December’s membership meeting was a continuation of our “Farm Number” discussion from our November membership meeting. Luke Shoffner and Addison Davidson with the Knox County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office hosted the Alliance.
Alliance members were educated on benefits of erosion control, soil health and cost share programs offered by NRCS. Cost share programs are now available for high tunnels, raised beds, low tunnels, irrigation pipeline, micro irrigation and cover cropping.
A recap of ‘how to’ establish a farm record number was discussed with the group in addition to a farm operating plan. Luke informed members that there are beginning farmer rates for BIPOC, socially disadvantaged, veterans and urban farm applicants. Farmers Friend was a suggested resource to use for purchasing high tunnels. The Knox County USDA/NRCS office is located at 4730 New Harvest Lane, Knoxville, TN 37918.
