FARM FUND
Back Young Growers. Build Climate Resilience
Farm Fund is our global force dedicated to raising capital for the next generation of growers. We put our weight behind the farming projects and communities whose methods offer valuable alternatives to the intensive farming systems that are depleting our ecosystems and human health. Together, we can lift up the future guardians of our planet.
WHO CAN APPLY
Our 2024 Farm Fund grants are open to farmers who are 35 or under in the USA, UK and Europe who are committed to agroecological cultivation methods. Reviewing each farm on a case-by-case basis, we ask applicants to demonstrate how their project reinforces soil health, cultural preservation, biodiversity, access to land, accessible scale and education.
As part of our commitment to building a more inclusive farming community, a third of each year’s funds are reserved for young people previously held back by social, racial or economic barriers.
We will match — and our investors will give a 2:1 match — on all funds raised to meet this target.
If you're 35 or under and this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
HOW IT WORKS
Young farmers who are 35 or under can apply for a grant for up to $12,500.
Once applications close on February 2nd, our jury of food system experts will come together to decide on which applications represent the most resilient, impactful use of the Farm Fund capital.
You may be contacted during the review period for an interview or farm visit from one of our team. Once the review process is finalized, funds will be transferred to the successful applicants in early May 2024.
Any applications received after the deadline date will be considered for the 2025 grant season.
Chermayne picking spinach | Tanah Farm, Buckinghamshire, UK
“If we want more people to go into farming, and want more people to farm sustainably, financial support is key in helping new entrants as the upfront cost of starting a farm is high. It needs to work financially for farmers, or else we’re just sticking a band-aid on the situation without really resolving the heart of the issue.”
Farm Fund Grantee Chermayne, Tanah Farm, Buckinghamshire
Get involved and back young growers
THE FARMS THAT FEED US
For almost two decades, we have laid down over $625,000 of our own funds and hands-on support for small-scale agroecological growers. With our backing, they have taken on new land, diversified their crop planning, and built long-lasting infrastructure without having to compromise on their values or growing practices.
It’s not enough. We know that over a third of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions result from food production. How we farm and what we eat can make or break the future of our planet.
Incited to accelerate our impact and formalize our action, we launched our Farm Fund. Through targeted fundraising, we invite everyone to put their weight behind the young growers who have the power to shape the future of our food system. We will match — and our investors will give a 2:1 match — on all funds raised to meet our target.
From attending a warehouse dinner in Brooklyn or Earthrise festival in London, your actions can have a monumental impact.
Warehouse Dinner with the King team | Brooklyn, New York
FUTUREPROOF THROUGH 35'S & UNDER
If we fail to raise up young growers, we will be left without anyone to farm our food in the next couple of decades.
In reality, the average age of the US farmer hit 58 at the last official count. Our experience at ground level brings these figures to life — many of our growers are over the age of 50, and few have succession plans.
At the same time, for entrant farmers, the challenges presented by today’s social, financial and ecological climate are real — systemic injustice, extreme weather, risk-averse financial institutions, labor shortages and rising costs. Without proper mentorship and support, growing is a daunting vocation that few young people consider viable.
Despite the significant barriers standing between us and a food-secure future, there is currently very little targeted support available. In focusing solely on entrant farmers who are 35 or under, we want to create a vital step up for those who would not otherwise be able to get a foot on the ladder.
Value-led financial support is hard to find in the farming world - share the form below and help us spread the word about our Farm Fund.
Our community of grantees
2022 — WE RAISED $25,000
Honing our support on young growers trying to get their foot on the ladder, and expanding radicchio production.
Common Soil
Common Soil is a 2.5-acre, chemical-free, regenerative market garden and community-supported agriculture project in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The grant will help support their main food grower — Alec — and enable them to move their model towards financial resilience.
GROW
GROW is a farming charity with a 6-acre agroecological plot attached to The Totteridge Academy in High Barnet, North London. As the government training programme cut funding for trainees and apprentices, the grant will provide vital support for their apprentice, Lotta.
Amanda
Amanda is an incredibly committed, organic vegetable grower in Plainfield, Vermont. The grant will help Amanda extend her forced radicchio production and invest in fences and irrigation to protect her crops against their greatest threats — white tailed deer and late-summer drought.
2021 — We raised $12,000
Helping build biodiversity, support young farmers and steward a Black agrarian revival.
Cécile Parise
We helped third-generation grower Cécile scale up her seed-saving operation, enabling her to build a new tunnel and expand her chilli, pepper and aubergine program on her family farm in Toulouse, France.
Chermayne Hiew
We helped Chermayne purchase deer and rabbit fences to combat her main pest pressure, and source plants for edible hedges and trees as a windbreak on her no-dig farm in Buckingham, England.
SAAFON
We helped reinforce the work of the Southeastern African American Farmers’ Organic Network as they created an alternative food system that places the well-being of Black farmers and communities at its center.
Want to know more, lend your support or speak to someone about your application? Reach out by hitting the button below.
We exist to fix the food system.
People are more cut off from the origins of their food than ever. This makes flavor, nutrition and farming practices that protect the planet, almost impossible to find.
By working directly with growers, we create a more sustainable way forward for farming. By giving everyone the tools to understand the power of our food choices, we empower everybody to become drivers of change.
Now is the time for action. Join the food system revolution.
Go beyond four seasons
Each fruit and vegetable has its own season, with subtle shifts which happen every day. Follow their microseasons to unlock flavor at every stage.
WHAT’S IN SEASON?
Know where your food comes from
We know the name of the person behind everything we source. Recognize their growing artistry to find out exactly where your food comes from (and why that matters).
MEET THE GROWERS
Make your diet diverse
Our growers work with varieties chosen for quality and nutrition, not yield. By selecting their crops you keep heritage seeds in play, add to ecosystem biodiversity and preserve unique flavors.
GO #OFFTHEPASS
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