The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program, running through 2025, reimburses specialty crop operations for food safety certification costs.

Eligible expenses include developing and maintaining food safety plans, certifications, testing, and training, with varying reimbursement rates up to 75% or 100%.

Small to medium-sized businesses in the US and its territories can apply via FSA-888-1 and supporting documentation to any of the over 2,100 FSA offices nationwide.

Ineligible expenses include infrastructure, equipment, and employee salaries. Assistance is available via a dedicated call center.

This USDA Farm Service Agency notice (ECP-94) outlines FY 2025 payment scenarios for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (ECP).

It details new, streamlined procedures for determining cost-share payments, emphasizing consistency and reduced workload.

The notice provides instructions for accessing updated payment scenario descriptions via a SharePoint site and Access database, and it specifies actions required by State and County Offices to implement these changes. 

Exceptions are noted for certain states using FY 2024 rates for early FY 2025 disasters.

Finally, it mandates an annual State Office review of the payment scenarios.

A new mural, "Golden Blocks: A Community Built on the Shoulders of Giants," by artist Theron Cartwright, is being unveiled in Augusta, Georgia on January 24, 2025. This project, funded by the Porter Fleming Foundation and spearheaded by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, celebrates Augusta's African American heritage and highlights the contributions of influential local figures. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and Fresh Startz grand opening will feature community leaders and the artist. The mural itself is part of the ongoing Golden Blocks Project, adding to the existing public art in the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods.

Topic: the 2025 grant application process for the Vinea Foundation, a donor-advised fund operating through the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area. 

The foundation prioritizes funding for non-profits serving special needs populations, underserved youth, and those working to end generational poverty. 

Applications are accepted twice yearly, with notification sent within two weeks of submission. 

The application itself is online, allows for saving drafts, and requires various details about the applicant organization and the proposed project. 

Successful applicants receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Topic: The first source is the text of the "Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act," a bill proposing a $500 million federal grant program to help farmers affected by PFAS contamination.

The bill defines PFAS, eligible recipients, and allowable uses of the funds, which include remediation, health monitoring, and economic assistance.

The second source is an op-ed discussing the impact of PFAS contamination on farms, highlighting the lack of federal regulation and emphasizing the importance of the proposed bill as a potential solution to the crisis.

The op-ed details the widespread nature of PFAS contamination, its health risks, and its economic consequences for farmers.

TOPIC: Augusta, Georgia's Mayor Pro Tem, Brandon Garrett, is taking an indefinite leave of absence due to family, mental, and spiritual health issues, leaving the commission short-handed and impacting its ability to function effectively.

A second article, an editorial, criticizes Garrett's leave, arguing that his absence is unacceptable given the current needs of the city and suggesting he should resign if unable to fulfill his duties.

The editorial contrasts Garrett's indefinite leave with societal views on "mental health days," highlighting the unique responsibilities of elected officials.

Both articles note the impact of this absence, along with another commissioner's leave, on the Augusta Commission's ability to conduct business.

The timing of the leave also occurs in the wake of a recent hurricane.

The South Arts Jazz Road Tours program offers grants of $5,000–$15,000 to jazz artists for three-to-six-site tours across the U.S., prioritizing underserved communities and fostering career development.

Funding is available for eligible expenses including performance fees, travel, and up to $2,500 for non-musician personnel (including childcare).

Applications are accepted through recurring cycles with deadlines throughout the year, evaluated based on artistic merit and tour planning, and submitted online.

The program is supported by the Doris Duke and Mellon Foundations.

(assisted by AI)

TOPIC: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) for the USDA’s Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

The ACES program awards grants to non-profit organizations to hire individuals aged 55+ to provide technical services for various conservation programs.

While no funding is currently available, the NFO outlines the application process via Grants.gov, with a deadline of January 13, 2025.

Awards, anticipated to total $20 million, will be cooperative agreements, lasting five years and starting August 31, 2025.

The NFO details eligibility requirements, application instructions, and the review and selection process, emphasizing compliance with 2 CFR Part 200.

For more information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/aces

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