Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Streamlines Access to Energy Investment Information at USDA

January 19, 2012 | seedstock

News Release – WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a USDA energy website that will provide stakeholders fast and efficient access to USDA energy efficiency and renewable energy data. Today’s announcement builds on the Secretary’s commitment to develop a modern and efficient service organization as outlined in USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service announced last week.

“Improving and modernizing access to USDA energy data and resources is essential in today’s highly competitive rural business environment,” said Vilsack. “Farmers, ranchers and small businesses across the country will benefit from easier navigation and retrieval of energy and renewable energy investments data and funding opportunities.” Read More

agrowculture Launches in New York City

November 7, 2011 | seedstock

Press Release – agrowculture, New York City’s newest food-tech startup, is trying to alter the way people grow, buy and sell their food. While the company has only just launched in alpha, it aims to help neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs develop sustainable, fresh local food networks.

In the advent of New York City Council’s Food Works legislations (Local Laws 50, 51, 52 and 49), agrowculture hopes to increase local food sourcing and stimulate local commerce through online markets and local sales networks. Read More

Slow Money National Gathering in San Francisco Adds One Day Pass

October 6, 2011 | seedstock

SAN FRANCISCO – Press Release – The Slow Money movement, cited by Entrepreneur.com as “one of the top five trends in finance in 2011” is coming to San Francisco October 12- 14; bringing together small food business entrepreneurs, conscious investors, stars from food, finance and the green living worlds, and a diverse constituency who want to know where their food comes from and where their money goes.  By popular demand, one day passes are now available for purchase along with the full 3 day package.

The Third Annual Slow Money National Gathering (www.slowmoney.org/national-gathering/) is part venture fair, part farm to table celebration, part forum on the future of the economy. Read More

USAID, Global Impact Investing Network Join to Create East Africa Agricultural Investment Fund

October 5, 2011 | seedstock

With unprecedented drought resulting in strife, famine and sky high food prices in East Africa, prominent foundation investors have joined with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Impact Investing Network to create a first-of-its-kind private investment fund that will focus exclusively on developing small and medium-sized agricultural businesses in the region.

Global Impact Investing Network members, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Gatsby Foundation, have teamed up with USAID and JP Morgan to create the $25 million African Agriculture Capital Fund (AACF). Read More

Seedstock Digest: Aquaponics and Sustainable Aquaculture Startups Make Waves

August 19, 2011 | seedstock

It’s Aqua August 19th and to help you enjoy your aqua-filled weekend by the beach or the pool, today’s digest focuses on stories about aqua-related startup companies. There’s the one about a sustainable fish farm operation far off … Read More