Articles written by John Crabtree


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  • Apply now for value added producer grants

    JOHN CRABTREE, Contributor|Updated May 5, 2016

    U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for $44 million in competitive value-added producer grants to develop value added ventures. In times of low commodity prices, the help available through this program is especially appealing. The grant program gives priority to projects that expand opportunities for small and mid-sized family farms and for beginning, socially disadvantaged, and military veteran farmers and ranchers. Local food marketing projects are eligible as well, particularly for distribution...

  • Federal crop insurance gets failing grade

    JOHN CRABTREE, Contributor|Updated Jul 23, 2015

    At the Center for Rural Affairs, we’ve heard from farmers across the Midwest and Great Plains about the negative impacts of federally subsidized crop insurance for over a decade. A farm safety net is important to help family farmers mitigate risks, but there are real concerns with the current crop insurance program. The best way to begin addressing those concerns is through honest assessment of the crop insurance system. Toward that end, the Center for Rural Affairs recently released a crop insurance report card, entitled ...