September 1 is the deadline for letters of interest for grants from Farmers Advocating for Organic.

Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) is a grant program funded entirely by annual, voluntary contributions from Organic Valley farmers. It’s the largest farmer-funded grant program in the U.S. and one of the few focused solely on organic.

Grants are awarded to research, education and advocacy projects that advance FAFO’s mission: to protect and promote the organic industry and the livelihood of organic farmers.

Within this context, FAFO is currently prioritizing projects that focus on:

• Projects that benefit family farmers who produce organic dairy, eggs, meat, produce, and grain/forage
• Projects that focus on organic soil health and biology
• Projects that strengthen CROPP Cooperative (internal)

One-time grants are awarded in the amounts of $5,000-$50,000, with an average grant award of $20,000 and the size of the award corresponding to the scope and impact of the project.

Non-profit organizations and academic/research institutions are eligible to submit a letter of interest (LOI). LOIs will be reviewed and responded to within two weeks. If an LOI is approved, an organization will be invited to submit a full application.

There are two grant cycles per year. The current LOI deadline is September 1, with applications due September 15. The next application deadline will be announced November 2021.

For more information or to apply, visit the program website, or email Stacy Wrobel.