Cultivating Change is a local farm grant program created by Greener Fields Together as a way to give back to the local farmers who play a crucial role in PRO*ACT’s fresh produce supply chain. Funded by donations from PRO*ACT’s distributor network, Cultivating Change is committed to supporting local farms to improve their ability to grow, market, and distribute safe and sustainable produce.
Max Yeater, PRO*ACT President and CEO, comments, “We are proud to give back to farms that make such a large contribution to their local community. The Cultivating Change grants give these local farmers an opportunity to fund projects that will allow them to invest in their current and future operations. Through these improvements they are paving a way for the next generation of farmers.”
In the program’s second year, 16 local farms across the nation were selected to receive grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for a total of $90,000. Winners were decided both by a popular vote and a panel of industry professionals including Rick Bayless, Dana Cowin, José Andrés and other engaged stakeholders.
The winners are as follows:
Bella Verdi Farms – Rainwater Collection System Expansion – $10,000
Fable: From Farm to Table – Cold Storage and Packing Rooms – $10,000
R. Potano Produce – Greenhouse/Hydroponic System – $10,000
Working Landscapes – Bringing Chopped Greens from Farm to School – $10,000
Daniels Produce – USDA Kitchen for Processed Local Foods – $5,000
MicroFarms – Expansion Project – $5,000
Barberry Hill Farms – Walk-In Refrigerator Installation – $5,000
J&C Farms & Groves – Large Seed Bank Project – $5,000
Jaemor Farms – Homegrown Produce Box – $5,000
Poche Family Farm – Sustainable Produce Containers – $5,000
Cul2vate – Greenhouse Installation – $5,000
Dawson's Orchards – Transition to Plastic Bins – $3,000
Fullei Fresh – Cleanliness Verification – $3,000
M&M Farms – Tractor Upgrade – $3,000
Coveyou Scenic Farm – Organic Produce Geothermal Walk in Cooler/Greens Processing – $3,000
Swain Farms – Reefer Truck Purchase – $3,000
Cultivating Change will continue to fund grants on an annual basis to qualified growers. Applications for the next round of awards will be accepted between September 1 and October 31, 2017. Complete application guidelines, as well as profiles of all 2016 grant winners are available online at GreenerFieldsTogether.org
Source: PRO*ACT, LLC
