The Finding Local Food Funding workshops will help identify government agencies, non-profits, and private lenders who can offer funding and
other resources to local growers. This networking opportunity includes a potluck dinner, and residents are encouraged to bring a dish of something they grow, produce, or enjoy. The workshops will feature representatives from Greenstone Farm Credit Service, Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and many more.  Attendees will learn about loans, grants, business planning, and resources to provide support to new - and existing - farms and other businesses related to agriculture. 

The three workshops will be:
Wednesday, December 10, in the Lake City High School Auditorium, 251 East Russell Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m
Thursday, January 15, 2009 at the Benzie Community Resource Center/Health Dept, 6051 Frankfort Highway, in Beulah
Wednesday, February 18, at the Kalkaska High School Multi-purpose Room, 109 North Birch Street.


Although the workshops are free the USDA is asking that people pre-register. 

For information, call Susan Loney at 800-944-8119, or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.