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The Center |
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Special Programs...
Food SafetyThis page covers food safety issues ranging from safety recalls and safe food handling practices to regulatory guidelines. Local InitiativesCIFT Local Initiatives include the Farm to School Program, Local Food Manufacturers Program, Agritourism and the Farm to Chef Program. NOCKThe Agricultural Incubator Foundation's Northwest Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) is a nonprofit kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses by providing access to a commercially licensed kithchen. Northwest Ohio Green Products CenterThe Northwest Ohio Green Products Center is a collaborative effort among several partnering organizations to provide the resources, technical assistance and business expertise to regional entrepreneurs or established manufacturers who currently produce, or plan to produce, green or biobased products. USDA-ARS Technology Transfer ProgramUSDA-ARS technology transfer provides a means for moving promising technologies discovered through federal and university research into the public arena where they are developed into marketable products. USDA-ARS accomplishes this by forming partnerships with universities and private sector businesses.In the CIFT Spotlight...
CIFT 2007 Report to IndustryA report of CIFT's 2007 programs, projects and activities
Hoop HousesA CIFT hoop house feasibility study that will determine what plants are appropriate to plant and when these plants will generate the greatest economic return.
Vertical Hydroponic Growing SystemsA high density vertical growing system designed for non-traditional production locations. The system enables plants to grow in significantly smaller spaces and in varying ground covers from concrete to parking lots.
Ohio MarketMakerAn interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers.
The Fresh Sheet is back!!!The Farm to Chef Fresh Sheet is back for the 2008 growing season! Check out the locally grown produce available now. Check the Fresh Sheet weekly for updates.
Other Resources...
Current FDA RecallsThe Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over recalls involving food and pet & farm animal feed. This page is a list of the latest FDA food recall notices. Current USDA RecallsThe Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and regulates meat, poultry products and eggs. This page is a list of the latest USDA food recall notices. Privacy PolicyThe CIFT website privacy policy...
CIFT News
USDA Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program
Soaring energy prices are hurting the bottom line for many businesses. Fortunately, there is still time this year for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to cut energy costs and improve profit margins with the help of an energy program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
A successful Farm Bill clean energy program (“Section 9006 program”) offers competitive grants and loan guarantees for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to reduce the cost of making energy efficiency upgrades and purchasing renewable energy equipment. The final deadline for applications is June 16, 2008.
Here’s what the program does:
Offers grants for up to 25% of the cost of making energy efficiency improvements – with a cap of $250,000 maximum grant ($500,000 limit for renewable energy projects).
Offers loan guarantees for 50% of a project’s loan amount, up to $10 million per guarantee.
The Section 9006 program is tailor-made for agricultural industries. Greenhouse growers can invest in high efficiency lighting, glazing improvements, curtain walls, thermal blankets, insulation improvements, irrigation efficiency and high efficiency motors. Additionally, agricultural businesses can incorporate a number of energy efficient methodologies to their operations through assistance provided in this program.
On the renewable energy side, some greenhouses have used the program to add solar heat. Others have installed biomass boilers to displace high and rising fossil fuels costs. Several businesses have also used the program to install solar electric systems.
Learn how you can put these innovative energy programs to work. Contact Ohio’s USDA Energy Coordinator, Randy Monhemius at 614.255.2424 for additional information. You may also view information on this program by clicking USDA Farm Bill, Section 9006: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program. In these uncertain times, cutting energy costs is one of the surest investments around.
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Ken Lee and Dan McGrady Elected to EISC, Inc. Governing Board
Expansion of USDA BioPreferred Program & Program Coordinator Hired to Assist Local Initiatives
Please visit the News Archive for earlier press releases & news.