COVID-19 has upended seemingly all aspects of our lives, including established markets and income sources for some. NCDA&CS is sharing financial assistance resources that we have learned about. Please note these resources are not offered by NCDA&CS. Contact information and links for more information are provided with the listings.
Farmers and food businesses may be able to take advantage of several grant and loan programs being offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following are some of the available opportunities:
RAFI-USA will be offering emergency mini-grants for N.C. farmers who have experienced a drastic loss of income as a result of COVID-19 and need immediate assistance for personal household expenses. Sign up here to receive updates on the grants and for more details.
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses affected by COVID-19. Sign up for updates here.
The Golden LEAF Foundation is fronting $15 million to launch a Rapid Recovery Loan Program. Startup businesses that began operation before March 23, 2020 are eligible. Loan sizes are capped at about two months of current revenue (up to $50,000) — with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.
We are working with our federal partners to better understand the opportunities in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Agriculture will most certainly be impacted like other sectors of the economy, and we are grateful ag is included in the relief package.
Included in the overall plan is $9.5 billion to Office of the Secretary (USDA) for ag producers impacted by coronavirus (livestock, dairy, farmers markets, restaurants, specialty crop, and local food systems.)
This is a broad package with not a lot of details right now on how it would be distributed. As more details on program specifics become available, they will be shared.
Also included is $100 million for the RECONNECT PILOT program.
The bill provides grants for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
North Carolina is participating in this pilot already, so hopefully the reach of broadband in rural communities can be broaden with this additional funding.
Broadband is important infrastructure for rural North Carolina, and especially so now because of the need to distance ourselves from one another.
Bee populations in North Carolina are on the upswing, and that means just one thing for beekeepers: you guessed it, more work. Warmer weather means more bees, and more bees means an increase in the predatory varroa mites that can
As its area of infestation grows, North Carolinians should be on the lookout and report sightings of the spotted lanternfly! The spotted lanternfly is sure to draw looks with its vibrant coloration and speckled pattern. By most accounts, it’s a
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.” There is some interesting research work going on in the state on purple carrots that may lead to a potential market for
There’s a bit of a buzz about Swiss chard right now. Maybe it’s a small buzz, but just go with it. A couple of mentions and re-shares on social media are enough to proclaim Swiss chard is the new “it”
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has an active social media presence, and it’s a great place to go to
Recently the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recognized two teams of employees for extraordinary service. The employees received “Excellence in Team Accomplishment” awards. A rescue from floodwaters One team was more specifically a pair. Matthew Massey and Jordan Johnson
Happy Weights and Measures Week 2020! Weights and Measures week is celebrated every year from March 1-7, to commemorate President John Adams signing the first U.S. weights and measures legislation into law on March 2, 1799. To mark the occasion,
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only celebration to be found in March. It’s also National Peanut Month! North Carolina ranks fifth nationally in peanut production. Local peanuts can be found at various locations, including Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts, Hampton Farms Peanuts,
Brad Allen has earned a reputation for going above and beyond, and that earned him recognition as the 2019 Employee of the Year in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Chief Deputy Commissioner David Smith presented Allen with