A Beginning Vegetable Farmers Guide to Conservation Support and Funding through EQIP in Minnesota

Are you a new farmer in Minnesota raising vegetables and fruits and interested in accessing resources to create a more successful farm business while benefiting the land? Looking for funding and support for a hoop house to extend your growing season?

Join us for an informational introductory webinar on support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through funding opportunities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that offer support for about 200 practices, including hoop houses, cold storage and more.

Minnesota farmers will share their personal NRCS program experience along with NRCS staff advising on next steps to apply.

All beginning farmers are encouraged to attend, particularly those growing vegetables and fruits and anyone who has not yet connected with NRCS.

Webinar will be recorded and the link sent to registrants.

Speakers:

Christopher Hogge, NRCS District Conservationist

Melissa Driscoll, Seven Songs Organic Farm (Kenyon, Minnesota) 
Melissa Driscoll grows and sells (primarily wholesale) certified organic ginger, turmeric, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, winter squash,bedding plants, rhubarb, ground cherries, and a variety of herbs, as well as Animal Welfare Approved Eggs. One of the first things she did when she and her husband bought the farm in 2010, was to erect a high tunnel with help from NRCS funding. Building, maintaining, and learning how to best use that valuable growing space has been pivotal to her farming experience.

Jan Joannides, Renewing the Countryside

About Conservation Connectors

This new project amplifies outreach of conservation programs and resources to historically underserved farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through workshops, field days, webinars, and personal connections, Conservation Connections taps into a team of seasoned and experienced farmers serving as Connectors, linking underserved farmers to resources within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Historically underserved farmer groups include African Americans, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, veterans and beginning farmers.

Host Partners

Renewing the Countryside is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. The Sustainable Farming Association advances environmental stewardship, economic resilience and strong, diverse communities through farmer-to-farmer networking, education, demonstration and research. This project is made possible with funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).