Southwest Regional Community Economic Development Conference Next Week in Hope

If you're a farmer, rancher, landowner or veteran listen up.According to a press release from the ALCDC:

Arkansas Land & Community Development Corporation requests historically underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, veterans and landowners to attend ALCDC’s Southwest Regional Community Economic Development Conference on July 30 at the University Of Arkansas, 2501 South Main, Hope Arkansas 71801 starting at 10 a.m. The conference will address opportunities for community asset building, affordable housing and provisions for farm financing/rural micro business enterprises.

Elements of food safety and security will also be addressed; farmers markets and approaches to niche markets, organic and specialty crops production and marketing will be explored; business opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers. ALCDC is dedicated to providing services to an underserved population of socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and rural residents. Socially disadvantaged veterans are included in this group.

ALCDC’s activities are geared to assure that applicable United States Department of Agriculture’s services are understood. The conference will address farming as a sustainable and profitable business relying on analysis, technology and comprehensive planning, and complete implementation of the best practices of: Whole Farm Management; Financial Plans; Conservation Plans; Marketing Plans. Risk Management: Market Risk; Production Risk; Financial Risk; Human Risks and Legal Risks are all scheduled for discussion.

Representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, Strike Force and Arkansas Forestry Commission will address programs that are available. The conference is free with lunch being provided at no cost. For additional information please contact Albert Jones, (870) 734-3005.