$100,000 donated to help local farmers' markets
A Vermont foundation that wishes to remain anonymous has given $100,000 in grant money to Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA), according to NOFA.
The money, which NOFA will distribute as mini-grants up to $5,000, is to support Vermont famers’ markets. It is the first such grant to support farmers’ markets that the nonprofit farming organization has received.
The 2009 Vermont Farmers’ Markets grants can be used to help create new markets or for "expansion projects" at existing markets, according to NOFA. There are 64 farmers’ markets in Vermont, and 11 winter markets.
The deadline for grant applications is March 1. For information, go to: www.nofavt.org/market-organic-food/farmers-markets/2009-mini-grants. The grants will be awarded by March 15.
Free Press Staff Report • February 4, 2009