Farming
Women farmers are a rarity. Today, there are a handful of women farmers in the organic industry. But, the field is growing and more women are starting and expanding organic farms. The number of available grants, to assist individuals and companies in creating a more sustainable future, also has increased .
A grant is a monetary award given to a person or organization for assistance on a specific need. Organic farm grants are given for education, research, location expansion and new business start-up. Unlike a loan, grants are not required to be paid back. Farming grants come from different sources, so it is important to study the requirements set by the grant agency when applying.
Vermont Farm Women's Fund
The Vermont Farm Women's Fund (VFWF) is affiliated with the University of Vermont. The fund is designed to help women farmers improve their business or become more involved in agriculture policy development. VFWF provides stipends and scholarships. The first priority is for women farmers who currently operate farms in Vermont and make a majority of their income from farm-related activities. Awards are capped at $750 per request. You may request a lower amount if needed.
The fund offers two types of awards. The Farm Business Development Fund is awarded for education and travel-related expenses to improve some aspect of the farm. Seventy-five percent of the grant can be used for registration expenses, travel or lodging to attend a conference, workshop or class. The other 25 percent can be used to hire replacement help when attending a professional class.
The Leadership Development Fund assists women farmers in becoming leaders in agricultural policy development. The award can be used to help defray the cost of tuition for leadership training, travel expenses and other related costs. The grant also can be used to hire replacement help when attending leadership training.
Vermont Farm Women's Fund
617 Comstock Road, Suite 5
Berlin, VT 05602
802-223-2389
www.uvm.edu
Redbird Farmers Project
The Redbird Farmers Project is a community organization dedicated to helping its members become more self-sufficient through agricultural practices. The project is an outgrowth from a women's group that met in Clay County, Kentucky. Any woman can join the group.
It offers four types of programs for women farmers. The first is loans for livestock purchase and farm preparation. The loans are interest free and can be paid back by "passing on the gift." That means if you receive funding to attend an educational conference, you "pass on the gift" by paying for another member to attend a conference or class. The second program is a lending library offering a wide variety of books and DVD movies on farming and preparation. The third program offers use of shared equipment among members, This program is great for women farmers who are unable to afford certain types of farm equipment. They can share a poultry plucker, rear tine garden tiller or even stainless steel processing tables. A list of equipment is found on the website.
The last program includes attending educational events and workshops to assist women farmers in all aspects of the industry. Some events are free or charge a small fee to attend. Workshops are held throughout the year all around the United States. Check the website for future dates and locations.
Redbird Farmers Project
70 Queendale Center
Beverly, KY 40913
606-847-4868
www.rbfarmer.com
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that offers grants to conventional men and women farmers, wanting to make the transition to organic farming. The agency supports farmers already functioning in an organic capacity. However, they do not provide grants for organic farm start-ups.
The grant supports research, education and extension activities related to organic farming within the United States. Grants are offered to for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Because, there are a number of grants for women, minorities, and small farmers who operate organic farms, you must register with the government grant division to view grant opportunities.
United States Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 2201
Washington, DC 20250-2201
202-720-4423
www.csrees.usda.gov
Tags: women farmers, United States, Farm Women, Farm Women Fund, Farmers Project, Food Agriculture