Farm Credit East Accepting Applications to Support Northeast Farmers Markets

Farm Credit East is now accepting applications for its Farmers Market Grant program. This annual program provides small grants to Northeast farmers markets to support their promotion and development efforts. Interested farmers markets may apply through May 15.

The more than 1,600 farmers markets across the region provide Northeast producers an important channel to market and sell their products as well as connect with consumers in both rural and urban communities. Many farmers markets are located in urban centers providing underserved communities access to fresh food.

The grant funding is intended to assist these markets in their efforts to support participating farmers, complete market enhancements, conduct marketing efforts, and/or host programs that support disadvantaged communities or improve access to fresh, local food.

Any farmers market located within Farm Credit East’s eight state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, is eligible to apply. Grants will be offered up to $500. Special consideration will be given to first-time applicants and markets supporting underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food.

Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis. The deadline to submit an application is 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/FarmersMarket to learn more or to apply.

Farm Credit East is a member-owned cooperative serving businesses involved in agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing throughout its eight-state territory of New York, New Jersey and New England. In addition to loans and leases, the organization also offers a full range of specialized financial services, such as tax preparation, payroll, record keeping, appraisal and consulting for farming, forest products and commercial fishing businesses. Farm Credit East is governed by a 15-person board of directors, comprised of 13 customer-elected, one customer appointed and one outside appointed director. For more information, visit FarmCreditEast.com.