Communicating from the Farm

This is a survey from UF/IFAS about the need for communication and the tools used to do it for ag producers in an increasingly urban environment. UF wants to know how to help out. Please read the following and participate in the survey.

As the rural-urban interface becomes less distinct we would like to know what kind of communication tools you as agricultural producers need to educate your neighbors and the school children in your community about agricultural practices in their community. We can only do this if we know current practices. How do you communicate with your neighbors? Let us know by completing this survey that is being conducted by the University of Florida IFAS Extension in partnership with Florida Farm Bureau. Based on the survey we will be designing a Good Neighbor Program (GNP) that will help people living in urban-rural interface communities understand more about the importance of agricultural practices. We are also asking School Systems to complete a survey asking how they communicate with you. Please share your communication practices with us and we will use them as part of the new Good Neighbor Program. The survey will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete and we will only use your answers after they have been combined with other respondents' answers and will be completely confidential. Thank you for participating.Email Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5B2MPY9If you have any questions, please call (352) 273-3971, or send an email to FOI@ufl.edu. Thank you for your participation.Joan

USDA Energy Grant Meeting

Here's an educational meeting for those who want to find out more about the USDA renewable energy and energy efficiency loans and grants. The meeting will be held at the Extension office and it is being conducted by Stephen Gran of the Agriculture Economic Development Department. The press release is below.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS
March 1, 2011
For more information, contact:
Stephen Gran, Agriculture Industry Development Manager
Economic Development Department
Telephone: (813) 272-5506

County Teaming with USDA to Teach Local Farmers and Rural
Businesses How to Fund “Green” Energy Projects

What: USDA Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program Workshop for Local
Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Businesses
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: Hillsborough County Extension Office Auditorium, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner

FREE

Hillsborough County’s Agriculture Industry Development Program and Extension Service are
partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office to provide a
workshop on government programs available to assist farmers, ranchers and rural businesses
with renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
This workshop will help participants learn more about the programs available through the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office.
Specific topics will include:
· Renewable Energy Program – Provides guaranteed loans and grants to help agricultural
producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and
make energy efficiency improvements.
· Biomass Research & Development Initiative – Provides financial assistance for research
and development of biomass based products, bioenergy, biofuels and related processes.
This workshop is FREE, but seating is limited. Please register by calling Alayna Shiver in the
Hillsborough County Economic Development Department at (813) 272-5909.
For more information, contact Stephen Gran, Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry
Development Manager, Economic Development Department, at (813) 272-5506.