New Initiative Announced at Small Farm Conference 

Petersburg, VA-November 9, 2005-A new initiative will help small scale farmers take better care of their natural resources, according to an announcement at the Small Farm Conference at Virginia State University.  Small scale farmers can sign up from now until January 13, 2006 for cost-sharing of conservation practices to reduce erosion, protect water quality and improve grazing land and forest land management. 

Dr. Clinton V. Turner, Interim Dean, and M. Denise Doetzer, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a collaborative outreach effort for the Small Scale Farm Initiative.  Through this initiative, NRCS is providing a quarter of a million dollars to cost-share the implementation of conservation practices on small farms.  The goal is to improve the opportunity for smaller cropland operations to address conservation needs while maintaining a competitive operation.

What constitutes a small scale farm?  In Virginia, the average farm size is 181 acres.  Under the Small Scale Farm Initiative, anything less than 181 acres would be categorized as a small farm.  According to the 2002 Agricultural Census, there are approximately 36,000 small scale farms in Virginia.  This represents about three-fourths of all farms in the state.

Turner said that the VSU Small Farm Technicians will play a key role in helping farmers understand the programs and technical services available to them through NRCS.  These technicians work under The Small Farmer Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program which aims to improve the financial viability and standard of living of small scale farmers.

Doetzer said that, “Many times, farmers are reluctant to apply for federal assistance because of the paperwork and/or program requirements.  We want to reach out to small scale farmers and let them know that we are here to help and that this initiative is designed to meet their needs.”

There are some criteria for farmers who want to participate.   Farmers with less than 181 total acres of farmland, including 100 acres or less of cropland or pastureland, can apply.  To be eligible you must have less than $50,000 total household income.

For more information, contact your local NRCS office or visit with your Cooperative Extension Small Farm Technician. 

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