A new program is seeking to help Wisconsin s grain farmers build more environmentally and economically resilient operations. The Midwest Grains Resource and Immersive Training (GRIT) program aims to bolster the Midwest s grainshed by increasing the number and diversity of small- and-mid sized farms across the region growing food-grade grains. Christine Johnson, Midwest GRIT program manager at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, which oversees the program, said strengthening farmers resiliency benefits local consumers down the supply chain. .
Thousands of coal miners and their families are uncertain about the future of the federal Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. At the end of last year, the fund s revenue source, an excise tax on domestically produced and sold coal, was slashed by more than half, and experts say the fund is on track to run out of money. Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to extend the excise tax at its original rate through 2031. .
CORRECTION: A description of this land has been changed to "land trust agreement," rather than "leased farmland." (1:19 p.m. PST, Feb 22, 2022) A 99-year land trust agreement on Whidbey Island is part of a move to help historically underserved communities in Washington state toward food independence. Adasha Turner founded of Modest Family Solutions as a way to grown her own food after medical complications during pregnancy prompted her to change her diet. .
A 99-year lease of farmland on Whidbey Island is part of a move to help historically underserved communities in Washington state toward food independence. Adasha Turner founded of Modest Family Solutions as a way to grown her own food after medical complications during pregnancy prompted her to change her diet. Turner then decided to purchase a farm in 2019 and teach kids how to grow their own vegetables and fruits. .
Ohio is the sixth-largest state with beginning farmers, and new funding is available to help those just entering the business to survive the challenges spurred by the pandemic. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association s Beginning Farmer Program is taking applications for Pandemic Relief Microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Program coordinator Robin Hackett explained the unpredictability and supply chain disruptions of the past two years have been especially tough for early career farmers who are more vulnerable to disruptions. .