Farmer Programs

SMALL FARM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

We provide assistance in farm-related training, business planning, networking, and documenting progress of individual farms and small farm cooperatives. We begin with an initial farm visit, where we talk with you to establish a “picture” of your farm’s natural, human, and financial resources. We use the gathered information to identify a realistic set of goals for the next 6-12 months. We will maintain contact and provide on-going assistance, which could include anything from obtaining a loan to developing a marketing plan, or setting up long-term natural resource conservation systems. Our staff will communicate regularly with you, make connections with other service providers and assist in regulatory paperwork as needed by your farm. At the end of the first six months, we review your farm’s progress, and set new goals, as needed. Thanks to a grant through the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program, we have established a collaborative network of Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) that offer these services throughout the state. Farmscape Solutions ofrers services to farms in Central and South Alabama. If you are in North Central or North Alabama, please contact Karen Wynne or Lee McBride at Crotovina, Inc.

ORGANIC FARM PLANS

Would you like assistance preparing you farm plan for organic certification? Want help planning your organic garden? Farmscape Solutions is qualified to consult you on a complete farm plan. If you're enrolled in the NRCS EQIP program, then you're in luck! That means NRCS will cover the majority of the costs (possibly the entire cost) to develop the plan.

In collaboration with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), we offer technical services through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Alabama. As a technical service provider (TSP), Farmscape Solutions provides expertise in conservation planning and design for those wanting transition to organic production or pursue organic certification. These include farmers, ranchers, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. We are certified to complete a Conservation Assessment Plan for Transitioning to Organic Production (CAP 138).

This voluntary program is delivered to private individuals, groups of decision-makers, tribes, units of governments, and non-governmental organizations in all 50 States. All owners, managers, and others who have a stake and interest in natural resource management are eligible to receive technical assistance from NRCS. To receive technical assistance, contact your local NRCS office or the local conservation district.

ALABAMA SMALL FARM AND LOCAL FOOD STAKEHOLDERS

A group dedicated to sustainable food production on small rural and urban farms, we aim to bring together individuals and entities working to assist small farms in being sustainable and successful. We focus on technical and resource assistance that promote a healthy localized food system throughout Alabama. Please Contact Us if you would like to join our effort!

Here's a list of of our partners:

Teaching and Demonstration Farms:

Rosita's Farm, Hartselle, AL
E.A.T.South, Montgomery, AL
Shady Grove Farm, Tuskegee AL

Farmer Organizations:

Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), Alabama Farmers Federation
Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association
Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN)
Farmscape Solutions (Technical Assistance Provider: Jayme Oates)
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG)

Social Enterprises:

Deep South Food Alliance
Rev Birmingham
Farm Food Collaborative, Food Bank of North Alabama
Feeding the Gulf Coast, Bay Area Food Bank

Business:

Crotovina (Technical Assistance Provider: Lee McBride)

Institutions:

Consumer Advocates:

The Wellness Coalition

Federal and State Agencies:

Page updated

Report abuse