Jan. 21, 2022: Solid Ground Stipend deadline
The following opportunity is intended for new and beginning farmers with less than 10 years of experience operating their own business. These funds are intended to help new and beginning farmers purchase better tools and make upgrades to their operation instead of relying on low cost/low quality inputs. UConn Extension and its partners are eager to see these funds have a meaningful impact on farm businesses and farmer well-being.
Who is eligible:
- Connecticut farm operators that have been operating their own business for less than 10 years
- Aspiring Connecticut farm business owners that plan to launch their business in 2022 and have more than one season of farming experience on someone else’s farm
- Market gardeners in Connecticut with at least one season of experience selling their products
Stipend Purpose:
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program seeks to make available stipends to new and beginning farmers for the following purposes:
- Purchase of inputs such as seeds, compost, soil amendments, mulch, equipment rental, small equipment purchases, materials for integrated pest management.
- Assistance beyond the types mentioned above that are relevant to pivoting the business due to COVID-19.
To offset producer costs associated with conservation practices, land preparation, land leasing, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Stipend Level:
Stipend requests can be $500 minimum up to $2000 maximum per farm business.
Timeline:
Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on January 21st, 2022
- UConn Extension seeks to announce awards by mid-February and no later than Feb 28, 2022.
- As soon as the recipient is an approved entity for payment, UConn Extension will initiate payment in full to the recipient. This process can take up to 4 weeks.
- Recipients should use their stipend within 12 months of receipt.
Application Submission:
- Applications can be completed by using this online APPLICATION FORM
- If an applicant is facing challenges with this application system and/or requires assistance with the online application, please contact jiff.martin@uconn.edu
Available Funds:
UConn Extension will make $60,000 in total available to new and beginning farmers in Connecticut through this stipend program.
Priorities:
- Supporting the viability of farmers/market gardeners who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color
- Supporting farmers/market gardeners who have had difficulty accessing capital for their business
- Potential of stipend to contribute to conservation of natural resources, climate resilience, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation strategies
- Potential of stipend to increase production and availability of CT Grown products
Ineligible Expenses:
- Land purchase
- Large equipment purchases that cost over $2000
- Payroll for employees
- Compensation for applicant’s labor
- Reimbursement for past expenditures
Source of Funding:
The Solid Ground Farmer Training Program at UConn Extension is funded by USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). Additional funding was made available to BFRDP awardees through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) for the purpose of assisting producers facing COVID–19 impacts to their business. This stipend program is structured as a one-time opportunity to make funds directly available to new and beginning farmers in 2022.