After lunch catered by Local Fatt Chef Kevin Koebel, 50 participants headed north along the coast to Harley Farms Goat Dairy to tour the milking parlor, cheese making facility and retail cheese shop and hear owner Dee Harley talk about her 20+ years in operation. After sampling fantastic goat cheeses, we headed to Half Moon Bay to see the Local FATT kitchen in action. Chef Koebel explained his exciting new business to the group: local farmers can use this certified kitchen free of charge in exchange for co-branding product from the kitchen, as part of Local FATT's outreach and educational mission.
FarmLink has been working with USDA Rural Development staff to help farmers apply for Value-Added Producer Grants. These grants are one of the few federal grants that go directly to farmers. The program provides grants for both planning and working capital, to help farmers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of farm products. Eligibility requirements for producers and products are fairly broad and many small producers qualify. Because there were no awards in California for the 2010 round, there will be more money available for 2011.
FarmLink staff can assist clients interested in applying for Value-Added Producer Grants, or provide referrals to consultants who can help. For more information, please visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html or contact your local California FarmLink Coordinator.
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