Beginning Farmer

Sterling College, a small experiential and ecologically focused liberal arts college in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, invites applications for one full-time position in Sustainable Agriculture. We  welcome applications from inspired educators with strong academic and applied skills who wish to teach and work in a small environmentally and community centered college.

This is a renewable 10-month position from mid-February to mid-December. Candidates should have experience managing the daily operations of small-scale, diversified gardens that both support an academic curriculum and are focused on feeding a community year-round. Garden management responsibilities include working with student supervisors and overseeing the College’s annual and perennial gardens, greenhouses, and root cellar; working with students to grow, store, and preserve food for the College; and facilitating the College’s farm-to-kitchen program.

Teaching responsibilities will include courses in areas such as organic crop production, alternative agriculture, agricultural education, and related areas.  Additional responsibilities will include  working closely with students on independent studies and senior applied research projects, delivering upper-level seminar courses, fulfilling work program obligations, serving on committees, attending faculty and instructional team meetings, and advising students.

The ideal candidate is an innovative and passionate teacher with experience in his or her field of study who can teach in a flexible interdisciplinary environment and has the ability and interest to support an integrative college curriculum. Preference will be given to applicants with an M.A. or M.S. at the time of appointment.

Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three references by October 4, 2010 to Charlotte Rosendahl, Sterling College, P.O. Box 72, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827. Email: crosendahl@sterlingcollege.edu. Phone: (802) 586-7711 x109 Fax: (802)586-2596

Electronic submission of application material is preferred.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Position Description/Responsibilities: This is a full time non-tenure track position with approximately 75% research and 25% teaching in the area of Organic/Sustainable Agriculture.  The selected candidate will focus on research related to organic and/or sustainable yet diversified cropping systems that will improve the competitiveness of producers who are adopting organic practices.  The research should be applicable to small farm situation, and should specifically benefit the limited- resource farmers. The applicant will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in organic agriculture, obtain extramural funding, make presentations in national and international meetings, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborate with researchers from other programs on campus and around the state.  In addition, the candidates must have the ability to develop and teach courses in his/her areas of expertise.

Qualifications:  An earned Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture, or any closely related discipline. The candidates should have a clear understanding, commitment and evidence of a holistic view point relative to solving agricultural, environmental and social problems.  Preferred qualifications include research experience in organic and/or sustainable agriculture, demonstrated ability to attract extramural funding, and classroom teaching experience.  Candidates must demonstrate skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and an ability to work well with a diverse group of students, teachers and researchers.

Application Procedure:  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a completed Lincoln University Application for Employment Form downloadable at http://www.lincolnu.edu/files/LUEmploymentapp.pdf, current resume, university transcripts, and three letters of reference to: Human Resource Services, Lincoln University, 101 Young Hall, P.O. Box 29, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029. Lincoln University is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action/ ADA Employer.

Salary & Benefits:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Standard benefit package, as described on the Lincoln University web site, is made available to all full-time faculty.

Posted on:  07/12/2010
Closing Date:  August 23, 2010 or until the position is filled.

The Department of Soil Science at NC State University has an opening for a student interested in pursuing a Masters degree that works at the interface of cropping systems, nutrient management and water quality.  The topic involves a comparison of nutrient and sediment losses from conventional and organic agricultural plots, each with conservation tillage and conventional tillage.  Water quality, soils, and agronomic data will be collected and analyzed.  The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists in Soil Science and Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
The position starts January 2011.  For more information, contact Dr. DeannaOsmond, 919-515-7303, deanna_osmond@ncsu.edu.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) seeks an energetic self-starter to direct the Working Lands Alliance (WLA) in Connecticut.   A diverse coalition of individuals and more than 200 businesses and organizations established in 2000 and dedicated to preserving Connecticut’s remaining working lands, WLA has raised over $50 million in public funding for farmland protection and successfully championed several visionary pieces of state legislation.

The ideal candidate will have a background in agriculture and public policy, familiarity with Connecticut stakeholders, and experience in fundraising and in managing collaborative projects involving multiple partners. Excellent communication skills, a willingness to manage all aspects of coalition activities, and the vision to lead and grow a dynamic coalition is essential.

For a full job description or more information, please visit www.workinglandsalliance.org or email bbowell@farmland.org.   Position open until filled; interviews of selected candidates will begin the week of September 20th.

Local Food Network Construction – Paid Internship!

About the Organization:
We are building the local food network! Old Grove Orange (OGO) is a Redlands-based farm and is southern California’s premiere innovator in connecting local farms to local eaters. Besides being  active in the Farmers Market movement since inception, OGO created and operates one of the state’s largest CSA’s – the Inland Orange Conservancy (IOC). OGO is now forging California’s largest Farm2School network, getting local oranges to half a million kids throughout the LA basin.

Position Overview:
Help us construct the local food network! Lots of people are talking about it – we’re the ones getting it done! We are passionate about rebuilding the local food-shed in southern California. If you are interested in sustainable agriculture and local food, work with us & get hands-on experience and street credibility.

Job Responsibilities:
The successful network construction candidate may be involved in:

• Handling IOC member relations, planning & executing outreach & events
• Supporting growers in transitioning to organic farming
• Designing, writing grants applications for, and deploying a local food & nutrition education module for elementary schools across the LA basin
• Supporting growers in food safety standards compliance
• Setting up non-profit status for a farmland conservancy
• Handling OGO’s booth at two to three farmers markets each week
• Establishing/updating websites & social media
• Representing OGO/IOC at various meetings/regional forums

Qualifications (Required):
• Passion for the local food movement & sustainable agriculture
• Bachelors degree with some exposure to community food systems, farming, or food service
• Strong computer skills – word, excel, powerpoint, access, desktop publishing
• Excellent writer & public speaker
• Outgoing, sociable!
• Drivers license & clear driving record
• Willingness to work week-ends (having fun at farmers markets)
• Self-motivated, hard-working, reliable!

Qualifications (Desired):
• Website design & maintenance
• Understanding of organic certification & standards
• Proficiency in Spanish

Compensation:
$12/hr with benefits including a free CSA membership! This is a 12-month
position with possible extension.
How to Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to news4knight@hotmail.com

Grandin Gardens has the potential to be a thriving urban intentional community with a desire to demonstrate garden to restaurant to garden living. There are two mansions and two carriage houses. The first mansion has a turn-key restaurant space, commercial kitchen, three floors, and multiple rooms that have been used for yoga, tai chi, and artist studios. The second mansion was previously a residence with beautiful wood detailing, and multiple rooms. First carriage house is a one bedroom cottage; the other is a community center. A community garden farmed by many local people fills the one acre site: two water features, fruit trees, and drumming circle for ceremony. Excellent neighborhood near food co-op and community theater. Roanoke, Virginia is poised for an artistic and progressive explosion similar to Asheville, NC. Kristen Reynolds, 540-342-9996

CONSULTANTS/FIRMS TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SERVICES RELATED TO PRESERVATION, PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND IN SULLIVAN COUNTY FOR SULLIVAN COUNTY DIVISION OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Prepared & Issued By: Sullivan County Dept. of Purchasing & Central Services;Sullivan County Government Center

100 North St. – P.O. Box 5012, Monticello NY  12701; (845) 807-0515

RFP#: R-10-27

Intent

The County of Sullivan is seeking firms/consultants interested in providing technical assistance to the Division of Planning and Environmental Management (SC Planning) in areas related to the preservation, promotion and development of agriculture and farmland in Sullivan County. The position requires that the applicant have experience with agricultural related issues within New York State, specifically Sullivan County.

SC Planning is the lead-agency for this project and therefore will have oversight and provide direction to the selected consultant.

Background

Farming in Sullivan County is at a crossroads. There is the undeniable potential for Sullivan County to provide a safe healthy food supply chain to many local and metro markets, and there is the fact that the number of farms in operation have been steadily decreasing. The decline is due to many factors such as the economic climate, taxes, and land values combined with government policies and standard farm practices which have our farmers exhausted, exasperated, and struggling financially. Investing time in diversification, distribution and other ways of reaching the lucrative metro markets and finding local outlets is not easy time-wise for farmers, or even fiscally possible in most cases.

Understanding that the centerpiece of a coordinated effort to spur the economic growth and rebirth of the Agricultural industry in Sullivan County resides within SC Planning, the Division is seeking to engage a consultant to provide assistance in conducting Agricultural Strategic Planning, Programmatic Administration, Business Development, and targeted Community and Economic Development related to agriculture.

Responsibilities

The consultant/firm will be responsible for maintaining, developing and promoting a viable agricultural economy in Sullivan County through Strategic Planning, Marketing/Branding, Project/Program Administration, Small Business Development, Funding/Financing Procurement, and General Land Use and Real Estate Development. Working with the agricultural community, which includes farmers and agri-businesses, as well as potential linkages, such as restaurants and retail businesses, will be a necessary component of this proposal.

Project Scope

The Consultant will be charged, at the direction of the Planning Commissioner, to expand upon prior work associated with the SC agricultural industry to develop a coordinated and comprehensive effort to create market demand for SC agricultural products through business development and strategic marketing professional services.

The Planning Commissioner may request specific services related to special projects as they arise. Consultant activities shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

·                Regular meetings with SC Planning, Agricultural Organizations and the agricultural community;

·                Prepare materials related to projects and/or administration of project funding;

·                Provide marketing, strategic and financial expertise;

·                Assist in the management and underwriting of Agricultural loan related documents;

·                Assist in enhancing and promoting the Sullivan County agricultural industry.

• Identifying connections and linkages between the agricultural community and potential businesses (i.e. restaurants, retail, not-for-profits, etc.)

Contract Period

The Contract period shall be from September, 2010 through December 31, 2011. Upon mutual agreement, this contract may be extended, on a yearly basis, for an additional year.

Payment shall be disbursed on a quarterly basis upon receipt of quarterly reporting requirements.

Qualifications

The Consultant sought shall assemble a team with proven track record in:

• Strategic Planning;
• Marketing/Branding;
• Project/Program Administration;
• Small Business Development;
• Funding/Financing Procurement;
• General Land Use and Real Estate Development.

The consultant/firm should have experience working within the Agricultural Community (i.e. feasibility or planning studies) and be able to demonstrate their familiarity with the state of agriculture in the region.

The County reserves the right to reject any and all submittals, and to invite multiple firms to make presentations to SC Planning, the agricultural community, and to the Sullivan County Legislature.

Organization of Proposal

This section outlines the information that must be included in your response. Please respond with your information in the same order as the items in this section. All submissions shall be submitted as simply as possible and provide a straightforward, concise description of the capability of the proposer to satisfy the requirements of the RFP including resumes and machine specifications. Emphasis should be concentrated on accuracy, completeness, and clarity of content. All parts, pages, figures, and tables should be numbered and clearly labeled. Vague terms such as “consultant complies” or “consultant understands” should be avoided.

Cover Letter. Each response to the RFP should be accompanied by a letter that describes the key points of the proposal, summarizing the recommended approach for undertaking the task, and recommended budget and other cost considerations associated with the proposal and which is signed by an officer of the firm authorized to commit the Vendor to the obligations contained in the proposal. The cover letter should also include a phone number, fax number and e-mail address for the contact person.

Company Information. Provide information related to yourself or your company and any company you are proposing to use as sub-contractors. Specifically address the following:

• Work you have done for the agricultural community, specifically in Sullivan County.
• Familiarity with issues facing the agricultural community, specifically in Sullivan County.

Experience. Provide information that clearly demonstrates your organization’s prior experience and background (both business and technical) in engagements similar to this project. This section must include:

·                A list of all clients/projects that related to agriculture and farmland preservation, promotion and development in the State of New York, specifically Sullivan County, along with the dates of engagement for each client and a summary of the services provided to the client.

• Names and contact information for at least three (3) references.

Qualifications. Provide information that clearly demonstrates that your organization is qualified and competent to provide the requested services:

·                Résumés for the key personnel to be involved in providing services to the County.

·                List any licenses, certifications, or education required to perform these services.

Scope of Work & Budget. Provide information that clearly demonstrates your objectives, activities/projects and timelines, as well as a detailed budget request for services. Hourly rates and/or generic fee schedules are not sufficient. The budget should clearly breakout costs for the remainder of 2010 and for the entire 2011 fiscal year. Final costs will be negotiated on a per project basis. Proposals that do not include a detailed budget will not be accepted.

Insurance Requirements. The Consultant shall procure and maintain at its own expense until final completion of the work covered by the contract, insurance for liability for damages imposed by law of the kinds and in the amounts hereinafter provided, issued by insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of New York, covering all operations under the Contract whether performed by the Consultant or by his subcontractors.

The successful Consultant shall furnish to the County all insurance requirements as outlined in the contract.

Submission of Proposals

Parties interested in seeking to be considered for Agricultural Consultant shall submit materials describing their proposal in triplicate, no later than 1:00PM, Friday, September 3, 2010.

Proposals shall be submitted to:

Kathy Jones, Director

Sullivan County Office of Purchasing and Central Services

100 North Street

P.O. Box 5012

Monticello, NY  12701

Tel:  845.807.0515

Proposals received after the deadline will not be accepted. The County of Sullivan reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and select the proposal that best meets the needs of the County.

CoFed is a start-up research institute and training program that helps university leaders to create community-run, ethical food cafes on their campus. Working out of The Hub in downtown Berkeley, we are currently supporting six teams across the West coast organizing on their campuses to create financially viable hubs for the sustainable food movement. We’ve got an exciting projected growth plan for the coming years, have built great traction after only six months, doing over 100 hours of training for over 30 students and supporting the opening of two spaces on campuses across the West coast. We’ve gotten featured by Good Magazine, were flown out to speak at the Slow Money National Gathering and are well-connected in our sector. We’re looking for additional help at lots of levels of experience and possible (future) compensation – this is a young, fresh and exciting organization with a lot of possibilities.

Development Director

After launching in January, we’ve raised nearly $10,000, and are hoping to raise another $50,000 to support our work over the next year through personal leads we’ve made and exploring foundation funding. We’re looking for a fast-learning intern in Berkeley who isinterested in non-profit sector, food movement or cooperative careers to support our grant-writing and in-person fundraising efforts.

Hours: 15+ hours a week depending on experience

Job Duties:

* Organize and maintain online contacts, records, documents
* Seek out new grants, maintain grant database and prepare drafts of grants
* Maintain relations with donors through updates, thank-you cards, etc.

Opportunities:

* Experience working with a small team in a fast-paced, professional environment
* Entrance into a nationally-recognized organization within a quickly growing field
* Professional support and connections through advisers and partnering organizations
* Amazing dinner parties

Qualifications:

* Interest in sustainable food movement
* Excellent organization and attention to detail
* Experience with GoogleDocs, Excel, etc.
* Experience in non-profit fundraising strongly preferred

Job Start Date:  September 15
Job Duration: At least through December

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of pay afterwards
depending on performance. Experienced grant-writers can negotiate with us.
Interested? Please submit a cover letter in the body and a resume attached to
info@cofed.org.

Administrative Intern

We’re looking for a fast-learning intern in Berkeley interested in non-profit sector, food movement or cooperative careers to support our organizational development and our communications with student-leaders and potential members. We’re hoping to split your time between supporting administrative needs and projects of your choosing.  This position will require both attention to detail
and a willingness to learn on your feet and take initiative on projects.

Hours: 10-15+ hours a week depending on experience

Job Duties:

* Organizing and maintenance of online contacts, records, documents
* Compilation, editing and maintenance of resources for members
* Self-directed projects

Opportunities:

* Experience working with a small team in a fast-paced, professional environment
* Entrance into a nationally-recognized organization within a quickly growing field
* Professional support and connections through advisers and partnering organizations
* Amazing dinner parties

Qualifications:

* Interest in sustainable food movement
* Good verbal and written communication ability
* Experience with GoogleDocs, Excel, etc.
* Ability to take initiative

Job Begins:  September 15
Job Duration: Through December with preference for longer

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of stipend afterwards. CoFed staff can commit time to supporting professional development and connecting to opportunities.

Interested? Please submit a cover letter in the body and a resume attached to
info@cofed.org.

Event Producer

We run an underground restaurant dinner night called “The Local Beet”. The Beet brings an intimate community of movers and shakers together around a multi-course organic meal and electrifying speakers like People’s Grocery founder Brahm Ahmadi and Slow Money Founder Woody Tasch.  We’re looking for someone to take on some of the organizing that this awesome community dinner
series requires.  The Beet has a lot of potential to grow as an East Bay institution, and we’d be looking for someone who sees this potential and wants to make it real!

Hours: 5-10 hours a week plus more every third Monday

Job Duties:

* Event Coordination: Managing volunteers, space reservations, food purchasing and other event logistics
* Event Development: Designing and managing a web presence through social media, building the contact list, building buzz

Opportunities:

* Experience working with a small team in a fast-paced, professional environment
* Entrance into a nationally-recognized organization within a quickly growing field
* Professional support and connections through advisers and partnering organizations
* A warm community of professionally accomplished people to connect with on a regular basis

Qualifications:

* Interest in sustainable food movement
* Good verbal and written communication ability
* Experience with event production
* Experience with websites, blogs, and other social media

Job Begins:  September 15
Job Duration: Through December

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of stipend afterwards depending on performance. CoFed staff can commit time to supporting professional development and connecting to opportunities.

Regional Organizers

We’re looking to build a small army of regional organizers to reproduce the successes we’ve had this past summer at in launching our efforts on six campuses.  The work will be stressful, the pay will be low and you’ll be responsible for creating a self-supporting network of revolutionary hubs for campus food movement organizing in your region.  We’re looking for excellent communicators comfortable with quick decision-making, passion for sustainable food and/or cooperatives and some campus organizing experience. You will issue in the next wave of the CoFed revolution!

Hours: 15-20+ hours a week with much more around retreats

Job Duties (chronologically from October):

* Build a support team and network of advisors with help from CoFed
* Attend a December winter training in Northern California
* Identify and communicate with interested campus leaders on 10-20 campuses in your region
* Meet with at least 10 campus groups in your region and give each workshop on CoFed
* Plan and execute a week-long training and summer support program with help from CoFed staff

Opportunities:

* Great organizing and leadership training experience
* Powerful, hands-on chance to build the food movement

Qualifications:

* Ability to commit upwards of 40 hours a week during road-trips and retreats
* Excellent people skills and awareness of group dynamics
* Passion and experience doing food systems or cooperative work
* Ability to learn quickly and take initiative

Job Begins:  Training begins in October
Job Duration: Through September 2011

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of stipend afterwards. CoFed staff can commit time to supporting professional development and connecting to opportunities.

Interested? Please submit a cover letter in the body and a resume attached to info@cofed.org

Research Team Members

To support our trainings CoFed has put together a 1st draft how-to manual compiled from interviews with existing student food cooperatives. We are looking for 2-4 team members to edit this manual into a useable format as well as creating an online FAQ and other resources for members who are currently operating or starting campus food cooperatives. There may be additional work
researching businesses and compiling data.

Hours: 10/week

Job Duties:

* Edit and complete the CoFed “How-to” Manual
* Communicate with CoFed staff and research team for related tasks
* Take initiative on projects that build the knowledge base for CoFed members

Opportunities:

* Gain a depth of understanding about how to create ethically-sourced, community run campus food service
* Flexible hours

Qualifications

* Experience starting and/or operating a campus food cooperative preferred
* Excellent written communication abilities
* Ability to work independently and complete tasks by deadlines
* Good organization and attention to detail

Job Begins: As soon as positions are filled
Job Duration: Through September 2011

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of stipend afterwards. CoFed staff can commit time to supporting professional development and connecting to opportunities.

Interested? Please submit a cover letter in the body and a resume attached to info@cofed.org

Web Master
We’ve been tweeted to over 42,000 people and covered by folks like Change.org. Still, our website needs some tender loving care, and we’re looking for a food movement oriented nerd to support our web needs.

Hours: 5 hours a week

Job Duties:

* Create templates for web content through WordPress
* Interface with outreach efforts
* Small design tasks as needed
* On call minor problem solving within 72 hours

Opportunities:

* Flexible hours
* Entrance into a nationally-recognized organization within a quickly growing field
* Professional support and connections through advisers and partnering organizations
* Recognition and promotion as web master

Qualifications:

* Interest in sustainable food movement
* Good verbal and written communication ability
* Experience designing and managing websites with WordPress

Job Begins:  Sept 15th or as filled
Job Duration: Through December with preference for longer

Compensation: Unpaid through January with possibility of stipend afterwards. CoFed staff can commit time to supporting professional development and connecting to opportunities.

Social Media Czar

We’re looking for a fast-learning intern with experience using Facebook (and/or twitter and blogging) interested in non-profit sector, food movement or cooperative careers to support our  organizational development and our communications with student-leaders and potential members. Friend us on Facebook and post to our wall to find out more and apply.

For more information on CoFed please visit our website www.cofed.org

Our company, Butter Beans is a nutritional food service provider that serves healthy lunches to students and teachers in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  We pair our food services with wellness education so that students and teachers learn about the food and how to make healthy eating choices.  We are looking to hire a Food Service Associate, and Facilities Assistant both based in NYC. Food Service Associate job description Food Service & Facilities job description Contact Flora Kohane Food Service Manager flora@butterbeanskitchen.com
917.623.6398

www.butterbeanskitchen.com; www.butterbeanskitchen.wordpress.com; http://twitter.com/butter_beans

ISLAND, in partnership with other organizations, will be presenting a number of exciting workshops and events in September in Northern Michigan including a Tomato Canning Workshop; CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour; Presentation: The New Hunter; Northwest Michigan Mushroom Forays; a CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour; and Building a Roots Storage Box Workshop. For details click the ‘Read More’ tab.

Tomato Canning Workshop
Wednesday, September 8th from 4pm to 8:30pm

Including best practices with Jennifer Berkey from MSU Extension
Dhaseleer Events Barn, 15794 Paddock Road, Charlevoix

Come learn how to can tomatoes; or if you know how, come join in the fun of a community canning party. The workshop is limited to 8 participants. You will need to bring your own canning jars and lids. Each participant will go home with 7 quarts of tomatoes. Jennifer Berkey of Grand Traverse MSU Extension will give a presentation on best practices. There will be take-home recipes, handouts, and other canning resources available. Contact Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information. $15

CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour
Tuesday, September 14th from 2pm to 5pm, potluck to follow
Bliss Gardens Farm, 5322 Hill Road, Cross Village

Join us for our CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour at Bliss Gardens Farm, with Craig and Mary Rapin and Travis Childs. Bliss Gardens and Community Kitchen is an ecologically based fruit and vegetable farm seeking Organic, Biodynamic, and MAEAP certifications. Located in the beautiful countryside just a few miles from the majestic shores of Lake Michigan Bliss Gardens and Community Kitchen operate CSA programs, an On-Farm Store, Local Farmers Markets, Farm-to-School programs, and Wholesale Accounts with Grocery Stores, Restaurants, and Catering Companies. Learn more about CRAFT. Register and/or RSVP by calling Amanda at 231 480 4515 or emailing amanda@artmeetsearth.org. Free for CRAFT Members, $10 suggested donation for non-CRAFT members. Please bring a dish to pass!

The New Hunter
Wednesday, September 15th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Bellaire Conservation Club, 4820 Stover Road, Bellaire

Thinking about hunting? Wondering if it’s for you? This class, intended as a bridge to DNR Hunter Safety, will help you decide if you want to become a hunter. Learn about the laws that regulate responsible hunting, and about “Fair Chase” and other hunting ethics. Understand how to buy and safely operate a firearm, and learn what other clothing and equipment you’ll need. We’ll also provide an overview of legal game, how to select good hunting grounds, how to track and shoot your animal, and how to clean and butcher a fresh kill. This is a no-pressure, adults only course to help you decide if hunting is right for you. This class is not affiliated with the DNR nor any hunting organizations and is not a replacement for an authorized Hunter Education Course. $5 suggested donation.

Contact Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information.

Northwest Michigan Mushroom Forays
Saturday, September 25th from 9:30am to noon

A partnership of Grass River Natural Area and ISLAND
We will meet at Grass River Natural Area and then carpool/caravan to the hunt location.

Take a walk in the woods with us and learn about fall mushrooms and fungi. Meeting monthly in the woods of Antrim and Kalkaska counties. Contact GRNA at info@grna.org or 231-533-8314 or Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information. $5

CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour
Sunday, September 26th from 2pm to 5pm, potluck to follow
Hubbell Farm, 6331 S. Galla Road, Cedar

Join us for our CRAFT Potluck and Farm Tour at Hubbell Farm. Hubbell Farm sells direct market pasture raised meat and raise and sell draft horses. Learn about draft horses for this CRAFT workshop.Learn more about CRAFT. Register and/or RSVP by calling Amanda at 231 480 4515 or emailing amanda@artmeetsearth.org. Free for CRAFT Members, $10 suggested donation for non-CRAFT members. Please bring a dish to pass!

Building a Roots Storage Box Workshop
Thursday, September 30th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Providence Farm, 5691 North M88, Central Lake

Come learn how to build a roots storage box so you can eat fresh carrots, beets, and rutabagas all winter long. Check back for more details or contact Yvonne at ISLAND yvonne@artmeetsearth.org or 231-480-4515 for more information. Cost TBA

OFRF’s Policy Program is currently seeking a Policy Program Organizer in our Santa Cruz, CA, office and a Policy Intern in our Washington, D.C., office. Job announcements and application instructions are below — completed applications can be emailed to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org>. Please forward to interested and qualified candidates.

*Overview*

Celebrating our 20^th year, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) works to achieve the continuous improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF utilizes an integrated strategy of policy action, grant making, education, and networking initiatives to support organic farmers’ information needs while moving the public and policymakers toward greater investment in organic farming systems. Entering our next twenty years, OFRF’s strategic priorities are driven by our vision of a food system where organic farming is the leading form of agriculture creating healthy and resilient people, ecosystems, and economies. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website at www.ofrf.org

<http://www.ofrf.org/>.

*Position*: Policy Program Organizer

*Location*: Santa Cruz, CA

*Posted*: August 31, 2010

*Application Deadline:* September 21, 2010

*Compensation*: Competitive salary and retirement and health benefits for non-profit position in Central California. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Santa Cruz, CA.

* *

*Job Description*

OFRF seeks a Policy Program Organizer (PPO) to develop and implement OFRF’s grassroots advocacy strategy to effect policy change, primarily at the federal level. An integral member of the policy team, the PPO ensures that organic family farmers participate in the policy process. OFRF is gearing up for its 2012 Farm Bill campaign, and the PPO will be responsible for building our national network and strategically engaging organic family farmers throughout the farm bill debate. The Policy Program Organizer is a full-time, exempt position based in Santa Cruz, CA — the heart of organic farming country with access to several farmers’ markets, fine art and music venues, quality restaurants, the Pacific Ocean, and redwood forests.

*Job Responsibilities*

· Develop and implement the grassroots organizing strategy to complement and forward OFRF’s policy platform, under the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst.

· Work with OFRF staff as appropriate to ensure synergistic impact of achieving OFRF’s strategic goals.

· Coordinate, manage, and build OFRF’s network of more than 2,500 organic farmer advocates.

· Work with and mobilize a network of grass-top partners and organic advocacy organizations at the regional and state levels.

· Identify and work with farmer advocates in key states, regions, and Congressional districts on specific tactics to advance OFRF’s policy goals and agenda.

· Plan farmer advocate trainings, workshops, and Washington, D.C., Congressional office visits.

· In coordination with OFRF’s Communications team, produce action alerts, policy updates, presentations, and other written educational materials to be posted on OFRF’s website and/or circulated to our grassroots network and partner grass-top groups.

· Represent OFRF at grower conferences and meetings.

· Maintain and update policy contacts in OFRF’s database.

· Oversee a seasonal intern.

· Some travel, weekends, and evenings as necessary.

· Other duties as may arise appropriate to this position.

*Qualifications*

· Minimum three years organizing experience on public policy campaigns; online organizing experience strongly desired

· Experience developing and implementing grassroots advocacy campaigns and strategies

· Experience developing communications and written products for grassroots advocacy

· Excellent writing, speaking, and communication skills

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Experience working with and coordinating electronic grassroots advocacy networks

· Experience working with and as part of national coalitions

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, under pressure, and with shifting priorities

· Working knowledge of the federal policy process, with background in federal agriculture and/or environmental policy preferred

· Experience with HTML editing software, databases, and email marketing software preferred

· Bachelor’s degree preferred

· Experience working on a farm or with farmers preferred

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, the contact information for three references, and three short, advocacy related writing samples (no more than two pages each) to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org> with “Policy Program Organizer Application” in the subject line. Electronic applications only. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls please.

*Position*: Policy Intern, Organic Farming Research Foundation

*Location*: Washington, D.C.

*Posted*: August 30, 2010

*Application Deadline*: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

*Compensation*: Modest stipend

*Job Description*

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) seeks a Policy Intern to support our policy program activities in our Washington, D.C., office. This fall, OFRF is gearing up for its 2012 Farm Bill campaign, and the Policy Intern will be responsible for certain policy-oriented research projects relevant to the development of that campaign. Additionally, the Policy Intern will support general policy program activities and have the opportunity to attend meetings, events, and hearings on Capitol Hill, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and at other agencies.

*Desired qualifications*

· Interest in organic agriculture policy

· Strong writing and analytical skills

· Good research skills

· Ability to complete assignments

· Self-motivated and ability to work independently

· Basic knowledge of public policy process

· Understanding of expectations of a professional work environment

To apply, please send a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org> with “Policy Intern Application” in the subject line. Electronic applications only. No phone calls please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

UVM Extension Assistant Professor – Agricultural Financial Management Specialist

The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Division invites applications for a 12-month, 0.80 FTE non tenure track position to be located in central Vermont to teach agricultural financial management subject matter to diverse audiences in a non-credit, informal and off campus setting that contributes to institutional investments in a transdisciplinary effort focused on Food Systems.  MS or MBA degree required with emphasis in food systems, business planning, farm management, agricultural economics or related areas. Past experience with Extension outreach education desirable.  For a complete job description and application, go to www.uvmjobs.com.   Job requisition number is: 033425.   Applications due by October 1, 2010.

I will be presenting at this year’s Growing Power Urban and Small Farm Conference in Milwaukee September 10 – 12th 2010 with Farm Aid’s Farmer Advocate Joel Morton, Amy Mall Family Farm Defenders & Altgeld Sawyer Conrner Farm near Logan Square in Chicago.

Our panel presentation is entitled Tools for Change: Resources and Opportunities for Supporting New Farmers, Transformative Food Systems and a Just and Diverse Food Economy

Here is a brief description of our panel and discussion: This interactive workshop explores fundamental issues and emerging opportunities facing all small, new, urban, and socially disadvantaged farmers and the communities they serve: financing and funding opportunities, technical expertise and resources, and formal and informal networking within the community and beyond.  Hosted by Farm Aid, which since 1985 has raised and distributed over $37 million to non-profit farm and food organizations through its annual benefit concertsa national non-profit working to build a vibrant family farm-centered system of agriculture, the workshop will include.

It will take place Friday, September 10th, 2010, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm; Room I

See more information on the Growing Power Conference by clicking the ‘Read More’ tab…

Come to Milwaukee and help grow the good food revolution. Hosted by Growing Power—a national organization headed by the sustainable urban farmer and MacArthur Fellow Will Allen—this international conference will teach the participant how to plan, develop and grow small farms in urban and rural areas. Learn how you can grow food year-round, no matter what the climate, and how you can build markets for small farms. See how you can play a part in creating a new food system that fosters better health and more closely-knit communities.

Location : Wisconsin State Fair Grounds www.wistatefair.com

REGISTER

Sponsor

Exhibit

• Understand how non-profit organizations can work cooperatively with city and state governments, as well as for-profit and non-profit agricultural enterprises.
• See how to create successful farm-to-school initiatives by drawing on Growing Power experiences in Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago.
• Learn how to grow relationships with corporations that can help support locally grown food initiatives.
• Discover how to create and utilize renewable energy in local agricultural systems.
• Learn about the development of multi-story vertical farms.
• Find how social justice and food justice can be fostered through the local and regional farm system.
• Visit successful small farms in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
• Enjoy food grown by local and regional farmers and prepared by local chefs!
• Over 2,000 participants expected with opportunities to network and mingle
• Exhibit hall available

Exciting Conference Tracks

3rd Annual Growing Food and Justice Gathering

This year the GFJI Gathering will be held in partnership with the Growing Power – Urban Agriculture and Small Farms conference in Milwaukee, WI this year: September 10-12, with pre- conference activities beginning September 8th, making it a little easier for folks to attend both GFJI’s annual gathering and the urban agriculture and small farm conference!!!!

Looking for a farm hand to help on the 5 acre Royal Oak Community Farm at least until the end of October.  The position pays $300 per week for 40 hours and is paid bi-weekly.   I need someone to start ASAP!  The farm is at 11 mile rd and Campbell in Royal Oak.  Its on 11 mile half way between Campbell and I-75. There is also opportunity to work with the farm next year as we will be hiring a work crew.

Job Requirements
That you to be in good physical condition and able to work outside for long periods of time.
Able to work all day on fridays until the harvesting is complete (dawn until completion)
Able to be on time and provide your own transportation unless you live in the Ferndale area
Have a positive attitude and inspired to make a difference in the local food movement in SE MI!

Please call me Trevor Johnson at: 248 894 4059

Excerpt: “Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack knows that Farm Belt protocol requires paying respect to the Butter Cow. During a visit to the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17, he made the pilgrimage to the 600-pound bovine sculpture carved from pure creamery butter. Now that he is U.S. Agriculture secretary, Vilsack wants to take a chunk out of another sacred cow: $15.4 billion in farm subsidies.

Record federal deficits and changing priorities are spurring President Barack Obama’s administration to redirect who gets rural aid. The government is shifting payments to broadband providers, land-conservation efforts and nutrition programs, Bloomberg Businessweek reports in its Aug. 30 issue.”

To read the full article click HERE.

Also See the Press Release: USDA Responds to Bloomberg Story on Obama Administration Priorities for Rural America

Rudolph Steiner

Biodynamic Farming is an issue I’ve seldom touched on here at Beginning Farmers. But it is one that interests many of my readers. While many people are bewildered or turned off by some of the more esoteric practices and beliefs embedded in biodynamics, there are other aspects which are based on scientifically sound ecological principles. The following articles present an introduction to biodynamic farming from several different perspectives.

Balancing Act (G Magazine)

by Sue White

Excerpt: “You’re probably familiar with organics, but what about biodynamics? Sue White considers the benefits and quirks of this holistic agricultural philosophy.”

What Is Biodynamic Farming? (Change.org)

by Katherine Gustafson

Excerpt: “Biodynamic ag has its roots in Germany, where an Austrian scientist and philosopher named Rudolph Steiner engaged in a series of discussions and lectures in 1924. The ideas embodied in his legendary lectures formed the basis of biodynamics. The concept he developed, as the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association succinctly puts it, is “a unified approach to agriculture that relates the ecology of the earth-organism to that of the entire cosmos.”

A Taste of Biodynamics (WSJ)

by Will Lyons

Excerpt: “I make no claim to understand how biodynamics works. According to the “Oxford Companion to Wine,” non-believers consider biodynamics an “unscientific and disturbingly irrational cult.” A view, I have to confess, for which I once harbored a slight sympathy. It’s not that I now have the fervor of the convert, far from it, and there are still some principles associated with it I find a little odd. It’s just that having tasted numerous wines made using some of the practical aspects of  biodynamics I have found they are marked with a purity, silkiness and concentration rarely found in other wines.”

New Online Courses for Beginning Farmers Debut This Fall! Reserve Your Spot Now

Need some guidance on the development or expansion of a farm enterprise? Can’t find any trainings near you? If you’re comfortable enough with a computer to consider learning online, you’ll be glad to know that the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) are expanding offerings of their popular online courses for beginning farmers with two new online courses this Fall, in addition to our usual beginners Fall course, BF 101. Join experienced CCE and farmer instructors and 25 of your farmer peers in a dynamic learning experience that incorporates both self-paced readings and real-time virtual meetings with discussion forums, homework activities, guest presenters, and developing a customized plan for your next steps in farming.

The Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension present:

BF 110: Soil Health Basics: Investing in the Vitality of Your Farm

The health and productivity of our soils are the basis for a farm’s success and profitability, as well as its ecological sustainability. Farmers need a holistic approach to preserving and building soil health and fertility. Stewardship of the soil is arguably the most important job of any farmer or gardener.

NOTE: This course will incorporate a face-to-face field day hosted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association

at instructor David Belding’s Cross Island Farms on Wellesley Island, NY, 4pm-7pm Oct 18th. This will be an amazing opportunity to meet your fellow coursemates and see firsthand how David has improved the soils on his farm over the past 5 years. The field day fee is covered by the course registration cost.

Instructors: David Belding – Cross Island Farms, Wellesley Island, NY, and Dan Welch – CCE Cayuga

BF 104: Financial Record-keeping: A Cornerstone of Farm Profitability

To succeed in business, you need to understand financial management. The foundation of a sound financial management program for a farm is a good record keeping system. It does not matter what you produce, the service you provide, or how effective you are in marketing; the revenue you earn will disappear if you do not understand how to collect, monitor, save, spend, or invest that revenue. Current financial records from a good record keeping system are critical for making business decisions. This 6-week course will provide you with insight, understanding and the technological know-how to produce financial records and a beginning knowledge of analyzing financial statements.

Instructors: Bonnie Collins – CCE Oneida County and Steve Hadcock – CCE Columbia County

BF 101: Taking Stock: Evaluating Your Land and Resources and Choosing an Enterprise

Evaluating what you want to do and what you have to work with are key elements to a successful new farm enterprise. This course will help you take the first steps toward setting goals, assessing the resources you have available for farming (physical, financial, and personal), and deciding what enterprises are the best fit for you and your land.

NOTE: You will get the most out of this course if you already have access to land. Each participant will be gathering information about their own enterprise and will begin to create a Farm Plan.

Instructors: Laura Biasillo – CCE Broome County and Dianne Olsen – CCE Putnam County

COURSE DATES: Thurs. Oct 14, 2010 to Wed. Nov 24, 2010. All courses incorporate live webinars featuring farmers, agency staff, and University faculty. See link below for webinar dates and details.

COST is $150 per course, except the Soil Health course, which is $165

TO REGISTER, or for more information on course format and requirements, please visit http://www.nybeginningfarmers.org/courses/index.php?page=allcourses

Press Release from http://grassley.senate.gov/ Grassley, Feingold Introduce Legislation to Focus Farm Payments on Small and Medium-Sized Farmers

WASHINGTON – Senators Chuck Grassley and Russ Feingold have introduced legislation to close loopholes that are being used to game the farm payment system and target payments to actively engaged farmers who need assistance getting over the bumps that come with ensuring a safe and abundant food supply.

The legislation would set a limit of $250,000 for farm payments in an attempt to better target farm program payments to family farmers.  The legislation would save the federal treasury more than $1 billion over 10 years.
“Rural America can’t continue to withstand the pressure that unlimited payments create.  The farm program was never intended to help big farmers get bigger, instead it was created to help those who couldn’t withstand the political whims of Washington or the fierce reckonings of Mother Nature,” Grassley said. “When 10 percent of the nation’s farmers receive more than 70 percent of the payments, it erodes public confidence in federal farm programs, and this legislation is a way to stop that trend from growing.”
“For too long large agribusinesses and non-farmers have gamed the limits on farm subsidy programs, taking limited and critical resources better used to support our family farmers who are facing numerous challenges in the current economic climate,” Feingold said.  “I have enjoyed working with Senator Grassley to ensure fair competition and contract terms for our farmers and I am pleased to collaborate with him again on this important issue for farmers and taxpayers.  Our legislation is a common sense, bipartisan approach to support Wisconsin family farms, while saving taxpayer dollars.”
Specifically, the bill caps direct payments at $40,000; counter-cyclical payments at $60,000; and marketing loan gains (including forfeitures), loan deficiency payments, and commodity certificates at $150,000.  It also closes loopholes that people are using to maximize their take from the federal government.  The bill also improves the standard which the Department of Agriculture uses to determine farmers who are actively engaged in their operations.
Here is a summary of the Grassley-Feingold Rural America Preservation Act of 2010.
Limit annual per farm commodity subsidy payments to $250,000. The amendment would establish effective caps of $40,000 on direct (fixed) payments, $60,000 on counter cyclical payments, and $150,000 on loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains, including gains on generic certificates and forfeited commodities.  The nominal limits would be half these amounts.  The combined limit would be $250,000. (I)    These limits would be reduced by varying amounts depending on the farmer’s participation in ACRE, essentially setting the payment limitations at the effective caps, less the reductions in direct payments and marketing loan gains.
Simplify the complicated legal games now played to avoid the limitation. Qualifying for the maximum legal payment would be greatly simplified.  An individual who participates in just one farming operation could receive double the nominal limit.  That would reduce farmers’ legal costs by allowing them to receive the maximum payment without hiring a lawyer to restructure the farm.  The spouse equity rule is retained in its entirety.  Married couples who qualify under the spouse rule would receive up to twice the nominal payment limitations, as under current law.
Close loopholes. All payments will be tracked through entities and partnerships directly back to the individual who is the ultimate beneficiary.  All payments would count toward an individual’s limit, whether received directly or through a corporation or other type of entity.  All beneficial interests in an entity would be subject to payment limitations, making it more difficult to create “paper” farms for the purposes of exceeding the limits.
Ensure that payments flow to working farmers. Current law attempts to target payments to working farmers.  However, as explained in the final report of the USDA Payment Limitation Commission and as demonstrated by the 2004 Government Accountability Office Report, the lack of a defined active management test in law and regulation is a major loophole facilitating huge payments.  The amendment improves the “measurable standard” by which USDA determines who should and should not receive farm payments.  It requires that management be personally provided on a regular, substantial, and continuous basis through direct supervision and direction of farming activities and labor and on-site services.  The combined labor and management standard is 1,000 hours annually or 50% of the commensurate share of the required labor and management.  Landowners who share rent land to an actively-engaged producer remain exempt from the “actively engaged” rules provided their payments are commensurate to their risk in the crop produced. (II)

(I)  In comparison, under current law the cap on direct payments and counter cyclical payments is $80,000 and $130,000, respectively, and there is no effective cap on loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains, and hence no effective total limitation.
(II)  Under current law and regulation, to qualify as actively engaged with respect to labor, an individual must perform at least 1,000 hours of work on the farm.  Alternatively, an individual may contribute management rather than labor, and management is not defined in any quantifiable, measurable way in existing law or regulation.  This “management” loophole has been used creatively by many of the largest farming entities in the country as the key to creating farm partnerships with multiple “paper” partners each qualifying as active farmers eligible to collect payments, allowing a single farming operation to collect in some cases millions of dollars.  GAO has documented  instances in which such partners have qualified as active farmers by doing no more than participating in twice annual conference calls.

The amendment combines labor and management into a single combined standard.  First, the amendment requires management contributions to be personally provided on a regular, substantial, and continuous basis through the direction supervision and direction of activities and labor involved in the farming operation, and on-site services that are directly related and necessary to the farming operation.  Second, the amendment requires the combined labor and management to equal or exceed 1,000 hours per year, or 50% of the commensurate share of the required labor and management.  The amendment also tightens the rules under which an entity may be considered to be actively engaged in farming, ensuring that, in order to receive payments, the majority of beneficial interests must be held by persons actively engaged in farming and their family members and that no individuals may use the creation of entities to collect more than the limitation.

By Steve Martinez, Michael Hand, Michelle Da Pra, Susan Pollack, Katherine Ralston, Travis Smith, Stephen Vogel, Shellye Clark, Luanne Lohr, Sarah Low, and Constance Newman

Economic Research Report No. (ERR-97) 87 pp, May 2010

This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. There is no consensus on a definition of “local” or “local food systems” in terms of the geographic distance between production and consumption. But defining “local” based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers’ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Findings are mixed on the impact of local food systems on local economic development and better nutrition levels among consumers, and sparse literature is so far inconclusive about whether localization reduces energy use or greenhouse gas emissions. Click Read More to access the report.

Listen to a podcast on local foods.

In this report …

Chapters are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

• Report summary, 90 kb. | HTML

• Entire report, 1,525 kb.

Charts and graphs (in .png format) from this report are available in the .zip file listed below. The .zip file also contains a document (readme.txt) that lists the name and title of each chart or graph file.

• Download ERR97.zip

Guest Post:

Summary: Farmer insurance plans help cultivators to get effective coverage against mishaps and save their invested money. Farming is always subject to unexpected mishaps like crop damage, damage of farming accessories, loss of animals on farm and accidents faced by farmers while being of work. So farmers should certainly take a farm insurance policy.

Farmer insurance is an important shield for farmers. By taking one they don’t secure their farms but they also secure their life and hard work. All of us know that farming is a complex operation. Hard efforts are needed on farmer’s part to own, manage and run a farm. Getting a farm secured under an insurance cover helps in case of crop damage due to bad climate and attacks of pests and rodents. Calamity arises in an unexpected way and peasants get in great trouble. Thankfully farm insurance is a formidable protective shield for them. It doesn’t matter whether a crop cultivator got a farm in heritage or started one at his own expense. Expenses involved in running it are many. Loss of yielded crop due to untimely rain or frost is sure to get a farmer in doom.

Farmer insurance acts as a financial armor during such unexpected mishaps. In a farm not only crops but farming accessories and animals also are at risk. Who knows the costly farming equipments may start malfunctioning anytime. Animals on the farm may meet with sudden prolonged illness or an unexpected death. Farm insurers cover many types of farming operations under insurance. Fortunately this type of cover is available on each source of revenue used by farmers.

Many kinds of mishaps and accidents are covered under Farmer insurance. It not only guards a farmer against mishaps occurring on a farm. It also protects against possible litigations concerned with farming. For example a customer may buy fruits or vegetables from a farmer and could sue him to court in case of getting ill after eating those farm yields. In such cases the insurance company not only gives protection cover to peasants but also represents them in the court. Farmer insurance also helps a cultivator if he meets with a sudden accident while using any farming equipment.

There are many ways through which a farm gets at risk. Insurance cover helps in all such conditions. While signing up an insurance policy to protecting the farm, owners have to submit all details about the type of farm operated, how their business started, number of workers on the farm and all compulsory liabilities and farming expenses. Three kinds of insurance are available to farmers. One is crop insurance it gives coverage to crops against damage due to bad climate and rodents. Second type of insurance protects farm equipments from damage. Third type of farm insurance is against theft of crops and accessories stored in the farm. These should be chosen according to one’s primary requirement.