WSDA Infrastructure Grant – Virtual Farmer Discussion Forum

WSDA Infrastructure Grant – Virtual Farmer Discussion Forum

DATE: Tuesday November 7^th

TIME: 6-7pm

Forum will be recorded! Even if you cannot attend, register anyways to receive the recording.

Register here to receive zoom link: https://wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqdOGsrTsoEtLk8-xUHtca3l_4vwcYh2Q6#/registration

ABOUT THE INFRASTRCUTURE GRANT: Applications are due November 15^th. The purpose of the Local Food System Infrastructure Grant program is to support local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors. The intention is to fund projects that expand and strengthen collaboration across linkages in the regional food supply chain. This includes planning, equipment, and facilities that support on-farm post-harvest handling, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, distribution, and sale of Washington grown, caught, and raised foods.
Learn more: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/small-farm/infrastructure-grant

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: farmers from Clallam, Jefferson or Kitsap Counties who are applying for (or thinking about applying for) the WSDA Infrastructure Grant AND farmers who have successfully received WSDA Infrastructure Grant funds who want to share tips/experiences.

ABOUT THE VIRTUAL DISCUSSION: Hear from farmers who have successfully received funding from the infrastructure grant to share lessons learned, network with other farmers about infrastructure needs/challenges, and connect with helpful local resource providers.

Discussion topics include:

• Creating a strong proposal
• Narrative review/editing
• Budget/financial preparation and review
• WSDA resources

Resource Providers Present:

Diane Fish, Kitsap Conservation District Farm Planner/GRACE Program

Kellie Henwood, WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program Coordinator

Amit Sharma, Director, WSU Jefferson County Extension

Elise Wright, Food Sector Business Development, North Olympic Development Council

Mark Bowman, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, North Olympic Development Council

Staff from WSDA Regional Markets team will be in attendance, but please do consider attending one of the many Q&A sessions/office hours the WSDA is hosting before this virtual forum.

***WSDA provides support for applicants!***

We highly recommend you watch the recorded webinar about the grant and/or attend one of the many office hours and Q&A sessions from the following dates. Work on your application during these hours:

Thursday, November 2^nd 3pm PT: sign up here for a zoom link.

Monday, November 6^th 11am PT: sign up here for a zoom link. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation provided.

Tuesday, November 7^th 12pm PT: sign up here for a zoom link. Meat and poultry questions highlighted

Thursday, November 9^th 4pm PT: sign up here for a zoom link.

Monday, November 13^th 12pm PT: sign up here for a zoom link. Meat and poultry questions highlighted

Tuesday, November 14^th 9am PT: sign up here for a zoom link. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation provided.

Tuesday, November 14^th 4pm PT: sign up here for a zoom link.