Funding Support
Farmers Growing Farmers 2008
Funding Options
Farmers Growing Farmers (FGF) is multi-year program offering a variety of services that support new farmers as they establish their farm businesses. The Farm Business Planning course is the foundation of the program and for this pilot run has a discounted cost of $400. To finance program services in addition to the Farm Business Planning course (mentorship, land access, grants) you may be able to access funding through the FGF Placement Gift or the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS). Otherwise services can be paid for out of pocket.
1. FGF Placement Gift
A key component of the FGF program is the administering of a grant from Heifer International through the FGF Placement Gift. This gift is intended for farmers who can demonstrate a high level of financial need. Once accepted to the FGF Farm Business Planning course, those eligible for the Placement Gift will obtain up to 30 hours of one-on-one mentoring by experienced farmers, help in accessing land, and a grant for up to $4000 for capital purchases. This money can be spent on livestock, seeds, compost, equipment, and tools.
To be eligible for the FGF Placement Gift participants must meet the following criteria:
- Commit to starting their own farm business within the next two years;
- Complete the FGF Farm Business Planning course in good standing, including a completed business plan (which will be handed in electronically and presented on March 22nd, after which feedback will be given and revisions can be made for a final submission date of April 5th 2008);
- Agree to “pass on the gift” as indicated by the FGF Placement Gift Application;
- Demonstrate financial need. Priority for receipt of the Placement Gift will be given to individuals whose net personal income, or net household income* for those living with a spouse or common law partner, was below $45,000 in the preceding taxation year. If there are remaining Placement Gifts they will be divided equally among those who feel that they are good candidates for the Gift given the particularities of their financial situation, even if they do not meet the income eligibility guideline outlined. This flexibility reflects our understanding that a measure of last year’s income is often not an adequate indication of wealth. All those applying for the Placement Gift (regardless of income level) are asked to submit an Option C form (which states your income**) for themselves and their spouse/common law partner, as well as a statement explaining their financial situation and why they feel they are a good candidate for the Gift. These documents will only be used anonymously for reporting purposes to Heifer.
* Household income refers to the combined income of the new farmer and their spouse or common law partner.
** If you do not presently have a copy, call Revenue Canada at 1(800)959-8281
2. CASS
If you are not eligible for FGF’s Placement Gift, you may be eligible for funding through the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service (CASS), a government program aimed at providing funds for the training needs of new and existing farmers. This program can provide up to $16,000 to cover training expenses such as courses, workshops, mentorship, books and web-based educational materials. CASS could potentially cover mentoring services available through FGF. For more information, and to apply, check out CASS at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/cass/cassguide.htm
3. Paying Fee for Service
If you are not eligible for either the Placement Gift or CASS funding, program services such as mentoring and land access can be paid for on a per-service fee. These rates have yet to be determined. Mentoring will be available for $25/hr.
*If you have any questions about these different funding options, or about the FGF program in general, please contact us at growingfarmers@everdale.org*