INDIANA – Amidst growing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, the Healing Soils Foundation (HSF) has announced the launch of the Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF), a critical initiative designed to provide immediate financial relief to organic and regenerative farmers in the Midwest. This move comes as many farmers face significant financial strain due to delays and freezes in federal reimbursement programs.
Farmers who rely on these public funds for essential conservation practices, soil health improvements, and infrastructure development are now facing serious economic challenges. The RFAF aims to bridge this gap, offering a lifeline to farmers who are experiencing delays in programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSI).
How the Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund Works:
The RFAF operates as a recoupable emergency grant program. Eligible farmers can apply for funds to cover immediate expenses while awaiting delayed public reimbursements.
- Emergency Grants: Farmers facing reimbursement delays can apply for grants up to $50,000, with those needing larger infrastructure grants encouraged to reapply as needed.
- Recoupable Funding: If farmers receive delayed public reimbursement, they repay the grant, allowing HSF to replenish the fund and support other farmers.
- Non-Recoupable Aid: If no reimbursement is received, the grant converts to non-recoupable aid, ensuring farmers are not burdened with additional debt.
- Rolling Applications: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funds are distributed based on financial need, urgency, and the farm’s environmental and community impact.
Eligibility Criteria:
The RFAF is open to organic and regenerative farmers in the following Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Eligible applicants must:
- Be experiencing delays in public funding reimbursements.
- Have executed contracts for programs like EQIP, CSP, and RFSI but have not yet received expected payments.
- Demonstrate immediate financial needs due to these delays.
Impact and Sustainability:
The RFAF is designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term sustainability. By offering a revolving fund, HSF aims to:
- Ensure that farmers remain financially secure during periods of funding uncertainty.
- Protect ongoing regenerative agriculture projects and soil health initiatives.
- Create a sustainable funding mechanism to support multiple farmers as reimbursements are repaid.
The Healing Soils Foundation’s initiative is a significant step towards stabilizing the regenerative farming movement in the Midwest. It ensures that farmers can continue their critical work despite the current funding challenges.
To apply click here.
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