Extension for Value-Added Producer Grant Program

April 1, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced an extension for grant applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant program. The extension was made necessary by changes to the program included in the 2014 Farm Bill that was recently signed into law. The new grant deadline is April 8, 2014.“In rural and small town America, the best way to create jobs and expand economic opportunity is fostering entrepreneurship and small business,” said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. “On America’s country roads that means value added agriculture and niche marketing. Such entrepreneurship keeps wealth in rural communities, enhances farm and ranch profitability, revives rural mainstreets and helps young families get a start in agriculture.”

Bruckner encouraged farmers or ranchers needing planning or working capital funds in order to move their value-added ideas forward, to check out the Value-Added Producer Grants program.

“In particular, we urge returning Armed Forces veterans to consider accessing these grants,” added Bruckner. The extension will allow those who have already submitted funding applications to revise their proposals if the new addition of returning Armed Forces veteran farmers to the program’s priorities is applicable to their proposal.

According to the Federal Register, the term ‘veteran farmer or rancher’ means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces and who has not operated a farm or ranch; or has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years. Agricultural producers, businesses majority-owned by agricultural producers, and organizations representing agricultural producers are eligible to apply for Value Added Producer Grants for business planning or working capital expenses associated with marketing value-added agricultural products. Agricultural producers include farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters and fishermen that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural commodity.

Farmers and ranchers can find a working proposal template for the Value Added Producer Grant Program at the following weblink –http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_vapg.html

Additionally, in an effort to assist farmers and ranchers applying for a grant, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition just re-issued their Farmers’ Guide to Value-Added Producer Grant Funding. The guide (available free at http://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/) includes clear information on new program rules and contains a step-by-step description of the application and ranking processes, with helpful hints to improve a producer’s chances of obtaining funding from the highly competitive program. It also describes the program priorities for small and medium-sized family farms, beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and mid-tier value chains (regional supply networks with active farmer participation).

Bruckner encouraged applicants to contact their state USDA RD offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process. While the extension may not offer much help to those just starting out on a proposal, there will be future funding rounds, and for applicants, especially first-time applicants, the additional time could make all the difference.

“At the Center for Rural Affairs, we have a lock track-record of offering help to farmers and ranchers in accessing programs such as these. And there is other help available, because these grants are popular and quite competitive,” commented Bruckner.

Bruckner went on to explain that the Center for Rural Affairs continues to offer as much help to producers as possible during the application period by operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline to receive assistance in understanding the Value Added Producer Grants Program.

“The Farm Bill Helpline provides a direct connection to Center staff with knowledge about the rules of these programs to help applicants and potential applicants understand if the program will fit their needs,” continued Bruckner.

Potential applicants can also contact the Farm Bill Helpline via email by sending an email with “Farm Bill Helpline” in the subject line to tracib@cfra.org. The Value Added Producer Grant is not the only program covered by the Center’s Farm Bill Helpline. Assistance is also available for the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

The Center for Rural Affairs has also created Value Added Fact Sheets and other additional information, which can be accessed at http://www.cfra.org/node/2672.

For more information visit: www.cfra.org

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Wind Legislation a Boon to Rural Communities

April 1, 2014 Leave a comment


By Lu Nelsen, lucasn@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs
Many are blown away by the thriving wind industry in the Midwest. Neighboring states like Iowa and South Dakota have seen fantastic expansion, with each state getting 27 and 26% of their energy from wind respectively, and Kansas is fast-approaching the 20% mark. Besides affordable, renewable energy; wind energy brought new careers and revenue to these states.

While Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota continue to expand wind energy; Nebraska is lagging far behind. We’re missing out on the local benefits that wind development brings with it.

Incentives and renewable energy goals in other states have been a big part of getting them into the game, and one reason why Nebraska has so far remained on the sidelines. LB 402–a bill recently passed by the legislature– will remove barriers to wind development in Nebraska, and help us become competitive with our neighbors. This legislation doesn’t just provide a handout, but rewards developers for purchasing materials and services from Nebraska businesses.

LB 402 ensures that any wind development in Nebraska would boost our rural communities, and that as much investment as possible stays in our state. This not only helps existing businesses thrive, but provides new opportunities for Nebraskans.

The key to unlocking the greatest benefit to communities is to not just get development in our state, but to keep it local. By passing LB 402, the Unicameral has taken a good step in expanding wind development, creating jobs, creating new businesses, and helping us reinvest in communities across Nebraska.

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Center for Rural Affairs Calls Failed Cloture Vote Unconscionable

March 25, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, Nebraska – Yesterday, a cloture vote on LB 887, the Wellness In Nebraska Act, failed by a vote of 27 in favor and 21 opposed to ending debate and allowing an up or down General File vote on the bill. The majority of Senators voting “yes” were not sufficient to reach the two-thirds majority required in the Unicameral to invoke cloture and end debate.

“Failing to pass LB 887 will cost Nebraska in lost federal money and budget savings, as many as 10,000 new jobs in healthcare, insurance premium savings for the already insured… but first and foremost, it will cost lives,”

Jon Bailey, Director of the Rural Public Policy Program, Center for Rural Affairs

“We have waited for this vote for over a year. And we applaud the 27 Senators, led by bill sponsor Senator Kathy Campbell, that have shown the courage and leadership to stand up for tens of thousands of working, uninsured Nebraskans,” added Bailey.

To view or download the official Unicameral vote count go to – http://www.cfra.org/www.cfra.org/LB887Vote

“However, the time has come for naysayers and critics of Medicaid expansion to offer up solutions to the stern challenges so many Nebraskans face in our current healthcare system. These working Nebraskans have sought and secured a job, they work hard, and they deserve a chance at a happier, healthier life,” Bailey continued. “And the 21 Senators who stood in the way of passage of LB 887 owe them real solutions, not just rhetoric about openness to new ideas about providing health care. They owe Nebraska more than just political posturing and empty words.”

“We are deeply disappointed that 21 Nebraska state Senators would put petty partisan politics ahead of the health and economic well-being of tens of thousands of working Nebraskans,” said Bailey. “Voting to preserve a public policy of negligence that leaves at least 33,000 people, including over 15,000 from rural and small town Nebraska by the side of the road with no health care options is unconscionable.”

There simply are no compelling arguments against adopting this legislation, added Bailey. Which is why the Center for Rural Affairs was joined by AARP, Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Nurses Association, Nebraska Medical Association, Voices for Children, Nebraska Appleseed, Health Center Association of Nebraska, Nebraska Association of County Officials, The Nebraska Restaurant Association, Community Action of Nebraska, the Nebraska State Education Association and many others.

According to Bailey, many of the impacts of failing to adopt LB 887 and expand Medicaid will fall heaviest on rural and small town Nebraska. Due to inaction in the Unicameral, 15,000 of our rural friends and neighbors will “fall in the gap”, without access to affordable health care. Currently insured Nebraskans will pay higher insurance premiums to cover the cost of uncompensated care. Bankruptcy filings necessitated by medical debt brought on by lack of health care coverage will continue. Rural hospitals will be stretched, possibly to the breaking point. And an estimated 500 Nebraskans will die as a result of having no health care coverage.

“Failing to pass LB 887 will cost Nebraska in lost federal money and budget savings, as many as 10,000 new jobs in healthcare, and insurance premium savings for the already insured, but first and foremost, it will make many of our fellow Nebraskans less healthy and cost lives,” concluded Bailey.

 

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Small Business Survey

March 8, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – The Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP), is once again circulating a statewide small business needs assessment survey, to explore how Nebraska small businesses are faring. This survey is the 4th biennial survey conducted by the organization.The survey, which only takes about 6 minutes to complete, is for business owners and those that serve them (including lenders and resource providers). Individuals are asked to complete the survey by March 31, 2014.

“The small business climate in Nebraska is constantly changing. Meeting the needs of startup and existing small businesses is extremely important to all the organizations and entities that provide small business services,” commented Jeff Reynolds, REAP Program Director. “As with previous surveys, the Center for Rural Affairs REAP program will be using the results of this ‘needs’ based survey to help shape future programming with the ultimate goal of enhancing programming to best serve the critical needs of today’s entrepreneurs.”

REAP is Nebraska’s largest microenterprise program and is committed to meeting the needs of startup and existing entrepreneurs in rural Nebraska. REAP provides lending, loan packaging, training, networking, and technical assistance opportunities for startup and existing small businesses.

For more information about REAP and its services and to access the survey, visit: http://www.cfra.org/reap . The survey can also be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014SBNAlink. If you have any questions about the survey, would like to read the results of previous surveys, or would like the 2014 results brought to your organization, please contact Dena R. Beck, REAP Business Specialist & Senior Project Leader at denab@cfra.org or 308-528-0060.

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Put People Above Politics

March 4, 2014 Leave a comment


By Jon Bailey, jonb@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs
 
Debate over LB 887, the Wellness in Nebraska Act, promises to be a major issue facing the Nebraska Legislature. LB 887 would expand Medicaid to an estimated 54,000 people through a combination of private health insurance and wellness incentives.

Despite providing needed private health benefits to a population that is in the coverage gap – uninsured, ineligible for insurance marketplace tax credits because their incomes are too low, and without employer-sponsored insurance – some still object to LB 887.

Their arguments have boiled down to two concerns; anything else is pure partisan politics:

What does LB 887 cost? The truly independent Legislative Fiscal Office states that LB 887 will cost the state $64 million over six years, less than $11 million per year, or about 0.02 percent of total state revenue for the next budget period. An amendment to the bill may reduce costs to less than $20 million over six years, meaning, at most, it will cost each Nebraskan about 2 cents per day.

An analysis paid for by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) says the state costs will be about double the Legislative Fiscal Office estimate, over $128 million. However, that’s based on an enrollment assumption that is deeply flawed and has never occurred in the history of programs such as LB 887. The NDHHS analysis also neglects estimated savings of about $60 million per year from state programs no longer needed if LB 887 were adopted.

What if the federal government reneges on its commitment? Currently, the federal government will pay all the expense of LB 887 for the next two years and gradually reduce its share to 90 percent in 2020 and thereafter. Some claim this legal promise is not sustainable despite a declining federal budget deficit. However, LB 887 must be reconsidered and re-approved by the Legislature if the federal share of the Medicaid expansion ever falls below 90 percent. This should take care of that concern.

In changing his vote to support LB 887, Sen. Mike Gloor of Grand Island said LB 887 would make dramatic improvements in the health care system in Nebraska. Isn’t two cents per day worth it to improve our health care delivery system, provide needed health care coverage for our friends and neighbors, and save lives? It is truly time to put people before politics.

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Center for Rural Affairs Respond to Revenue Forecast

March 1, 2014 Leave a comment


LYONS, NE – Today, February 28, 2014 the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted Nebraska will collect an additional $99 million in tax revenue, including $36 million for the government’s rainy-day fund.

In a statement released today, the Center for Rural Affairs found reasons for encouragement in the revenue forecast, including room for optimism about addressing property taxes, but warned about harming crucial investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and community development.

“We are cautiously optimistic about today’s revenue forecast as it indicates the Legislature may be able to address property taxes, which is what Nebraskans want when it comes to taxes,” said Jon Bailey, director of the rural public policy program at the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Nebraska’s increasingly strong economy presents us with the opportunity to make smart investments in our state and our people to protect and strengthen the good life we have built in Nebraska,” said Bailey. “Restoring some of the cuts done by the Legislature during the recession to education, aid to counties and cities and other necessary programs would be a good strategic use of these forecast funds.”

“But tax cuts that primarily benefit a few based on projected revenue would be a risky gamble that would threaten our schools, healthcare and other services every Nebraskan needs. A temporary use of the state’s reserves for permanent tax cuts without the money actually in the bank is fiscal malpractice,” concluded Bailey.

 

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Farm to School Summit Coming to West Point

February 28, 2014 Leave a comment


Do you want to learn more about Farm to School opportunities in Nebraska?  Join The Center for Rural Affairs along with the Nebraska Department of Education, the Nebraska Food Cooperative and Nebraska Farmers Union for a Farm to School Summit on the afternoon of March 18 in West Point, Nebraska.

Farm to School Summit
1:00 – 4:30pm
Tuesday, March 18
Nielsen Community Center
West Point, NE
*Please register before March 10 at www.cfra.org/farm-to-school

This informative, hands-on workshop will bring together cross-sector stakeholders (schools, growers/producers, and community members) and small to mid-sized producers, school districts, and community members will find this Summit informational and actionable.

Three breakout tracks will be held that will set your farm, school, or community on the garden path to plot out the feasibility, identify barriers and opportunities, and develop an action plan. Implementing a farm to school program is not a “one size fits all!”

For more info visit our Farm to School website or contact me at carylg@cfra.org or on my
cell (308) 850-6041 or office (308) 357-1000

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Center for Rural Affairs Presents Citizenship Award

February 22, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE –  The Center for Rural Affairs presented its 2013 Citizenship Award to Dr. Amanda McKinney, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist practicing in Beatrice, Nebraska. She was honored at a special awards banquet February 10 at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Nebraska. The Citizenship Award is given annually to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the democratic process for creating public policy, and who work closely with the Center for Rural Affairs to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches and rural communities.

“I firmly believe that all humans have the right to clean air, clean water, healthy food, basic medical care and a habitable planet,” stated Dr. Amanda McKinney. “Because I believe these things, it would be wrong for me to sit idly by. So, I speak out hoping that others will listen. For me, it is what I can do to be an active member of the human community.”

According to Virginia Meyer with Center for Rural Affairs, Dr. McKinney is a strong supporter of the Center for Rural Affairs, speaking in support of improvements to rural health care. She wrote letters to the editor in support of expanding the Medicaid program in our state and creating an effective health insurance exchange. She also authored newspaper guest opinions in collaboration with Center staff on health care issues. In addition to health care, Dr. McKinney is passionate about the environment and developing our wind resources. She attended gatherings organized by the Center for Rural Affairs on wind development and beginning farmer and rancher issues.

“Dr. McKinney has been a tremendous advocate for rural Nebraska and for those that call rural Nebraska home. She has stepped beyond her medical practice to advocate for rural people and for rural communities. It is that caring commitment to rural America and going the extra mile to advocate for rural that defines our Citizenship Award. Rural America depends on citizens like Dr. McKinney to do what they can to make rural communities stronger. That is our mission and we are proud to honor Dr. McKinney and all she has done,” said Jon Bailey, Director of the Rural Public Policy Program at the Center for Rural Affairs.

 

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Over 200 Attend Center for Rural Affairs’ Marketplace

February 12, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – Today, over 200 people attended the Center for Rural Affairs’ MarketPlace entrepreneurship conference at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Nebraska. MarketPlace kicked off its eighth year of offering training, learning and networking to community leaders, farmers, ranchers, small business owners, entrepreneurs and students with an opening keynote address by U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).

The Center is again hosting MarketPlace to provide rural and small town Nebraska with a premier entrepreneurship event that energizes and connects people with others like themselves and with service providers and other professionals who can help them make their businesses and communities thrive.

“West Point is pleased to welcome MarketPlace to our city and the Nielsen Community Center for a second year.  This type of seminar is a valuable tool for existing businesses and for entrepreneurs to find help to expand or start a new business.  Our communities depend on small start-up companies to create jobs and bring new residents to our communities as well as compliment the current business and industries that are here.” Marlene Johnson, Mayor of West Point, Nebraska.

“The Center for Rural Affairs has a passion for helping rural entrepreneurs succeed, and Marketplace is just one of many examples of their efforts that are directly targeted to providing the tools and tactics needed for rural small business success,” said David Buchholz, President and Creative Director ofDavid & Associates of Hastings. “Marketplace and the Center for Rural Affairs provide great resources for people looking to start or grow a small business.”

According to John Crabtree, Center for Rural Affairs Media Director, Buchholz and the other specialists at Marketplace provide a level of marketing expertise that most entrepreneurs could never hope to access individually. At previous conferences, Buchholz has presented to standing-room-only crowds and received rave reviews.

“The expertise on display at MarketPlace truly makes it a one-of-a-kind entrepreneurship event,” Crabtree added.

Prior to his opening keynote address, Rep. Fortenberry was also acknowledged as the recipient of the Center for Rural Affairs’ inaugural George Norris Policymaker Award by the Center’s Executive Director, Brian Depew.

“I am honored to accept the inaugural George Norris Policymaker Award.  It has been a privilege to work with fellow Nebraskans on policies important to the future of our state and rural America.  I’m particularly grateful for the Center for Rural Affairs’ focus on expanding economic opportunity in rural communities, renewable energy production, and help for beginning farmers and ranchers.  I greatly appreciate the Center’s commitment to the values of rural America which make our country strong.”

Representative Jeff Fortenberry.

“George Norris fought for common people,” said Depew. “His public career was made fighting corporate power and standing up for small town America. He believed in everyday people and their ability to shape their destiny.”

We decided to give our inaugural George Norris Policymaker Award to Representative Fortenberry for his tireless work to champion policies that echo the values of the Center for Rural Affairs, of George Norris, and of rural Nebraskans, Depew explained.

According to Depew, Representative Fortenberry’s commitment stands out most clearly in the recent farm bill debate. Over the course of the farm bill debate, he championed provisions to close the egregious loopholes that allow the largest farmers in the country to run away with unlimited subsidies. He also backed new and innovative programs to help beginning farmers and rural small businesses get started. And he helped to win a critical conservation provision that protects our most vulnerable agricultural landscapes.

“Representative Fortenberry stood out among his colleagues in DC on these issues. On some, he bucked the conventional stand of those in his own party. That takes courage. And it is just such political courage that this award was created to recognize,” Depew concluded.

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President Obama Signed Farm Bill

February 10, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, Nebraska  – Today, President Obama signed the Farm Bill into law while in East Lansing, Mich., at Michigan State’s Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center.  President Obama touted the legislation’s benefits to a prosperous agricultural sector and, consequently, to the nation’s overall economy. However, criticism of the Farm Bill’s lack of reform of farm programs still remains.

“We opposed the final Farm Bill that came out of the Conference Committee,” said Traci Bruckner, Senior Policy Associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “But the President signed the bill, which means he is accepting the responsibility of making the Farm Bill work, improving upon it, and closing the farm payment limitation loopholes that Congress punted to the Administration.”

According to Bruckner, the conference report stripped out bipartisan reforms, which passed both House and Senate, and would have tightened the definition of being “actively engaged” in farming – a loophole that mega-farms use to gain additional payments by defining passive investors as qualified farmers, even though those investors provide no real labor or management on the farm. Moreover, this Farm Bill actually increases farm payment limits from $50,000 to $125,000 for the primary commodity program.

“President Obama now has the opportunity to deliver on the promise he made to rural and small town Americans while campaigning for President in Iowa in 2007,” added Bruckner.

In the President’s speech before signing the bill, he noted that there are big producers who are doing well, but many small farmers scratching out a living. He also added that it is hard for young people to get started in farming. But failing to clean up this farm program loophole mess will only make matters worse, Bruckner explained.

“If, however, the President is serious about reforming farm programs, living up to the promise he made to close the “actively engaged” loopholes is the best and most crucial place to start,” Bruckner concluded. “Congress put the ball in his court, we urge him to pick it up and take his best shot.”

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