Farm Fund Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
Farm Fund grants are designed to support innovative projects that strengthen local, sustainable agriculture and our local food system. The deadline for grant applications is January 24, 2013. Information, application forms, and contact information are included in the Farm Fund Grant Application.
Loan Applications Now Being Accepted
Applications are now being accepted for the Farm Fund Loan program. Started in 2010, this revolving loan fund is designed for local farms committed to using sustainable practices. Detailed information about the program, applications forms, and contact information are included in the Farm Fund Loan application.
Farm Fund
The Farm Fund works to increase the supply of local, sustainable, and organic food by supporting and establishing projects that benefit the local farming community. The Fund also works to educate consumers, increase access to local food and to encourage ecological and socially responsible stewardship of our farmland.
Since 2000 the Co-op has dedicated a portion of its annual donation budget to the Farm Fund. Co-op owners have played a critical role by steadily donating to the Farm Fund at the registers. In 2010 the Sustainable Whatcom Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation matched Co-op and shopper donations with a $12,000 grant which was used to establish a low-interest, revolving loan fund for local farmers. Recently the Sustainable Whatcom Fund awarded a second grant of $10,000 to increase the loan fund’s ability to help farms with the challenge of covering spring start up costs. See the History of the Farm Fund for details on its successful completed projects.
For more information about the program, see the Farm Fund Brochure or contact Farm Fund Administrator Jean Rogers.