Fund To Continue Supporting Local Organic/Sustainable Farmers
The Field of Greens Fund, a program of local nonprofit Community Food Advocates, announced this week that it will award grants of up to $1,000 on a semiannual basis to local farmers who face economic hardship or are looking to grow or develop their operations. Farmers and producers employing organic and/or sustainable practices within the Middle Tennessee foodshed are eligible.
Applications for fall 2011 funding are now being accepted through August 1, and grants will be awarded by September 15. Spring 2012 applications will be accepted from December 1 through February 1, 2012, and grants will be awarded by March 1, 2012. In the event of damage from a natural disaster affecting one or more qualified farmers, the Fund may provide additional rounds of funding. Grant applications and guidelines are available at www.communityfoodadvocates.org/blog/field-of-greens-fund-applications or by e-mailing info@fieldofgreensfund.org.
The Fund is now an established permanent funding source for local farmers to strengthen and expand their sustainable farms. Community Food Advocates serves as fiscal agent for the Fund. Representatives from the founding committee will review applications for funding twice each year and at any time disaster relief assistance is needed.
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. Donations may be sent via check to:
Field of Greens Fund c / o Friends of the Nashville Farmers’ Market
P.O. Box 68316
Nashville, TN 376206
For more information, visit www.communityfoodadvocates.org or e-mail info@fieldofgreensfund.org.
