farmers | Santa Ynez Valley Star

USDA unveils tool to help rural communities address COVID-19

Raiza Giorgi — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:05:49 +0000

Staff Report

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities preparing for and impacted by COVID-19,” Perdue said. “This resource guide will help our rural leaders, whether they are in agriculture, education, health care or any other leadership capacity, understand what federal assistance is available for their communities during this unprecedented time.”

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

The post USDA unveils tool to help rural communities address COVID-19 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Farm Bureau needs farmers, ranchers to be pen pals

Raiza Giorgi — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 08:52:28 +0000

Staff Report

The Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau’s GAATE Foundation is looking for farmers and ranchers to participate in a pen pal program with classes of students.

The GAATE Foundation’s Ag Pen Pal Program educates students and teachers about their food, fiber and fuel through creating a personal connection between a farmer or rancher and a classroom. The ultimate goal of the pen pal program is to increase agricultural literacy in the county.

The program asks that a farmer or rancher write or email an assigned classroom at least three times per year — fall, winter and spring. In addition to letters and emails, participants might also send videos or photographs, seed or fiber samples or even make a visit to the classroom.

Classrooms are also asked to write or email their assigned farmer/rancher at least three times per year.

It is not always possible to match a pen pal with a classroom within a drivable distance, so visiting via Skype is another option.

For more information, visit www.sbcfb.com and click on the AG Pen Pal Program.

The post Farm Bureau needs farmers, ranchers to be pen pals appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.