Blog Category
Food & Agriculture
Connecting with the Farm to Fork Online Group
January 13, 2025
The free forum, Farm to Fork Heartland Facebook Group, is a growing online community connecting local food producers, buyers, and supporters across Missouri, Kansas, and the Heartland region. It serves as a hub for networking, resource sharing, and promoting local food businesses, fostering collaboration within the regional food system.
Farm to Fork Summit 2025
January 6, 2025
Empowering the local farm and food entrepreneurs needed to make local food an easy choice for individuals, schools, grocers, and restaurants is the focus of the 7th annual Farm to Fork Summit taking place on March 7 in Nevada, MO
New USDA Funding Puts Specialty Crop Growers Front and Center
December 17, 2024
Applications close January 8, 2025. Register today for the December 19 webinar on this Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program!
Vital Farms Supports New Growth's Work
December 17, 2024
We're thrilled to announce national egg brand Vital Farms has recently invested $25,000 to support New Growth’s efforts to strengthen local food systems and grow food and farm businesses in rural Missouri. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to sustainable family farming and underscores the importance of initiatives like the upcoming Farm to Fork Summit in March.
High Tunnel Workshop at Millsap Farm
December 2, 2024
From building a high tunnel to touring different structures and learning innovative techniques from experts like Curtis Millsap and Jason Hirtz, the day was packed with practical knowledge, inspiring conversations, and a sense of true community.
Strong First Round for Business Builder
November 12, 2024
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center received an incredible 479 applications for the first round of our Business Builder grant, aimed at helping small and midsize food and farm businesses expand and thrive. This strong response highlights the demand for resources that support local food entrepreneurs across our five-state region!
Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Video Series
October 24, 2024
Discover how local farmers are adapting to climate change with sustainable practices that are building resilience and protecting the future of our food systems!
Business Dream Takes Flight with a New Growth Microloan
October 14, 2024
After encountering a financial hurdle, a $10,000 microloan from New Growth gave Levi from Amsterdam, Missouri, the boost he needed to purchase the equipment to start his drone business and succeed!
News Release: First Round of Business Builder Grants Now Open!
August 15, 2024
USDA and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center Make Available Over $3.7 Million to Farm and Food Businesses in First Round of Business Builder Grants. El USDA y el Heartland Regional Food Business Center ponen a disposición de las empresas agrícolas y alimentarias más de 3,7 millones de dólares en la primera ronda de subvenciones para la creación de empresas
Unlocking Success in Rural Communities: The Role of Technical Assistance
August 15, 2024
What is Technical Assistance? At New Growth, we believe that thriving local businesses are the cornerstone of strong communities. Whether you’re a farm-based entrepreneur or running a non-farm business, having the right support at the right time can make all the difference in your journey to success.
NPR Article features Heartland Regional Food Business Center
July 15, 2024
We're excited to share that the Heartland Regional Food Business Center has been featured in an article by KCUR NPR in Kansas City! New Growth is a co-director along with University of Nebraska Lincoln for the Heartland Center.
New Growth's Food Systems Director Visits China
July 8, 2024
Eisenhower Fellowship takes New Growth leader abroad to tour and learn innovative things China is doing to ensure a vibrant food system