| | Albertan's wanting to attend Grow West, the 2007 North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) convention may be eligible for educational sponsorship from their local Ag Society.
The NAFDMA convention, being held in Calgary in February 2007, is an eligible expense under the leadership and rural development category of the Ag Society operating/program grant. Agricultural societies decide whom they want to sponsor and for what amount.
When applying for these grants, be sure to complete the 'return to community' section. Leverage your application by offering to do post-conference presentations in the community.
Keep in mind that not all ag societies are financially able to cover the up-front costs associated with sponsorship. Reimbursement may take 18 months. Consider approaching the ag society with a cost-share request. This is where the applicant indicates that they would be responsible for some of the costs, and thereby investing in their own success. Many farm direct marketers have accessed these funds in the past.
Information regarding the agricultural society grant can be obtained by calling Cindy Dixon at (780) 427-4311 or Shauna Johnston at (780) 427-4221. These government numbers are toll-free by first dialing 310-0000.
For more information on the conference visit the NAFDMA website at www.nafdma.com, or by calling Kerry Engel with Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development's Farm Direct Marketing Initiative (780) 644-2967.
Contact: Kerry Engel . (780) 644-2967 . Cell: (780) 349-9017 |
|