Farm Legacy PublicPrivate Partnership Potential Presented by Michele

Farm Legacy Public/Private Partnership Potential Presented by: Michele R. Beener, MSLBE September 16, 2017

About Aspire Michele is the President of Aspire Grant & Development, LLC, a full service Federal, State and private grant research, submission and management agency. Aspire offers clients over fifty-years of combined consulting experience in the field. The firm has a diverse mix of clients, including Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Aspire is presently responsible for the management of over $36 million in competitive grant awards. Funding sources to support conservation, sustainable energy conversion and outdoor recreation areas of special interest for Michele. Community impact is central to our work: http: //www. aspiregrants. com/community/

More Importantly Michele's true passion is the circa 1877 farm she purchased ten years ago (and horses)!

Chippewa Farms 308 acres of fun, where we: Select cut timber farm Hold events in the circa 1877 restored barn Love the 144 head of Black Angus Cattle Have a lot of cats, kittens, chickens and ducks Allow the horses to chill and eat (lots) Make cider from farm apples Sell beef retail to the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Highlands Market Restore and display antique farm equipment Brainstorm for other methods of farm revenue!

Farm Snapshots

Our Restoration Work

Assistance Programs in the Farm Bill The 2014 Farm Bill was enacted on February 7, 2014. NRCS offers voluntary Farm Bill conservation programs that benefit both agricultural producers and the environment. Three broad areas of assistance exist, as illustrated below. (Visit: https: //www. nrcs. usda. gov) Financial Assistance: NRCS offers financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers make and maintain conservation improvements on their land. Easements: NRCS offers easement programs to eligible landowners to conserve working agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands and forestlands. Partnership: NRCS works with partners to leverage additional conservation assistance for agricultural producers and landowners in priority conservation areas.

Financial Assistance Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. Conservation Stewardship Program CSP helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Agricultural Management Assistance AMA helps agricultural producers use conservation to manage risk and solve natural resource issues through natural resources conservation. NRCS administers the AMA conservation provisions while the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Risk Management Agency implement other provisions under AMA. More on AMA.

Easements The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands. More on ACEP. The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) helps landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance. Through HRFP, landowners promote the recovery of endangered or threatened species, improve plant and animal biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration. More on HFRP.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. NRCS provides assistance to producers through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements. RCPP combines the authorities of four former conservation programs – the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative and the Great Lakes Basin Program. Assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of EQIP, CSP, ACEP and HFRP; and in certain areas the Watershed Operations and Flood Prevention Program. More on RCPP.

Predictions on 2018 Farm Bill Discussions are starting already on the 2018 Farm Bill, as the last was passed in February 2014 and they operate on a four-year cycle Glenn Thompson, from PA’s 5 th District, sits on the Agriculture Committee and is a leader on these issues He chairs the Subcommittee on Nutrition, which plays an important role in the Farm Bill includes programs for farmers, and also nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Pairing the two together has created some criticism over the years, but has also ensured that a coalition of urban, big city lawmakers and rural lawmakers are able to build a coalition to pass it

Predictions on 2018 Farm Bill For the upcoming Farm Bill, stakeholders and Agriculture Committee leadership are looking to keeping both of these titles intact and unified to ensure passage Other areas of discussion may include a reform of the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for dairy producers, which was created in the last bill The program has not worked as intended, dairy industry has been taking a beating due to low milk prices, over supply in the domestic market, and general volatility, including protectionist policies from Canada Protecting the current level of spending, as these programs create a necessary safety net to help mitigate risk for farmers in the case of natural disaster, or poor economic situations Protecting the federal Crop Insurance program, which was often targeted for cuts under the Obama administration There may also be an attempt by Pennsylvania members to reform the US Sugar program, which is supported by lawmakers from sugar producing states such as Florida and Louisiana, but opposed by northern lawmakers who see it as outdated, government interventionist policy Heritage Foundation and Club for Growth both maintain strong opposition to funding of various programs in the farm bill

So Where Do Grants Come In? Grants require a solid business plan and patience. Plus, some match and a little determination!

Steps to Winning a Grant Assess your farms financial needs and consider: How much capital can you access for match? Can you launch the project if funded now or one year out? Is your business plan secure? Research opportunities that are available for the specific niche markets you wish to enter. In many cases, United States House of Representatives or Senate offices have a dedicated grant research assistant on staff to assist. Or, use this presentation as a guide! Never apply for grants just as a means to generate capital or correct a red bottom line unless that’s the specific goal of the program. Stay connected to local, state, and land bank University resources throughout the process!

Develop a Solid Business Plan & Grant Proposal This can take some serious time. You may indeed need audited financial statements. You will need to attest to match requirement with a bank statement or letter on farm letterhead. Your lender may be involved. Make certain your product and process meets or exceeds requirements of the agency (USDA, etc. ) Get creative! Research funding priorities of the agency and past awards. Consider support letters and economic impact (firms like Aspire use economic impact modeling to analyze direct, indirect and induced economic impact from investment in a specific industry by NAICS code). Retain everything; public grant awards can involve an audit. Put web resources to work for you! There are lots of opportunities, public and private. Start small!

Sources of Funding Federal: USDA, SARE, NIFA State: Land Grant Universities, Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources/Environmental Protection Private: Established organizations that support animal welfare, sustainable energy, conservation, forestry, farm to table initiatives and more!

Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (Formed in 2008 under the Farm Bill) provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. We invest in and support initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture. NIFA applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculturerelated sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice.

Application Process - NIFA PRE-AWARD The Pre-Award phase begins with the announcement of funding opportunities for grants and involves the preparation, submission, and review of proposals to those announcements. Search — Search for grants and cooperative agreements Apply — Apply for a grant at Grants. gov Review — NIFA reviews your application AWARD The Award phase involves making funding decisions and notifying awardees of their selection for a grant. Response — Applicants are notified of the funding decision Processing — NIFA reviews, approves, and sends award documents to awardees

Application Process - NIFA POST-AWARD The Post-Award phase involves setting up accounts in the financial payment system and monitoring awardees for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and submission of required reports. Payments — Awardee sets up an account in the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system to receive funding Monitoring — Awardee and NIFA each monitor grant activities to ensure compliance with specific program policies, regulations, and required reporting, including annual accomplishments reports CLOSE OUT The close-out phase of the grant lifecycle involves the submission, review, and approval of all final reports as required by specific program policies and regulations. Reporting — Awardee submits the final federal financial report and final technical report Review and Approval — NIFA reviews and approves final financial and technical reports for regulatory compliance and quality of final technical accomplishment descriptions

Agency: USDA Farm to School USDA’s Farm to School Program is housed in the Food and Nutrition Service’s Office of Community Food Systems (OCFS). OCFS helps child nutrition program operators incorporate local foods in the National School Lunch Program and its associated programs, as well as the Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. In addition, OCFS staff works with tribal communities to respond to their desire to better incorporate traditional foods into our meal programs. OCFS accomplishes this through grant making, training and technical assistance and research. Due December 8, 2016 Organizations (not farmers) apply.

Agency: USDA Loan Programs Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans Down Payment Loans Provides a low-interest government loan, made in conjunction with a private bank loan and a borrower down payment, to help beginning, minority, and women farmers purchase a farm or ranch. Land Contract Guarantee DIRECT Provides government loans to allow family farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, purchase farmland, equipment, and other start-up and production necessities. GUARANTEE Provides a government guarantee on commercial loans to family farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, for real estate costs or farm operating expenses. Reduces risk for retiring farmers who sell land via a multi-year land contract to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers by providing a federal guarantee in case the buyer encounters problems making payments. Microloans Provides small farm loans (up to $50, 000) for annual operating expenses tailored for small, young, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and diversified farming operations serving local markets.

Agency: USDA Value Added Producer Grants Awards planning and working capital competitive grants to farmers to develop value-added farmer-owned businesses, including processing, market differentiation, and local and regional supply networks. Applications are now being accepted under the USDA Rural Development National Value-added Producer Grant program from agricultural producers and eligible groups to process, enhance, and/or market their goods in order to increase business sustainability. The Notice of Solicitation of Application (NOSA) was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 29, 2017. Proposals are due Jan. 31, 2018. Applications materials including the NOSA, Applicant Tool Kit, links to required forms and other important application resources are available at: http: //www. rd. usda. gov/programs-services/valueadded-producer-grants

Agency: USDA Development of Organics National Organic Certification Cost Share Program Provides cost-share assistance to help farmers with annual organic certification costs; covers up to 75 percent of annual certification costs with maximum payments of $750 per year per farm. Organic Crop Insurance Highlights special crop insurance provisions for organic producers, including organic price elections, contract price addendums, and Whole Farm Revenue Protection.

Agency: USDA Energy Conservation Biomass Crop Assistance Program Promotes renewable energy production by providing incentives to help farmers grow bioenergy feedstocks (crops that are well-suited to be turned into energy) and connect with relevant energy facility. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Enables farmers and businesses to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and undertake energy audits through grants and/or loans.

Agency: USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants (REAP) Basics: What does this program do? Application Deadline: Grants of $20, 000 or less: October 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017; Unrestricted Grants (up to $500, 000): March 31, 2017; Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year. Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Who may apply? Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income coming from agricultural operations, and Small businesses in eligible rural areas.

Agency: USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants (REAP) Basics: What is an eligible area? Businesses must be in an area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50, 000 inhabitants and the urbanized area of that city or town. Check eligible business addresses. Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas. How may the funds be used? Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels) Geothermal for electric generation or direct use Hydropower below 30 megawatts Hydrogen Small and large wind generation Small and large solar generation Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) Insulation Lighting Cooling or refrigeration units Doors and windows Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment Don’t forget about your local Sustainable Energy Fund!!!

Agency: USDA Note: Before applying to REAP contact your local State Energy Coordinator, as illustrated here: https: //www. rd. usda. gov/files/RBS_State. Energy. Coo rdinators. pdf Youth Loans https: //www. fsa. usda. gov/programs-andservices/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4 -H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization.

State Based Energy Incentives There a variety of state incentives for energy conservation projects available through the US Department of Energy: http: //www. dsireusa. org/

Private Source: Food Animal Concerns Trust IN JANUARY 2017 FACT AWARDED 24 GRANTS TO FARMS LOCATED IN 15 DIFFERENT STATES WITH 15 PASTURE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS AND NINE ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GRANTS. WITH THESE NEW GRANTEES, FACT HAS NOW CUMULATIVELY AWARDED 91 GRANTS TO DESERVING FAMILY FARMERS ACROSS 27 STATES, DIRECTLY IMPACTING MORE THAN 66, 000 ANIMALS SINCE THE PROJECT’S INCEPTION IN 2012.

FACT Programs 1. Fund-a-Farmer Project: FACT provides grants up to $2, 500 to family farmers for projects that enable them to transition to--or make improvements to--pasture for their animals, thereby improving the welfare of their animals. In the 2017 grant cycle, the Fund-a-Farmer Project offered two distinct grant categories, one centered on pasturebased farming systems, and the other focused on farm improvements that result in successful animal welfare certification. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) is generously underwriting the Fund-a-Farmer Project’s animal welfare certification grants. 2018 Grant Application Deadlines are not yet announced.

FACT Programs 2. Peer-to-Peer Farmer Education Project: FACT facilitates peer-to-peer farmer education and networking in order to increase knowledge and usage of humane farming practices. These education and networking opportunities include: Conference Scholarships: Scholarships up to $400 are available to livestock and poultry farmers to cover registration fees at selected farming and sustainable agriculture conferences throughout the United States. Over the past two years more than 67 scholarships to sustainable agriculture conferences have been awarded to family farmers across the country. Humane Farming Webinar Series: Implemented in March 2015, FACT has hosted free webinar presentations featuring field experts on a variety of topics, including sustainable poultry breeding, fencing for animals on pasture, and pastured pork production. All past webinars are available for viewing in our Archive. FACT moderates the Humane Farming Forum, an online forum for humane livestock and poultry farmers in the United States. Through the forum, FACT facilitates networking, sharing of opportunities, and peer-to-peer education.

Agency: Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Since 1988, the SARE grants and education program has advanced agricultural innovation that promotes profitability, stewardship of the land, air and water, and quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities. Click on links below to learn about different aspects of the SARE program. Find your region online: http: //www. sare. org/Grants Discuss: funded projects

SARE Northeast In 2016, Northeast SARE awarded $323, 351 for 26 Farmer grants. Awards ranged from $5, 267 to see if a perennial living mulch can help control mycorrhizal infection to $15, 000 to test the use of tidal movement to clean and tumble oysters.

Private Source: Animal Welfare Approved Farmer Application The Animal Welfare Approved seal is a hard earned badge of difference and demonstrates the farmer’s commitment to the care of animals, land the local community. Farmers in this program will be distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude towards the animals in their care as evidenced by physical audit and development of detailed plans and records of farm practices. Participation in the AWA program is voluntary.

Sample Projects Funded: Animal Welfare Approved Boggy Creek Farms, Ararat, NC: Genetic improvement Cambridgeshire Farm, Oakboro, NC: Mobile housing Cedar Creek Farm, Cedarville, AR: Breeding for pasture-based production Circle O Livestock, LLC, Vale, OR: Mobile housing and shade Cricket Creek Farm, Williamstown, MA: Breeding for pasture-based production Cris-Co Farms, Gray, TN: Improved pasture management D&A Farm, Autryville, NC: Genetic improvement Deer Run Farm, Danville, VT: Mobile housing Double R Farms, LLC, Asher, OK: Mobile housing Granny Creek Farm, Lamar, AR: Infrastructure to expand pasture access Grass. Roots Pork Co. , Beulaville, NC: Non-GMO feed production Kauai Kunana Dairy, Kilauea, HI: Livestock guardian dogs for non-lethal predator control Madrone Coast Farm, Felton, CA: Mobile housing Majestic Farm, Mountain Dale, NY: Mobile housing Nelson Family Farm, Zionville, NC: Breeding for pasture-based production Platypus Flats Ranch, Shawano, WI: Mobile housing Pockerchickory Farms, Union Grove, NC: Breeding for pasture-based production Rising Phoenix Farm, Morning View, KY: Breeding for pasture-based production Shelly’s Farm Fresh, Brentwood, CA: Improved pasture management Simon Boers Chevon, LLC, Hagerman, ID: Breeding for pasture-based production Swallow Rail Farm, Simpsonville, KY: Non-lethal predator control The Taylor-Wright Farm, Brodnax, VA: Mobile housing Vernal Vibe Rise, Renick, WV: Mobile housing

Agency: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities. Links to great resources including Farm Bill (below, right)! • http: //sustainableagriculture. net/publications/gra ssrootsguide/farm-bill-programs-and-grants/ • http: //sustainableagriculture. net/takeaction/#signup

Private Sources Seed Money (Formerly Kitchen Gardeners International) Deadline: November 2017 A Maine-based 501 c 3 nonprofit offering grants*, crowdfunding tools and online garden planning software to a wide variety of food garden projects serving people in need in their communities. All of our opportunities and services are accessible via a single online grant application located here: seedmoney. org/campaign/start due November 12, 2017.

Private Sources IOBY If you’ve ever considered the possibility of crowd-funding to support your community garden or urban farm but weren’t sure how to start, the answer is now in your backyard. ioby. org, an environmental nonprofit, has just announced its national expansion after a successful NYC pilot fully funded nearly 2000 community-led parks, garden, biking, hiking, composting and chicken projects across the city. ioby (its name derived from the opposite of NIMBY) intends to connect people to environmental projects in their own neighborhoods. And, in fact, most ioby micro-donors give on average $35, live within 2 miles of the project site they’re supporting and regularly volunteer with the project. Post your project today at ioby. org.

Private Sources OCIA Research & Education Micro Grants Deadline: March 15 th and November 15 th OCIA International (Organic Crop Improvement Association) offers grants in the range of $300 to $1, 500 for organic research, organic education, and other ideas supporting organic agriculture. Projects must benefit multiple producers, processors and/or consumers. There may be limitations on the number of grants given within any one region. http: //www. ociaresearchandeducation. org/index. php/aw ards/micro-grants

Private Sources Simply Organic 1% Fund Deadline: October 31 st each year Simply Organic has given more than a million dollars to organic research, education and grower development projects since the Simply Organic 1% Fund was established in 2001. One percent of all Simply Organic sales go into the fund, which supports training and community projects for organic farmers where our spices are grown, as well as a variety of organizations and events that study, support and promote organic agriculture. https: //www. simplyorganic. com/community/about/givingback/grant-application

Nonprofit Status? A 501(c)(3) nonprofit is a nonprofit organization that the IRS recognizes as tax-exempt (excused from paying federal income tax) because it is organized or operated primarily for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or similar purposes. However, the organization may participate in minor, non-exempt activities as long as they do not make up a substantial part of its activities. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are sometimes called “charitable organizations. ” To keep their tax exempt status, charitable organizations must follow certain conditions, including these three: (1) No one in the organization can take the organization’s earnings for themselves; (2) no substantial portion of the organization’s activities may be attempts to influence legislation or lobby; and (3) the organization itself cannot take part in political campaigns.

Not for Everyone What public benefit does my organization provide? Here’s an example: A community-run farmers market may not appear charitable initially, but it may actually accomplish many of the IRS’s charitable purposes. Sometimes, farmer’s markets are organized by a group of farmers looking to make a profit for themselves. Other times, members of the community organize farmer’s markets not for-profit but to: encourage healthy food choices for cheap prices; educate the community about healthy lifestyles; and foster community relations in a positive and fun environment. The three purposes listed above look a lot like three of the tax-exempt purposes the IRS lists on its website. When filling out a Form 1023, it is helpful for organizations to try to connect their activities or “mission” with the IRS’s core concepts. If we take the above example, this is what it might look like: encourage healthy food choices for cheap prices = relief of the poor (if, of course, situated to serve the poor community) educate the community about healthy lifestyles = advancement of education foster community relations in a positive and fun environment = lessening neighborhood tensions

The Case for a 501© 3 Examples BENTON FAMILY FARM (NONPROFIT 501 C 3) BENTON FARMS is a beautiful rolling 115 acre working farm located in Boone and Kenton county. Mr. Benton came to this farm in 1942 at 10 years old. Now it has reached the fifth generation. Mr. Benton of 81 yrs, his daughter and board of directors continues to oversee its operations. Since 1994 the farm started to host agritourism and invite schools and families out to pick pumpkins and visit with the animals. These visits to the farm allows visitors to see a real working farm operation. Over the last few years the educational experiences at the farm led to summer day camp and children desiring to have their birthday parties out on the farm. The farm continues to grow soybeans, wheat, corn, hay garden fresh vegetables and of course pumpkins. The farm now is open year round a nonprofit 501 c 3 with BENTON FAMILY FARM Inc. A mission is to remain a working farm for generations on and to provide opportunities for agricultural education on the farm. If your looking for a simple country farm then that is what you will find here in Walton, Ky. A real working farm with history and experience. We have promised our customers over the years that we keep it just like it is, a country farm experience without the commercialism. We now host and plan weddings and receptions here on the farm.

The Case for a 501© 3 Examples “Watkins Farm for Our Future” a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3 in Mrs. Lilian Watkins honor. We are looking to raise funds towards restoring the historical farmhouse (which date back to 1840 s) and other historical farm barns & buildings on the property, which are in desperate need of repair. We want to bring the children out of the classrooms and into a natural environment were they can learn about healthy eating and how gardens grow from farm to fork and see a working farm. We are also in the process of creating an educational barn to hold classes on self sufficiency, (something I know Mrs. Watkins was known for) including; how to grow, preserve and prepare food. The farm also intends to offer space for musical education and guest speakers in Holistic Health and Wellness.

Resources National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code http: //www. nasda. org/ https: //www. irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/f 1023. pdf National Association of Women in Agriculture http: //www. nwiaa. org/

Farm Legacy Thank You! Contact me for more information! www. aspiregrants. com info@aspiregrantdev. com (814)-701 -2787