Plain Language Guides

With funding from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and the USDA Risk Management Agency, the Northeast Network of Immigrant Farming Projects developed a series of documents which are geared towards low-literacy populations. These guides provide clear, simple, and more accessible text for readers, to help reduce misunderstandings, errors, enquiries, and overall lack of comprehension. Plain language emphasizes cultural relevance; i.e., reaching culturally diverse audiences with appropriate messages and materials.

The guides are as follows:

Plain Language Guide to Starting a Value Added Food Business

Are you looking for easy-to-follow directions regarding how to make money through processing your produce? This Value Added Processing Guide is written in Plain Language, and will help you with:

- Steps to Starting a Value Added Food Business
- Writing a Plan to Start Your Business
- Getting Money for Your Business
- Registering Your Business
- Food Safety Concerns
- Food Business License
- Business Legal Structure
- Getting Business Insurance
- Finding a Kitchen
- Making Food at Home
- Making Pickled Foods
- Selling Value Added Food at Farmers Market

Plain Language Guide to USDA's NASS End of Season Fruit and Vegetable Inquiry

Would you like clear directions regarding how to complete your NASS End-of-Season Fruit and Vegetable Survey? This Fruit and Vegetable Survey Guide, written in Plain Language, can help you with understanding why and how to fill out the survey.

Plain Language Guide to Harvesting Your Crops

Would you like to learn about when to harvest, how to handle your crops after harvesting, and how to prepare your produce for market? This Guide to Harvesting Your Crops, written in Plain Language, will help you with harvesting and handling:

- Onion Crops
- Cruciferous Vegetables
- Roots and Tubers
- Beans and Peas
- Herbs
- Pumpkin Squash Blossoms
- Pumpkins and Winter Squash

Plain Language Guide to Managing Risks on the Small Farm

Are you a new or experienced farmer, interested in better understanding how to manage the risks of your operation? This guide to Managing Risks on the Small Farm Guide, written in Plain Language, will help you with understanding how risk affects you in the following areas:

- Production Risk
- Marketing Risk
- Worker Risk
- Legal Risk
- Financial Risk

Plain Language Guide to Applying for a Farm Service Agency Loan

Are you interested in applying for a Farms Service Agency Loan? This FSA Loan Guide, written in Plain Language, will help you with:

- Understanding the Types of Loans Available
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Apply for Loans
- Preparing Your Application
- Resources and Contact Information
- Definition of Common Terms

Plain Language Guide to Selling at a Farmers Market
Are you interested in learning how to sell your produce at a Farmer’s Market? This guide, written in Plain Language, will help you with:

• choosing a market
• Applying to a market
• Designing your market stand
• Setting your Prices
• Making Sales