USDA Awards $500,000 Grant to Boost Augusta Farmers with New Business Program

Exciting News for Farmers in Augusta!

Hey there, Augusta! There’s some fantastic news on the horizon for our local farmers, and it comes straight from the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA is dishing out a whopping $500,000 grant to Augusta Locally Grown, paving the way for an incredible CSRA-wide farmer business program that aims to help our hardworking farmers expand their operations!

Partnering for Progress

This initiative isn’t going solo. Augusta Locally Grown is joining forces with the Augusta Metro Chamber, the Richmond County Extension, and Gateway Business Services. Together, these organizations are crafting a wide array of programs tailored specifically for our small business farmers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). And let’s be honest, they could use all the help they can get right now!

Recent challenges, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, have thrown a wrench in the works for many farmers here – from cotton, pecan, and chicken farmers to those with private timberlands throughout Georgia. The losses were tough, but relief is finally on the way! This funded project will provide tiered agricultural and entrepreneurial services that are perfect for beginning farmers looking to strengthen and sustain their operations.

A Program Designed to Thrive

So, what exactly can our local farmers expect? Well, the program is loaded with opportunities! It includes a variety of agricultural activities, such as:

• The highly anticipated Homesteading Conference
• Individual farm plots to gain hands-on experience
• Farm training workshops that will boost skills
• Extension classes to broaden knowledge
• Farmer planning meetings for strategy development
• Farmer forums where ideas flourish
• Mentorship opportunities with seasoned pros

And that’s not all! The program also focuses on entrepreneurship with varied business training and coaching sessions available in formats that suit every learning style, whether it’s self-paced, in small groups, or one-on-one. There will also be general business workshops to help you turn your farming passion into a thriving business!

A Chance for Hope

Rebecca van Loenen, the Executive Director of Augusta Locally Grown, shares her excitement about this new program. She stated, “This robust program and its unique partnerships stand out on a nationwide platform to strengthen to serve 200 local farmers at a time when farmers are struggling to feed themselves and the community.” This initiative is a true lifeline for many.

Mark your calendars! Program workshops will kick off as early as December 2024 and will continue through December 2027. There’s no shortage of support and resources coming your way!

More Help on the Way

If the storm damage has left you feeling a little lost, there’s even more good news. The Small Business Administration is stepping in and will open a Portable Loan Outreach Center in Richmond County for homeowners and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. They’ll be offering classes designed to aid individual farm plots, mentorship, climate-smart agricultural training, and business plan development.

So, if you’re a budding farmer eager to grow and succeed, don’t hesitate to join these programs! For more information, you can reach out to Chuck Simpson, the Program Manager, at chuck@augustalocallygrown.org.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Augusta’s farmers, ensuring that they not only recover but thrive! Keep your heads up, folks, the future looks bright.