WALPOLE, N.H. — The Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund program, in partnership with the Cheshire County Conservation District, is now accepting applications from local farmers. Currently, in its ninth year, the Farm Fund has awarded over $193,000 in grants to 25 local farms.
The Farm Fund helps local farms develop their production for wholesale markets, including selling to the Monadnock Food Co-op and Food Connects. Funding supports a range of projects, including the purchase of equipment and infrastructure, farmland conservation, packaging and labeling design needs and technical assistance.
This year, the Farm Fund will award up to $32,000 to help farms in Cheshire County and abutting New Hampshire towns to develop or expand their production for wholesale markets, including selling to the Monadnock Food Co-op and Food Connects. Farmers may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000.
Interested farmers are invited to an online information session on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. The information session is an opportunity for interested applicants to get their questions answered and to discuss their project proposals. Registration is required.
A Request for Proposals and an application are available at cheshireconservation.org/farm-fund.
Applications are due Feb. 1, 2025.
“The Farm Fund empowers local farmers to grow their businesses to help them become more financially sustainable,” said Michael Faber, Monadnock Food Co-op general manager. “It also helps the co-op broaden its offerings of locally grown, raised, and made foods — that means more local food for you, your family, and our community.”
Tax-deductible donations to this fund can be made to the Cheshire County Conservation District, at cheshireconservation.org/donate.
The Monadnock Food Co-op Farm Fund’s mission is to support local farmers in increasing sustainable food production and wholesale sales to contribute to a thriving local farm economy. This grant supports several of the co-op’s goals, including building a healthy, sustainable food system, supporting local farmers and producers, and contributing to a strong, sustainable, and improving local economy.
For more information on eligibility, to apply for a grant, or donate to the fund, please call Amanda Littleton at the Conservation District at 603 756-2988, ext. 4.
