This week we’re sharing a grant opportunity for beginning farmers in Southeastern U.S. states, along with a job posting, and a Canadian farmer survey. We also wanted to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing, hard-working and inspiring moms and mother figures out there—especially to all of those who are farming. We appreciate you and thank you for all that you do.

Grant Opportunity: RAFI Beginning Farmer Stipend

Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is accepting applications for the 2024 Beginning Farmers Stipend. Stipends support the success of Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers by helping to reduce financial barriers. Stipends may be used to cover farming start-up and/or production costs. Individual applicants may request between $3,000 – $5,000 in funding. The application deadline is Friday, May 31, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

For Canadian Farmers: AgriStability Survey

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are inviting farmers in Canada to participate in a survey on their experience with the AgriStability program. AgriStability is a Business Risk Management program that protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. Deadline to respond is May 31, 2024.

Now Hiring: RAFI’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider

RAFI is seeking a Climate-Smart Agriculture Technical Assistance Provider who will support farmers in the planning and incorporation of climate-smart practices and regenerative plan writing for the Certified Regenerative by AGW program through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant project. Interested individuals can learn more and apply online. Please share widely!

Featured Merchandise for Certified Farms: AWA Shelf Talkers

Want to make your product stand out on the shelf? Let this eye-catching, compact signage do the talking for you. Made with sturdy paper and EZ-peel adhesive on the back, they can be laminated for even greater longevity. Available for purchase at $5/5-pack on the AGW website.

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Did you know that we’re on LinkedIn—and are regularly sharing posts about AGW-certified producers and news from the program? Be sure to connect with us! 

AGW in the News

• WNEP features The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown, PA in “Visit Luzerne County launches Ice Cream Trail” and Citizen’s Voice features in the farm an article about the Ice Cream Trail’s web app.

• Lynden Tribune features Alluvial Farms in Everson, WA in “Nooksack Valley School Board approves new science curriculum.”

• The Williams Lake Tribune features Michelle Schaeffer of Whiskey Creek Ranch in Montney, BC and Tristan Banwell of Spray Creek Ranch in Lillooet, BC in “Some support, advice, for meat producers in Cariboo country”.

You can help us reach more farmers by sharing our weekly farmer updates. Just pass this linkalong and thanks for helping us get the word out about farmer resources and AGW-certified businesses.