By Conor Wilson
The Bellingham Neighborhood Meals Co-op has raised a complete of $ 95,206 to twenty native farms in Whatcom and Skagit counties as a part of its Farm Fund program in 2021.
This yr’s donation is the biggest in this system’s 21-year historical past. Because the program started, the Farm Fund has granted grants totaling over $ 500,000 to 98 farms.
The grant was created to help the manufacturing of native farms and promote sustainable agriculture.
“The cooperative has been advocating and dealing with native farmers for years to assist them meet native demand and develop the marketplace for native produce.” Mauri Ingram, CEO of funder The Whatcom Neighborhood Basis, stated in a press launch.
This yr’s recipients embody: Ashmore Acres, Cabrera Farms, Legacy Lamb, Mariposa Farm, Ebb & Move Herb Farm, Monkey Puzzle Farm, Reginos Farm, Winding Street Farm, Silva Household Farm, Steensma Creamery, Tops & Bottoms Farm, Pollen Folly Farm, Twin Sisters Market, Helianthus Acres, Alluvial Farms, Metropolis Sprouts Farm, Spring Farm, Crows Farm, Sunseed Farm and Free Vary Flowers.
The funds can be utilized to buy equipment, gear, plant supplies, animals or extra labor, in line with the cooperative’s web site.
To be eligible, farms should present Whatcom or Skagit counties with native manufacturing, apply environmental safety and have a robust marketing strategy and new market. The cooperative will begin accepting support functions for subsequent yr’s scholarship holders from November.
As well as, the cooperative, in partnership with Industrial Credit score Union, is presently accepting functions for its secured credit score program. Loans can vary from $ 500 to $ 12,000 at 3 % curiosity and can be utilized for farm gear, merchandise, or labor.
See bit.ly/3vb02ch for extra info.
