[Nesabes] FW: Farm programs and outreach

[Chalek, Irene]

Please list.

Thank you
Irene Chalek


Hello,
I work with the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and the
MA Dept. of Agriculture on conservation planning with farmers out of the
Hadley, MA field office.  These programs are also available through out
the state.  Here are two links to the types of programs that are offered
that might be of interest to the folks that you work with:
http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/ and
http://mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep/index.htm  Most of the programs are
for established farms, but technical assistance is available for anyone.


I was hoping you might have some contacts in my area on how to get this
information out to the folks you work with in refugee/immigrant
assistance programs.  

I am working with the District Conservationist in the Hadley office to
try to do more outreach regarding government assistance programs,
trainings, and cost-share opportunities to potential and existing
farmers in western Mass, especially groups that have not heard about
these programs through traditional media outlets and outreach.
Currently, we are trying to find the best avenues to reach out to the
folks who the MA Office of Immigrants and Refugees serve.  Any
information that you could share with us on appropriate outreach
methods/contacts, would be greatly appreciated.  Perhaps we could meet
with you briefly by phone to hear your ideas on whose out there that we
should be reaching/considering, how best to get our information out to
them, and possibly any local contacts you might be able to share with us
from the Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield areas.  I think it's
important to get folks involved early on, as we have many resources on
farmland that may be available to rent, and for farm business and
environmental planning opportunities.  If more refugees/immigrants/urban
farmers were involved with these government agency programs, the
programs would likely evolve to include more opportunities to address
needs specific to refugees/immigrants as well.

Thank you in advance for any information you may be able to share with
us,
Mary E. Johnson - MACD Director/Conservation Planner
(413) 585-1000 x118