Monday, July 18, 2011
News Small Farms: Time to Apply for Mini Grants
Posted by Nicki Wood on Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Organizers of Field of Greens, established in May 2010 in response to the floods, hope to make it a permanent source of funding for local farmers and producers to grow and expand their farming operations and businesses. Field of Greens is now accepting applications for grants of up to $1,000 that will be given out Sept. 15.
If you know a farmer, please pass the information along.
Consideration is given to farmers facing economic hardship, in addition to those looking for capital to expand business or farming operations. Farming operations should be within the Middle Tennessee foodshed (which also includes northern Alabama, southern Kentucky) and should practice organic and/or sustainable methods.
Here are links for grant applications and guidelines. For more information, visit the Community Food Advocates website or email info@fieldofgreensfund.org. Make a donation here.
Grants are awarded twice a year, and the next grant application period is Dec. 1 to Feb. 1, with the grant awarded March 1, 2012.
Here's a little more info on Field of Greens from the group itself:
Founded in June 2010 by a committee of food retailers, farmers, businesses, agencies, and individual food advocates, the initial goal of the Fund was to provide immediate disaster relief assistance to farmers who support the Middle Tennessee foodshed. Through the first quarter of 2011, the Fund dispersed more than $8,500 in mini-grants to farmers and producers who suffered damages in the May 2010 flood and early 2011 tornadoes. A generous donation from Whole Foods Market and FarmAid provided the seed money for the Fund, and ongoing support is provided by donations from individuals and corporations.
