THE NEW HAMPSHIRE
AGRICULTURE INNOVATION PROGRAM

In early 2005, 20 small, beginning or transitioning farmers from NH will be
selected to become enrolled in this program which will provide customized
business planning assistance directly to the farmer around their kitchen
table.  Business Assistance Team professionals will be assigned to work
with the selected farms over the course of up to two years to help develop
and implement an expanding or new venture business plan for that farm.

Beginning and transitioning farmers should watch for announcements of
informational workshops and information on how to apply in January,
2005.   Farmers selected to become enrolled in the program will be
announced by April, 2005.

North Country RC&D is currently searching for and individual or firm to
coordinate and administer the program.  This will be a contracted
position.  Referrals of potential individuals for the Coordinator position
are welcome.  A listing of prospective Business Assistance Team members is
being compiled as well.  If you or someone you know should be included on
that list, or if you are interested in the Coordinator position, please
contact us.

The NH Agricultural Innovation Program is a collaborative program of the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council, the NH
Dept. of Agriculture, Markets and Food, the UNH Cooperative Extension
Service and the NH Farm Bureau Federation.  This program is sponsored by
USDA Rural Development.

Contact Rick DeMark at the North Country Resource Conservation and
Development (RC&D) office for information at 527-2093.

This program is available to all regardless of race, color, sex, age,
religion, national origin, marital status or handicap.  However, to be
eligible the farm business must be located in a "rural" community according
to the definitions of USDA Rural Development


Allen Matthews
http://www.sare.org/publications/naf/matthews.htm
Center for Sustainable Agriculture at UVM
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/newfarm.htm
63 Carrigan Drive - Ag. Eng. Bldg. Room 107
Burlington, Vt. 05405
phone: 802+656-0037
www.uvm.edu/sustainableagriculture