.2 million have

been provided for this program in the Department of Agriculture budget in most recent years.

FSMIP funds can be requested for a wide range of research and service work aimed at improving the marketing

system or identifying new market opportunities for food and other agricultural products. While all proposals

that meet the matching funds requirement and fall within FSMIP guidelines will be considered, States are

especially encouraged to develop projects that will benefit small, limited resource farmers, including projects

involving partnership arrangements with producer groups and community-based organizations interested in

pursuing local or regional food system strategies.

Project Examples

Iowa -- A $55,000 grant to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to enhance the economic viability of local food production systems

through direct marketing to Iowa institutions.

Kansas -- A $55,000 grant to Kansas State University,

in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing, to identify market opportunities

for new varieties of hard white wheat, and determine

the costs and benefits of preserving the identity of hard

wheat varieties throughout the distribution process.

Montana -- A $48,000 grant to the Montana Department of Agriculture, with Montana State University

and others, to assess marketing opportunities for specialty herbs and oil crops grown in western Montana.

Vermont -- A $31,000 grant to the Vermont Department

of Agriculture, Food and Markets, in cooperation with

other northeastern States, to further develop an infrastructure for collecting and marketing high-quality

sheep and goat genetic material.

Washington -- A $60,000 grant to the Washington State

Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the

Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, for market research and development of an interactive database that will allow oyster farmers to more easily form

cooperative networks and develop strategies for business success.

For project descriptions from other states, please see

the FSMIP website or call the national office.

Legislative Authority

Section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of

1946

Application and Financial

Information

In recent years, available funds have been allocated

to approximately 25 projects each year. Lists of the

projects, by state, and the amounts of federal funds

provided for each project during the past five years

can be viewed on the Internet at

www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.

Funds are allocated on the basis of two rounds of

competition annually, with approximately one-half

of the FSMIP appropriation involved in each round.

Typically, proposals received by early February are

considered for the first round of fund allocations

and by early May for the second round. Successful

applicants can expect to have project approvals in

place by May 1 for first-round allocations and by

September 1 for second-round allocations.

Eligibility

Only state departments of agriculture or similar state

agencies are eligible to apply for direct funding.

However, others, including producers and industry

organizations, interested in initiating and

developing proposals and projects are encouraged to

work with state departments of agriculture.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 89

Uses and Restrictions

Funding is not authorized for advertising or

promotion. FSMIP also is not designed to support

long-term, basic research or, with limited exceptions,

to support capital improvements or equipment

purchases.

Contact

Organizations interested in the development of a

proposal should contact their state department of

agriculture or the national program office for

additional information and guidance.

National Program Office

Debra Tropp

Acting FSMIP staff officer

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA

P.O. Box 96456, Room 4006-S

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456

(202) 720-2704

(202) 690-4948 (fax)

Email: debra.tropp@usda.gov

Internet

www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm
90 • Building Better Rural Places

Market Access Program (MAP)

Matching Funds for Export Market Development Activities such as Consumer Promotions,

Market Research, Technical Assistance and Trade Servicing

The Market Access Program (MAP) encourages the development, maintenance and expansion of commercial

export markets for agricultural products by helping U.S. producers, exporters, private companies and other

trade organizations finance promotional activities. Funds are provided on a reimbursable basis with a costshare requirement for consumer promotions, market research, technical assistance, and trade servicing. MAP

divides its funding between (1) branded product promotion--where small businesses and cooperatives are

given priority; and (2) generic product promotion--where funds go to the four state and regional trade groups,

state departments of agriculture and the national trade associations/commodities groups. For the branded

program, private companies can apply directly to MAP. Many producers and companies apply through one of

the state and regional trade groups—representing the agricultural interests of the eastern, western, southern,

and mid-American states—or the national trade associations/commodities groups, if they have branded

programs. Since some of the national trade associations/commodities groups do not have branded programs,

such as American Forest and Paper Products, companies apply directly to MAP. FAS and four State and

Regional Trade Groups have outreach programs for small companies and producers interested in developing

export markets, accessing market research, and developing new products.

Since its inception in 1985, the MAP and its predecessors, the Targeted Export Assistance Program and the

Market Promotion Program, have provided cost-share funds to nearly 800 U.S. companies, cooperatives, and

trade associations to promote their products overseas. In that period, total U.S. agricultural exports have

doubled, from $26.3 billion -- the first year of the program--to $53.6 billion in 1998. The Export Incentive

Program (EIP), which is part of the MAP, helps U.S. commercial entities conduct brand promotion activities

including advertising, trade shows, in-store demonstrations, and trade seminars.

MAP is one of two programs used by FAS for export market promotions; also see the Foreign Market

Development Program (FMD) entry.

Project Examples

USDA has approved MAP proposals to promote a

wide variety of U.S. food and fiber products,

including: apples, asparagus, canned peaches and

fruit cocktail, catfish, cherries, citrus, cotton, dairy

products, dry beans, eggs, feed grains, frozen

potatoes, ginseng, grapes, honey, hops, kiwifruit,

meat, peanuts, pears, pet food, pistachios, poultry

meat, prunes, raisins, rice, salmon, soybeans,

strawberries, sunflower seeds, surimi, tallow, tomato

products, walnuts, and wheat.

Specific examples of funded projects include:

Generic programs

• Promotion of U.S. forest products in Europe

through conferences and demonstration projects.

• Promotion of sunflower kernel in Germany through

trade shows, advertising, and public relations.

Brand identified promotion program

•Promotion of branded citrus in the Far East and

Europe

•Promotion of branded almonds by increasing

consumer awareness in Japan, France, and the

U.K.

•Promotions by state groups of a variety of high

value products worldwide.

Legislative Authority

Section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as

amended.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 91

Application and Financial

Information

Under the MAP, funds from USDA’s Commodity

Credit Corporation (CCC) are used to partially

reimburse program participants conducting foreign

market development projects for eligible products in

specified countries. Each year USDA announces an

application period for participation in the MAP and

publishes it in the Federal Register. Proposals for the

MAP are developed by trade organizations and

private firms and submitted to USDA. Under

branded product promotion activities, individual

companies must provide at least a 50% funding

match; under generic promotion activities, trade

associations and others must meet a minimum 10-

percent match requirement. Applications are

evaluated based on the following criteria: (1)

contribution level, (2) export performance, (3)

projected export goals, and (4) accuracy of past

export projections, if relevant.

After approval by USDA, participating organizations

or firms sign a program agreement with the CCC.

Authority to expend promotional resources is a twostage process. First, FAS must approve each

recipient's application for funds and set a yearly

allocation level, overall program ceiling, budget

ceilings by country for branded and generic

activities, amount of branded funds targeted for

small-sized entities, and conditions relating to the

conduct of the year's program. In the second stage,

the recipient must submit a detailed plan fully

describing proposed activities, cost categories, and

resources to be contributed by the recipient.

MAP program requirements for participation include

cost-sharing, strategic planning, export goals, and

activity evaluations. Information required from

participants includes the estimated increase in

exports and market share that would result from the

proposed promotion, the participant's program

management capabilities, and the organization's

contribution toward cost-sharing.

Eligibility

Proposals for the MAP are developed by trade

organizations and private firms and submitted to

USDA. Small businesses and cooperatives are given

priority.

Uses and Restrictions

Participants are required to certify that federal funds

used under the program are used to supplement, and

not supplant, private sector funds. Promotion of brand

products in a single country is generally limited to no

more than five years.

Contact

To submit a MAP proposal or to find out how to do

so, contact the national program office. Please see

our website for more information.

National Program Office

USDA/FAS

Marketing Operations Staff

Stop 1042

1400 Independence Ave.SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-1042

(202) 720-4327; (202) 720-9361 - fax

Internet

www.fas.usda.gov/info/factsheets/mapfact.html
92 • Building Better Rural Places

National Organic Program

Will Provide National Organic Certification Standards, Accreditation for Certifying

Agencies and Information

The National Organic Program (NOP) is in the process of developing uniform federal standards related to the

production, processing and marketing of organically produced foods. Once the national organic standards are

finalized, state and private organizations will be accredited as organic certifiers through NOP. Farmers,

processors and handling operators seeking organic certification can then be certified and inspected annually

by these accredited organizations at the state and local level.

Established in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, NOP was created to develop credible national

organic standards, ensure consumer confidence and facilitate trade. The NOP is charged with developing this

in conjunction with the NOSB, an advisory committee of farmers, consumer advocates, scientists and others.

Currently, a variety of both state and private certifiers carry out such activities and organic product

certification, although accreditation of organic certifiers is not required in all states. The final regulation,

which is expected to be published in early 2001, will establish the federal organic standards and labeling

regulations. NOP is also working with other nations to develop international guidelines for organic foods.

Information Available

Once the national organic standards are finalized,

the NOP national program office will maintain a list

of accredited certifiers and can provide an interested

operation with a list of accredited certifiers. NOP

also will maintain a list of materials approved for

use in organic agriculture and provide information to

all interested parties. Once these standards are

finalized, NOP will also work with the Cooperative

Extension System and through nonprofit organizations to disseminate information about certification through county extension agents. The NOP

regulation also will include a list of materials

approved for use in organic agriculture and provide

information to all interested parties. Once these

standards are finalized, NOP also will work with the

Cooperative Extension system and through nonprofit

organizations to disseminate information about

certification through county extension agents. NOP

will work with NOSB to maintain a list of materials.

Legislative Authority

Title XXI--Organic Certification--of the Food,

Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

(1990 Farm Bill).

Contact

Please contact the national program office to

determine the status of the national organic

standards.

National Program Office

Keith Jones

Program Manager, National Organic Program

Transportation and Marketing Division

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA

Room 2945 South Bldg., Stop 0275

P.O. Box 96456

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456

(202) 720-3252; (202) 690-3924 - fax
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 93

Research and Promotion Program (R&P)

Provides Guidance and Oversight to Commodity Groups to Develop an Industry Self-Help

Program to Strengthen that Commodity’s Position in the Marketplace

The research and promotion programs are designed to strengthen the position of products in the marketplace

by developing new markets, improving the quality of products, and finding better and cheaper ways of

producing the products. They enable producers and processors, large and small, to combine their economic

resources to conduct projects that would not be economically feasible by individual producers or businesses.

These programs are industry-funded, but AMS has oversight responsibility for the administration and

disbursement of funds. There currently are programs in effect for beef, cotton, dairy products, eggs, fluid milk,

honey, mushrooms, peanuts, popcorn, pork, potatoes, soybeans, and watermelon.

Research and promotion programs are authorized by specific legislation which establishes the parameters of

the promotional effort. These research and promotion programs are administered by industry producers,

processors, handlers, importers, and/or consumers established as a board or council to carry out the

requirements of each act. Representatives of these groups are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Annual budgets and plans for these programs are approved by the Secretary and the appropriate AMS

program area.

Project Examples

The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer

Information Act has provided funds for new product

research that has resulted in soybeans being used as

substitutes for other items ranging from food to ink.

Information Available

See the AMS Home Page located at

www.ams.usda.gov for detailed information about

each of the AMS Research and Promotion Programs.

Legislative Authority

The research and promotion program for each

commodity is governed by authorizing legislation

specific to that commodity.

Application and Financial

Information

All research and promotion programs are funded

from assessments the commodity industry agrees to

place upon itself. The amount of the assessment is

voted upon by all who would be required to pay this

assessment. Annual budgets and plans for these

programs are approved by the Secretary of

Agriculture and the appropriate AMS program area.

Industry assessments also cover USDA’s expenses

for providing oversight to the operation of these

programs.

Contact

National Program Office

Associate Administrator

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA

Room 3069-S, STOP Code 0201

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-0201

(202) 720-4276; (202) 720-8477 - fax

Internet

www.ams.usda.gov/
94 • Building Better Rural Places

Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program

(W&AM)

Feasibility Studies for Wholesale and Farmers’ Markets in the Form of Cooperative

Agreements, Technical Assistance, Information and Data

The purpose of the Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program (W&AM) is to promote regional economic

development and improve market access for the small- and medium- sized farmer, thus enhancing the overall

effectiveness of the food marketing system and providing better quality products to the consumer at reasonable

cost. The program provides technical assistance, information and data to assist in developing feasibility

studies for wholesale, collection, farmers’, and direct markets. Limited funds are available to facilitate the

acquisition of data for studies through cooperative agreements. While individuals may seek information from

W&AM staff, funding for cooperative agreements for technical assistance in developing these facilities must be

associated with State or local government agencies, farmers’ cooperatives, or non-profit organizations and

should receive endorsement from the State department of agriculture. While this program is focused on farm

products, proposals related to forest-based product markets would also be considered.

W&AM uses staff agricultural marketing specialists, engineers, and economists and university, state and other

government agency professionals to form teams that perform marketing and facilities studies. Project teams

also include customers and stakeholders such as small- to medium-sized growers, consumers, state

departments of agriculture, market vendors and operators, city/county governments, and agricultural

cooperatives.

Specifically, the W&AM Program:

• Identifies and defines projects related to markets development. Activities include conducting research and

analysis related to project feasibility studies.

• Identifies facility design alternatives for market construction or renovation.

• Evaluates specialized markets and facilities for specific crops and product volumes. This effort focuses on

marketing strategies to open larger markets to farmers with small- to medium-sized operations.

• Prepares and provides customers with resource materials related to developing markets or gaining access to

them.

• Exchanges information and makes public presentations before cooperator (state, municipal and private) and

professional / industry organizations to convey study findings.

Project Examples

• Thomasville, GA., Regional Market Facility Study –

This study was conducted in cooperation with the

Georgia Department of Agriculture to evaluate the

feasibility of upgrading the present market or

building a new facility for the collection and

assembly of produce grown in Southern Georgia.

This auction market provides access to the mass

market for small- and medium-sized farmers 67

counties in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

• A Review of Little Rock’s River Farmers’ Market

Operations – This study was conducted in

cooperation with the City of Little Rock to develop

criteria for business and operational improvements

at the market which opened in 1996. The study cited

the need for attracting small farmers, locally

produced farm products, and fresh specialty

products.

• Fort Worth Farmers’ Market – This study was

conducted in cooperation with Texas Department of

Agriculture, Texas Agricultural Extension Service,

Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, and

other city businesses to develop a farmers market on

a permanent site in downtown Fort Worth. Specific

objectives were; to determine facility and space

requirements and develop conceptual designs;

identify functional and operational features of

market facilities, design options, and potential

operating constraints; develop detailed construction

cost estimates; and develop a business plan for

operating the new market facilities.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 95

Information Available

A description of program activities and listing of

publications can be accessed via the internet at

www.ams.usda.gov/directmarketing/. Contact the

national program office to receive copies of desired

publications.

Legislative Authority

Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946

Application and Funding Information

W&AM provides funds through a cooperative

agreement in which all money passes from USDA to

a State’s department of agriculture, educational

institutions, state or local government agencies,

farmers cooperatives, or non-profit organizations.

There is no maximum amount for cooperative

agreements, and funding for large projects may be

spread over several years. The average agreement

amount is $25,000.

Eligibility

Technical assistance, information and data can be

provided to anyone upon request. Cooperative

agreements for a feasibility study linked to a

marketing facility can only be made with government

agencies, educational institutions, farmers’

cooperatives, or non-profit organizations.

Individuals are not eligible for assistance. Proposed

projects in which findings would be useful to others

and which are targeted to economically

disadvantage minority farmers are given preference.

Uses and Restrictions

W&AM can provide financial and technical support

only for a marketing feasibility study for a new

market or an existing market to be expanded. Funds

cannot be used to build a market. See the Community

Facilities Program and the Rural Business Enterprise

Grant Program for funding available for construction

and renovation of farmers’ markets and agricultural

fairgrounds. W&AM projects must have an

agriculture imperative. This can include forest-based

products.

Contact

Contact the national program office for applications

and further information.

National Program Office

Program Manager

Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program

Transportation and Marketing

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA

Room 2642 South Building

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250

(202) 720-8317; (202) 690-0031 - fax

Internet

www.usda.gov/ams/tmd.htm

www.usda.gov/ams/directmarketing.htm

www.usda.gov/ams/farmersmarkets.htm
96 • Building Better Rural Places

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers

Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

Matching Support to Market Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and Strengthen Farmers Markets.

For Participating Low-Income, At-Risk Women, Infants and Children, the Program

Provides Coupons or Checks to Obtain Locally Grown Fresh Produce from Farmers

Markets

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), established in 1992, provides special coupons to WIC

participants (low-income, at-risk women, infants and children) so that they can purchase fresh fruits and

vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. FMNP is funded through a congressionally mandated set-aside in

the WIC appropriation. The program has two goals: to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared food, such as

fruits and vegetables, from farmers’ markets to WIC participants; and to expand consumers’ awareness and

use of farmers’ markets.

This program, operated in conjunction with the regular WIC Program, is offered in 9 states and other

jurisdictions. State agencies may limit FMNP sales to specific foods that are locally grown to encourage

participants to support the farmers in their own state.

Project Examples

• In Pennsylvania the FMNP operates in 67

counties at 313 market sites. Approximately 475

farmers participated in the 1998 market season. In

1998 the FMNP paid Pennsylvania farmers a total

of $1.1 million for fresh fruit and produce grown in

Pennsylvania. At the same time, the Pennsylvania

program supported 110,400 WIC participants who

received checks which were redeemed for fresh

produce at farmers markets.

• The Iowa FMNP functions in 89 farmers markets

in 43 counties of the state serving approximately

50,415 recipients. Farmers participate in a short

training course which outlines the rules and

procedures of the program, and are certified to

received WIC checks at specific farmers markets

where they sell their fresh fruit and vegetables.

WIC checks valuing $650,000 were issued for

redemption by Iowa farmers in 1998.

• The FMNP in the State of Maryland operates in

all but three of the state’s 21 counties and in the

City of Baltimore. There are 45 participating

farmers’ markets which served more than 48,000

recipients in 1998. During the same year a total of

$250,000 was available for the purchase of fresh

fruits and vegetables from 315 authorized farmers

as a result of participating in the FMNP. Many

WIC participants had never shopped in a farmers

market before participating in the program, and

continue to shop at farmers markets after their WIC

checks have been spent.

Application and Financial

Information

Grants for administering the program are made to

state health, agriculture and other agencies (or

Indian tribes, bands, or intertribal councils or groups

recognized by the Department of the Interior).

Participating state agencies must initiate the process

by applying for participation in the program.

The program requires a match from program income

or state, local, or private funds for the program in an

amount that is equal to but not less than 30% of the

total cost of the program (except Indian Tribal

Organizations which may receive a negotiated match

contribution that is less than 30% but not less than

10%). The matching requirement may be satisfied

from state contributions that are made for similar

programs. Federal FMNP benefits (coupons) may be

issued only to participants in the Special

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,

and Children (WIC) or to persons who are on a

waiting list to receive WIC benefits.

The FMNP budget for FY 1999 was $15 million.

Currently the program is authorized through 2003.

The level of funding is determined annually and

must be approved by Congress.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 97

Eligibility

WIC participants (i.e., pregnant, postpartum or

breastfeeding women; infants over 4 months of age;

and children up to 5 years of age) and (at the state’s

discretion) those who are on a waiting list to receive

WIC benefits are eligible to receive FMNP coupons.

Farmers or farmers markets located in communities

with WIC Program sites may apply to the state

agency authorized to accept FMNP coupons. In

states where the program is not currently operating,

farmers should approach the appropriate state

agency (e.g. Department of Agriculture or the

Department of Health and Human Services) to ask

them to develop a project, obtain state matching

funds, and apply for federal funding to initiate the

FMNP in their state.

Uses and Restrictions

All state agencies that desire to receive a FMNP grant

must submit, for each fiscal year, a state plan to the

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA. New state

agencies are then selected based on evaluation

criteria and the availability of funds. Local FMNP

sites are selected by participating state agencies

based on concentration of eligible WIC participants

and access to farmers' markets.

Contact

Northeast Region

John Ghiorzi, Regional Director

(617) 565-6440

Mid-Atlantic Region

Patricia A. Cumiskey-Czoto, Regional Director

(609) 259-5100

Southeast Region

Peggy Fouts, Regional Director

(404) 562-7100

Midwest Region

Sandra Slayton, Regional Director

(312) 886-6625

Southwest Region

Sondra Ralph, Regional Director

(214) 290-9812

Mountain Plains Region

Ralph Anzur, Regional Director

(303) 844-0331

Western Region

Carol M. Fahey, Regional Director

(415) 705-1313

National Office

Patricia N. Daniels, Director.

Supplemental Food Programs Division,

Food and Nutrition Service

Department of Agriculture

3101 Park Center Drive, Room 540

Alexandria, VA 22302.

(703) 305-2746; (703) 305-2196 - fax

Internet

www.usda.gov/fns/wic.htm
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 99

V. Conservation and Resource Management

Also see:

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
100 • Building Better Rural Places

Conservation Reserve Program

Offers Contracts for Highly Erodible and Other Environmentally Sensitive Cropland for 10

to 15 years if Landowners Establish and Maintain Perennial Vegetation and Agree to Leave

the Land Idle for the Length of the Contract

The CRP offers landowners, operators and tenants the opportunity to voluntarily convert land with high

erosion rates and other environmentally sensitive land to permanent vegetative cover. Permanent cover options

include grasses and legumes, tree plantings, and wildlife habitat. The program goals are: to reduce soil

erosion, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, protect the soils on the nation’s cropland

base, demonstrate good land stewardship and improve rural aesthetics.

The program aims to protect the nation's long-term ability to produce food and fiber by effectively managing

agricultural resources, reducing soil erosion, reducing sedimentation, improving water quality, creating a

better habitat for fish and wildlife, providing some needed income support for farmers and curbing production

of some surplus commodities.

Financial and technical assistance are available to participants to assist in the establishment of a permanent

vegetative cover.

Project Examples

• Marginal cropland in Mississippi, planted to

soybeans, is at continual risk of erosion due to

sandy, silty soils and a slope too great for tillage.

One landowner chose to convert a portion of his

land to pine trees as permanent cover through

CRP. The cost of planting was about $60/acre,

including the seedlings and paying a contractor

for machine planting. CRP paid the landowner

$30/acre, or 50 percent of the cost of conversion,

plus $36/acre annual rental payment. The land is

protected from severe erosion with tree cover, and

additional income could come from thinning the

trees in 13-16 years.

• In Wisconsin an elderly dairy farming couple

with no son or daughter to take over the farm

wanted to sell their dairy operation, but could not

find a young farmer interested in buying it. Their

land has shallow soils, has been contour-stripped

since the 1950s, and is highly erodible. The couple

was able to sell their cows and machinery and put

200 acres into CRP (leaving the remaining 100

acres in pasture and woodlot). For 10 years they

receive $80/acre for their land which is seeded to

grass to protect it from erosion.

• In New Mexico, certain highly erodible land had

a history of being cultivated when wheat and

soybean prices were high, and abandoned when

prices dropped, leaving the topsoil exposed to

wind erosion. Some of these lands were entered

into CRP, enabling farmers to plant a cover grass

to protect and conserve the topsoil for future

cultivation after the 10 years of the CRP, and they

still receive income for 10 years from the land.

Legislative Authority

Food Security Act of 1985, as amended.

Application and Financial

Information

To initiate the application procedure, a landowner

must submit a rental rate per acre bid to the local

Farm Service Agency (FSA) office that serves the area

in which the farm or ranch is located during the

announced sign up period. Those whose bids are

accepted will be notified from seven to 90 days from

the date of submission of the application.

County FSA offices will provide producers the

maximum acceptable rental rate for the acreage

offered. All offers will be screened at both the local

and national levels to determine the suitability of the

acreage and acceptability of the rental rate bid. In

addition, offers will be evaluated in terms of cost for

the environmental benefits obtained. Acres accepted

will be limited to pre-announced levels for each sign

up period. Financial assistance ranges from $50 to

$50,000 with $5,000 being the average nationally.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 101

Eligibility

Any individual, partnership, association, Indian

tribal ventures corporation, estate, trust, other

business enterprise or legal entity and, whenever

applicable, a state, a political subdivision of a state,

or any agency thereof owning or operating private

croplands, and state or local government croplands

may apply.

Uses and Restrictions

Eligible owners or operators may place highly

erodible or environmentally sensitive land into a 10-

15 year contract. The participant, in return for

annual payments, agrees to implement a

conservation plan approved by the local

conservation district for converting highly erodible

cropland or environmentally sensitive land to a less

intensive use (i.e., cropland must be planted with a

vegetative cover, such as perennial grasses, legumes,

forbs, shrubs, or trees).

The cropland must be owned or operated for at least

twelve months prior to the close of the annual signup period, unless the land was acquired by will or

succession or the FSA determines that ownership

was not acquired for the purpose of placing the land

in the conservation reserve.

Contact

For additional information, contact your local Farm

Service Agency Office. (Consult the local phone

directory under U.S. Government, U.S. Department of

Agriculture.)

National Program Office

Bob Stephenson

Director

Conservation and Environmental Programs Division

USDA/FSA/CEPD/STOP 0513

Washington, DC 20250-0513

(202) 720-6221

(202) 720-4619 (fax)

Internet

www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crpinfo.htm
102 • Building Better Rural Places

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

(EQIP)

Provides Technical, Financial and Educational Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers to

Address Significant Natural Resource Concerns and Objectives

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was established in the 1996 Farm Bill to provide a

single, voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers to address significant natural resource needs

and objectives. At the national level, half of the program’s resources are targeted to livestock-related natural

resource problems and the other half to more general conservation priorities.

EQIP replaces four previous programs: the Agricultural Conservation Program, Water Quality Incentives

Program, Great Plains Conservation Program, and the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program.

EQIP works primarily in priority areas where there are serious and critical environmental needs and resource

concerns. In general, priority areas are defined as watersheds, regions or areas of special environmental

sensitivity or those having significant soil, water, or related natural resource concerns. Priority is also given to

areas where state or local governments offer financial or technical assistance and where agricultural

improvements will help meet water quality and other environmental objectives. Highest priority will be given

to farmers and ranchers that face the most serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resources

including grazing lands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. All EQIP activities must be carried out according to a

conservation plan.

Contract applications are accepted throughout the

year. The Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS) conducts an evaluation of the environmental

benefits the producer offers. Offers are then ranked

according to previously approved criteria developed

with the advice of the local work group. The Farm

Service Agency (FSA) County Committee approves

for funding the highest priority applications based

on the previously developed criteria. Applications

are ranked according to environmental benefits

achieved, and are weighted against the costs of

applying the proposed practices. Higher rankings

are given to plans addressing priority resource

concerns. EQIP seeks to maximize environmental

benefits per dollar spent.

Funding for EQIP comes from the Federal

Government's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC),

which funds several other USDA conservation

programs. CCC funding does not require annual

appropriations, and the program is less vulnerable to

budget cuts. EQIP is funded at $200 million per year

through the year 2002. Conservation practices related

to livestock production are targeted with these funds

and will receive 50 percent of the funding. Total costshare and incentive payments are limited to $10,000

per person per year and $50,000 for the length of the

contract.

Legislative Authority

1996 Farm Bill

Application and Financial

Information

EQIP offers five- to 10-year contracts that provide

incentive payments and cost sharing for

conservation practices called for in a site-specific

plan. Incentive payments are made to enable a

producer to perform a land management practices

that would not otherwise be initiated without

financial assistance. The payments may reimburse

the producer for a percentage of the costs of carrying

out the practice, but not longer than three years.

Land management practices are conservation

practices that require site-specific techniques and

methods to conserve natural resources. Examples

include nutrient management, manure management,

integrated pest management, irrigation water

management, grazing management, and wildlife

habitat management. EQIP also provides cost-share

assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost of

vegetative and structural conservation practices,

such as grassed waterways, filter strips, manure

management facilities, and wildlife habitat

enhancement.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 103

Eligibility

Only people who are engaged in agricultural

production can apply for this program. Eligible land

includes cropland, rangeland, pasture, forest land,

and other farm or ranch lands.

Owners of large confined livestock operations are not

eligible for cost-share assistance for animal waste

management storage or treatment facilities, although

financial assistance for other conservation practices

on the farm or ranch may be provided. The definition

of a large confined livestock operation can be

determined for each state by the NRCS State

Conservationist, after consultation with the NRCS

State Technical Committee and approval from the

chief of NRCS.

In accordance with the 1996 Farm Bill, the program is

targeted to priority areas where there are significant

natural resource needs and objectives established. At

least 65% of the funds are to be used in locallyidentified priority areas, and up to 35% can be used

for significant statewide natural resource concerns.

The rationale for placing program emphasis in

priority areas is that more resources will be directed

to address serious and critical environmental needs

and concerns. These priority areas are determined by

a process that begins with local work groups,

involving local conservation districts, USDA's NRCS,

FSA, FSA county committees, Cooperative Extension

Service, tribes, and other units of government

interested in natural resource conservation. These

groups conduct a conservation needs assessment,

identify local priorities, determine ranking criteria,

and then send their recommendations for priority

areas and program policy to NRCS for approval in

consultation with FSA.

Uses and Restrictions

All activities under this program must work toward

conservation of natural resources. All approved

applicants are responsible for developing and

submitting a conservation plan that will address the

situation on the applicant's land relevant to the

identified conservation needs or objectives that are to

be addressed. A conservation plan is developed by

the producer, with the assistance of NRCS or other

public or private natural resource professionals, with

approval by the local conservation district. The plan

is used to establish an EQIP contract.

Contact

To obtain more information on EQIP, contact the

NRCS, FSA, the Cooperative Extension Service, or

your local conservation district. Your local NRCS

should be able to help you assess if your land is

within a priority area and tell you what have been

identified as state priorities for conservation

activities under this program. Your local USDA

Service Center is listed in the telephone book under

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

National Program Office

Anthony Esser, Program Manager

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

or

Robert Molleur, Program Manager,

Forestry Incentives Program

P.O. Box 2890

Washington, D.C. 20013

Anthony Esser: (202) 720-1834

Robert Molleur: (202) 720-6521

Fax: (202) 720-4265

Email: anthony.esser@usda.gov

robert.molleur@usda.gov

Internet

www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/OPA/FB96OPA/

eqipfact.html
104 • Building Better Rural Places

Farmland Protection Program

Provides Cooperation and Funding to Acquire Conservation Easements to Protect Prime,

Unique or other Productive Soil and Limit its Conversion to Non-Agricultural Uses

The new Farmland Protection Program provides funds to help purchase rights to keep productive farmland in

agricultural use. Working through existing programs, USDA joins with state, tribal, or local governments to

acquire conservation easements or other interests from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the

costs of purchasing easements. (For the FPP, a conservation easement is an assigned right prohibiting any

development, subdivision or practice that would damage the agricultural value or productivity of the

farmland. It is legally recorded in an agreement between a landowner and a qualified organization, and

restricts land to agriculture and open space use. Transactions may qualify for a tax deduction.)

The FPP was designed to help protect quality farmland in the face of urban growth. Since 1960, an average of

1.0 million acres of farmland have been converted to other uses each year, often resulting in permanent loss of

valuable topsoil and agricultural land.

Legislative Authority

Section 388 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement

and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Bill)

Application and Financial

Information

When funds are available, an annual notification is

published in the Federal Register informing the

public that applications will be accepted. If you are

considering participation in the FPP, contact your

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

state conservationist.

The state conservationist may consult with the NRCS

State Technical Committee and review the requests

for participation by using a ranking system of USDA

priorities to determine: the likelihood of conversion

considering developmental pressure; zoning; utility

availability and related factors; the quality of the

land considering the soils; economic viability; size

and product sales; and other factors including its

historical, scenic and environmental qualities.

Eligibility

To qualify, farmland must: be land with prime,

unique, or other productive soil; be part of a pending

offer from a state, tribe, or local farmland protection

program; be privately owned; have a conservation

plan; be large enough to sustain agricultural

production; be accessible to markets for what the

land produces; have adequate infrastructure and

agricultural support services; and have surrounding

parcels of land that can support long-term

agricultural production. The pending offer must be

for the purpose of protecting topsoil by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land.

The NRCS will not enroll land that is owned in fee

title by an agency of the United States, or land that is

already subject to an easement or deed restriction

that limits the conversion of the land to nonagricultural use. The NRCS will not enroll otherwise

eligible lands in which it determines that the

protection provided by FPP would not be effective

because of on-site or off-site conditions.

Uses and Restrictions

To be selected for participation in the FPP, a pending

offer must provide for the acquisition of an easement

or other interests in land for a minimum duration of

30 years, with priority given to those offers providing

permanent protection.

By September 30, 1998, the entire amount authorized

in the 1996 Farm Bill, $35 million, has been awarded

to 52 government entities in 19 states. No additional

funding was available for 1999. Any future

opportunities for funding will be published as a

notice in the Federal Register.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 105

Contact

National Program Office

Farmland Protection Program Manager

Room 6013-S

USDA-NRCS

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20013

(202) 720-7671

(202) 690-0639 - fax

email: cardd@nrcs.usda.gov

Internet

www.nrcs.usda.gov

See Features/Farm Bill/General Information
106 • Building Better Rural Places

Forestry Incentives Program (FIP)

Offers Cost-Sharing for Tree Planting, Timber Stand Improvements and Related Practices

on Non-Industrial Private Forest Lands

The FIP was originally authorized in 1978. Forest maintenance and reforestation activities resulting from the

FIP provides numerous natural resource benefits including reduced wind and soil erosion and enhanced

water quality and wildlife habitat. The FIP’s cost-sharing for these measures helps eligible private landowners,

whose small parcels represent the majority of the nation’s forest lands.

The FIP is intended to assure the nation’s ability to meet future demand for sawtimber, pulpwood and quality

hardwoods by planting more trees and placing more forest land under good forest management. FIP also was

designed to improve timber stands, which help to sequester greenhouse gases.

The FIP is a nationwide program available in counties designated on the basis of a Forest Service survey of

total eligible private timber acreage that is potentially suitable for production of timber products. Normally the

length of the program is from one to 10 years. There may be certain restrictions on time limits and on certain

practices to be performed.

Project Examples

What follows are examples of how the program has

been used to address different needs:

• In Vermont, a farm had crop land which

extended to the banks of a river. Annual tillage

operations resulted in erosion with direct runoff

into the river. FIP provided an opportunity for the

private landowner to convert this parcel of

farmland to forest. Tree planting and necessary

management practices were carried out through a

cost-share arrangement whereby 65% of the costs

of approved forestry practices were paid through

the FIP. In addition to the cost-share benefits, the

landowner also benefitted from the reduction in

soil erosion and the improvement in water and air

quality during the period the timber will be

growing.

• In Alabama the FIP is designed to address the

needs of some of the state's estimated 28,000

farmers with limited financial resources who

historically have had limited exposure to forestry

programs. In an effort to recruit these farmers to

the program, the State of Alabama offers:

continuous year-round sign-up, the opportunity to

sign-up on-farm through state outreach efforts,

and assistance from Alabama A & M University

and Tuskeegee University in locating and working

with eligible farmers to develop forest management

plans and train farmers for applying forestry

practices on their own.

Legislative Authority

Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978.

Application and Financial

Information

Federal cost-share money is available—with a limit

of $10,000 per person per year and the stipulation

that no more than 65 percent of the cost may be paid.

To find out if your county participates in the FIP,

check with your local USDA office, State Forester,

conservation district, or Cooperative Extension

office.

Eligible persons may apply at any time during the

year at the Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS) office for the county in which the land is

located. From date of application, response is

generally given in 30 to 60 days. Financial

assistance ranges from $50 and $10,000 per year,

with an average of $1,600. Funding is limited, and

priority areas for participation in the program are

established at the local level.

The state forester provides technical advice in

developing a forest management plan and helps find

approved assistance, if needed, for completing the

FIP work. In addition, the state forestry agency must

certify that the project has been completed

satisfactorily before cost-share payments can be

made.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 107

Eligibility

A private individual, group, association, Native

American tribe or other native group, corporation

(except corporations whose stocks are publicly

traded) or other legal entity which owns "nonindustrial" private forest lands capable of producing

industrial wood crops is eligible to apply for costsharing assistance. This program is available to

eligible landowners in the United States or any

commonwealth, territory or possession of the United

States.

To be eligible for cost-share assistance under the FIP,

a landowner must:

• Own no more than 1,000 acres of eligible forest

land;

• Be a private landowner of a non-industrial forest;

• Have land that is suitable for conversion from nonforest land into forest land (afforestation); for

reforestation; or for improved forest management;

and

• Have land that is capable of producing marketable

timber crops and meets minimum productivity

standards established for the FIP. (At least 10 acres

of eligible forest land is required for the FIP.)

Uses and Restrictions

Available practices under FIP are:

• Tree planting;

• Improving a stand of forest trees; and

• Site preparation for natural regeneration.

Internet

www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/OPA/FB96OPA/

FIPfact.html

Contact

For more information on this program, contact

NRCS, Forest Service, FSA, the Cooperative

Extension Service, state forestry agencies, or your

local conservation district. Your local USDA Service

Center is listed in the telephone book under U.S.

Department of Agriculture. Information is also

available here on NRCS's World Wide Web site.

National Office

Robert T. Molleur

National FIP Manager

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013

(202) 720-6521; (202) 720-4265 - fax

robert.molleur@usda.gov
108 • Building Better Rural Places

Forest Legacy Program

Authorizes the USDA Forest Service to Purchase Permanent Conservation Easements on

Private Forest Lands or Make Grants to Do So

Congress created the FLP to help landowners, state and local governments, and private land trusts identify

and protect environmentally important forest lands threatened by present and future conversion to non-forest

uses. FLP’s success depends on the private landowner who wants to conserve the special values of his or her

forested land for future generations. FLP buys from the landowner at fair market value certain land use rights,

such as the right to develop land, with the dual aims of promoting effective forest land management and

protecting the land from conversion to non-forest uses. Priority is given to forest lands that possess important

scenic, cultural, and recreation resources, fish and wildlife habitats, water resources and other ecological

values.

Each state drafts a forest conservation plan identifying “environmentally important” forest lands that include:

• Forest buffers that stabilize soil and provide a natural filter for potential pollutants that might get into

streams and rivers.

• Recreational resources such as places to swim, hike and camp.

• Fish and wildlife habitat such as clear, cold brooks for trout and dense forest cover to help deer survive cold,

snowy winters.

• Sites of cultural value like unique geology, historic settlements and artifacts.

• Areas with beautiful scenery to enjoy from trails or roads.

•Areas where timber and wood fiber grow rapidly.

• Areas having other ecological value such as clean air and water.

Project Examples

• In Massachusetts, FLP provided $1.5 million to

purchase a 73-acre easement on a critical tract in a

1,200-acre project to protect Estabrook Woods, an

area Henry David Thoreau identified as deserving

conservation.

• Vermont received more than $2 million in FLP

funds to purchase a 31,450-acre easement in the

“Northeast Kingdom” region of the state. The

governor supports the effort as a vehicle to protect

the natural character of Vermont.

• In Washington state, the Forest Service,

Weyerhauser Corporation, the Trust for Public

Land, and other groups have used FLP support to

protect and preserve a “green corridor” along I-90

from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains.

Application and Financial

Information

State participation in the FLP is voluntary. To find

out if FLP is operating in your state, contact your

state agency that deals with forestry and natural

resource issues. If that office indicates that the

program is not available in your state, ask the state

forester to pursue the possibility of applying for FLP

support to initiate the program. States may opt for

the program to be administered through the federal

office or through a state agency as a state grant

program.

The FLP provides federal funding for up to 75

percent of the cost of conservation easements and fee

interests on forest lands that are threatened with

conversion. The program requires that 25 percent of

the cost of a Forest Legacy project come from nonfederal sources, which may include state and local

governments and nonprofit organizations. The nonfederal contribution may come from matching funds

or in-kind contributions and may include direct and

indirect costs associated with planning, acquisition,

capital improvement, management, or administrative

activities. Donations of land or conservation

easements to land trusts may count toward the match
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 109

(if they meet specific criteria, discuss this at the time

of application with your local contacts for FLP).

Eligibility

When FLP was created in 1990, it was limited to

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and

Washington state. Today the program is potentially

open to any state with threatened forest that has an

“Assessment of Need” approved by the Forest

Service. The assessment is prepared by the state

forestry or natural resource agency--whichever is

designated by the governor to serve as the state lead

agency for FLP. Currently 22 states are active in the

FLP: CA, CT, DE, HI, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ,

NY, RI, UT, VT, WA, PR, NC, SC, TN, MT and MN.

Other states are either developing plans for approval

or considering beginning the planning process,

including: AL, CO, GA, IA, NE, NM, PA, VA and WI.

For a tract of land to be eligible for an FLP easement it

must: 1) be within a FLP area as defined by the

state’s “Assessment of Need”; and 2) contain less

than 10% open area. Non-forested farms and

villages may be included in an FLP area if they are an

integral part of the landscape and are logically

within the boundaries of a Forest Legacy area, but

cannot be included in the easement. Land in Indian

reservations and tribal lands are also eligible.

Uses and Restrictions

The FLP provides federal funds for:

 purchase of conservation easements;

• fee acquisition;

• grants to states for the above activities;

• surveys, title work, and other activities to facilitate

donations of and or easements for FLP purposes;

and

• state FLP planning and administration.

Willing owners who are accepted into the program

can sell all or part of their ownership rights, such as

the right to develop the land, to the federal

government. The government will pay for these rights

at full fair market value. The owner keeps any

remaining property rights and usually continues to

live on and work/manage the property. Property

taxes are paid by the owner on any retained rights as

determined by local assessors.

Enrolled landowners are required to follow a

management plan designed for their forest. Forest

management activities, including timber harvesting,

are allowed if consistent with the conservation

easement and management plan. By law, hunting,

fishing, hiking, and similar recreational uses are

considered consistent with the purposes of the

program.

Owners of property restricted by a conservation

easement may sell to other buyers at any time. The

terms and conditions of the conservation easement

“run with the land” and are binding on the new

owner. A conservation easement is a partial interest

in land conveyed by deed from a landowner to an

easement holder with the intent of restricting present

and future owners of the property in order to achieve

conservation objectives.

Land trusts, which helped conceive and enact the

FLP, are encouraged to cooperate with FLP activities

in states where the program is in operation. Land

trusts can cooperate in the process by: helping to

prepare the assessment of need, bringing

landowners and other project planners into FLP

agreements, helping to structure and negotiate

projects, assisting in acquisition of land, helping to

provide the cost-share match, monitoring easements,

and participating in state grant programs.

Forest land comprising part of a large ranch has

been protected by a Forest Legacy project in Utah.

Other opportunities to work with farmers and

ranchers should increase as farming and ranching

states join the FLP. Although FLP projects are

restricted to protecting forests, they can be combined

with other programs and funds to conserve working

landscapes. In 1994 farmers owned aobut 16% of the

nation’s private forests.

Contact

For more information about FLP, contact the state

agency that manages forestry issues in your state.

National Program Office

Ted Beauvais

USFS Cooperative Forestry-Forest Legacy Program

201 14th Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20024

(202) 205-1190

(202) 205-1271 (fax)

E-mail: tbeauvais@fs.fed.us

Internet

www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/flp
110 • Building Better Rural Places

Partners for Fish and Wildlife

Provides Technical and/or Financial Assistance for Wildlife Habitat Restoration

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (formerly named the Partners for Wildlife program) is a proactive,

voluntary program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that provides technical and financial assistance to

private (non-federal) landowners to voluntarily restore wetlands and other fish and wildlife habitats on their

land. The program emphasizes the reestablishment of native vegetation and ecological communities for the

benefit of fish and wildlife in concert with the needs and desires of private landowners. The Service also enlists

the assistance of a wide variety of other partners to help restore wildlife habitat on private lands. These

partners include other Federal agencies, Tribes, State and local governments, conservation organizations,

academic institutions, businesses and industries, school groups, and private individuals.

Projects consist primarily of habitat restoration and enhancement, but may include habitat creation. Activities

include, but are not limited to:

• Restoring wetland hydrology by plugging drainage ditches, breaking tile drainage systems, installing water

control structures, dike construction, and reestablishing old connections with waterways;

• Planting native trees and shrubs in formerly forested wetlands and other habitats;

• Planting native grasslands and other vegetation;

• Installing fencing and off-stream livestock watering facilities to allow for restoration of stream and riparian

areas;

• Removal of exotic plants and animals that compete with native fish and wildlife and alter their natural

habitats;

• Prescribed burning as a method of removing exotic species and restoring natural disturbance regimes

necessary for some species survival; and

• Reconstruction of in-stream aquatic habitat through bioengineering techniques.

A major motivation for this program is that the vast majority of existing and potential fish and wildlife habitat

is on private, Tribal and other non-Federal lands. The USFWS recognizes the potential value of enlisting the

active support of private landowners in restoring and maintaining wildlife habitat for future conservation

efforts in the U.S.

The USFWS provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners through voluntary cooperative

agreements. Under cooperative agreements, landowners agree to maintain restoration projects as specified in

the agreement, but retain full control of the land. Landowners and national, state, and local organizations can

serve as partners with the USFWS in carrying out restoration work on private lands.

Project Examples

The following are a few of the thousands of restoration

projects supported by the Partners for Wildlife Program

since 1987:

•An Illinois landowner collaborating with the

USFWS and the Richardson Wildlife Foundation

has returned most of 1,500 acres of agricultural

land at the headwaters of the Green River to a

prairie wetland complex. The USFWS provided

support to survey the land and design the

restoration work and financial assistance to

acquire water control structures. The landowner

did much of the earth work himself, installed

water control structures, and planted warm season

grasses to reconstruct a pre-settlement landscape.

The result of the seven-year partnership is a

complex of 10 wetlands totaling over 170 acres

interspersed with 1,200 acres of native grass

seedlings.

•The Dick Creek Project in Montana enhanced 105

acres of Jones Lake, restored five wetlands totaling

74 acres and 1.5 miles of in-stream habitat,
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 111

enhanced nine miles of in-stream/riparian habitat,

and restored 1.5 miles of riparian habitat. The

completed project provides in-stream habitat for

west slope cutthroat, wetland and riparian habitat

for migratory birds, and demonstrates the mutual

benefit of agricultural activity coexisting with fish

and wildlife conservation. Contributing partners

on the project were the Montana Department of

Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; the landowners; Trout

Unlimited; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation;

Natural Resources Conservation Service and the

Blackfoot Challenge; Ducks Unlimited; and the

USFWS.

•Restoration of a cottonwood-willow riparian

habitat on an Arizona ranch involved USFWS

support to construct interior fencing and a solarpowered pump for an alternative water source for

livestock. The fencing reduced habitat destruction

by livestock and the new water source enabled

cattle to continue to graze upland areas around the

project site. The Nature Conservancy and Arizona

Fish and Game Department collaborated with the

owners and the USFWS. The project is beneficial

to the endangered Gila top minnow, the Huachuca

water umbel (a native riparian plant) and several

species of neotropical migratory birds.

Application and Financial

Information

Contact the appropriate regional office (see list

below). Your regional contact should be able to give

you an idea of the appropriateness of your proposed

project and probability of its support by Partners for

Fish and Wildlife. The program aims for a 50% nonfederal match for each project. Landowners and

partner organizations provide this matching

support.

Eligibility

Any private landowner owning lands that have

potential for restoration to its original habitat can

apply for consideration in this program.

Uses and Restrictions

Landowners voluntarily offer the land base for

restoration for a fixed term (at least 10 years although

many extend the term). The program emphasizes the

restoration of formerly degraded wetlands, native

grasslands, riparian areas, and other habitats to

conditions as close to natural as is feasible.

Contact

Region 1 (WA, OR, ID, CA, NV, HI)

Coordinator: Marilyn Friley

911 North East 11th Avenue

Portland, OR 97232-4181

(503) 231-2047

Region 2 (AZ, NM, TX, OK)

Coordinator: Mike McCollum

711 Stadium Drive E; Suite 252

Arlington, TX 76011

(817) 277-1100

Region 3 (MN, IO, MO, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH)

Coordinator: Greg Brown

1 Federal Drive, Federal Building

Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056

(612) 713-5475

Region 4 (LA, AR, MS, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, KY, TN)

Coordinator: Ronnie Haynes

1875 Century Blvd

Atlanta, GA 30345

(404) 679-7138

Region 5 (ME, NH, VT, CN, MA, DE, RI, NY, PA,

MD, VA, WV, NJ)

Coordinator: Steve Hill

300 Westgate Center Drive

Hadly, MA 01035-9589

(413) 253-8614

Region 6 (ND, SD, NE, KS, MT, WY, UT, CO)

Coordinator: Rick Dornfeld

134 Union Blvd, POB 25486

Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

(303) 236-7400, ext. 241

Region 7 (AK)

Coordinator: Michael Roy

1011 East Tudor Road

Anchorage, AK 99503

(907) 786-3925; (907) 786-3350 - fax

National Program Office

Martha Naley

Chief, Branch of Habitat Restoration

4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 400

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 358-2201; (703) 358-1869 - fax

Internet

partners.fws.gov/
112 • Building Better Rural Places

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

Restores and Protects Wetlands on Private Property, Providing Financial Incentives to

Enhance Wetlands in Exchange for Retiring Agricultural Land

The WRP helps farmers and other landowners take agricultural lands out of production and restore them as

wetlands. The program is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with

assistance from the State Technical Committees. The NRCS provides technical information about restoring

wetlands and financial assistance for conservation measures.

There are three enrollment options: a permanent easement, a 30-year easement, or a restoration agreement.

Under all three options, the landowner retains ownership of the land; remains responsible for taxes; controls

access; and reserves the right to hunt, fish, trap and pursue other appropriate recreational usese; and may sell

or lease land enrolled in WRP. Other uses may be permitted providing NRCS determines the use is compatible

with the restoration and protection of the wetland.

If NRCS approves your offer for a:

• permanent easement, the government will provide an easement payment based on the lesser of the

appraised value of the land, a geographic rate cap, or an amount offered by the landowner. The government

will pay 100 percent of the restoration costs and the administrative costs associated with filing the easement

(survey costs, legal fees, recording fees, etc.).

• 30-year easement, the government will provide an easement payment that is 75 percent of the amount that

would have been made for a permanent easement, up to 75 percent of the restoration costs and all of the

administrative costs associated with filing the easement..

• 10-year restoration agreement, the government will provide up to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

Project Examples

Examples of situations appropriate for the WRP

include:

• On the Mississippi delta floodplain in

Louisiana, one farmer cultivated rice in a zone of

ridge and swale topography with heavy clay soil.

The drainage to the Mississippi river had been

blocked and water often backed up, flooding the

field, resulting in no harvest or inability to even

plant during some wet years. The WRP agreement

was to restore the hydrology of 640 acres by

installing small dikes and outlets at the swales

creating shallow water areas. Planting of bottom

land hardwoods along the ridges further improved

the land for wildlife habitat. A permanent

easement paid the farmer a one-time fee of $500/

acre, covered 100 percent of the restoration costs,

and still enabled him to hold title to the land. The

farmer now rents out duck blinds to hunters for

$2,000-4,000 each season.

• In the previous example, if the landowner chose

a 30-year easement, the same deed arrangement

would be made, but just for the 30 years rather

than as a permanent easement. WRP would have

paid 75 percent of the restoration costs and 75

percent of the agricultural value of the land to the

landowner.

• A dairy farmer in northern New England had

continuous problems with a 30-acre hayfield

within the floodplain of an adjacent river. Despite

extensive ditching and other attempts to remove

the water, some years the land was too wet to

plow. The farmer opted for a permanent easement

in the WRP to restore the 30 acres to wetland. He

received a one-time payment of $500/acre, the

costs of ditch plugging were reimbursed, and he

now has the multiple benefits of a one-acre

shallow pond which attracts migratory waterfowl

and other wildlife to his property.

Legislative Authority

Food Security Act of 1985, as amended.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 113

Application and Financial

Information

To participate in the WRP, visit the local NRCS

office, sign an “intent to participate,” and select one

of the three contract options. (See “Overview” above).

Landowners work with NRCS personnel to draw up

a preliminary plan or Wetland Restoration Plan of

Operations (WRPO), which describes the types of

practices to be established, a timetable for

establishing practices, and the estimated costs of

restoration.

The amount of taxes to be paid on the easement area

is determined by the local taxing authority; NRCS

has no authority regarding property or other tax

issues. You should seek this information before

entering the WRP.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, a landowner must

have a clear title and own the land for at least 12

months before the end of the sign-up period (except

in the case of inheritance). The land must be

restorable to wetland conditions. Eligible lands

include wetlands farmed under natural conditions,

farmed wetlands, prior converted cropland,

commenced converted wetlands, farmed wetland

pasture, or land substantially altered by flooding.

Your local NRCS office can help you decide if your

land is eligible.

Uses and Restrictions

The landowner continues to control access to the

land--and may lease the land—for hunting, fishing,

and other undeveloped recreational activities. At any

time, a landowner may request additional activities

be evaluated to determine if they are compatible uses

for the site. This request may include such items as

permission to cut hay, graze livestock or harvest

wood products. Compatible uses are allowed if they

are fully consistent with the protection and

enhancement of the wetland.

Contact

For more information on restoring wetlands, contact

a local USDA Service Center, Cooperative Extension,

or the soil and water conservation district office.

National Program Office

Robert Misso

Wetlands Reserve Program

6014 South Building

Washington, D.C.

(202) 690-0848

(202) 690-1462 (fax)

Internet

www.wl.fb-net.org/
114 • Building Better Rural Places

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Offers Cost-Sharing and Technical Assistance to Improve Wildlife Habitat

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is designed to help landowners and those who are in control

of acreage develop and preserve important wildlife habitat for future generations. The program offers technical

assistance and cost-sharing opportunities for developing a wildlife habitat devlopment plan and for managing

the land in accordance with that plan.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with state and local partners to establish

wildlife habitat priorities in each state. NRCS will provide cost-share payments up to 75 percent of the cost of

installing wildlife habitat development practices on the land. Generally, the total cost-share amount cannot

exceed $10,000 per agreement. Agreements are for a five- to 10-year period.

Project Examples

Each state has established several wildlife priorities,

including one or more upland and riparian habitats.

Nationally, acres have been distributed among four

major habitat types:

• Upland Wildlife Habitat—Several types of early

successional grasslands, such as tall grass

prairies, have declined more than 98 percent

according to a 1995 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Report. One of the primary focuses of WHIP

nationally is restoration of some of these now

scarce areas. Wildlife dependent on native

grasslands includes neotropical migratory birds,

waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and many

mammals. Other upland priorities include the

establishment of windbreaks and edge around

croplands, forests including pine barrens and long

leaf pine, wildlife corridors, and shrub scrub

steppe habitat. Practices installed on upland

habitat include: various types of seeding and

plantings, fencing, livestock management,

prescribed burning, shrub thickets with

shelterbelts.

• Wetland Wildlife Habitat—WHIP wetland acres

include acreage that is not eligible for the NRCS

Wetland Reserve Program cost-share agreements

such as winter flooding of crop fields for

waterfowl. Other wetland types that will be

enhanced include tidal flushing areas, salt

marshes, wetland hardwood hammocks,

mangrove forests, and wild rice beds. Created

wetlands include freshwater marshes and vernal

pools in abandoned gravel mines. Practices to

enhance or create wetland wildlife habitat include:

installation of culverts or water control structures,

invasive plant control, fencing, creation of

greentree reservoirs, moist soil unit management,

and creation of shallow water areas.

• Riparian and Instream Aquatic Wildlife Habitat

This category includes riparian areas along

streams, rivers, lakes, sloughs and coastal areas, as

well as the streams, lakes, and rivers themselves.

Practices to improve aquatic and riparian wildlife

habitat include: tree plantings, fencing with

livestock management and off-stream watering, instream structures, seeding, streambank protection

and stabilization, stream deflectors, creation of

small pools, installation of buffers, removal of

dams, fencing, creation of fish passages past

structures, alternative watering facilities, and

establishment of instream structures such as logs

or rocks.

• Threatened and Endangered Species—Threatened

and endangered species targeted through WHIP

include, but are not limited to the following:

American burying beetle, Neosho madtom, Topeka

shiner, gray bat, kit fox, bog turtle, gopher tortoise,

dusky-gopher frog, Eastern indigo snake, Southern

hognose snake, black pine snake, Louisiana black

bear, red-cockaded woodpecker, Mississippi

sandhill crane, Florida panther, wood stork, snail

kite, Florida sandhill crane, caracara, grasshopper

sparrow, Snake River chinook salmon, Umpua

River cutthroat trout, coho salmon, steelhead,

bulltrout, Lahontan cutthroat trout, Yuma clapper

rails, Sonoran pronghorn, Mexican voles, and

lesser long-nosed bats.

Legislative Authority

The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform

Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Bill).
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 115

Application and Financial

Information

WHIP applications will be accepted at local USDA

Service Centers or conservation district offices. They

may also be accepted by cooperating conservation

partners approved or designated by NRCS.

Participants work with NRCS to prepare a wildlife

habitat development plan in consultation with the

local conservation district. The agreement describes

the landowner's goals for improving wildlife habitat,

includes a list of practices and schedule for

installing them, and details the steps necessary to

maintain the habitat for the life of the agreement.

NRCS and the participant enter into a cost-share

agreement for wildlife habitat development. This

agreement generally lasts five to 10 years from the

date the contract is signed. Under the agreement:

• The landowner agrees to maintain the costshared practices and allow NRCS or its agent

access to monitor its effectiveness.

• NRCS agrees to provide technical assistance and

pay up to 75 percent of the cost of installing the

wildlife habitat practices. Additional financial or

technical assistance may be available through

cooperating partners.

Applications will be ranked according to a statedeveloped plan, and those that provide the greatest

wildlife benefits will be funded. The goal is to

provide the best habitat possible for the species of

fish and wildlife which the landowner or land

steward is trying to protect. Cost-share payments

may be used to establish, maintain, or replace

practices.

The budget for WHIP is authorized at a total of $50

million from 1997-2002. Funds are allocated to states

based on wildlife conservation priorities which will

vary by state, and may include: special pilot

programs for wildlife habitat development, targeted

species and their habitats, specific practices, and

cooperate agreements with other federal, state, or

local agencies, conservation districts, or private

conservation groups.

Eligibility

To participate in WHIP, applicants must own or

have control of the land under consideration.

Applications may be accepted from individuals,

groups, or businesses.

Land is not eligible for WHIP if it is currently: 1)

federal land (though exceptions can apply); 2) land

currently enrolled in Waterbank, Emergency

Watershed Program floodplain easements,

Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve

Program, or other similar programs; 3) land where

the expected impact from off-site conditions make the

success of habitat improvement unlikely.

WHIP funds cannot be used for mitigation of any

kind. Such land can be included in a WHIP costshare agreement, however cost-share funds cannot be

expended on those acres.

Uses and Restrictions

Applicants develop a wildlife habitat development

plan for the land with assistance from the local

conservation district and the USDA. Participants are

encouraged to select native plants and native plant

communities because these are well adapted to the

area, less invasive, and likely to provide quality

habitat without costly maintenance expenses.

WHIP funds are to be directed to support state

wildlife habitat priorities which may include:

wildlife habitat areas; targeted species and their

habitats; specific practices; and cooperative

agreements with other federal, state, or local

agencies, conservation districts, or private

conservation groups. State priorities are developed in

consultation with the State Technical Committee.

Contact

For additional information on WHIP, contact the

NRCS through your local USDA Service Center, or

your local conservation district office.

National Program Office

Bob Misso

National Policy Coordinator

Watersheds and Wetlands Division

Natural Resources Conservation Service

(202) 720-3534; (202) 720-2143 - fax

Internet

wl.fb-net.org/whip/
116 • Building Better Rural Places

Emergency Watershed Protection Program

(EWP)

Technical and cost sharing assistance to reduce threats to life and property in the wake of

natural disasters. Assistance includes establishing vegetative cover, gully control, stream

bank protection, debris removal, and levee stabilization.

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program helps protect lives and property threatened by natural

disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. The program is administered by the USDA’s

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which provides technical and financial assistance to

preserve life and property threatened by excessive erosion and flooding.

EWP provides funding to project sponsors for such work as clearing debris from clogged waterways,

restoring vegetation, and stabilizing riverbanks. The measures that are implemented must be environmentally

and economically sound and generally benefit more than one property owner.

The Floodplain Easement Option—an option on agricultural land and authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill—

gives producers the opportunity to offer their land for a floodplain easement. The easements provide

permanent restoration of the natural floodplain hydrology as an alternative to traditional attempts to restore

damaged levees, lands, and structures. The easement lands would be ineligible for future Federal disaster

assistance.

Project Examples

EWP assistance has been employed for:

• Protection of rural roads threatened by stream

bank erosion;

• Reestablishing stream channels which altered

course due to debris accumulation;

• Purchase of floodplain easements on cropland

frequently damaged by floodwaters.

Legislative Authority

The United States Department of Agriculture’s

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is

responsible for administering the program.

Authorization for federal assistance through the

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program

stems from Section 216, Public Law 81-516, Section

403 of Title VI of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978,

Public Law 95-334, and Section 382, Title III of the

1996 Farm Bill.

Application and Financial

Information

The purpose of EWP is to help people recover from

natural disasters where there are imminent threats

to life and property as the result of an impairment to

the watershed. EWP is not an individual assistance

program. All projects undertaken must be sponsored

by a political subdivision of the State, such as a city,

county, general improvement district, or conservation

district. The sponsor’s application should be in the

form of a letter signed by an official of the sponsoring

organization. The letter should include information

on the nature, location, and scope of the problem for

which assistance is requested.

Information is available from NRCS offices to explain

the eligibility requirements for the EWP program.

Send applications for assistance to the local NRCS

field office or the NRCS state office. Through the EWP

Program, NRCS provides up to 75 percent of the

funds needed to restore the natural function of a

watershed. The community or local sponsor of the

work pays the remaining 25 percent, which can be

provided by cash or in-kind services.

Eligibility

Owners, managers, and users of public, private, or

tribal lands are eligible for EWP assistance if their

watershed area has been damaged by a natural

disaster. However, each EWP project, with the

exception of floodplain easements, requires a

sponsor who applies for the assistance. A sponsor

can be any legal subdivision of State or local
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 117

government, including local officials of city, county,

or State governments, Indian tribes, soil conservation

districts, U.S. Forest Service, and watershed

authorities. They determine priorities for emergency

assistance while coordinating work with other

Federal and local agencies. Sponsors are needed to

provide legal authority to do repair work, obtain

necessary permits, contribute funds or in-kind

services, and maintain the completed emergency

measures.

Uses and Restrictions

All EWP work must reduce threats to life and

property. Furthermore, it must be economically and

environmentally defensible and sound from a

technical standpoint. All work must represent the

least expensive alternative. EWP funds cannot be

used to solve problems that existed before the

disaster. EWP cannot improve the level of protection

above that which existed prior to the disaster. EWP

cannot fund operation and maintenance work, or

repair private or public transportation facilities or

utilities. EWP work cannot adversely affect

downstream water rights, and EWP funds cannot be

used to install measures not essential to the

reduction of hazards. In addition, EWP funds

cannot be used to perform work on measures

installed by another federal agency.

Contact

National EWP Program Leader

USDA/NRCS

Room 6012-S

P.O. Box 2890

Washington, DC 20013-2890

(202) 720-3534

Internet

www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/CCS/ewpFs.html

www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.html
118 • Building Better Rural Places

Environmental Finance Program

The Environmental Finance Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

provides financial technical assistance to the regulated community and advice and

recommendations to the Agency on environmental finance issues, trends, and options.

Drawing on the financing expertise of staff, the Environmental Financial Advisory Board, and university

based Environmental Finance Centers, the Environmental Finance Program seeks to lower costs, increase

investment, and build capacity by creating partnerships with state and local governments and the private

sector to fund environmental needs.

The Environmental Finance Program operates through three activities:

1. The Environmental Financial Advisory Board or EFAB is a federally chartered advisory committee

consisting of a diverse group of independent financing experts from public and private sector

organizations interested in lowering environmental costs and increasing investment in environmental

facilities and services. The Board produces policy and technical reports on a wide range of environmental

finance matters of interest to EPA. It focuses on environmental finance issues at all levels of government,

particularly with regard to their impact on local governments and small communities. The Board seeks to

increase the total investment in environmental protection by facilitating greater leverage of public and

private environmental resources.

2. The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Network is a university-based program providing financial

outreach services to regulated communities. The Network consists of six EFCs that share information and

expertise on finance issues and engage jointly in projects. The Network includes (in order of their

establishment): the University of New Mexico in Region 6; the University of Maryland in Region 3;

Syracuse University in Region 2; California State University at Hayward in Region 9; the Great Lakes EFC

at Cleveland State University in Region 5; and Boise State University in Idaho located in Region 10. The

EFCs educate state and local officials and small businesses on lowering costs of compliance and pollution

prevention, increasing investments in environmental protection, improving financial capacity to own/

operate environmental systems, encouraging the full cost pricing of environmental services, and

identifying and evaluating financing tools and options.

3. The Environmental Financing Information Network (EFIN) is an outreach service offering electronic access

to many types of environmental financing information on financing alternatives for State and local

environmental programs and projects. EFIN services include a World Wide Web site, an on-line database,

referrals to an expert contact network, infoline, and distribution of Environmental Finance Program

publications and some EPA publications.

Information Available

EFIN maintains a Web page of environmental

financial tools at www.epa.gov/efinpage/. This

page includes tools produced by the Environmental

Finance Program, the EFAB, the EFCs, EFIN, EPA

offices and programs and other (outside EPA)

sources. A key work among the financing

mechanisms on this page is the Guidebook of

Financial Tools. The Guidebook is produced by the

EFCs and the EFAB. It is intended as a basic financial

reference document for public and private officials

with environmental responsibilities. It provides a

wealth of valuable information on 340 financing

tools that federal, state, and local governments and

the private sector can use to pay for environmental

programs, systems, and activities.

The information is intended to help governments and

other parties expand their thinking about the

financial options/resources available to help meet

important environmental mandates and create

sustainable systems. To go straight to the Guidebook

on the web, go to www.epa.gov/efinpage/

guidbk98/index.htm
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 119

Additional publications include:

Financing Models for Environmental Protection: Helping

Communites Meet Their Environmental Goals,

September 1992, EPA202B92006

Narrowing the Gap: Environmental Finance for the

1990’s. A Progress Report of the Environmental Financial

Advisory Board, May 1992, EPA205R92002

Solid Waste Contract Negotiation Handbook, May 1992,

EPA220B92004

Solid Waste Contracting: Questions and Answers, May

1992, EPA220B92005

Public-Private Partnerships for Environmental Facilities:

a Self-Help Guide for Local Governments, July 1991,

EPA20M-2003

Public-Private Partnerships Case Studies: Profiles of

Success in Providing Environmental Services, September

1990, EPA20M-2005

Public/Private Partnerships Save Cities Millions, August

1990, EPA830F90001

To request any of these publications, contact the

Internet Librarian at efin@epa.gov. Alternatively,

contact the National Service Center for

Environmental Publications (NSCEP), via the EPA

web site or call (800) 490-9198. Use the order

numbers given with the publications.

Contact

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of the Comptroller

Environmental Finance Program (Mail Code) 2731R

1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, D.C 20460

E-mail: efin@epa.gov

For questions pertaining to the Environmental

Financing Information Network (EFIN) and for other

reference requests concerning sources of funding,

contact the Internet Librarian (GCI Information

Services) at efin@epa.gov or (202) 564-4994, FAX:

(202) 565-2587.

For specific questions concerning the Environmental

Finance Program’s components, please contact the

following staff:

Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB)

Vanessa Bowie

bowie.vanessa@epa.gov

Alternate: George Ames

ames.george@epa.gov

The Guidebook of Financial Tools

Timothy McProuty

mcprouty.timothy@epa.gov

Environmental Finance Center Network

Vera Hannigan

hannigan.vera@epa.gov

Alternate: George Ames

ames.george@epa.gov

Internet

www.epa.gov/efinpage/efpcon.htm
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 121

VI. Community Development

Also see:

Rural Business Enterprise Grants

Rural Business Opportunity Grants

Small Farmers Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program

Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program
122 • Building Better Rural Places

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

Offers Grants to Agencies and Organizations in a 13-State Area for Projects that Promote

Economic and Social Development

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was established by Congress in 1965 to support economic and

social development in the Appalachian Region. Each year, Congress appropriates funds, which ARC

distributes among its member states. The Appalachian governors submit to ARC their priorities and spending

plans for the year, which include lists of projects they recommend for funding. The spending plans are

reviewed and approved at a meeting of the 14 Commission members, the governors of the 13 Appalachian

states and a federal co-chairman. Citizens participate as members of local development districts and multicounty agencies with boards made up of elected officials, businesspeople and members of organizations.

ARC programs are divided into two areas: a highway program, which focuses on the construction of a 3,025-

mile highway system; and a community and human development program, which seeks to create sustained

local economic growth. An integral part of ARC's mission is to build partnerships and forge alliances for

regional collaboration among the 406 counties that ARC serves.

Each year ARC awards grants that address a variety of needs in the 13-state Appalachian Region such as

reducing school dropout rates, providing job training, building water and sewer systems, developing

telecommunications networks, training emerging community leaders, helping start and expand new

businesses, and making health and dental care more accessible.

Each state sets its own priorities for use of ARC development funds, so agriculture and forest projects must be

on your state's agenda to warrant support from ARC. ARC has supported projects aimed at agriculture and

forest production, but such projects represent a small proportion of total projects funded.

In 1996 ARC adopted a new strategic plan that sets specific goals for ARC programs in five key areas:

education, physical infrastucture, community capacity building, local economic development and health care.

ARC requires that each area development grant address one of these five goals.

ARC sets aside a significant amount of funding each year for use in economically distressed counties, which

account for about one fourth of the 406 counties in the Appalachian Region, and ARC provides administrative

support for 71 local development districts, which work with local citizens to determine local needs and

priorities. In addition, ARC recently launched a $15 million entrepreneurship initiative to help start and

expand more homegrown businesses in Appalachia.

Project Examples

Examples of projects funded by ARC include the

following:

• Rural Johnson County High School in Tennessee

received ARC and corporate grants to create an

Aquacenter in the school’s Alternative Farming

Center. The $500,000 grant sought to offer an

alternative to tobacco as a major cash crop for

young producers in the region. Students learned

to raise tilapia, striped bass, and crappie along

with lettuce, tomatoes, and other produce in the

school’s greenhouse as part of the district’s

vocational education program.

• ARC granted $200,000 to Pennsylvania’s

Hardwood Development Council, a 21-member

board dedicated to adding value to lumber

products and increasing jobs in the state’s forest

industry. The grant paid for workshops to help

wood manufacturers: 1) identify new markets for

wood products; 2) pay for a market analysis of the

state’s hardwood industry; 3) analyze skills

required for secondary processing jobs and the

state’s ability to provide training for those jobs;

and 4) develop a comprehensive listing of existing

logger training programs.

•An ARC grant to the Kentucky International

Trade Office was aimed at supporting a program

to help small and medium-sized businesses

conduct international trade. The program sought

to ensure that businesses have the information

they need to take advantage of trade
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 123

opportunities. Assistance included workshops,

seminars, training, market identification and

research, financing assistance, and development of

industry consortia.

Eligibility

ARC program funds may be used only for projects to

be carried out within the 406 counties in the 13 states

designated by Congress as part of the Appalachian

Region. The Appalachian Region encompasses

200,000-square-miles along the spine of the

Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to

northern Mississippi. The region includes all of West

Virginia and parts of twelve other states: Alabama,

Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New

York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South

Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

All grant requests must originate from the states and

be approved initially by a state’s governor. ARC

program grants can be awarded to state or local

agencies and governmental bodies (such as economic

development authorities), local governing boards

(such as county councils), and nonprofit

organizations (such as schools or non-governmental

organizations). Program grants are not made to

individuals or to private, for-profit corporations.

Uses and Restrictions

Because states originate all ARC program grants, a

potential applicant must apply to the program

manager in his or her state. Potential applicants

should also contact the local development district

serving his or her county for guidance on a project's

eligibility for funding and for assistance in preparing

a grant application. Applicants should note that a

majority of ARC funding is dedicated to providing

basic infrastructure for rural communities and

settlements.

Contact

To initiate the application process you should

contact the ARC program manager in your state. You

should also approach the local development district

serving your county for guidance on your project’s

eligibility for funding. Program managers are listed

on ARC’s web site at www.arc.gov.

National Program Office

Judy Rae, Director

Program Operations Division

Appalachian Regional Commission

1666 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 700

Washington, DC 20235

(202) 884-7760; (202) 884-7682 - fax

E-mail: jrea@arc.gov

Internet

www.arc.gov/
124 • Building Better Rural Places

Community Facilities Loan Program

Financial Assistance for Community Facilities in Rural Areas in the Form of Low-Interest

Direct and Guaranteed Loans

The Community Facilities Loan Program provides below-market interest rate direct and guaranteed loans for

the development, construction, enlargement, improvement, and operation of essential community facilities for

public use in rural areas. Examples that relate to agriculture are: county fairgrounds, food preparation centers,

agriculture land for research centers, slaughter houses, sprinkler systems, etc.

Direct and guaranteed loans are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, special-purpose

districts, Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations. The guaranteed loans work similarly to the Business and

Industrial (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program of the Rural Business Service/Rural Development. The Rural

Housing Service (RHS) guarantees loans by local banks and other commercial lenders against a portion (up to

a maximum of 90 percent) of loss resulting from borrower default.

Project Examples

• The renovation of an existing agriculture

fairground facility was funded in Minnesota with

for showing livestock and grain, training in new

farming and homemaking techniques, meeting

other farm families, and enjoy family-oriented

entertainment.

• The construction of a conference/training center

with lodging facilities was funded in West

Virginia with a direct loan of $2.5 million. This

facility is used by Future Farmers of America and

Future Homemakers of America for continuing

education. This loan allowed for the offering of

more modern guest rooms than were available, as

well as providing more services more groups.

• A new agriculture fairground (40,000 square

feet) was funded in Covington County, Alabama,

with an initial direct loan of $400,000 and a

subsequent loan of $100,000 for additional costs

that were incurred after start of construction.

• The purchase of agriculture land for a research

center was funded in Cottle County, Texas, for

$30,780.

• A sprinkler system was funded in Jefferson

County, Ore., with a direct loan of $120,000.

Application and Financial

Information

The state or district office of USDA’s Rural

Development agency makes the loan directly to the

applicant. The state office generally has loan

approval authority. Applications are available

throughout the year and are accepted on an ongoing

basis. Eligibility is determined within 60 days, and

approval determinations are made by the end of that

fiscal year. Pre-application reviews and advice also

are available through state offices.

There is no designated maximum Community Funds

Loan amount, although each state may set such

limits based on their allocations. However, the

maximum term on all loans is 40 years. No

repayment period will exceed any statutory

limitation on the organization’s borrowing authority

nor the useful life of the improvement or the facility.

All loans will be secured to adequately protect the

interest of the government. Bonds or notes pledging

taxes, assessments, or revenues will be accepted as

security if they meet statutory requirements. A

mortgage may be taken on real and personal

property when state laws permit. Interest rates will

be set periodically and will be based on current

market yields for municipal obligations, except that

some loans which involve the use of prime or unique

farmland may require a slightly higher interest rate.

Other loans may be made at a lower interest rate.

Interest rates for direct loans for October through

December 1999 ranged from a poverty rate of 4.5

percent to an intermediate rate of 5.0 percent to a

market rate of 5.5 percent, depending on financial

need. Interest rates change quarterly.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 125

Eligibility

Loans and grants are available for public entities

such as municipalities, counties, and special

purpose districts. Nonprofit corporations and

Indian tribes also may receive loans or grants

assistance when adequate plans for debt repayment

and operation of the facility are made.

To be an eligible loan or grant purpose under the

Community Facilities Program, an essential

community facility should meet all of the following

criteria:

• Be a function customarily provided by a local unit

of government.

• Be a public improvement needed for the orderly

development of a rural community.

• Not include private affairs or commercial or

business undertakings (except for a limited

authority for industrial parks).

• Be the area of jurisdiction or operation for the

public bodies eligible to receive assistance or a

similar local rural service area of a nonprofit

corporation owning and operating an essential

community facility.

• A community may be a small city or town, county,

or possibly multi-county body, depending on the

type of essential community facility.

Uses and Restrictions

Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program

funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve

community facilities for health care, public safety,

and public services, including community buildings,

child care centers, courthouses, public maintenance

buildings, libraries, schools industrial parks, roads,

bridges, airports, fairgrounds, utilities, and other

improvements or to acquire interest in land, leases,

and right of ways necessary to develop the facilities.

Loan funds may also be used for the operation of

these facilities. Funds may also be used for

multiservice centers and to pay necessary costs

connected with these facilities. The project must be

based on taxes, assessments, revenues, fees, or other

satisfactory sources of money sufficient for operation,

maintenance, and reserve, as well as retire the debt.

The project also must be consistent with available

comprehensive and other development plans for the

community, and comply with federal, state, and local

laws.

Contact

The 47 state offices for USDA’s Rural Development

(formerly the Farmers Home Administration) deliver

the Community Facilities Loan Program (along with

other business and community programs) to

potential borrowers and lenders. For more

information and applications, contact your state

USDA Rural Development office or any Rural

Development field office. These offices can also

provide contact information for local banks and

lending institutions that have experience with the

program. Applications are not available through the

national program office, but inquiries are welcome.

National Program Office

Chief of Direct Loan Processing

Rural Housing Service

1400 Independence Ave.

Stop 3222

Washington DC, 20250-0730

(202) 720-1497; (202) 690-0471 - fax

Email: cparker@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/agency/rhs/cf/cf.htm
126 • Building Better Rural Places

Community Food Projects Competitive

Grants Program

Grants to Develop Community Food Projects for Low-Income Residents

This new program supports the development of community food projects designed to meet the food needs of

low-income people; increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own needs; and promote

comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues.

Other objectives of the program are to: 1) develop linkages between two or more sectors of the food system; 2)

support the development of entrepreneurial projects; 3) develop innovative linkages between the for-profit and

nonprofit food sectors; and 4) encourage long-term planning activities and multi-system, inter-agency

collaboration.

A match of 50 percent non-federal support of the project is required during the term of the grant. The nonfederal share may be provided through payment in cash or in-kind contributions in the form of fairly evaluated

facilities, equipment, or services. The non-federal share may be derived from state or local governments, or

from private sources.

Project Examples

Among the projects funded since 1996 were:

• In its first year, the Garden City Harvest Project

initiated by Missoula Nutrition Resources in

Missoula, Montana, put six acres of undeveloped

land into production for gardens and community

supported agriculture (CSA) projects that helped

supply food to 165 households and 57,000

pounds of produce to low-income families and

emergency feeding organizations. The project also

implemented an ecological agriculture program

for 50 University of Montana students.

• CFP funding for the Rural Development Center

in Salinas, California, aided more than 100

farmers with training and technical support,

permitted 30 families to begin gardening, helped

start a farmers’ market serving farmworker

households, brought 100 households into a

community supported agriculture project,

involved 90 students in a school gardening effort,

and established a broadly representative Food

Policy Council.

• Nearly two dozen low-income families received

fresh produce through a subsidized community

supported agriculture (CSA) effort operated by the

Practical Farmers of Iowa in Boone, Iowa. In

addition, with CFP support, the project initiated a

farmers’ market in downtown Ames, helped

producers broker “All Iowa Grown” meals at

hotels and conference centers, offered nutrition

education and community gardening

opportunities for children and adults, and

organized a local food system conference that has

become and annual event.

• A total of 85 youth received instruction in

organic production, composting, planting, and

insect identification as part of the Youth Farm and

Market Project in St. Paul, Minnesota. The training

for urban farming, along with visits to a rural Farm

Camp, helped youth gain experience in marketing

produce from local farmers through public

schools, a restaurant, and a delicatessen. Youth

also took home fresh produce to increase

consumption of organic vegetables, receiving

cooking lessons from a professional chef on how to

use them.

Legislative Authority

Section 401 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement

and Reform Act of 1996

Application and Financial

Information

Each year the Community Food Projects program

guidelines are published in the Federal Register. The

program also maintains a mailing list of people who

receive a copy of the Request for Proposals when it is

available each year. You may ask to be placed on this

mailing list by calling (202) 401-5048 or sending an
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 127

e-mail message to: psu@reeusda.gov

All proposal guidelines and submission deadlines

are outlined in the Request for Proposals. Formal

proposals are submitted to the Cooperative State

Research, Education, and Extension Service

(CSREES) of USDA. Grant awards are announced

within 90 to 180 days from the deadline for

submission of proposals.

Proposals are reviewed by CSREES staff members

with the assistance and advice of peer specialists

and are evaluated on the basis of multiple criteria

including: 1) the ability of the proposed project to

facilitate low-income people in the proposed

community to provide for their own food needs; 2)

the ability to promote comprehensive responses to

local food, farm, and nutrition needs; 3) the capacity

for the project to become self-sus-taining once federal

funding ends; 4) the organizational and staff

qualifications and experience of the sponsoring

organization; and 5) the extent to which the

proposed project contributes to: a) developing

linkages between two or more sectors of the food

system; b) supporting the development of

entrepreneurial projects; c) developing innovative

linkages between the for-profit and nonprofit food

sectors; d) encouraging long-term planning activities

and multi-system, interagency approaches; and e)

incorporating linkages to one or more ongoing USDA

themes or initiatives referred to in the program

guidelines and/or annual proposal solicitation.

Proposals also must indicate that projects have the

dollar-for-dollar match from non-federal sources that

is required for this program.

Projects may be funded for one to three years. Past

grants have ranged from $10,000 to $250,000. No

information on average amounts of grants is

available.

In fiscal year 1996, the Community Food Project

Competitive Grants Program received $1 million for

start-up. The next two years have been funded at $2.5

million.

Eligibility

Proposals may be submitted by private nonprofit

entities for projects which benefit low-income people.

Because projects must promote comprehensive

responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues,

applicants are encouraged to seek and create

partnership among public, private nonprofit and

private for-profit organizations or firms.

To be further eligible for a grant, a private nonprofit

applicant must meet three mandatory requirements:

1) Have experience in the area of: a) community food

work, particularly concerning small and mediumsized farms, including the provision of food to

people in low-income communities and the

development of new markets in low-income

communities for agricultural producers; or b) job

training and business development activities in lowincome communities; 2) Demonstrate competency to

implement a project, provide fiscal accountability

and oversight, collect data, and prepare reports and

other appropriate documentation; and 3)

Demonstrate a willingness to share information with

researchers, practitioners, and other interested

parties.

Uses and Restrictions

Community food projects are intended to take a

comprehensive approach to developing long-term

solutions that help to ensure food security in

communities by linking the food sector to

community development, economic opportunity,

and environmental enhancement. Comprehensive

solutions may include elements such as: 1)

Improved access to high quality, affordable food

among low-income households; 2) Support for local

food systems, from urban gardening to local farms

that provide high quality fresh food, ideally with

minimal adverse environmental impact; and 3)

Expanded economic opportunities for community

residents through local business or other economic

development, improved employment opportunities,

job training, youth apprenticeship, school-to-work

transition, and the like. Any solution proposed must

address community food needs.

Contact

National Program Office

Dr. Mark R. Bailey, (202) 401-6488 &

Dr. Elizabeth Tuckermanty, (202) 205-0241

Program Co-Directors

USDA-CSREES, Stop 2241

Washington, DC 20250-2241

E-mail: mbailey@reeusda.gov

etuckermanty@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/crgam/cfp/community.htm
128 • Building Better Rural Places

The Forest Service’s Economic Recovery

Program

Provides Technical and Financial Assistance, Training and Education Assistance to Build

Capacity and Diversify the Economies of Rural Communities Dependent upon Forest

Resources

The Forest Service’s Economic Recovery program provides technical and financial assistance, training, and

education to rural communities faced with acute economic problems associated with federal or private sector

resource management decisions and policies. Aid is targeted to communities that are located in or near a

national forest system lands and are economically dependent upon forest resources (including timber, forage,

recreation, tourism and mining). Economic Recovery is intended to help communities develop strategic action

plans to build community capacity and to diversify their economic base and to improve the economic, social,

and environmental well being of rural areas. Specific actions focus on organizing, planning, and

implementing projects contained in local action plans. Funds can also be used for seed money, feasibility

studies and business plan development.

Economic Recovery is a program component of Rural Community Assistance (RCA), a core Forest Service effort

since 1990. RCA, which includes Economic Recovery and Rural Development, is a broad-based effort aimed at

helping rural communities capitalize on their potential to diversify and expand their economies through the

use of natural resources, emphasize working through partnerships while developing long-term sustainable

solutions to problems through local, community-based planning and action.

Project Examples

Since the initiation of the Economic Recovery

Program, direct assistance has grown from helping

185 eligible communities in fiscal year 1992 to over

2500 in fiscal year 1999. Many of the local action

plans include activities related to tourism, expanding

or creating businesses, marketing, special forest

products, or building community capacity through

organizational development and training/education

projects.

• Developing and implementing an ecosystem

management plan which includes commercial

opportunities for utilizing small diameter, secondgrowth pine in Montezuma, Dolores, and La Plata

counties in southwestern Colorado.

• Establishment of the Forest Technology and

Training Institute in Clallum County, Washington

which teaches cutting edge forest technology to

local loggers and businesses.

• Creation of a new saddlemaking enterprise that

produces competitively-priced, high-quality,

custom and general saddlery products with

unique, traditional Navajo designs, through

assistance from the Cibola National Forest to the

Ramah Chapter of the Navajo Nation, New

Mexico.

• Training and placing out-of-work loggers into

environmental restoration jobs within a

Ceremonial District of the Karouk Tribe near the

communities of Somes Bar and Orleans,

California.

Legislative Authority

National Forest Dependent Rural Communities

Economic Diversification Act of 1990, sec. 2371

Subtitle G, Chapter 2, Title XXIII, Public Law 101-

624, 7U.S.C. 6611, as amended

Application and Financial

Information

Assistance is available from the National Forest

Supervisor's offices and field offices of the

Northeastern Area of the State and Private Forestry

branch of the Forest Service to aid in the preparation

of applications. Communities are requested to

submit form SF-424(A) with the SF-424 application

and other required forms as advised by the local

Forest Service office. Funding decisions are based on
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 129

community and regional priorities and are made in

consultation with other state and local agencies and

organizations.

Average grants range from $5,000 to $30,000. The

federal contribution to the overall implementation of

an action plan cannot exceed 80 percent of the total

cost of the plan, including administrative and other

costs. In fiscal year 1999, $3.95 million was available

for financial and technical assistance.

Eligibility

Applicant must be a general purpose local

government or area represented by a nonprofit

corporation or institution under state or federal law

to promote broad based economic development

having a population of not more than 10,000; or any

county that is not contained within a metropolitan

statistical area. In both cases, the county must derive

15 percent or greater primary and secondary labor

and proprietary income from forestry and forest

related industries, such as recreation and tourism,

range, minerals, and wildlife. In all cases, the

community or county must also be within 100 miles

of the boundary of national forest system lands.

Uses and Restrictions

Eligible economically disadvantaged rural

communities may request assistance in identifying

opportunities that will promote economic

improvement, diversification and revitalization.

Assistance is coordinated through a community

action team and plan. Programs may include

upgrade of existing industries, development of new

economic activity in non-forest related industries,

technical assistance, training and education directed

towards meeting the community's planned goals.

Assistance requested will be coordinated with other

USDA agencies and targeted to provide immediate

help to those rural communities in greatest need.

Contact

Northeastern Area-State & Private Forestry (CT, DE,

IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY,

OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV)

(304) 285-1538

Northern Region (MT, Northern ID, ND, Northwest

SD)

(406) 329-3230

Rocky Mountain Region (CO, KS, Northeast SD,

Eastern WY)

(303) 275-5741

Southwestern Region (AZ, NM)

(505) 842-3344

Intermountain Region (Southern ID, NV, UT,

Western WY)

(406) 329-3230

Pacific Southwest Region (CA, HI, Guam)

(707) 562-8910

Pacific Northwest Region

(503) 808-2346

Southern Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC,

OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA)

(404) 347-7486

Alaska Region

(907) 271-2519

Int'l Institute of Tropical Forestry (Puerto Rico, US

Virgin Islands)

(787) 766-5335

National Program Office

Director, Cooperative Forestry

State and Private Forestry

Forest Service, USDA

P.O. Box 96090

Washington, DC 20090-6090

(202) 205-1389; (202) 205-0975 - fax
130 • Building Better Rural Places

Environmental Justice Small Grants Program

Grants up to $20,000 to Assist Community-Based Organizations that Sponsor or Execute

Projects to Address Local Environmental Justice Issues

The Environmental Justice Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides financial

assistance to grassroots community-based groups to support projects to design, demonstrate or disseminate

practices, methods or techniques related to environmental justice. Specifically, EPA will grant up to $20,000 in

funding assistance for projects.

EPA identifies the following factors as particularly important in evaluating proposals: (1) The applicant’s

ability to manage the grant in compliance with EPA grant regulations; (2) The degree to which the health and

economic well-being of the environment are adversely affected by environmental hazardous exposure; (3) The

applicant’s ability to inform others in the community of the information gathered; (4) Broad representation of

affected groups and individuals in the community; and (5) The applicant group is incorporated. In general,

the applicant must show awareness of the time commitment, resources and dedication needed to successfully

manage a grant.

Project Examples

• The Comite de Apoyo a los Trabajadores

Agricolas in New Jersey received a grant of

$20,000 to work with the community-at-large and

local farmworkers to remedy the contamination of

water in southern New Jersey, particularly the

coliform contamination in migrant labor camps

and the general nitrate contamination resulting

from agricultural practices. This project will work

through outreach and education of farmworkers

and community members, working with grassroots

organizations and health clinics that serve the

migrant worker population.

•A grant of $15,000 was awarded to Healing Our

Mother Earth in California to hold a series of

meetings to train primarily Spanish-speaking, lowincome farmworkers to recognize symptoms of

chemical poisoning and to encourage families to

seek regular preventative medical check-ups to be

screened for various health problems. The project

will also provide education on how families can

avoid or minimize exposure to dangerous toxins.

• North Carolina Fair Share Education received

$20,000 to develop community awareness and

leadership training among community members in

order to address the contamination of

groundwater supplies resulting from dumping by

corporate hog industries. The group will carry out

education, training, monitoring, and surveying in

the area to enhance critical thinking, problemsolving, and active participation among the

predominantly rural, African-American, and lowto-moderate income residents.

The majority of the awards granted in 1996 served

urban populations. However, there is no particular

preference for funding projects in metropolitan

areas.

Application and Financial

Information

The solicitation outlining the grant guidelines for

each year is published in the Federal Register in

mid-December. In addition, the national and

regional program offices maintain mailing lists of

organizations and individuals who receive the grant

guidelines each December when published. You can

contact one of these offices (see “Contact” below) to

be placed on one of these lists.

Potential applicants are invited to submit a preproposal to their regional Environmental Justice

Office (see listing of regional offices below).

Applications should describe the planned program,

the means for executing it, and preliminary budget

information. The deadline for submitting preproposals is generally around March 1st.

Notification of awards is in August or September.

Applicants selected for award may be requested to

furnish additional information.

The project grant may be requested for one year.

Activities must be completed within the time frame

of the project's budget period.

For FY 1998, the total program budget was $2

million. For 1999 and 2000, the budget was cut to
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 131

$1.6 million per year. Most grants are for about

$20,000.

Eligibility

Community-based grassroots organizations, other

incorporated nonprofit organizations and federally

recognized Tribal Governments are eligible.

Individuals may have their organizations,

institutions, government or association apply.

Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated to

receive funds.

Uses and Restrictions

Grant funds shall be used to support projects,

programs or activities that promote environmental

justice. Projects may include: 1) design,

demonstration, or dissemination of environmental

justice curricula, including development of education

tools and materials; 2) design and demonstration of

field methods, practices, and techniques, including

assessment of environmental and ecological

conditions and analysis of environmental and public

health problems; 3) identification, assessment or

improvement of a specific local environmental justice

issue or a specific environmental problem; 4)

provision of environmental justice training or related

education for teachers, faculty, or related personnel

in a specific geographic area or region.

Priority will be given to community-based/

grassroots organizations, tribes, and organizations

whose projects will help improve the environmental

quality of affected communities by a) developing an

environmental justice project, activity, method, or

technique that has wide application; b) enhancing

the community's skills in addressing environmental

justice issues and problems; and c) establishing or

expanding environmental and public health

information systems for local communities.

Funds cannot be used to acquire real property

(including buildings) or construct or substantially

modify any building. Funds also cannot be used for

lobbying or underwriting legal actions.

Contact

The Office of Environmental Justice’s 24-hour hotline

is (1-800-962-6215). Select the “small grants” option

from the hotline’s menu.

Region 1 (ME, VT, NH, MA, CN, RI)

Dr. Ngozi Oleru

(617) 918-1120

Region 2 (NY, NJ, PR, VI)

Melva Hayden

(212) 637-5027

Region 3 (MD, DE, WV, VA, PA, DC)

Reginald Harris

(215) 814-2988

Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC,TN)

Connie Raines

(404) 562-9671

Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)

Karla Johnson

(312) 886-5993

Region 6 (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)

Olivia Balandran

(214) 665-7257

Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NB)

Althea Moses

(913) 551-7649

Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)

Elisabeth Evans

(303) 312-6053

Region 9 (CA, AZ, HI, NV, GM, A.S.)

Romel Pascual

(415) 744-1212

Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA)

Joyce Crossen-Kelly

(206) 553-4029

Headquarters Office

Mary Settle, Small Grants Program Manager

Office of Environmental Justice (3103)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460

(202) 564-2594; (202) 501-0740 - fax

E-mail: settle.mary@epa.gov

Internet

www.epa.gov/oeca/oejbut.html
132 • Building Better Rural Places

The Forest Service’s Rural Development

Program

Grants for Rural Community Capacity Building, Forest-Based Economic Development and

Forest Resource Conservation-Based Technology Demonstration or Application

The Forest Service’s Rural Development program provides grants for technical assistance and matching funds

for locally initiated and planned projects designed to stimulate improvements in the economic or social wellbeing of rural citizens through forest resources. Assistance is targeted to help strengthen, diversify and

expand local economies experiencing long-term or persistent economic problems. Communities need not be

dependent on Federal lands or forests to be eligible.

Rural Development is a program component of Rural Community Assistance (RCA), a core Forest Service effort

since 1990. RCA, which includes Economic Recovery and Rural Development, is a broad-based effort aimed at

helping rural communities capitalize on their potential to diversify and expand their economies through the

use of natural resources, emphasize working through partnerships while developing long-term sustainable

solutions to problems through local, community-based planning and action.

Project Examples

•Assisted the community of Grovetown, Texas, to

evaluate and create commercial use for the

formerly wasted endpieces of southern yellow pine

boards from local mills. Chaia marimbas, formerly

constructed only in Africa, are now being

produced as true replicas, which create tones quite

similar to the originals.

•Assisted Woodcraft Network of Sedro Woolley,

WA to organize itself and leverage several other

sponsors. This successful network holds

workshops, provides technical and business

assistance to members, hosts or participates in

retail and trade shows and serves as a network

coordinator for small woodworking firms.

•Helped to organize the Menominee Nation Tribal

Enterprises (MTE), an award-winning forest-based

business which thrives by producing what the

forest has available at the right time, rather than

just what the current market is demanding. MTE

uses a strategic planning process that enables

people to take control of their own lives and write

their own plans, and helps focus business

activities on sustaining the forest resource over the

long term.

Application and Financial

Information

Assistance is available from the National Forest

Supervisor’s Offices and field offices of the

Northeastern Area of the State and Private Forestry

branch of the Forest Service, and the State Foresters’

staffs to aid in the preparation of applications.

Funding decisions are based on community and

regional priorities and are made in consultation

with other state and local agencies and

organizations. Average amount of grants range from

$5,000 to $40,000. In fiscal year 1999, $5.0 million

was available for financial and technical assistance.

Eligibility

Communities, state agencies, non-profits,

educational institutions, businesses, and

individuals are eligible to apply for financial

assistance. Communities need not be dependent on

federal lands or forests to be eligible.

Uses and Restrictions

Criteria for grants vary among states and National

Forests but typically involve community capacity

building, forest-based economic development, and

forest resource conservation based technology

demonstration or application.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 133

Contact

For applications and information, contact the

regional office of the Forest Service near you (see the

contact list in the entry for Economic Recovery) or the

state forester in your state’s capital. Applications are

not available from the National Office.

National Program Office

Director, Cooperative Forestry

Forest Service, USDA

P.O. Box 96090

Washington, DC 20090-6090

(202) 205-1657; (202) 205-0975 - fax
134 • Building Better Rural Places

Resource Conservation and Development

(RC& D)

Technical Assistance to Local Communities to Stimulate Economies and Natural

Resources

The Resource Conservation and Development (RC& D) program provides technical assistance to local

communities (multi-county areas known as “RC&D areas”) to improve their economies, natural resources, and

living standards by coordinating conservation and rural development assistance available from USDA, other

federal, state, and local sources. Basic to RC&D is the idea that local people know what is best for their

communities. That’s why RC&D areas are led by Councils comprised of local volunteers. RC&D areas

currently blanket over half of the counties in the U.S. Through the program, USDA provides technical

assistance in the form of a local staff person (an “RC&D coordinator”) to support each multi-county RC&D

area. The RC&D Council identifies the environmental, economic, and social needs of their area and sets project

priorities objectives, goals, and the resources needed in an area plan. The RC&D coordinator, supported by

USDA, serves the Council by helping complete project designs and get projects underway by locating the

necessary resources. Most RC&D Councils are nonprofit organizations. They have broad authority to seek

help from sources that are the best qualified to provide needed assistance. This help may be technical

assistance from USDA agencies, State or local governments, local conservation districts, or private industry. Or

assistance may be financial assistance such as donations, loans, grants, or cost-sharing arrangements.

RC&D activities include:

• Finding uses for the natural resource base;

• Developing natural resource based industries;

• Protecting rural industries and people from natural

resource hazards;

• Improving water quality and make more water

available;

• Making the best use of local forest lands;

• Creating and expanding forest-related industries;

• Improving opportunities for recreation and

tourism;

• Educating people about natural resources;

• Contributing to local economic development;

• Creating and improving fish and wildlife habitat;

and

• Developing and improving wetland habitat.

Project Examples

• To better manage their forest resources, the

Columbia RC&D is bringing together private

businesses with state and federal agencies to focus

on the special forest products industry. The RC&D

provides a market for and processes locallygathered mushrooms and florist ornamentals.

These agroforestry projects have been incorporated

under the name of RainKiss. The RainKiss

Corporation provides a market for special forest

products as an alternative to traditional timber

extraction. The Columbia RC&D also has formed

the Hybrid Cottonwood Growers’ Association,

which is identifying diverse uses for products from

cottonwood forests. The RC&D’s efforts to

promote innovative forest based businesses have

resulted in the employment of more than 65

displaced timber workers.

• Direct Application of Recycled Paper on Cropland in

Texas: A partnership of the Big Country RC&D in

Sweetwater, Texas, NRCS, EPA, USDA’s

Agricultural Research Service, National Soil

Dynamics Laboratory and other national, state,

and local partners are developing a process to

utilize recycled paper to provide environmental

benefits to production agriculture and create a new

source of jobs in agricultural areas. The
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 135

production of pelletized recycled paper will

provide an alternative to putting paper in sanitary

landfills and address nonpoint source pollution,

wind erosion, and improve productivity of

cropland soils.

• Wood Pellets to Heat Homes in Missouri: To help

create a new market for the timber business in the

Ozarks and alleviate sawdust storage problems for

local sawmills and wood products manufacturers,

three Missouri RC&D areas (Top of the Ozarks, Big

Springs, and Southwest Missouri RC&Ds)

sponsored an incentive program for using wood

pellets made from compressed sawdust to heat

homes. This has helped exploit an under-utilized

by-product, and has cut heating costs in many

homes in the area. Wood pellets are a cleaner

burning product, by creating less ash and smoke,

and there is no creosote buildup. This was a

cooperative effort of the Department of Energy,

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and

the Tennessee Valley Authority's Southeast

Regional Biomass Energy Program.

• Composting Facility for Dead Poultry in North

Carolina: To protect the water quality and provide

an inexpensive form of fertilizer for reuse on farms

in North Carolina, the Region H RC&D area

council built, operated, and evaluated a

composting facility for dead poultry. The North

Carolina Department of Agriculture Division of

Veterinary Medicine, Horseshoe Farms, and

several other organizations provided assistance in

building and operating the facility, obtaining

permits, and evaluating the health aspects of the

demonstration project. The Region H RC&D Area

Council will be producing an educational video

program to educate the public about the

composting system and to encourage use of the

system.

Legislative Authority

Section 1528-1538 of the Agriculture and Food Act of

1981.

Application and Financial

Information

Written applications must be in the form suggested

in the National Resource Conservation and

Development Manual. Details of the procedure are

available from State and field offices of NRCS.

Authorization of applications is dependent upon the

level of appropriations for the program. Funding

available for RC&D areas in fiscal year 1999 was $35

million.

Eligibility

State and local governments and nonprofit

organizations with authority to plan or carry out

activities relating to resource use and development

in multi-jurisdictional areas. This program also is

available in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam

and the Mariana Islands.

Contact

To find out about RC&D activities in your area,

contact your local NRCS office. Check your

telephone directory under U.S. Government,

Department of Agriculture.

National Program Office

NRCS

USDA - RC&D Division

Stop 2890, Room 6103-S

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-2890

(202) 720-0557; (202) 690-0639 - fax

Internet

www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/rcnd_2.html
136 • Building Better Rural Places

Project Examples

• A $450,000 zero-interest loan was made to an

electric utility in Iowa to pass through to a start-up

value-added pork processing facility in Keokuk

County, Iowa. The facility will cook and smoke pork

products and package those products for targeted

ethnic markets.

Legislative Authority

Section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as

amended.

Application and Financial Information

The USDA state offices of Rural Development

generally are delegated loan approval authority on a

case-by-case basis. Pre-application reviews and

advice are available through state offices. Maximum

awards are determined annually. For FY 2000, the

maximum loan was $450,000 and the maximum grant

was $200,000. Maturity for loans is a maximum of 10

years. Applications are scored on job creation

potential, sustainability of projects, suitability to the

area, diversification of employment in the area,

amount of supplemental funds, relative income, and

employment levels. The funding level for fiscal year

2000 for loans and grants was $15 million and $4

million, respectively. Estimated funding for FY 2001

for loans and grants is $15 million and $4 million,

respectively.

Eligibility

Only RUS electric and telecommunication utilities are

eligible.

Rural Economic Development Loans and

Grants (REDLG)

Provides Zero-Interest Loans and Grants to Rural Electric and Telephone Utilities to

Promote Economic Development and Job Creation

The Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants (REDLG) program makes direct zero-interest loans and

grants to Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric and telecommunication utilities who use the funds to provide

financing for business and community development projects. Zero-interest loans are provided to finance a

broad array of projects, including for-profit businesses. Grants are provided to the RUS utility to establish a

revolving loan fund, which will finance such purposes as community development assistance, education and

training for economic development, medical care, telecommunications for education, job training or medical

services, business incubators and technical assistance. Program funds can be used for value-added projects.

Uses and Restrictions

Loans are provided to finance a broad array of

projects, including for-profit businesses. Grants are

provided to establish revolving loan funds to finance

purposes such as community development

assistance, education and training for economic

development, medical care, telecommunications for

education, job training or medical services, business

incubators, and technical assistance.

Contact

The 47 state offices for USDA’s Rural Development

Program (formerly the Farmers Home

Administration) deliver the REDLG program (along

with other business and community programs). For

more information and applications, contact your

state USDA Rural Development office or any Rural

Development field office. Applications are not

available through the national program office, but

inquiries are welcome.

National Program Office

Mark Wyatt, Team Leader

USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Specialty Lender Division

14th and Independence Ave, SW, STOP 3225

Washington, D.C. 20250

(202) 720-1400; (202) 720-2213 - fax

Email: mwyatt@rus.usda.gov

Internet

www.rurdev.usda.gov/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 137

Urban and Community Forestry

Technical and Financial Assistance for Tree Planting, Care and Protection, Including

Recycling and Urban Tree Waste Utilization

Through the Urban and Community Forestry program the Forest Service provides leadership in the

management of natural resources in urban and suburban areas to improve the quality of life and teach sound

conservation principles that can be passed on to future generations. While the program has a broad focus, one

of its objectives is facilitating the development of recycling and urban tree waste management and utilization

technologies. This aspect of the program can help individuals and communities utilize residues from urban

tree maintenance and removal in ways that create value-added business opportunities while conserving

landfill space and solving other solid waste problems. By composting woody residues with food processing

waste, for example, two components of the solid waste stream can be eliminated while creating valuable soil

amendments and mulches.

Project Examples

This program:

• Assisted the organization and start-up of a

composting station in Lindborg, Kan. This

eliminated multiple sources of solid waste flow to

the local landfill and extended its life into the next

century.

• Cost-shared the development of a program of the

N.J. state forester to assist communities in sorting

urban logs and tree residues into marketable

product lines and selling them to local forest

products producers. Published “Recycling Street

Tree Guide” that documents ways communities

can set up such programs.

Legislative Authority

Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as

amended

Application and Financial

Information

Assistance is available through State Forestry

organizations. Each state issues its own application

procedures. Funds are limited by availability and

existence of congressional- or Administrationidentified priorities. The federal contribution cannot

exceed 50 percent of the total project.

Eligibility

Cities, towns, municipalities, local governments, and

non-government organizations are eligible.

Uses and Restrictions

Priority is given to projects that build local capacity

and have the support and involvement of

communities and volunteer groups. Ordinarily not

more than 20 percent of the total funds can be used to

purchase, plant, and maintain trees.

Contact

For applications and information, contact the Urban

Forestry Coordinators in the regional offices of the

Forest Service near you or the state forester in your

state’s capital.

Northeastern Area-State & Private Forestry (CT, DE,

IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY,

OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV)

(603) 557-7688

Northern Region (MT, Northern ID, ND, Northwest

SD)

(406) 329-3521

Rocky Mountain Region (CO, KS, Northeast SD,

Eastern WY)

(303) 275-5742

Southwestern Region (AZ, NM)

(505) 842-3424

Intermountain Region (Southern ID, NV, UT,

Western WY)

(801) 625-5189

Pacific Southwest Region (CA, HI, Guam)

(415) 705-1274
138 • Building Better Rural Places

Pacific Northwest Region (OR, WA)

(503) 326-5602

Southern Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC,

OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA)

(404) 347-1647

Alaska Region

(907) 271-2550

International Institute of Tropical Forestry

(Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands)

(809) 766-5335

National Program Office

National Program Manager

Urban and Community Forestry

USDA Forest Service

14th & Independence, SW

201 14th Street

Washington DC 20250

(202) 205-1374; (202) 205-1271 - fax

Internet

www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 139

VII. Additional Resources
140 • Building Better Rural Places

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

(DWSRF)

The goal of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is to provide States with a financing

mechanism for ensuring safe drinking water to the public. States can use federal capitalization grant money

awarded to them to set up an infrastructure funding account from which assistance is made available to public

water systems.

States develop a priority system for funding projects based on three criteria from the Act. States rank the

projects and then offer loans to systems based on their ranking order. Priority is given to those eligible projects

that: (1) address the most serious risk to human health; (2) are necessary to ensure compliance with the

requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act; and, (3) assist systems most in need, on a per household basis,

according to State-determined affordability criteria.

Legislative Authority

Congress established the Drinking Water State

Revolving Fund (DWSRF) as part of the 1996 Safe

Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Amendments.

Application and Financial

Information

Congress provided $1.275 billion in the DWSRF

program’s first fiscal year in 1997, and an additional

$725, $775, and $820 million for fiscal years 1998,

1999, and 2000, respectively. The amount of funding

each State was eligible to receive in 1997 was based

on a formula used to award State program grants

under the Public Water System Supervision program.

The amount of funding available to each State in

fiscal year 1998 and later years is based on the total

eligible need determined for each State by the most

recent Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey

which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

released in January 1997. A new survey is underway

in 1999.

Up to 15% of the capitalization grant (limited to 10%

of the grant for any one activity) is available for local

assistance and other eligible activities as described

in the law. Activities are aimed at source water

protection (including loans for land acquisition and

conservation easements), capacity development and

wellhead protection. States could also use part of the

FY 1997 appropriation to fund required source water

delineation and assessment activities.

Loans made under the program can have interest

rates between 0 percent and market rate and

repayment terms of up to 20 years. Loan repayments

to the State will provide a continuing source of

infrastructure financing into the next century. The

program also places an emphasis on small and

disadvantaged communities and on programs that

emphasize prevention as a tool for ensuring safe

drinking water.

Some special considerations within this fund are:

Small Communities—The needs facing small

communities are considerable. However, many

public water systems serving these small

communities, particularly those with populations

fewer than 10,000, often find it difficult to obtain

favorable interest rates when applying for loans to

make infrastructure improvements. The SDWA

Amendments target small communities for special

consideration by the DWSRF program. States must

provide a minimum of 15% of the available funds for

loans to small communities.

Disadvantaged Communities—For many communities,

even the lower interest rate loans available through

the DWSRF may be too high to make loans

affordable. A State has the option of providing up to

30% of the grant awarded to the State to provide

additional assistance to these State-defined

disadvantaged communities. This assistance can

take the form of lower interest rates, principal

forgiveness, or negative interest rate loans. The State

may also extend repayment terms of loans for

disadvantaged communities to up to 30 years.

Set-Asides for Other State Program Management

Purposes—States have the flexibility to take setasides for several different activities that can help

develop their drinking water programs. A State can

use up to 10% of its capitalization grant (with a 1:1

dollar State match) to support its State drinking

water program, or to develop and implement

capacity development, source water protection, and

operator certification programs. Up to 2% of the
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 141

grant may be set aside to provide technical assistance

to systems serving communities with populations

fewer than 10,000, and up to 4% of the capitalization

grant may be set aside for costs associated with

administering the DWSRF program.

Eligibility

Both publicly and privately owned community water

systems and non-profit non-community water

systems are eligible for funding under the DWSRF

program. Eligible projects include installation and

replacement of failing treatment facilities, eligible

storage facilities and transmission and distribution

systems. Projects to consolidate water supplies may

also be eligible.

Contact

For more information about the Drinking Water State

Revolving Fund, consult the informational page for

the program on the EPA Office of Ground Water and

Drinking Water Internet website at www.epa.gov/

safewater/dwsrf.html. To get the contact for the

DWSRF Manager in a specific State, consult the

contact list on the OGWDW website or contact the

Association of State Drinking Water Administrators

at (202) 293-7655 (www.asdwa.org). Information for

the DWSRF and other drinking water issues is also

available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline

at 1-800-426-4791 or via email at hotlineSDWA@epa.gov.

The EPA DWSRF program is administered by:

Infrastructure Branch

Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

401 M Street, SW (Mailcode 4606)

Washington, DC 20460

(202) 260-5526; (202) 401-2345 - fax

The Association of State Drinking Water

Administrators can be reached at:

1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 903

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 293-7655; (202) 293-7656 - fax

Internet

www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf.html
142 • Building Better Rural Places

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the USDA administers this program created to enable farmers to perform

emergency conservation measures to control wind erosion on farmlands, or to rehabilitate farmlands damaged

by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, and to carry out emergency water conservation

or water enhancing measures during periods of severe drought.

The program offers cost-sharing assistance for carrying out conservation practices. Any person who is owner,

landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm or ranch and bears a part of the cost of an approved conservation

practice in a disaster area, is eligible to apply for cost-share conservation assistance.

In FY 1999, as a result of natural disasters and carryover work from previous years, $39,443,916 in cost-share

and technical assistance was provided to farmers and ranchers in 42 states to help rehabilitate farmland

damaged by drought, flood, hurricane, tornado and other natural disasters.

Contact

Farmers should contact their local county FSA office

after a natural disaster has occurred to determine

eligibility for emergency cost-share assistance.

Consult the local phone directory for location of the

county FSA office.

National Program Office

Conservation and Environmental Programs Division

Emergency Conservation Program

USDA Farm Service Agency, Stop 0513

Washington, DC 20013

(202) 720-6221; (202) 720-4619
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 143

Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst

The Farm Assessment System (Farm*A*Syst) is a voluntary program that helps farmers and rural residents

protect surface and groundwater by identifying pollution risks on their properties. Farm*A*Syst materials lead

you through a self-assessment to examine farm and ranch activities, structures, and possible water

contamination; identify potential problems; and map out strategies which will correct problems and reduce

risks. Home*A*Syst is a similar program designed for non-farm, rural home owners. A Spanish language

version of Farm*A*Syst is also available.

Farm*A*Syst operates through programs in each state, providing farmers with materials, technical assistance,

and training for evaluating potential environmental hazards on the farm. The Farm*A*Syst worksheets enable

you to evaluate numerous aspects of your farm’s operation which can be potential sources of pollution: the

well condition; pesticide and fertilizer storage and handling; petroleum tanks; hazardous waste management;

household wastewater; livestock yards and waste management; silage; milking center wastewater; and

croplands, pastures, and woodlots.

Once risks are known, you can develop an action plan to reduce or eliminate potential problems. By comparing

risk levels from different pollution sources you can deal with the greatest pollution risks first, as time and

money allow. Farm*A*Syst can also help you to identify who in the community can help with technical

assistance, facility designs, supplies and equipment, regulations, and in some cases, financial assistance.

This inter-agency program is supported by federal funding from USDA-CSREES, USDA-NRCS, and U.S. EPA.

State programs charge a nominal fee to cover duplicating costs for materials (usually less than $10.00).

Contact

If you have access to the Internet, check the Farm*A*Syst

web page (below) to identify the contact person for your

state. You can also call the national office to obtain the

name and phone number of the appropriate contact

person for your state.

National Program Office

Farm*A*Syst / Home*A*Syst

303 Hiram Smith Hall

1545 Observatory Drive

Madison, WI 53706

(608) 265-0024; (608) 265-2775 - fax

E-Mail: farmasys@uwex.edu

Internet

www.wisc.edu/farmasyst

www.wisc.edu/homeasyst
144 • Building Better Rural Places

Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI)

Provides comprehensive protection against weather-related causes of loss and certain other

unavoidable perils

MPCI is the most common crop insurance policy available through the Federal Crop Insurance Program. The

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), which is overseen by the Risk Management Agency (RMA),

underwrites crop insurance policies for a wide variety of crops in the United States. Crop insurance policies

are sold and serviced by private insurance companies.

Coverage is available on over 76 crops in primary production areas throughout the U.S. at 50 to 75 percent of

the actual production history (APH) for the farm. An indemnity price election from 60 to 100 percent of the

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation expected market price is selected at the time of purchase. Minimum

Catastrophic Risk Protection (CAT) coverage is available for an administrative fee of only $60 per crop per

county. A waiver of the CAT administrative fee is available for producers who qualify as small and limited

resource farmers. MPCI coverage provides protection against low yields, poor quality, late planting, replanting

costs and prevented planting.

Crops covered by MPCI are as follows: almonds, apples, beans (canning and processing) canola, citrus, citrus

trees, corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, cranberries, dry beans, figs,

Florida fruit trees, millet, nursery, peaches, peanuts, pears, peas, peppers, plums, popcorn, potatoes, prunes,

raisins, rice, safflower, wheat, barley, oats, rye, flax, stone fruit, sugar beets, sugarcane, sunflower seeds, sweet

corn (canning and freezing, and fresh market) tobacco, tomatoes(canning and processing), tomatoes (fresh

market and walnuts).

MPCI benefits include cash-flow protection, good loan collateral, added confidence when developing crop

marketing plans, stability for long-term business plans and family security. The Government shares in the

premium costs.

Information Available

A 19-page booklet “Introduction to Risk

Management: Understanding Agricultural Risks” is

available on request from RMA.

RMA also has outreach initiatives to ensure equal

access and participation of women, minorities, and

other traditionally underserved communities.

Application and Financial

Information

All MPCI insurance policies are available from

private insurance agents. A list of crop insurance

agents is available at all county U.S. Department of

Agriculture Farm Service Agency offices.

Local crop insurance agents can describe the

different insurance products available, and the

policy rates and terms. The agent can assist in

selecting the best coverage for the crop based on the

particular farm operation, and risk management and

budgetary needs.

Uses and Restrictions

MPCI is a continuous policy and will remain in

effect for each crop year following the acceptance of

the original application. Producers may cancel the

policy, a crop, a county, or a specific crop in a

specific county, after the first effective crop year, by

providing written notice to the insurance provider

on or before the cancellation date shown in the

applicable crop provisions. Producers must request

policy changes from their insurance provider on or

before the sales closing date for a change of price

election or coverage level. In addition, requests to

increase the maximum eligible prevented planting

acreage above the limitations contained in the crop

policy must be made by the sales closing date for the

applicable crop. Contract changes involving a

successor-in-interest application and corrections of a

producer’s name, address, identification number,

administrator, etc. may be made at any time.

Each crop year the producer is required to submit an

acreage report by unit for each insured crop. The

acreage report must be signed and submitted by the

producer on or before the acreage reporting date

contained in the Special Provisions for the county for
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 145

the insured crop. In the event of crop damage,

producers should immediately notify their

insurance provider of the damage.

Contact

Risk Management Agency

USDA/RMA/Stop 0801

Room 3053-South

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20250

(202) 690-2803; (202) 690-2818 - fax

RMA_mail@wdc.usda.gov

RMA also has 10 Regional Service Offices, in

various locations across the country, that may be

contacted for information specific to any area. Call

(800) 205-9953 for the address of the nearest office.

Risk Management Agency—Outreach Programs

Marie Buchanan, National Program Outreach

Coordinator

USDA/RMA Stop 0801

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20250

(202) 690-2686; (202) 690-2496 - fax

Internet

www.act.fcic.usda.gov/pubs/rme/fsh_6.html
146 • Building Better Rural Places

National Agriculture Compliance Assistance

Center

Provides information to assist producers and agribusiness in complying with environmental

regulations.

The National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center (Ag Center) is the “first stop” for information about

environmental requirements that affect the agricultural community. The Ag Center was created by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

While the USDA and other agencies provide educational and technical information on agricultural

production, information on compliance with environmental requirements has not been readily accessible. The

Ag Center was created to address this need.

Through its web site and other channels, the Center offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand information

about compliance — commonsense, flexible approaches that are both environmentally protective and

agriculturally sound. The Center also provides information on reducing pollution and making good use of the

latest pollution prevention technologies.

This Ag Center home page is the gateway to a large library of compliance information, as well as up-to-date

news about related EPA programs and proposals. On most topics, the Ag Center offers publications that can be

read online, downloaded, or ordered by fax or mail.

A broad selection of topic areas are addressed including pesticides, animal waste management, emergency

planning and response, groundwater protection, surface water protection, fuel storage, and hazardous waste

management.

Information Available

News and Alerts: The Ag Center regularly compiles

ag-related news items from EPA headquarters and

regional offices and posts them on its web site and

announces them through its list server (see below for

instructions on how to subscribe). Particularly

important items are more fully described on the web

site under Hot Topics for Agriculture. In addition, the

website contains separate compilations of ag-related

news and alerts, including:

• items for which EPA is accepting comments,

• health & safety alerts,

• upcoming & recent compliance dates with links to

compliance information,

• links to other sources of environmental compliance

news.

The Ag Center continually updates its toll-free,

automatic fax-back system for fact sheets and other

publications. The toll-free number allows callers to

order any of the more than 200 publications that the

Center has assembled pertaining to compliance with

environmental requirements. Call 1-888-663-2155 for

up-to date information on environmental

requirements that affect agriculture.

To subscribe to the Ag Center List Server, send the

command, subscribe agcenter Firstname Lastname

(Your first name and last name) in the body of an

email message to the listserver at

listserver@unixmail.rtpnc.epa.gov, with nothing in

the subject line.

Contact

The National Agriculture Compliance Assistance

Center

Ginah K. Mortensen

901 North 5th St.

Kansas City, KS 66101

(888) 663-2155; (913) 551-7270 - fax

Internet

www.epa.gov/oeca/ag
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 147

National Science Foundation Center for

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management is the reduction of pest problems by actions selected after the life systems of the pest are

understood and the ecological as well as the economical consequences of these actions have been predicted, as accurately as

possible, to be in the best interest of mankind.” —R.L. Rabb and F.E. Guthrie, 1970

The Center for Integrated Pest Management is a National Science Foundation sponsored, Industry /University

Cooperative Research Center, which works to support and further Integrated Pest Management through the

evaluation of emerging technologies, information management and dissemination, environmental

stewardship, estimation of economic consequences, resistance management tools and systems, and integration

of disciplinary expertise. CIPM seeks to play a vital, national role in IPM research, education, and training.

The Center for IPM is located at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University.

While some basic funding come from the National Science Foundation, the majority of CIPM’s budget for

grants and general operations comes from membership funds provided by industry and commodity partners

such as United Soybean Board, Novartis, Monsanto, and others.

The Center offers “seed” grants for novel research and extension projects in integrated pest management (IPM).

Currently the Center is emphasizing research in IPM as related to the Food Quality Protection Act. . The Center

does not fund research on social issues or product-specific programs. Priority topics for funding are

established each year by the industry partners. These priorities and additional information on CIPM are made

available to the public on the Center’s web site. (see additional information below).

Funding is limited to $15,000/year. Most grants awarded range from $5,000 - $10,000 each year. Grants are

for a maximum of three years (annual renewal based on results and availability of funds). Land grant

institutions are the primary, though not sole, target for these funds.

Contact

More information on Center history, membership,

and recently funded projects can be found at the

Virtual Center for IPM (see Internet web site below) or

by calling (919) 515-1648.

National Program Office

Dr. Ron Stinner, Director

NSF Center for IPM

1017 Main Campus Drive

Partners 1, Suite 1100

NCSU Centennial Campus

Raleigh, NC 27606

(919) 513-1432; (919) 513-1114 - fax

Internet

ipmwww.ncsu.edu/cipm/
148 • Building Better Rural Places

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program

Grants

Congress amended the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1987 to establish the section 319 Nonpoint Source

Management Program because it recognized the need for greater federal leadership to help focus state and

local nonpoint source efforts. Under section 319, states submit a draft grant application to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including a draft work plan for use of 319 funds for the fiscal year.

Funds can be used by the state to support a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial

assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects, and monitoring to assess the

success of both specific nonpoint source implementation projects and the overall state program. The federal

contribution may not exceed 60 percent of the costs of a state program supported by these funds.

Contact

Contact the lead agency in your state that oversees

nonpoint source pollution issues.

National Program Office

US-EPA; Nonpoint Source Control Branch (4503 F)

Ariel Rios Building

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Internet

www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/guide.html
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 149

Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance

(RTCA)

A national network of conservation and recreation-planning professionals who assist

communities with nature-based recreation development and environmental, historic and

cultural conservation.

The National Park Service provides advisory assistance and counseling to projects that have established partnerships between government and citizens to increase the number of protected rivers, landscapes and trails nationwide. Projects should have clear, measurable objectives, must be designed to have a significant, cost- effective

impacts on an issue and lead to tangible conservation of significant resources. Each project must demonstrate

cooperation among affected public agencies and private interests and have significant public involvement.

RTCA is committed to assisting projects in ways that produce measurable, tangible results in a relatively short

time. Information can be provided regarding a specific procedure or issue, or assistance is offered for

developing long-term, working relationships with individuals and local communities.

RTCA provides the following types of assistance:

• River, Trail and Greenway Planning: RTCA helps communities move projects from idea to reality. Expertise

is provided for ecology, consensus-building, trail design and river access. Assistance also is offered for

harnessing public involvement to identify resources, understand the issues, set goals and choose among

alternatives. RTCA also helps projects find ways to attract financial support leading to tangible results.

• Regional Assessments: Efforts to conserve natural places often need to be reconciled with other needs.

Making choices in these cases is difficult. RTCA helps states or large metropolitan regions inventory and

evaluate their significant river and trail corridors. Each assessment is tailored to specific regional needs

and conditions. These assessments of natural, cultural, and recreational resources provide information

that enables local officials and public and private landowners to make better decisions.

• Conservation Workshops and Consultations: RTCA provides training, advice, and information on river and

trail conservation techniques. By working as a liaison, RTCA puts community members in touch with

professionals and citizen groups that specialize in recreation, trail design, landowner liability, public

involvement, and the economic benefits of conservation.

Project Examples

Rivers & Trails assists locally led conservation

efforts that:

• link parks, schoolyards, open spaces and

residential areas with safe, quiet greenways;

• put sparkle back into neglected waterways;

• restore significant cultural and historic

assets;

• recycle abandoned railways into trails that

link neighborhoods and communities; and

• preserve open spaces for future generations

Legislative Authority

16 U.S.C. 1271-1287 The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

16 U.S.C. 1241-1249 The National Trails System Act

16 U.S.C. 4601-4601-3 The Outdoor Recreation

Organic Act

Application and Financial

Information

Information and advice on many conservation and

recreation topics are available from any National

Park Service office (see addresses below). However, a

group seeking longer-term assistance must formally

apply for it. Successful applicants generally meet

several criteria:

• An involved public: Conservation projects are

more likely to succeed if they have broad public

support. The RTCA program requires

meaningful public participation in both

planning and implementation of selected

projects because full public involvement builds
150 • Building Better Rural Places

popular support.

• Cost-sharing and Cooperation: Public agencies

and private groups sponsoring a project must

help fund it, with either cash or in-kind services.

Usually, the larger the project, the smaller the

Park Service share. At the beginning of each

project, participants formally agree to cooperate

as active partners.

• Results Orientation: Successful applications

have specific, tangible, attainable goals. We

work with communities to help them develop

citizen groups and take actions that will achieve

specific goals, such as building a trail, protecting

a tract of fragile riverside land, or launching an

annual river clean-up and festival.

• Significant Resources: Proposed projects should

protect or enhance important community

resources (such as rivers, trails, and landscapes)

that will help to improve the quality of life for

residents and visitors alike.

Eligibility

Private nonprofit organizations and federal, state

and local government agencies are eligible for

assistance. Proposals must demonstrate commitment

of cost-sharing which may include donations of time,

cash and services. Proposed assistance is generally

for one to two years.

Contact

For more information on the RTCA program and

procedures for requesting assistance, contact your

regional National Park Service office or the

Washington, D.C. headquarters, as listed below.

Alaska Region

2525 Gambell Street

Anchorage, AK 99503-2892

(907) 257-2650

Intermountain Region

Intermountain Support Office

12795 West Alameda Parkway

P.O. Box 25287

Denver, CO 80225-0287

(303) 969-2855

CO, MT, UT and WY

Santa Fe Support Office

1220 St. Francis Drive

P.O. Box 728

Santa Fe, NM 87504-0728

(505) 988-6091

AR, NM, OK, and TX

Midwest Region

1709 Jackson Street

Omaha, NE 68102-2571

(330) 657-2950

AR, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD and

WI

Northeast Region

Boston Support Office

15 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

(617) 223-5123

CT, ME, MA, NH, N J, NY, RI, and VT

Philadelphia Support Office

200 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 597-1581

DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, and WV

Pacific West Region

Pacific Great Basin Support Office

600 Harrison Street

Suite 600

San Francisco, CA 94107-1372

(415) 427-1447

CA, HI, and NV

Seattle Support Office

909 First Avenue

Seattle, WA 98104-1060

(206) 220-4113

ID, OR, and WA

Southeast Region

Atlanta Federal Center

1924 Building

100 Alabama Street, SW

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 562-3175

AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, and the

VIRGIN ISLANDS

National Program Office

Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

1849 C Street, NW (MS-3622 MIB)

Washington, DC 20240

(202) 565-1200; (202) 565-1204 - fax

Internet

www.ncrc.nps.gov/rtca
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 151

USDA/CSREES’ Small Farm Program

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), an agency within the USDA, has

a small farm program committed to meeting the needs of the small farm community. The goal of the CSREES

program for small farms is to improve the income levels and economic viability of small farm enterprises in

partnership with the land-grant university system, and public and private sectors, by encouraging research,

extension, and education programs that meet the needs of small farmers and ranchers.

Small farm programs are conducted to help small farm families better use community services, improve

financial management, develop markets, assist in estate planning, emphasize on-farm research and

demonstration, and prepare family members for employment opportunities.

Information Available

Small Farm Toll-free Number: 1-800-583-3071 This

toll-free has been established by the Plant and

Animal Systems Division of USDA-CSREES to give

small farmers a much easier access and quicker

response time to their questions or information

inquiries on small farm issues. There is no cost

involved with calling this hotline.

Electronic Mail Access: smallfarm@reeusda.gov The

Small Farm mailing group was established in 1995

under USDA-CSREES-Plant and Animal Systems.

This medium is used in exchanging small farm

related information, to request ideas, share success

stories, provide notice of events, publications, and a

whole lot more. Anyone with interests in small farms

is welcome to subscribe. To subscribe to the small

farm mailing group, send a message to

Majordomo@reeusda.gov In the body, type subscribe

smallfarm. To unsubscribe to the small farm mailing

group, send a message to Majordomo@reeusda.gov.

In the body, type unsubscribe smallfarm.

Newsletter The Small Scale Agriculture Today’s

newsletter has been merged with the Small and Part

Time Farms’ newsletter, to an entirely new standalone newsletter that will serve the readership needs

of the land grant universities, public and private

sectors, including the small farm communities

nationwide. Call toll free: 1-800-583-3071 to

subscribe to the Small Farm Digest or write to: Small

Farm Digest, Stop 2220, USDA-CSREES, 868

Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, SW, Washington, DC

20250; Fax: (202) 401-5179

Publications The series of publications “Getting

Started in Farming” can be obtained upon request.

The series are:

Getting Started in Farming; Mostly On Your Own;

Part-Time or Small Farms; So You Have Inherited A

Farm; Via The Home Farm; Small is Bountiful;

Getting Started in Farming On A Small Scale (USDA

Publication); Overview of Small Farm Programs at

the Land Grant Colleges and Universities; Directory

of State Extension Small Farm Contacts; Small Farm

Digest, a quarterly publication; Proceedings of the

National Small Farm Conference (1996); Getting Help

for Your Small Farm from USDA; Brochure on Small

Farm Program.

Factsheets Factsheets have been developed on a

number of topics including: :

Aquaculture, asparagus, beekeeping, blueberries,

brambles, American Ginseng, specialty corn, angora

goats, cashmere goats, dairy and meat goats,

specialty flowers, foliage plants, earthworm

production, exotic fruits, herbs, exotic livestock,

mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, specialty

mushrooms, northern nuts, organic farming,

peppers, specialty potatoes, poultry, pumpkins,

sheep, strawberries, specialty vegetables,

wildflowers, and woodlots.

Small Farm Resource Guide A state-by-state guide to

institutions, programs, and other resources useful to

small farmers and those who serve them.

To obtain any of the listed items, write to the: Small

Farm Program, USDA-CSREES, Plant and Animal

Systems, Stop 2220, 901 D Street, S.W, 868 Aerospace

Center, Washington, DC 20250; Toll free: 1-800-583-

3071; Fax: (202) 401-5179.
152 • Building Better Rural Places

Contact

Denis Ebodaghe

National Program Leader—Small Farms

USDA-CSREES, Stop 2220

1400 Independence Ave. SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-2220

(202) 401-4385; (202) 401-5179 - fax

e-mail: debodaghe@reeusda.gov

Internet

www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm

The Small Farm Digest newsletter is available for

viewing or downloading on this site. Other available

items are the Proceedings of the First National Small

Farm Conference, Overview of Small Farm Programs

at the Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, the

CSREES and Land Grant System’s National Plan for

Small Farms, the Small Farm Resource Guide, a

national listing of farmers’ markets, and links to

other useful sites.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 153

Wildlife Services (WS)

Wild animals contribute to our enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation, but they can also damage property,

agriculture, and natural resources and threaten human health and safety. WS responds to requests by the

public and agencies in need of help in limiting wildlife damage. A Federal service program that shares costs

with cooperators, WS has the authority to assist in solving problems that are created when wildlife cause

damage.

Most of WS’s efforts are conducted on private land in response to specific requests for assistance. After

developing agreements with governmental and private-sector cooperators, WS provides help to prevent or

reduce wildlife damage through two approaches: technical assistance and direct control.

WS acts as a protective buffer, guarding not only resources, but also wildlife and the environment when

conflicts between humans and wildlife occur. When formulating control strategies, WS specialists consider

protected or endangered animals, environmental impacts, the cost effectiveness of control methods, and social

and legal concerns. Control strategies may include the application of one or more techniques, and

consideration is first given to nonlethal methods when practical and effective. WS professionals provide

biologically sound, effective, and accountable solutions to wildlife problems. In all instances, WS programs

are conducted to ensure no lasting negative impact on wildlife populations. WS professionals strive to educate

the public and producers about the importance of using responsible strategies for living with wildlife.

WS helps to reduce damage caused by wildlife to crops and livestock, natural resources, public and private

property, and public health and safety. WS helps resolve bird hazards to aircraft; starling and blackbird

contamination at feedlots; bird damage to aquaculture; urban starling and blackbird roosts; nuisance Canada

geese; predation of waterfowl and livestock; beaver-flooding roads and damaging timber; deer damaging

orchards, crops, and ornamental landscaping; bear destroying timber and beehives; wildlife-borne diseases,

such as rabies and plague; and wildlife threats to endangered species.

WS professionals recommend and use an integrated wildlife damage management approach to reduce wildlife

damage. This approach employs methods to prevent damage from occurring and to stop damage once it

begins. All techniques used meet strict guidelines for safety, selectivity, and effectiveness. These methods may

involve changing management practices, modifying habitat, dispersing animals, or removing wildlife. A

combination of these approaches is generally used. WS’s National Wildlife Research Center improves

techniques available to WS and develops new methods for managing wildlife damage.

Contact

For more information about the wildlife services of

WS, any State APHIS, WS office may be contacted.

For the address and telephone number in your area,

call the WS Operational Support staff at

(301) 734-7921.

National Program Office

William H. Clay, Deputy Administrator

Wildlife Services

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Ag Box 3402

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-3402

(202) 720-2054; (202) 690-0053 - fax

Internet

www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 155

VII. General Information Sources
156 • Building Better Rural Places

The Consumer Information Center and

Catalog

The Consumer Information Center (CIC) was established in 1970 to help federal agencies and departments

develop, promote, and distribute consumer information to the public.

The CIC publishes a quarterly Consumer Information Catalog which is distributed to millions of consumers.

Each issue has descriptive listings of more than 200 free and low cost booklets from over 40 different federal

departments and agencies. These publications cover everything from pesticides to wildlife conservation, health

to housing, from buying cars to building careers, from food to federal benefits. Requests for publications are

generally filled within ten working days, with total time for delivery usually within four weeks.

Contact

To get a free printed copy of the latest Consumer

Information Catalog, send your name and address to:

Consumer Information Catalog, Pueblo, CO, 81009 or

call toll-free, 1-888-8-PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256).

Internet

www.pueblo.gsa.gov/

You can read, print out or download all of CIC’s

publications on this site.
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 157

National Agricultural Library Information

Resource Centers

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center

One of several information centers at the National Agricultural Library, AFSIC specializes in locating,

collecting and providing information about sustainable and alternative agricultural systems, new and

industrial crops, and alternative crops.

AFSIC information specialists will answer questions; provide access to books, reports, journal articles

newsletters, etc.; provide references to experts or organizations in a given region; identify researchers and

research projects within USDA; and furnish free bibliographies and reference briefs.

Contact

For more information, contact:

National Agricultural Library/Agricultural Research Service

AFSIC

U.S. Department of Agriculture

10301 Baltimore Ave., Room 304

Beltsville, MD 20705-2351

(301) 504-6559; (301) 504-6409 - fax

afsic@nal.usda.gov

Internet

www.nal.usda.gov/afsic

Rural Information Center

The Rural Information Center provides information and referral services to local government officials,

community organizations, health professionals and organizations, rural electric and telephone cooperatives,

libraries, businesses, and rural citizens working to maintain the vitality of America’s rural areas.

Contact

Rural Information Center

National Agricultural Library

10301 Baltimore Blvd. Room 304

Beltsville, MD 20705-2351

ric@nal.usda.gov

1-800-633-7701; (301) 504-5181 - fax

Internet

www.nal.usda.gov/ric
158 • Building Better Rural Places

U. S. Department of Agriculture Rural

Development Offices

ALABAMA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Sterling Center, Suite 601

4121 Carmichael Road

Montgomery, AL 36106-3683

T: (334) 279-3400 F: (334) 279-3403

ALASKA

USDA Rural Development State Office

800 West Evergreen, Suite 201

Palmer, AK 99645

T: (907) 745-2176 F: (907) 745-5398

ARIZONA

USDA Rural Development State Office

3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 900

Phoenix, AZ 85012

T: (602) 280-8701 F: (602) 280-8770

ARKANSAS

USDA Rural Development State Office

700 West Capitol, Room 3416

Little Rock, AR 72201-3225

T: (501) 301-3200 F: (501) 301-3278

CALIFORNIA

USDA Rural Development State Office

808 W. 12th Street

Alturas, CA 96101

T: (530) 233-4615 F: (530) 233-8869

COLORADO

USDA Rural Development State Office

655 Parfet Street, Room E-100

Lakewood, CO 80215

T: (303) 236-2801 F: (303) 236-2854

DELAWARE-MARYLAND

USDA Rural Development State Office

4607 South Dupont Hwy

P.O. Box 400

Camden, DE 19934

T: (302) 697-4300 F: (302) 697-4390

FLORIDA

USDA Rural Development State Office

4440 NW 25th Place

P.O. Box 147010

Gainesville, FL 32614-7010

T: (352) 338-3400 F: (352) 338-3405

GEORGIA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Stephens Federal Building

355 E. Hancock Avenue

Athens, GA 30601-2768

T: (706) 546-2162 F: (706) 546-2152

HAWAII

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Room 311

154 Waianuenue Avenue

Hilo, HI 96720

T: (808) 933-8380 F: (808) 933-8327

IDAHO

USDA Rural Development State Office

9173 W. Barnes, Suite A1

Boise, ID 83709

T: (208) 378-5300 F: (208) 378-5643

ILLINOIS

USDA Rural Development State Office

Illini Plaza, Suite 103

1817 South Neil Street

Champaign, IL 61820

T: (217) 398-5235 F: (217) 398-5337

INDIANA

USDA Rural Development State Office

5975 Lakeside Boulevard

Indianapolis, IN 46278

T: (317) 290-3100 F: (317) 290-3095

IOWA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Room 873

210 Walnut Street

Des Moines, IA 50309-2196

T: (515) 284-4663 F: (515) 284-4859

KANSAS

USDA Rural Development State Office

1200 SW Executive Drive

P.O. Box 4653

Topeka, KS 66604

T: (785) 271-2700 F: (785) 271-2708
 Sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation & community development • 159

KENTUCKY

USDA Rural Development State Office

771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200

Lexington, KY 40503

T: (606) 224-7300 F: (606) 224-7340

LOUISIANA

USDA Rural Development State Office

3727 Government Street

Alexandria, LA 71302

T: (318) 473-7920 F: (318) 473-7829

MAINE

USDA Rural Development State Office

967 Illinois Avenue

P.O. Box 0405

Bangor, ME 04402-0405

T: (207) 990-9100 F: (207) 990-9165

MASS/RI/CONN

USDA Rural Development State Office

451 West Street, Suite 2

Amherst, MA 01002-2999

T: (413) 253-4300 F: (413) 253-4347

MICHIGAN

USDA Rural Development State Office

3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200

East Lansing, MI 48823

T: (517) 324-5100 F: (517) 324-5225

MINNESOTA

USDA Rural Development State Office

410 Farm Credit Building

375 Jackson Street

St. Paul, MN 55101-1853

T: (651) 602-7800 F: (651) 602-7824

MISSISSIPPI

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Suite 831

100 West Capitol Street

Jackson, MS 39269

T: (601) 965-4316 F: (601) 965-5384

MISSOURI

USDA Rural Development State Office

601 Business Loop 70 West

Parkade Center, Suite 235

Columbia, MO 65203

T: (573) 876-0976 F: (573) 876-0977

MONTANA

USDA Rural Development State Office

PO Box 850

Bozeman, MT 59771

T: (406) 585-2580 F: (406) 585-2565

NEBRASKA

USDA Rural Development State Office

152 Federal Building

100 Centennial Mall N

Lincoln, NE 68508

T: (402) 437-5551 F: (402) 437-5408

NEVADA

USDA Rural Development State Office

1390 South Curry Street

Carson City, NV 89703-5405

T: (702) 887-1222 F: (702) 885-0841

NEW MEXICO

USDA Rural Development State Office

6200 Jefferson Street, Room 255

Albuquerque, NM 87109

T: (505) 761-4950 F: (505) 761-4976

NEW JERSEY

USDA Rural Development State Office

Tarnsfield Plaza, Suite 22

790 Woodlane Road

Mt. Holly, NJ 08060

T: (609) 265-3600 F: (609) 265-3651

NEW YORK

USDA Rural Development State Office

441 South Salina Street

Suite 357, 5th floor

Syracuse, NY 13202-2245

T: (315) 477-6400 F: (315) 477-6438

NORTH CAROLINA

USDA Rural Development State Office

4405 Bland Road, Suite 260

Raleigh, NC 27609

T: (919) 873-2000 F: (919) 873-2075

NORTH DAKOTA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Room 208

220 East Rosser, P.O. Box 1737

Bismarck, ND 58502

T: (701) 530-2037 F: (701) 530-2111
160 • Building Better Rural Places

OHIO

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Room 507

200 North High Street

Columbus, OH 43215-2418

T: (614) 255-2390 F: (614) 255-2559

OKLAHOMA

USDA Rural Development State Office

100 USDA, Suite 108

Stillwater, OK 74074

T: (405) 742-1000 F: (405) 742-1005

OREGON

USDA Rural Development State Office

101 SW Main Street, Suite 1410

Portland, OR 97204-3222

T: (503) 414-3300 F: (503) 414-3386

PENNSYLVANIA

USDA Rural Development State Office

1 Credit Union Place, Suite 330

Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996

T: (717) 237-2299 F: (717) 237-2191

PUERTO RICO

USDA Rural Development State Office

654 Munoz-Rivera Ave.

IBM Building, Suite 601

San Juan, PR 00918

T: (787) 766-5095 F: (787) 766-5844

SOUTH CAROLINA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Strom Thurmond Federal Building

1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007

Columbia, SC 29201

T: (803) 765-5163 F: (803) 765-5633

SOUTH DAKOTA

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Room 210

200 4th Street SW

Huron, SD 57350

T: (605) 352-1100 F: (605) 352-1146

TENNESSEE

USDA Rural Development State Office

3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300

Nashville, TN 37203-1071

T: (615) 783-1300 F: (615) 783-1301

TEXAS

USDA Rural Development State Office

Federal Building, Suite 102

101 South Main

Temple, TX 76501

T: (254) 742-9700 F: (254) 742-9709

UTAH

USDA Rural Development State Office

Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building

125 South State Street, Room 4311

PO Box 11350

Salt Lake City, UT 84147-0350

T: (801) 524-4320 F: (801) 524-4406

VERMONT/NH

USDA Rural Development State Office

89 Main Street

3rd floor, City Center

Montpelier, VT 05602

T: (802) 828-6000 F: (802) 828-6018

VIRGINIA

USDA Rural Development State Office

1606 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 238

Richmond, VA 23229

T: (804) 287-1550 F: (804) 287-1721

WASHINGTON

USDA Rural Development State Office

1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW

Suite B

Olympia, WA 98512-5715

T: (360) 704-7740 F: (360) 704-7742

WEST VIRGINIA

USDA Rural Development State Office

75 High Street, Rm 320

Morgantown, WV 26505

T: (304) 291-4793 F: (304) 291-4032

WISCONSIN

USDA Rural Development State Office

4949 Kirschling Court

Stevens Point, WI 54481

T: (715) 345-7600 F: (715) 345-7669

WYOMING

USDA Rural Development State Office

100 East “B” Street

Casper, WY 82601

T: (307) 261-6300 F: (307) 261-6327