Monday, June 7, 2010
Upcoming CAMM Training
On Wednesday, June 16Th, Clemson will be offering two training classes in Lexington at the Lexington Extension Office. "Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Biomass Energy: Potential Opportunities for Animal Producers" will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 and "Soil Fertility and Manure Utilization" will be held from 6:30 to 8:30. Each class is good for 2 credits. For more information on how to sign up and for other training dates and locations, please go to www.clemson.edu/camm .
Friday, June 4, 2010
Time Is Running Out..
To those of you attending the SCPF annual conference this July, you must make your room reservations now if you have not already done so. Our block of rooms will be released on this coming Sunday. Please contact the Crowne Plaza at (843)842.2400 to make your reservations.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Conference is Just Around the Corner!
The SC Poultry Federation annual conference will be held July 8-10th at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and we have plenty of spots for those of you interested in golfing or fishing. We urge you to make your room reservations immediately, as the block of rooms will only be held until June 6th. If you plan on attending and have not filled out a registration card, please call the office so that we may get you registered. For any questions, contact the SCPF at (803)779.4700.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Rural Business—Cooperative Service Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Inviting Applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans under the Rural Energy for America Program
AGENCY: Rural Business—Cooperative
Service, USDA.
SUMMARY: The Rural Energy for America Program, formerly section 9006 under the 2002 Farm Bill, is composed of several types of grants and guaranteed loan programs. These are: Guaranteed loans and grants for the development/ construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy feasibility studies.
The Agency is implementing the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2010 through the publication of three REAP notices:
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants and guaranteed loans;
• Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants; and
• Renewable energy feasibility study grants.
This REAP notice announces that Rural Business—Cooperative Service is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 for the purchase of renewable energy systems and the making of energy efficiency improvements for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. The amount of funds available for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in FY 2010 will be approximately 88 percent of mandatory and discretionary funding. Funding will be available in the form of grants and loan guarantees. In addition to grants and loan guarantees, applicants may apply for combination loan guarantee and grant funding (combination package).
Lastly, the Agency intends to publish a proposed rule that will revise the current program at 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B to include renewable energy feasibility study grants, and that will add a new subpart C to address energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. Together, these two subparts will represent the Rural Energy for America Program as authorized under section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as amended by section 9001 of the Food, Energy, and Conservation Act of 2008. The Agency anticipates publishing final regulations to operate the Rural Energy for America Program in fiscal year 2011.
DATES: Complete applications under this notice must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 local time June 30, 2010. Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date and time will be considered for funding in FY 2010, regardless of the postmark on the application.
ADDRESSES: Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of Rural Development’s Energy Coordinators or by downloading through http:// www.grants.gov.
Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following the instructions found on this Web site. To use Grants.gov, all applicants (unless the applicant is an individual) must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at 1–866– 705–5711 or online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Submit completed paper applications to the Rural Development State Office in the State in which the applicant’s proposed project is located.
Shannon Legree, USDA Rural Development,
Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC
29201, (803) 253–3150,
Shannon.Legree@sc.usda.gov
AGENCY: Rural Business—Cooperative
Service, USDA.
SUMMARY: The Rural Energy for America Program, formerly section 9006 under the 2002 Farm Bill, is composed of several types of grants and guaranteed loan programs. These are: Guaranteed loans and grants for the development/ construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy feasibility studies.
The Agency is implementing the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2010 through the publication of three REAP notices:
• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants and guaranteed loans;
• Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants; and
• Renewable energy feasibility study grants.
This REAP notice announces that Rural Business—Cooperative Service is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 for the purchase of renewable energy systems and the making of energy efficiency improvements for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. The amount of funds available for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in FY 2010 will be approximately 88 percent of mandatory and discretionary funding. Funding will be available in the form of grants and loan guarantees. In addition to grants and loan guarantees, applicants may apply for combination loan guarantee and grant funding (combination package).
Lastly, the Agency intends to publish a proposed rule that will revise the current program at 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B to include renewable energy feasibility study grants, and that will add a new subpart C to address energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. Together, these two subparts will represent the Rural Energy for America Program as authorized under section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as amended by section 9001 of the Food, Energy, and Conservation Act of 2008. The Agency anticipates publishing final regulations to operate the Rural Energy for America Program in fiscal year 2011.
DATES: Complete applications under this notice must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 local time June 30, 2010. Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date and time will be considered for funding in FY 2010, regardless of the postmark on the application.
ADDRESSES: Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of Rural Development’s Energy Coordinators or by downloading through http:// www.grants.gov.
Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following the instructions found on this Web site. To use Grants.gov, all applicants (unless the applicant is an individual) must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at 1–866– 705–5711 or online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Submit completed paper applications to the Rural Development State Office in the State in which the applicant’s proposed project is located.
Shannon Legree, USDA Rural Development,
Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC
29201, (803) 253–3150,
Shannon.Legree@sc.usda.gov
Friday, May 7, 2010
A SC Taste
On Wednesday, the SC Poultry Federation once again participated in "A SC Taste", on the statehouse grounds. This annual event is held every May to bring awareness and attention to the commodities and countless food products produced here in South Carolina, to the members of the general assembly. As always, we had a great turnout, 24 different exhibits fed over 500 guests.
On another note, Tuesday before the event, SCPF staff delivered canvas tote bags filled with kitchen implements to each senator and house member. The bags and kitchen tools all said, "May is National Egg Month", or "The Incredible Edible Egg", along with an insert reminding them that poultry in SC is the largest animal agriculture business. Staying visible and having a presence with our state's lawmakers is extremely important. If you have the opportunity to speak with the members, remind them that we need them in our corner, fighting for SC's poultry industry and agriculture.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sparkleberry Country Fair
Mark your calendars for the Sparkleberry Country Fair community fair that will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia.
The theme, "Building the Future from the Past", is designed to showcase antique tractors, antique cars and much more. The Country Fair centers around agriculture-past and present, and those attending the Fair enjoy all sorts of fair events while learning about South Carolina agriculture and wildlife.
The Fair gives urban folks an opportunity to interact with farm animals, develop an appreciation of how how food is produced, and learn about the wildlife in the surrounding communities while promoting community spirit and unity. Last year over $19,000 was raised at the Country Fair to support education, all of which was donated to area schools as grants and as scholarships for students attending in-state universities.
For more information, contact Howard van Dijk at the Richland County Clemson Extension Office, 803-865-1216.
The theme, "Building the Future from the Past", is designed to showcase antique tractors, antique cars and much more. The Country Fair centers around agriculture-past and present, and those attending the Fair enjoy all sorts of fair events while learning about South Carolina agriculture and wildlife.
The Fair gives urban folks an opportunity to interact with farm animals, develop an appreciation of how how food is produced, and learn about the wildlife in the surrounding communities while promoting community spirit and unity. Last year over $19,000 was raised at the Country Fair to support education, all of which was donated to area schools as grants and as scholarships for students attending in-state universities.
For more information, contact Howard van Dijk at the Richland County Clemson Extension Office, 803-865-1216.
Friday, April 9, 2010
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE TO DEAL WITH SURFACE WATER WITHDRAWAL
When the House returns from furlough on Tuesday, April 13th, the House Agriculture Subcommittee will meet to take up the Senate passed version (S.452). As passed in the Senate, agricultural users will not be required to obtain a permit however; they would be required to register with DHEC (for free) what they are currently drawing. Farmers who are currently drawing water would be grandfathered in at their highest usage based on the rate capacity of their existing pumps.
If you are a constituent or know any of the subcommittee members please contact them and express the importance of this bill to you. The members are Rep. David Hiott, Rep. Tommy Stringer, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Nelson Hardwick, and Rep. Mike Forrester.
If you are a constituent or know any of the subcommittee members please contact them and express the importance of this bill to you. The members are Rep. David Hiott, Rep. Tommy Stringer, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Nelson Hardwick, and Rep. Mike Forrester.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
