The Ohio State University Center for Farmland Policy Innovation is soliciting proposal for our 2011 Community-Based Agricultural Economic Development (CBAED) planning grants.  For more information, please visit http://cffpi.osu.edu/program11.htm
 
CBAED is an integrated local effort to capitalize on intrinsic resources to retain and grow the benefits of food and agriculture, and advance sustainable farming.  Its successful implementation should yield economic, social, and environmental benefits for communities and community members.  In addition to focusing on producers, community-based agricultural economic development recognizes the full spectrum of the food and agricultural network, from the producers, to processors, to distributor, to retailers, to consumers, to the community within which these activities and relationships take place.
 
Specifically, funds will be allocated to community-based agricultural economic development planning projects.  Relatively few Ohio communities have ascertained community priorities and interest in the food and agricultural economic sector through a formal planning process, and integrated these priorities into their plans for future development.  As such, funds will be awarded to entities that propose a process to incorporate agricultural economic interests in their jurisdiction or area of operation.
 
Applicants must be either an Ohio local or regional governing body, agency, or commission, or a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on farmland protection and/or local economic development.  An anticipated total of $35,000 is available for grant awards and will be allocated amongst 4-7 awardees.  Applications are due August 1, 2011 at 5:00 PM.
 
Jill Clark, PhD
Director, Center for Farmland Policy Innovation
Dept. of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics
The Ohio State University Agricultural Administration Bldg.,
337 2120 Fyffe Rd.
Columbus, OH  43210
clark.1099@osu.edu
http://cffpi.osu.edu
614.247.6479 (p)
614.292.4749 (f)