Ethnic Specialy Crop Workshop

Thursday, March 29th Meeting cancelled due to low registration.  It will be rescheduled for a later Date.

Questions:  Contact Gloucester Soil Conservation District at 856-589-5250

Wes Kline, CC Ag Agent

Grant Funds Available - NJ & PA Farm Marketer Cooperators Sought for Training Grant Application

Grant Funds Available for Farm Merchandising & Customer Service Training - A regional food system consultant is developing a Workforce Development Grant proposal focusing on farm market operations in need of merchandising and customer service training. Farms with full and part-time employees can submit a simple application to request training that will be delivered by farm marketing industry experts on topics such as:

• Food & Farm Merchandising - Display Techniques
• Farm Stand & Market Customer Service Strategies
• Food Safety in Farm Markets
• Effective Communication for Farm Marketers
• Office, Team Building Skills, and other Professional Training

If you are interested in the training, or possibly participating as a cooperator in the grant application process, please contact jonathan@nationalrestaurantconsultants.com or call 585-750-0182. More information is also available at: http://www.simplefarmmarketing.com/farm-grants.html.
--Rick VanVranken

USDA warns of fraudulent letters

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2012--USDA officials learned late Friday afternoon, March 16th, 2012, that fraudulent letters are being sent by FAX to individuals and businesses in at least four states. The letters purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek personal information. These letters are false and in no case should a recipient respond with personal and financial information. The fraudulent letters bear USDA’s logo and seal and are signed by an individual identified as “Frank Rutenberg” using a title of “Senior Procurement Officer”. Letters have been received by FAX in Alabama, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but may have also been sent to other states. USDA is investigating this matter through the Office of the Inspector General.

Do not respond and do not supply the requested information. Please notify your local USDA FSA office if you've received such a letter/fax.
--Rick VanVranken