Fall 2000

MONTPELIER-New resources are available to Vermont farm owners to take advantage of the 4.62 million tourists visiting annually. The Vermont Agritourism Program is a statewide program focused on supporting existing and new agricultural enterprises by using the travel industry to add value to their businesses. The program will provide farmers with the skills, networks, markets and low interest loan support to be successful in adapting to this emerging opportunity. The program has two major components-a revolving loan fund and technical assistance. The Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) will administer a revolving loan fund for Vermont family farmers who are interested in starting or expanding an agritourism venture. Uses for the agritourism money include developing advertising and marketing campaigns or improvements and expansions around farmers' markets, food festivals, bed and breakfasts, farm tours, heritage trails and other farm tourism concepts. Technical assistance and access to Vermont tourism and marketing organizations is also available to farm families through this program-enabling Vermont farmers to make sound business and marketing decisions when diversifying into agritourism. Appropriations for the program are from a federal pilot program sparked by Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-VT). The Vermont Regional US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Offices were successful in bringing $750,000 to Vermont from the $2 million appropriation for 2001. The program is a public/private partnership between the Vermont Farms! Association, the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, The Vermont Community Loan Fund, Vermont and Regional Chambers of Commerce, Congressman Bernie Sanders Office and the Northern Vermont and George D. Aiken Resource Conservation and Development Councils. For further information on the program you may contact the Vermont Community Loan Fund at (802) 223-1448 or Vermont Farms! Association, c/o Northern Vermont RC&D Council at (802) 223-0929.

Free Advertising! We invite anyone who has an ag-related business/service/product to advertise - for free - on our website in the Business Cards Directory. Again, this is a free opportunity for you to get the word out on your business. If you're interested, just fill out our on-line form at www.uvm.edu/~wagn/ businesscards.html or call Ariel at (802) 656-5724. GET YOUR BUSINESS CARD ON-LINE ON WAGN'S WEBSITE TODAY FOR FREE!

Women Vote
We know that all women don't vote alike. But whatever their views, the Governor's Commission on Women and Secretary of State's Office are leading an effort to move Vermont from number eight to number one in women's voter turn out. Women Vote 2000 is a non-partisan voter education project. The Women Vote 2000 coalition is made up of more than 60 members representing Vermont businesses, social service organizations, educational institutions, state agencies, advocacy groups, religious organizations and individuals. The project will provide: a non-partisan voter guide from the League of Women Voters with information about candidates running for statewide office; brochures and fact sheets about voting in Vermont; information about free rides to the polls; and a toll-free information line to answer questions about voting. Other components of the project include a Take a Friend to Vote Leadership Pledge, an Ambassador Program for women in public office, and a campaign to remind Vermonters that they can vote early. If you would like to learn more about Women Vote 2000 or if you want to join the Women Vote 2000 coalition, please call (800) 881-1561 or e-mail us at info@women.state.vt.us.

Director's Corner By Mary Peabody
Well another summer has come and gone (although some of us feel a bit cheated by the weather) and I've noticed some leaves starting to turn. By now I hope you've caught a bit of the election fever that's sweeping the country. I'll try not to preach but…this election is a major one in every sense of the word. The next President will most likely appoint a Supreme Court that will be in power for a very long time-remember Supreme Court Justices serve for life or until they decide to retire. The House and Senate will be voting on the next Farm Bill which will determine federal agricultural policy in this country for the next five to ten years. On the state level, the elections are equally as important and are generating lots of emotional fallout. It's hard to be neutral this year! Whatever your position, whatever your affiliation please exercise your power by voting. If for no other reason, do it for our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who never had the opportunity and do it for our sisters around the world who still don't have the opportunity. WAgN staff recently hosted a USDA review team which spent 3 days reviewing WAgN's programs, activity, impact and service for the past five years. The team consisted of Charles Whitaker from the USDA Office of Outreach; Ron Allbee, Farm Service Agency; Ann Hilliard, Natural Resource Conservation Service; and Jon-Michael Muise, Rural Development. We had a great time showing off what we've done and I think the team was suitably impressed. Many thanks to everyone that helped with the review by coming to meet with the review team, by hosting a site visit, or by sharing your stories. I know I was inspired by the tremendous work that you're all doing. Check out our calendar and website-there's lots going on this fall.

Growing Places: Last Call!
Cycle 10 of Growing Places is set for the Saturday's of October 21st, October 28th, and November 4th from 9:00am until 3:30pm at the UVM Extension Office in South Burlington. Some of the topics will include goal-setting, marketing, finances and networking. The purpose of Growing Places is to help you evaluate the possibilities and realities of starting an agriculturally based business. The cost of the workshop is $75 and financial assistance is available, if needed. Contact the WAgN Office or go to our website for further information and registration form.

Don't Forget the Women in Ag Conference in November!
The First Vermont Women in Agriculture Conference-Preserving Tradition; Encouraging Vision; Enhancing Our Presence-is set for Thursday, November 2nd, 2000 at the Clarion Hotel in South Burlington, Vermont. Guest Speakers will include Louise Calderwood, Deputy Commissioner from the Vermont Department of Agriculture; Roberta Harold, State Director of USDA Rural Development; Eleanor Jacobs, Editor, Northeast Dairy Business; and Enid Wonnacott, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Farming Association. Following the keynote address and panel, participants will be able to attend three workshop sessions addressing leadership, business skills, balance life and work on the farm, time and stress management, communicating, and roundtable discussions covering mentoring, women in policy and international women's issues. Deb Markowitz, Vermont's Secretary of State, will make the closing remarks. The registration fee for the conference is $20, including lunch and refreshments; financial assistance is available. The conference brochure was sent out at the beginning of September to all WAgN participants. If you misplaced your brochure and registration form or need more information regarding the conference, please call our office at (802) 656-3276 or visit our web-site for a full schedule of events and a list of available workshops. Space is limited so be sure to register today!

Congratulations to Margo Tucker and Mike Ghia who were married on Sunday, September 24th! Margo and Mike are the owners of Ewetopia Farm, located in Putney, Vermont. We wish them all the best for a happy life together!

REGIONAL NEWS

Maine Harvest
By Stephanie Gilbert, Maine WAgN Program Coordinator
Next weekend, beginning Friday the 22nd, many Maine WAgN members will gather together to celebrate this year's harvest at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine. At our WAgN exhibit and informational meetings, we will reunite to welcome visitors and potential new members. On Saturday, September 23rd, we will hold WAgN's regular fall meeting entitled "Women in Agriculture: What is our Future?" to discuss ways to develop programs and leadership relevant to Maine WAgN's future. We will take the opportunity to recognize the contributions of those members, interns and supporters who have collectively created this past year's many accomplishments. Since our first forum in the fall of 1998, WAgN has grown; now 436 members, from all of Maine's 16 counties bring experience and expertise to WAgN's mission. As a result, we have become a collaborative organization of diverse agricultural interests. We are farmers and agriculture and related non-profit, for-profit and governmental agencies seeking to help women and other under-served individuals find the skills necessary to begin or continue farming profitably. Since 1998, our meetings and efforts have evolved into an annual program cycle that includes 9 monthly meetings (September - June) and a summer tour. Thanks to leadership and support from a core group of members, WAgN now has a fully-formed strategic plan that supports our mission-to enable women and other under-served people to successfully own, operate and support agriculturally related enterprises. Our plan focuses on developing programs to provide scholarship opportunities, membership support services, women-centered, agriculturally-related education and training events, and outreach to advocate for women in agriculture. The goals within each of these programs are many and mighty, but, based on this past year of success, they seem to be well-matched to our individual and collective energies to thrive and grow. Last year WAgN's monthly meetings, farm and business tours, newsletters, and brochure helped to connect members with each other and involve them in outside educational events such as "Ag Leadership Training" and the "Women in Agriculture Risk Management Conference," which brought over 100 women and men to an all-day training co-sponsored by WAgN, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the USDA Risk Management Agency. Subsequently, WAgN received grants from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to hire a program coordinator to assist Extension Educator and WAgN Program Director Vivianne Holmes to increase program support and member services. As Program Coordinator, I look forward to many conversations and group discussions with current and future WAgN members to create new programs that focus on business, production, management, budgeting, farm and family, access to resources, self-assessment & visioning and lobbying for agricultural related enterprises. To contact Stephanie Gilbert, write to: WAgN at UMaine Extension 133 Western Avenue Auburn, ME 04210-4927 Phone: (207)786-0376 Or E-mail: sgilbert@umext.maine.edu

Beginner Farmers of NH
By Jennifer Mayo, Beginner Farmers of NH Coordinator
With the summer season over, the pace has slowed a bit for Beginner Farmers. Not the best of growing seasons, but still some successes were realized. Beginner Farmers of New Hampshire was initiated in 1997; the best way to describe our effort is that we are a "Farmer to Farmer Network". Over the past few years we have been busy reaching out and connecting with those who have chosen to farm. Currently, our database has over 400 participants. We hold regular monthly meetings in 5 of the 10 counties. The hope is in the next year to have active networks in each county. Beginner Farmers of NH is helping to sponsor and develop a Women's Agricultural Network in cooperation with the Vermont and Maine efforts. A high number of those on our database are women. As a woman farmer myself, I have a strong opinions about the needs of women and other underserved individuals trying to farm. Resources need to be developed and allocated to meet our needs. Our effort here in New Hampshire has been coordinated by the NH Resource Conservation & Development Area Councils (RC&D). We have been successful in writing grants and receiving support from USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service to keep moving Beginner Farmers forward. Beginner Farmers of NH has established itself as a place for agricultural providers to refer people who are just beginning or connect with folks who have been farming for awhile and want to interact with other farmers. I have met some very interesting people and it is so good to know that my passion to work the land and raise my own food is shared by others. To contact Jennifer Mayo, write to: Beginner Farmers of NH 719 North Main St. Rm 220 Laconia, NH 03246 Or E-mail: beginnerfarmers@bizland.com
Website: www.beginnerfarmers.bizland.com

Get Involved in a WAgN Discussion Group Near You!
Do you need relief from the isolation of home business? Would you like the opportunity to talk with others who understand the rigors and challenges of agricultural businesses? Then come to the next WAgN Discussion Group near you! Discussion Groups provide much needed time for networking and socializing with fellow WAgN participants; sometimes there are pre-determined activities including guest/member presentations or potluck dinners. Discussion Group participants form partnerships, take on leadership roles, exchange information and share expertise and services. Discussion Groups in turn help WAgN understand and respond to participant needs and efficiently expand the WAgN Network. Discussion Groups meet on a monthly basis and are typically held in the Greater areas of Burlington, Morrisville and Brattleboro. There is also a roaming discussion group that is held in various locations throughout Vermont to accommodate those who are not near the three established groups. For the most up-to-date schedule of Discussion Group dates, locations and times please call the WAgN Office at (802) 656-3276 or check the web-site at www.uvm.edu/~wagn and click on Discussion Groups. We'll see YOU at the next Discussion Group!

Making Matches and Linking Land: UVM Program Connects Farmers
By Debra Heleba Program Coordinator, Land Link Vermont University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Ever wonder about the future of agriculture in Vermont? At Land Link Vermont, we think about what farms will look like in 10, 20, even 50 years from now. And, more importantly, who will be farming them. Land Link Vermont may provide one of the steps needed to keep farmers on the land. As a farm transfer program at the University of Vermont (UVM) Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Land Link Vermont links new and relocating farmers with farmers thinking about retirement and non-farming landowners. Based on successful programs in other states, the program addresses the challenges to transferring farms including locating appropriate land, exploring options for transferring ownership, and providing the training and information needed for informed decision-making. To make connections between farm seekers and owners, a detailed database is used to catalog characteristics of available farmland and the people seeking a site to farm. Obtaining information on farm type, acreage, long-term goals, and business enterprise helps achieve a compatible match. Currently, 82 farm seekers and 47 farm owners are enrolled in the matching service with interests in buying/selling, renting, or working together to transfer farm assets gradually over time. In addition to the matching service, Land Link Vermont acts as a local clearinghouse of information on farm transfer issues. The program taps into the variety of expertise in the state--from UVM Extension specialists to attorneys and Vermont Land Trust personnel--to provide workshops and written materials based on the information needs of participants. Issues like estate planning, farm financing, business planning, and family communications are all critical in successful farm transfers. By coordinating opportunities for farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals, Land Link Vermont staff hope to increase the awareness and understanding of the complexities of transferring farms from one generation to the next. To help farmers and others learn about Land Link Vermont, The Center for Sustainable Agriculture has hired two part-time outreach assistants for the program, Herman Buzeman of Addison and Dexter Randall of North Troy. Both are available to meet with individuals and groups to discuss Land Link Vermont and its matching service. Buzeman currently covers Addison, Chittenden, and Rutland Counties, as well as parts of Windsor County. A life-long dairy farmer, he operated a family farm for the past 30 years. Now semi-retired, he was instrumental in helping both his son and nephew start their own dairy farms. He also has been active in his local farming community. Buzeman can be reached at (802) 759-2336. Randall is a native of Vermont and was raised on a small family farm in Lyndon. After renting a farm in Sheffield for five years, he bought a dairy farm in North Troy and is now considering a farm transfer to his children. Randall has participated in many agricultural organizations including Rural Vermont and the Vermont Farm Bureau. He has experience working with traditional and non-traditional lenders as well as federal and extension programs. He currently covers Orleans, Franklin, Essex, Caledonia, and Lamoille Counties. Randall can be reached at (802) 744-2417 (phone and fax). For other counties or for more information on Land Link Vermont, visit the program's website at www.uvm.edu/landlinkvt or contact the Land Link Vermont office at (802) 656-0233 or 5459.

VWBC Roundtables Now Offered Statewide
The Vermont Women's Business Center (VWBC) is pleased to announce a series of FREE networking roundtables for small business owners. The events feature an hour-long presentation by guest speakers, followed by a question and answer period and time for networking with other small business owners. The sessions run from 6-8pm, in five locations: Brattleboro, Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland and St. Johnsbury. The next roundtable will be held on Wednesday, October 11 and is entitled "Small Business Legal Issues." The guests include lawyers, as well as business owners, who will share their experiences and advice. These events are a wonderful opportunity to hear from expert speakers, business owners, and others about topics that are critical to business ownership. They are useful for both business start-ups and veteran business owners. Thanks to the help of our partners, we are looking forward to being able to offer more of these inspiring and educational events. The statewide roundtables are co-sponsored with the US Small Business Administration, Vermont's Statewide Micro Business Development Program, Small Business Development Center, Women's Agricultural Network, and the Women's Small Business Program at Trinity College of Vermont. Call toll-free at (877) 770-VWBC or (802) 846-7338 to register and/or to get more information.

Business Owners Marketing Group Begins
The Vermont Women's Business Center (VWBC) and the Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) are co-sponsoring a Business Owners Marketing Group which meets the first and third Friday of every month, from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., in Burlington. The group is for business owners who would like to get together with others to share ideas, successes, and frustrations about their business. Each week there is a different topic related to marketing, and the group is facilitated by VWBC and MBDP staff. Call 846-7338 for more details.

Grant Opportunity for Northeast Farmers
A regional grants program is offering funding to Northeast farmers interested in testing innovative production and marketing strategies and sharing what they learn with other farmers. Applications are now available for the Northeast Region USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program's 2001 Farmer/Grower Grants competition. Applications are due December 4, 2000. "This program provides an excellent opportunity for producers who want to try something a little different," says Northeast SARE Program Manager Jim Gardiner. "It helps farmers evaluate new practices and approaches, and other producers benefit by learning from grant recipients' experiences." The goal is to help farmers shift to production and marketing practices that are profitable, environmentally sound, and beneficial to the community. Proposals can address a broad range of agricultural and farm forestry production and marketing issues. Grant funds can be used to rent equipment, buy materials, pay for project-related services like soil testing, and compensate farmers for the time they spend on the project. These grants do not provide startup funds for beginning farmers nor do they support capital improvements on individual farms. The program is very competitive. Last year, there was sufficient funding for only half the applications received. The average grant was $4,351, although the program has awarded grants as large as $12,000 and as small as $300. To be eligible for Northeast SARE Funding, an applicant must be a commercial producer and reside in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or West Virginia. Funding decisions will be made in February 2001, and funds will be available in April for the 2001 crop production season. Go to www.uvm.edu/~nesare/grants, e-mail nesare@zoo.uvm.edu, or call (802) 656-0471 to obtain an application. Northeast SARE is a USDA competitive grants program. Its mission is to increase knowledge that helps producers adopt production and marketing practices that increase profitability, promote conservation of natural resources, and strengthen communities. This year will be the ninth year that Northeast SARE has offered producer grants. Since 1993, Northeast SARE has awarded more than 350 grants to farmers. Similar grant opportunities are available through each of the other three SARE regional programs. Go to www.sare.org or call (301) 504-5230 for more information about application deadlines in the other regions. By Beth Holtzman, Plant & Soil Science Marketing Specialist Article reprinted with permission from "Cultivating Connections"

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WAgN
Women's Agricultural Network
590 Main St., UVM
Burlington, VT  05405
(802) 656-3276
or wagn@zoo.uvm.edu

University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, notional orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.