In this blog we summarize the currently or soon-to-be available resources and programs for farmers and those engaged in local food marketplaces and agricultural communities. As Congress continues to work on major spending bills for climate change and infrastructure, there may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure large amounts of funding to support resilient food and farming systems and to tackle the climate crisis.
Lisa Misch
36 posts
An updated summary of some of the currently available opportunities for farmers seeking pandemic relief. Some of the programs listed below also apply to farmers markets, food hubs, and other food system intermediaries.
Last Updated 4/23/2020: RAFI-USA staff continue our current work on issues affecting farmers and rural communities. As the impacts of the coronavirus continue to unfold, we are evaluating what other work may be needed to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. This post will be updated as we have new information.
Over the month of March, RAFI-USA held a virtual farmer fly-in with seven farmers across the Southeast. Together we met with six congressional offices. Learn more about the needs the farmers shared with our congressional leaders.
RAFI-USA seeks a talented individual to provide high-level technical assistance and program coordination for North Carolina farmers markets and participating farmer vendors.
Farmers! RAFI-USA is distributing emergency relief grants. Farmers may apply for one of two types of grants: household expenses or farm-related expenses. Learn more.
Farmers! The USDA has extended the CFAP application deadline to February 26 to allow newly eligible farmers to apply. There is also the opportunity for farmers to amend previous CFAP applications.
SNAP participants deserve the same access to COVID-safe shopping options as all consumers. This proposed legislation would remove a significant barrier and allow smaller retailers to offer online shopping to SNAP customers – not just Walmart and Amazon. Please contact your elected representatives today.
RAFI-USA seeks a talented individual to significantly increase the ability of NC farmers markets to serve low-wealth communities and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of providing SNAP and WIC nutrition incentives.