Federal and State institutions fund and conduct public agricultural R&D
In 2012, U.S. public sector agricultural research and development (R&D) investment totaled about $4.7 billion. After adjusting for inflation, this represents a decline of nearly 25 percent since the mid-2000s. Expenditures for State Agricultural Experiment Stations and other State-based cooperating institutions accounted for a little under two-thirds of
all public agricultural R&D, while USDA agencies accounted for the remaining third. Internal funding sources account for almost all of USDA's in-house R&D expenditures while State institutions rely on a variety of funding sources. USDA-administered funding to States was about $660 million in 2012. Of this, there were two notable funding streams: $284 million in "formula funds," and $189 million in competitive grants for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. In 2012, State appropriations provided $1.1 billion in State R&D funds, while non-USDA Federal agencies provided about $550 million, and private industry, product sales, and other non-Federal sources provided about $750 million. A chart updates can be found in the Amber Waves finding, "Sources of Public Agricultural R&D Changing," June 2007.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has published its list of rural and underserved counties for 2015. View the lists here. "The Supplemental Poverty Measure: 2013" from the U.S. Census Bureau provides estimates of poverty for the official poverty measure and the supplemental poverty measure, which takes into account government programs that support low-income families. Tables provide data for metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Click here
to download the report.
Beginning farmers differ demographically from established farmers In 1982, the Census of Agriculture reported 38 percent of principal operators had operated their farm for less than 10 years, but by 2007, this number had declined to 26 percent. In 2012, beginning farms—those headed and completely operated by farmers with 10 or fewer years of
experience—made up just 17 percent of family farms. Although beginning farmers are more likely to be younger than established farmers—17 percent are under age 35, and their average age is 11 years younger (49 versus 60)—nearly 13 percent of beginning farmers are 65 or older. Beginning farmers are also more likely to be female than established farmers; nearly one in five principal operators of a beginning farm is female. Beginning farmers are also more likely than
established farmers to have at least a 4-year college degree. The differing demographic profiles of beginning and established farmers may signal change for the sector as older farmers retire. A chart can be founded on the ERS topic
page on Beginning & Disadvantaged Farmers, updated October 2014.
TOOLS
Blog Explores the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Community and economic developers are always looking for new ways to help revitalize economically distressed communities. The Atlanta Fed's Will Lambe looks at one rather novel
program that could help; Partners Update summarizes the findings.
The U.S. Census has released 2013 American Housing Survey tables. This survey includes characteristics and physical condition of the nation's housing units, indicators of housing and neighborhood quality, and home improvement activities. This year's survey includes new topics: disaster planning and emergency preparedness, public transportation, household involvement in neighborhood and community activities and the prevalence of "doubled-up" households. Click here to view the tables.
Training Materials Developed for Latino Entrepreneurs - A new resource for Latino entrepreneurs produced by Cooperative Extension in Arkansas.
A handmade movement: More people answer crafter calling article about the growth of "crafter" entrepreneurs, articularly among millenials.
LEARNING
WEBINAR: Two Years Out: A Review of the Native American Institute's Project on the Potential and Impact of the HEARTH Act - November 17, 2014 (Monday), 10:00 AM CT / 11:00 PM – Eastern Time
There is no registration and no fee for attending this webinar. http://connect.msu.edu/ncrcrd
About the webinar: In 2012 the United States government passed the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal
Homeownership Act, or the HEARTH Act. For this webinar we will review literature on the Hearth Act and discuss findings from surveys and interviews, on the Hearth Act, with tribally-based professionals working on land development and land policy in tribal communities.
About the Speakers: Gordon Henry, an enrolled member of the White Earth Chippewa Tribe of Minnesota, is a Professor in the English Department and an affiliated faculty with the American Indian Studies Program at MSU. Professor Henry served as Director of the Native American Institute at MSU from 2010 to 2013. He is also Senior Editor of the American Indian Studies Series at the Michigan State University Press. Tim Mrozowski, Professor in the School of Planning Design and Construction. Tim is a practicing architect and Professor of Construction Management in SPDC at MSU where he Co-Directs the MSU Construction Industry Research and Education Center (CIREC). He conducts research on sustainability, application of LEED to design and construction, energy codes, energy audits, energy modeling and construction project management. Adam Haviland is Ph.D. candidate in the anthropology program at Michigan State University. His research examines the role of language and linguistic practices in shaping and marking Native spaces in urban contexts. His research also looks at the role of kinship and the generational transmission of language and culture on the process of maintaining Native identities and spaces.
FUNDING
Sustainable Design Assessment Teams (SDAT) American Institute of Architects - Application Deadline: November 21, 2014
Sustainable Design Assessment Teams is a community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability. SDATs bring teams of volunteer professionals (such as architects, urban designers, landscape architects, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future.
HUD has opened the second round of Promise Zone funding for high poverty communities where the federal government will partner with and invest in high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, leverage private investment, and reduce violent crime. HUD will designate six urban communities, one rural community and one tribal community through the competition. Deadline: 11/21/2014. Click here to review application guidelines.
Hogg Foundation for Mental Health Announces RFP for Peer Support Programs - DEADLINE: November 24, 2014
Planning-phase grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded to projects that advance peer support in community health centers delivering integrated health care....
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FUND is accepting applications from CDFIs, potential CDFIs, and Native American CDFIs to build their capacity to serve low-income people and communities that lack access to affordable financial products and services. Deadline: 11/24/2014. Click here for application guidelines.
ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (AFC) is offering grants through the Alaska Native Fund for projects in the following categories: Climate Change, Food Security, Sustainable Economies, Energy, and Holistic Wellness. Alaska Native organizations and individuals that address one of these issues are eligible to apply. Deadline: Letters of Inquiry by
12/1/2014; full proposals by 3/1/2015. Visit ACF's website here to learn more about the Foundation's application guidelines.
Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators Invites Applications for K-12 Programs - DEADLINE: December 1, 2014 Grants of $2,000 will be awarded to K-12 teachers to encourage the integration of a quality technology and engineering education program in their school's curriculum....
New Mobility West (NMW) Community Assistance Application -Application Deadline: December 5, 2014
The New Mobility West program will provide four rounds of direct technical assistance to communities across the Rocky Mountain West to address specific challenges or opportunities at the nexus of transportation and community development. Assistance will be awarded through a competitive application process and will be tailored to local needs and opportunities, taking place over two to four months.
THE INDIAN LAND TENURE FOUNDATION will provide grants to Indian nations and nonprofit organizations that are working to promote education about Indian land issues, increase cultural awareness, create economic opportunity, and reform the legal and administrative systems that prevent Indian people from owning and controlling reservation lands. Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year. Application Deadline: 12/15/2013. Visit the Foundation's website here to learn more about applying for these funds.
LAURA BUSH FOUNDATION FOR AMERICA'S LIBRARIES is accepting applications to help libraries expand, update, and diversify their book collections at schools where 85 percent or more students qualify for free or reduced lunches. Deadline: 12/15/2014. Click here to visit the website and download an application.
USDA is offering grants to nonprofits, public agencies and food suppliers to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. Deadline: 12/15/2014. Click here to review application guidelines.
HUD is offering funding to public housing agencies through the Jobs Plus Pilot Program to support programs that will improve employment and earnings outcomes for public housing residents through work readiness, employer linkages, job placement and financial literacy initiatives. Deadline: 12/17/2014. Click here to learn more about this program.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY is offering grants to nonprofit and public agencies for developing inventories of brownfields, prioritizing sites, conducting community involvement activities, and conducting site assessments and cleanup planning related to brownfields sites. Deadline: 12/19/2014. Click here for guidelines.
Request for Proposals: 2015 Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Grants - deadline is December 19
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for their Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grants. EPA's Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Opportunities for funding include Brownfields Assessment Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; assessment Coalitions are funded up to $600,000 over three years) and Brownfields Cleanup Grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years). Click here for proposal and funding information and here for frequently asked questions.
THE PUFFIN FOUNDATION is offering Artist Grants to art organizations and artists throughout the country to encourage emerging artists in the fields of fine arts, public interest, and video/film. The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovative initiatives that will advance progressive social change. Deadline: send a self-addressed
stamped envelope to the Foundation by 12/6/2014; completed applications will be accepted through 12/27/2014. Visit the Foundation's website here to review grant guidelines.
USDA Rural Development has announced that preservation revolving loan fund monies for Section 515 and 514/516 housing are still available for intermediaries, due to receiving an insufficient number of applications in 2014. Deadline to apply: 12/22/2013. Click here to read the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
