Farm School NYC March Newsletter

03/16/2024

𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘙𝘦-𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘜𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴
Since the Citywide Program wrapped last November, we’ve been hard at work re-imagining what’s possible for the next iteration of our cohort-centered programming. With faculty input, and with years of student feedback to reflect on, we’re thinking through what’s needed to create an updated program that speaks to the current needs and interests of our community.

During this re-visioning pause, the first of its kind since FSNYC’s 2010 launch, we’re guided by questions like, “How has the urban agriculture field changed in the past decade? How do we ensure that we are preparing students to build a just food system? What content must be prioritized in the time we have together?”

We’re grateful for the excitement and questions and look forward to sharing updates as they emerge. For now, please register for our 2024 public offerings and continue staying up-to-date via our socials and newsletter.

𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴
There are two virtual public courses now open for registration! Natalie Green, the founder and farmer at Handmade on the Homestead will lead both. See descriptions and register by clicking the hyperlinked course names below.

• Raising Animals
This four-session course provides a foundation for raising animals with limited land. Natalie will share her experiences with numerous animals on less than an acre while guiding participants to determine what animal(s) might be right for them. This course covers how to get started raising poultry, rabbits, goats, and pigs. Dates: Tues, April 2, 16, 23, and 30, from 6-8pm.

• Cultivating Prosperity
This three-session course will provide an overview of the key components of developing a small agribusiness – including budgeting, record-keeping, and information on navigating USDA resources. Each session will build on the previous one, culminating in creating your own business plan. Dates: Tues, May 7, 14, and 21, from 6-8:30pm.

𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘴
Do you have an idea about how NYC can strengthen agriculture through advocacy or legislation? We want to help you create and run a campaign for it! From carbon sequestration to native species preservation, let us know your idea, and we can help you make it happen. Our farmer advocate, Jocelyn Germany, will support three paid campaigns. Please e-mail Jocelyn@farmschoolnyc.org to share ideas, ask questions, and learn more.

𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘚𝘈
In our ongoing partnership with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), our collective aim is to enhance the impact and community engagement for their programs. FSA works to improve the accessibility of its programs for urban growers. Across 17 cities, they have launched Urban County Committees (UCOC), elected committees responsible for compiling recommendations to improve FSA programs while helping urban agriculturalists achieve goals and access FSA programs. We are partnering with the FSA to serve as a bridge between their offerings and our community.

Working through their second year, NYC’s UCOC has already made major changes like increasing the parameters around voting and running eligibility for aspiring members, creating a new mission, vision, and values, working to implement changes to the eligibility of FSA programs to include non-citizens, and more! Stay tuned to see what they accomplish next, and join their upcoming public UCOC meeting to share your own recommendations.

The UCOC will share updates and listen for input at this virtual meeting on Mon, April 22, from 6-7pm. Contact Mirem Villamil by phone at 680 895-0228 or by e-mail at ana.villamil@usda.gov at least three days before the meeting to RSVP and request accommodations materials in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape – captioning, etc.).

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿
𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘍𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯
The Braiding Seeds Fellowship, a project of Soul Fire Farm in collaboration with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, carries the legacy of braided seeds by providing beginning farmers with resources, professional development, and mentorship to support their livelihood on land. Braiding Seeds fellows receive a $50,000 stipend; professional development opportunities including 1:1 mentorship, workshops, farm finance and business plan support; cohort gatherings; and individualized coaching. Applications are due Wed, May 1.

𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘜𝘚𝘋𝘈 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘌𝘐 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦
The Northeast USDA Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC), facilitated by the NASDA Foundation, aims to develop local and regional supply chains with a focus on equity and community resiliency. The NERFBC DEI Advisory Panel ensures historically underinvested communities are reached. The panel guides the core team, which includes the NASDA Foundation, Buffalo Go Green, Cornell University’s CREA, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The NERFBC Member Council includes State Departments of Agriculture and the D.C. Office of Urban Planning, while the Community Advisory Committee engages stakeholders.

DEI Advisory Council members should have experience in food systems and navigating systems as underrepresented community members. Members commit to attending meetings, events, and providing insight for the five-year program, in return, they receive a $1500 monthly stipend.

𝘕𝘙𝘊𝘚 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘚𝘈 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬
Join us for a series created in collaboration with many of our partners, showcasing the Paperwork, Pros + Cons, and Practices involved when working with the USDA. The series kicks off on Wed, March 27, at 6pm with a virtual webinar where participants can better understand the FSA and NRCS.

The webinar will feature presentations and discuss the processes and documents needed to access USDA programs. There will also be a survey to inform the following session. FSA and NRCS are committed to improving the accessibility of their offerings for urban growers. Attend to get updates about their improvements and leave with links or resources that might be helpful for your growing space.

If you are interested in attending, please email info@farmschoolnyc.org for more details. Thank you to Catalyst Collaborative, Black Farmers United, and folks at the USDA for collaborating to create this informational series.

𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘜𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴!
One of our fantastic alums, Judi Desire founded and leads three successful farmers’ markets for her community.

• White Plains Road Farmers Market /DOT Open Street is on Saturdays, June 1 – November 23 from 9am – 4pm at Williamsbridge Square, E 211th St, Bronx, NY
• Uptown Good Food Farmers Market is on Saturdays, June 1 – November 23 from 9am – 3pm at St Nicholas Ave &, W 137th St, New York, NY
• Bronx Park East Farmers Market is on Sundays, June 2 – November 24 from 9am – 4pm at Bronx Park / Brady Playground, 2045 Bronx Pk East

The markets are looking for new vendors, hiring for various positions, and collecting food scraps. To learn more visit the website here.

𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘱
The Farmers Market Federation of NY is now offering a Monthly Members (and Friends) Meetup. This will be a virtual meet-up to create a sense of community among farmers market management, vendors, sponsors, and all others interested. Each month a topic of importance to market operations will be discussed and your input, opinions, and questions will be shared among your peers!

The Meetup will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 1-2pm. Join to learn about and suggest new topics, offer your experiences and have your questions answered. Participation is free for all attendees.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵, 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘠𝘊
Join in on Sat, March 16 at The New York Botanical Garden for a mini-conference to celebrate community composting! Connect with environmental organizations offering educational, technical, and grant resources to help:
• Divert organic waste from landfills
• Revitalize our soils to grow food
• Build resilient communities
•Promote environmental justice

For more information, email compost@nybg.org.
Register here!

𝘊𝘜𝘕𝘠 𝘜𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦
Food Justice Leadership Fellowship
This paid summer program is designed to offer students opportunities for continued training and participation in a variety of food-centered civic activities.

The program is ideal for students who are passionate about food justice and looking to strengthen their leadership skills.

The next fellowship cohort is expected to begin in June 2024 and applications are now open until Sun, April 14!

𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦
Corbin Hill Food Project, in partnership with the Black Farmer Ecosystem and with support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE), is mapping out a pathway to create a Black farmer commons. Research will be conducted via interviews, surveys, and focus groups to understand how an ecosystem of organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color can uplift new ownership and economic pathways for Black farmers’ collective success. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4azje2py

The intended results include:
• A comprehensive asset map of resources available within the ecosystem and its networks
• A progress report on the ecosystem’s efforts and learnings, and impacts on Black farmers
• An exploration of examples/models of Black farmer commons
• Proposed policies that can support the establishing and sustaining of a Black farmer commons led by Black farmers in New York State Along with Corbin Hill Food Project, Black Farmer Ecosystem organizations collaborating on the project include Black Farmer Fund, Farm School NYC, Soul Fire Farm, Food for the Spirit, and Black Farmers United- NYS

𝘚𝘬𝘺 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘍𝘢𝘳𝘮
Sky High will provide over $350,000 total in grants to individuals working in agriculture, food justice, and/or land sovereignty. The average proposal funded in 2023 was $9,575 with grants ranging from $240 up to $25,000. Grant proposals should match the scope and capacity of the amount requested. Applicants who requested funding 2023 and did not receive a grant may resubmit applications for consideration.

Applications will be prioritized among those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual, and those working in communities
historically exploited and harmed by the existing industrial agricultural system. You do not need to be a 501c3 to apply or receive funding.
The application will be open until Mon, April 15th, to apply, please complete this form.

𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘞𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴
Join Freedmen Heirs Foundation launch of an interactive webinar series that aims to provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, skill development, and networking among farmers, landowners, agribusinesses, and partners.

The first webinar, titled Soil Health Tools and Strategies, featuring Dr. Dianna Bagnall, of the Soil Health Institute, will be held virtually on Tues March 19, at 2:30pm.

The session will also emphasize the importance of soil health management systems and how healthy soil is the foundation of a productive farming operation.

𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
Join Crazy for Composting on Sat, March 16 at NYBGat NYBG! This mini-conference celebrates community composting in New York City. Enjoy presentations, a panel discussion, and compost workshops, then network with other compost enthusiasts and connect with environmental organizations offering educational, technical, and grant resources. Learn more and register here.

𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁
We are in partnership with the Equity Advocates team and part of the NYC Food Policy Alliance. Food Justice advocates across NYC are coming together to demand city elected officials to save our food systems. We invite you to join in amplifying policy priorities.
• With Council Members: Consider scheduling a meeting with City Council members during the week of Mar 18 to share FY25 Budget Priorities . Use the meeting Tracker to share if you’ve scheduled a meeting and/or if you want to attend a meeting already scheduled.
• In person: Meet at Broadway sidewalk in front of the entrance to City Hall for the Stated Meeting to get into the gates. If the security guards block access, the action will take place at the alternative location (Broadway sidewalk in front of entrance to City Hall and near Murray St). Please wear something GREEN and comfortable shoes. RSVP here.
• Submitting Testimony: We encourage you to submit a written testimony during this year’s budget hearing. Do you plan on testifying in person or submitting a written testimony? Share here. Use the Equity Advocates testimony templates to guide you through developing a written testimony or oral testimony.
• Online: Use their Social Media Toolkit to amplify the FY25 Priorities.