The Mississippi Sustainable Agriculture Network is forming a demonstration farm program to incentivize continued sustainable agricultural practices emphasizing

organic production and local distribution by Mississippi farms through support of existing farms falling into one of two categories; existing farms committed to these practices to serve as models within our state existing farms that are transitioning to more sustainable methods of production and distribution

MSAN Definition of Sustainable Farming: Sustainable farming meets environmental, human health, economic, and social objectives simultaneously. It promotes 1. 2. 3. The health of farmers, consumers and their communities; and Stewardship of the environment and non-renewable resources; and Long term financial viability

See below for requirements to apply Demonstration Farm Transition Farm

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Been in existence for a minimum of two years and can demonstrate agricultural competency Employs at least one full-time farmer whose primary occupation is farm operations/management Can demonstrate significant and comprehensive steps taken towards sustainable operations, emphasizing local and organic practices Preferably Certified Naturally Grown, Certified USDA Organic, Food Alliance Certified, Animal Welfare Approved, or some comparable accountability standard (though not required) Has made educational outreach a focus on their farm and is willing to be utilized for educational outreach opportunities with MSAN in the future Current with MSAN membership*

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Been in existence for a minimum of two years and can demonstrate agricultural competency May employ full and/or part-time farmer(s) A farm that has been practicing conventional/industrial methods of production (nonorganic) and/or distributing regionally/nationally but is transitioning towards a sustainable operation by focusing more on local and organic practices Plans to become Certified Naturally Grown, Certified USDA Organic, Food Alliance Certified, Animal Welfare Approved, or some comparable accountability standard (though not required) Willing to be utilized for educational outreach opportunities with MSAN in the future Current with MSAN membership*

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* MSAN membership not available for 2013-2014

If accepted, participating farms will be expected to;

host one inspection visit to be evaluated on the following categories; rotations and land management, animal housing, pest/disease control, soil fertility, seeds, feed, buffers, irrigation and water use, manure management, equipment, and biodiversity. facilitate at least one day-long MSAN field day/farm tours per year in 2014 displaying and teaching the sustainable techniques practiced on their farm. attend at least two of the scheduled 2013 MSAN Farm Tours between July and October (if you are a farm hosting a 2013 Farm Tour, you must attend at least two farm tours other than your own). See schedule at end of application for dates/locations. present on your farming practices during a minimum of one MSAN event in 2014

The benefits of participating in this farm program include:

Designation as a MSAN Demonstration or MSAN Transition Farm for the 2014 calendar year w/ option of annual renewal $1000 Operational Grant to improve or develop sustainable practices on your farm A professional farm consultant suggested by you and approved by MSAN who will make a 1-2 site visits and help develop a comprehensive farm plan with you valued at $2000 $500 subsidy for a one-month fall apprenticeship (apprentices selected by participating farms; approved by MSAN; to be utilized in 2013 between August-December) All participating interns will be; Subject to approval by MSAN but selected by participating farms Expected to provide MSAN with a short bio, a photograph, and respond to a five question evaluation prior to beginning their internship Expected to submit at least three blog posts to be used on the MSAN website during the duration of their one-month internship (one prior, one mid-point, and one reflection)

All applications will be considered and reviewed by the MSAN steering committee after the July 25 deadline has passed. If necessary, site visits will be requested and must be met within 1-2 weeks of application deadline. All applicants will be notified of outcomes by August 1.

Name: Farm Name:

_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Title/Position: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: _____________________________

Email: ____________________________

I am applying for (check one); Demonstration Farm _____________ Transition Farm _____________ How many years has your farm been in existence? ________________ Designate the number of full-time farm employees? ____________ Part/time/Seasonal? ____________ Do you have any current certifications to verify your sustainable practices? If so, what are they? If not, do you intend to apply for any, which ones, and why/why not (this is not a requirement for accepted farms)?

What do you currently produce and/or intend to produce in the coming year that you are not currently producing?

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Annual Fruit/Vegetables Orchard Crops Eggs

o Meat (Poultry, Beef, Pork, Lamb, etc) o Dairy Products o Other: ____________________

Where and how do you sell your product?

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Farmers Markets Grocery Stores CSA/Buying Club Restaurants

o Schools o Farm Stand o Other: ____________________

SUSTAINABILITY GOALS1 Sustainability is an ongoing process and is context specific. We are united by our commitment to improving the soil and caring for the earth and our families with the long-term view in mind. MSAN is largely focused on ecological sustainability; however, to ensure the continued success of any farm its important to include the economic and social aspects of sustainability as well. The farmer should take this opportunity to reflect on and set some goals for improving sustainability on his or her farm. These may be short-term or long-term goals and could be in any of the following areas or others:

Soil: preventing erosion and runoff, building organic matter, cover cropping, reducing compaction Water: use efficiency, rain water capture, run-off prevention, protecting wetlands and waterways Inputs: use efficiency, reducing use, replacing with local products and/or preventative practices Biodiversity: protecting/providing habitat for wildlife, buffering wild areas Supporting biological cycles: habitat for pollinators, beneficial insects Energy: energy efficiency, renewable energy Waste: reduction, reuse, recycling Economic Viability: maintain/improve the bottom line, pay yourself and staff fair wages Engaging the Community: educate the public, increase food access

What do you consider your most sustainable practices or techniques that you would be able to demonstrate to your community and to other farmers? Please be specific.

Adapted from Certified Naturally Grown (www.naturallygrown.org)

What are three goals for improving sustainability of your operation in the short-term and/or long-term. Discuss strategies to achieve these goals. Please be specific.

How could a comprehensive farm plan benefit your farm?

How could a one-month summer intern benefit your farm and what would you have to offer to an intern in terms of educational opportunities? What existing educational outreach work have you already done?

2013 Farm Tours If accepted as a demonstration or transition farm, you will be expected to attend at least two of these scheduled farm tours (not counting your own farm if you are one of those listed below). Transportation is not provided for the Mississippi Farm Tours but will be for the Alabama two-day tours. Lunch is provided for all tours. Please indicate which you plan on attending (your choices are not binding). _____ AM - Native Son Farm (Tupelo, MS) _____ PM - Yokna Bottoms Farm (Oxford, MS) _____ Alabama Farm Tours (TBD)

Sunday, July 14

Saturday, August 10Sunday, August 11 Sunday, September 8

_____ AM - Amorphous Gardens (Canton, MS) _____ MIDDAY - Frances Flowers (Pickens, MS) _____ PM - Two Run Farm (Vaughan, MS) _____ AM - Black Creek Farm (Columbus, MS) _____ MIDDAY- Beaverdam Fresh Farms and High Hope Farm (Cedar Bluff, MS) _____ PM - Bountiful Harvest Farm (Starkville, MS)

Sunday, September 29

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Turn in the complete application before the deadline of July 25 by sending to info.msan@gmail.com or mailing to 185 CR 445 Oxford, MS 38655.

I (we) have completed the above application and would like MSAN to consider my (our) farm for this program. I (we) affirm that the information via the MSAN Demonstration and Transition Farm Application is correct and accurate, and that all information will be kept current, complete, and up to date to reflect all changes. I (we) have read and understand the MSAN standards and our practices adhere to the requirements listed. I (we) understand that MSAN reserves the right to remove us from the program and deny us the use of the MSAN logo and marketing materials for any reason including concerns that we dont adhere to the MSAN standards or have missing or misleading information on this application.

Signature Print Name

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Date: ______________