Purdue economic impact study proves Indiana Grown delivers value

Indiana Grown worked with the Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics to determine the economic impact and growth of the Indiana Grown program through a collaborative, science-driven approach. The study showed that every dollar spent via Indiana Grown activities resulted in $0.97 in additional economic activity within Indiana. Consumer survey results showed that over 33% of Hoosier's have awareness and perceptions of the Indiana Grown program and label. For Indiana Grown members, the survey found that the value of the program to their business is equivalent to approximately $13,600.

Click below to read more about the study.

David Coates promoted to ISDA Economic Development Director

ISDA has promoted David Coates as the new director of the economic development division, he was previously the agribusiness engagement director for the department. Coates is a graduate of Wheeling University in Wheeling, West Virginia with a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. He has an extensive background in healthcare, workforce development and entrepreneurship through experience in sales, management and marketing. As the director of economic development for the department, Coates will be responsible for managing staff and overseeing economic focus areas, such as, agritourism, biofuels, hardwoods, the Indiana Grown program, international trade and livestock. He will manage a variety of projects and will encourage agribusiness expansion, attraction and retention for the state.

Click below to read more.

Indiana Small Farms Conference

Registration is now open for the 2023 Indiana Small Farm Conference, the premier annual event for the state?s farming community. The 11th annual conference and trade show will take place March 2 and 3 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville. One of the featured keynote speakers is Hunter Smith, former Indianapolis Colts punter and co-owner of?Wonder Tree Regenerative Farm?in Zionsville, Indiana. Since 2013 the conference has featured comprehensive, instructive and enjoyable programming about diversified farming and local food systems and bringing together novice and experienced small-scale farmers.?

Click below to learn more and register.

2022 Census of Agriculture deadline: Feb. 6

Ensure you are counted! The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.

The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America?s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their opportunity.

Click below to learn more about the?2022 Census of Agriculture and ensure you are counted.

Jan. 12: Purdue economic impact study proves Indiana Grown delivers value
Find the full release?here

Jan. 31: New leader for state's agriculture economic development division
Find the full release?here

Trade Mission Opportunities

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is facilitating five trade missions in 2023. Companies that participate in agricultural trade missions have the opportunity to hear from in-country representatives and industry professionals on the current trade environment, meet potential buyers during business-to-business meetings and build a network that can support the shipment, distribution and placement of Indiana products in those markets.

Find the FAS 2023 trade mission schedule here. Contact ISDA International Trade Director Drew Sherman for more information about eligibility and if your company would be a good fit.?

Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP)

The Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP) is a 12-week, no-cost, annual program offering Hoosier small businesses professional export guidance and leading research resources to create an executable, proactive Export Business Plan. This program is available to both new and existing exporters. Businesses will leave the program with a strategic approach on where to best position their product in the world marketplace to grow international sales and an executable plan to make it happen.?EIAP is accepting applications until March 17, 2023.

Find more information here.

Grant funds available soon for specialty crop industry

ISDA will begin accepting project proposals from Indiana?s specialty crop sector for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program beginning Feb. 15, 2023.

Eligible projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Indiana, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. ISDA and USDA Ag Marketing Service encourages applications that benefit smaller farms, new and beginning farmers, underserved producers, veteran producers and/or underserved communities.

Find more information here.?

FEDERAL FUNDING:

USDA Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program
Find more information?here

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
Find more information?here

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II
Find more information here

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (PSCSC) Program
Find more information?here

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Small Business Funding Portal
Find more information here

STATE FUNDING:

Indiana State Trade and Export Promotion (IN-STEP)
Find more information here

Manufacturing Readiness Grant
Find more information here

GENERAL FUNDING:

Food Export Midwest?
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Agribusiness Engagement Director |?Kokomo, IN
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Governor's Summer Intern - ISDA Grain Buyers |?Indianapolis, IN
Find more information here

Food Export Intern?|?Indianapolis, IN
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Feb. 23, 2023 | Healthy Lives, Healthy Minds Workshop - Tell City
Find more information and RSVP?here

Feb. 18-25, 2023 | National FFA Week
Find more information?here

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