Entries by Tracy Mumma

Report Explores Value of Rice Fields for Wildlife

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Scientists from the University of California, Davis and Point Blue Conservation Science released a new report on behalf of the California Rice Commission, A Conservation Footprint for California Rice. The report’s 13 authors identified the resource needs of key species that live among the state’s approximately 500,000 acres of rice fields, including snakes, birds, and […]

New Center to Help California Producers with Food Safety

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The University of California, Davis is leading an effort to establish the California Center for Food Safety, to help make food safety education more accessible to growers across the state. The new center is working with Extension and non-governmental organizations like the Community Alliance with Family Farmers to reach farmers of all sizes and types […]

National Association of State Department of Agriculture Supporting ‘Food as Medicine’ Initiatives

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At the National Association of State Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Winter Policy Conference, members voted to support federal programs and policies that expand “food as medicine” initiatives and strengthen their connection to local and regional food systems. The organization’s newly amended national feeding and nutrition assistance program policy states, “NASDA supports the utilization of federal […]

Minnesota Produce Safety Mini-Grant

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Applications are due by March 22, 2025. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for approximately $42,400 in Produce Safety Mini-Grants. This funding opportunity helps reimburse produce growers for expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems. Awardees will receive reimbursement up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required. To be eligible, applicants […]

Northwest and Rocky Mountain Business Builder Connecting and Scaling Food Entrepreneurs

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Applications are due April 1, 2025. The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center’s Connecting and Scaling Food Entrepreneurs team is offering grants between $20,000 and $35,000, designed to expand the capacity of facilities that incubate and support multiple small, value-added food businesses by providing those businesses with access to commercial kitchen space, business […]

Shared Kitchen Toolkit Second Edition Now Available

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The Shared Kitchen Toolkit provides best practices, expert insights, and practical tools for shared kitchen operators, to help kitchens thrive. This newly updated 2nd Edition replaces the 2017 original and reflects the latest industry trends, challenges, and solutions, making it the most comprehensive guide available for launching, managing, and growing a shared kitchen. The resource […]

Study Evaluates Substrates for Hydroponic Greens Production

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A study conducted at the University of Georgia and published in HortScience evaluated 13 different substrates for hydroponic arugula and lettuce cultivation. The study identified the best substrate options to maximize yield, quality, and sustainability in year-round production. Results revealed that certain substrates consistently outperformed others in terms of water retention, nutrient delivery, and plant […]

State Departments of Agriculture Support International Year of the Woman Farmer

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National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) announced that its members passed an action item at the nonprofit organization’s Winter Policy Conference, supporting the United Nations’ resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in May 2024, declaring 2026 as the International Year of […]

Good Meat Project Plans ‘Real Burger of Earth Day’ Promotion

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The Good Meat Project is kicking off its 4th Annual Real Burger of Earth Day™ promotion, celebrating the benefits of grassfed meat for the planet, for the farmer, and for our taste buds. This promotion gives grassfed producers and businesses an opportunity to share their unique brand story and promote their 100% grassfed meat in […]

Northeast Regional Business Builder Sub-Awards

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Applications are due by April 7, 2025. The Northeast Regional Food Business Center is accepting applications for Business Builder sub-awards. This program will equip small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses with funding to develop and amplify regional supply chains. In the first funding round, the Center anticipates distributing around $10 million and making between […]