Farm Fund
The Community Food Co-op’s Farm Fund works to increase the supply of local, sustainable, and organic food by supporting projects that strengthen the local farming community. Since 2000, the Co-op has dedicated a portion of its annual donation budget to the Farm Fund.
The Co-op Farm Fund has provided over $640,000 to 113 local food and farming projects through grants, loans, scholarships, and emergency funds.
Be a Farm Funder!
Co-op members have played a critical role to the success of the Farm Fund by donating at the registers and online. Additional support for the Farm Fund is provided by the Sustainable Whatcom Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation and the Industrial Credit Union.
You can help support and strengthen our local farming community. It’s easy!
Learn more about the Farm Fund’s history of success and help us grow the Farm Fund for even more local, organic, and sustainable food!
Farm Fund Recipients
Get to know a few of our Farm Fund recipients over the years including, but not limited to, Viva Farms, Ebb & Flow Herb Farm, and Brittle Barn Farms.
Apply for a Farm Fund Grant or Loan
Low-Interest Secured Loans
The Secured Loan program is currently accepting applications.
The Co-op Farm Fund secures low-interest loans at 3% for sustainable farm improvement projects in partnership with the Industrial Credit Union.
Details about the program and contact information are included in the applications.
Both Co-op Farm Fund Secured Loan and Industrial Credit Union Loan applications are required.
Co-op Farm Fund Grants
The Farm Fund Advisory Committee decided to pause funding in 2023 to take time to revise the program to identify how the funds can have the greatest benefit to the farming community. Information for the next Farm Fund and Next Step grant cycle will be posted in the fall of 2023.
The Farm Fund Committee is encouraging farmers to apply for a low-interest Farm Fund Secured Loan. Limited funds are also available for emergency response needs.
Farm Fund Grant
The Farm Fund Grant application period is closed. Please check again in the fall 2023 for information about the next application period.
The Farm Fund Grant program distributes a limited number of grants of up to approximately $2,000 for projects that address immediate and critical farm needs, flood recovery, and market expansion. Priority consideration is given to farmers who face systemic barriers.
Next Step Grant
The Next Step Grant application period is closed. Please check again in the fall 2023 for information about the next application period.
The Next Step Grant program is designed to support local farmers who want to expand their business to supply wholesale markets and includes funds for flood recovery. Next Step accepts proposals for grants of $1,250 to $5,000.
The Farm Fund is guided by a volunteer advisory committee of local farmers, food and farming advocacy groups, and Co-op members:
- Erik Olsen – Owner, Well Fed Farm
- Jade Vantreese – Communications Manager, Non-GMO Project
- Laura Ridenour – Consultant & Small Farm Direct Marketing Specialist
- Margaret Gerard – Farm Manager, Sunseed Farm; Community Food Co-op Board director
For more information, contact Farm Fund Administrator Annabelle Rosborough at [email protected] or 360.734.8158 x 317.
Our Community Partners
Thanks to these organizations for supporting the Farm Fund:
