$2.65 million for disaster resilience grants for small farms and ranches in 2024 and 2025
Small farm and ranch businesses in Oregon can now apply for grants to help them build operations that are more resilient to heat, drought, smoke and wildfire impacts. The Farmer & Rancher Disaster Resilience Grant Program is operated by the Oregon Community Food Systems Network (OCFSN) with funding from the Oregon Legislature. Farms and ranches with 2022 product sales of no more than $350,000 are eligible to apply. Applications for the 2024 round of funding opened on January 1st and will close on March 1st.
Two types of grants are available. Small grants of less than $10,000 have a simpler application and may fit well with small equipment purchases. Grants of up to $50,000 have a longer application and fit better with projects such as larger equipment purchases or activities that require more planning or coordination. There is no requirement for matching funds. Grant recipients will receive up-front payment and grant funds must directly support projects to improve small farm disaster resilience.
Projects can take many forms, including, but not limited, to irrigation/water efficiency; shading/cooling; soil health management; equipment purchase, rental or refurbishment; and on-farm/ranch planning, monitoring, and research. For grant program details and to apply visit ocfsn.org/disaster-resilience-grant. All grant materials are available in Spanish at ocfsn.org/resiliencia-agricultore. Questions about the program should be sent to grants@ocfsn.org. “These grants provide a funding resource that was not previously available and represent a collaborative effort to help our state’s small and midsize agriculture businesses adapt to the ongoing effects of a changing climate,” says Sara Miller, Deputy Director at Northeast Oregon Economic Development District and OCFSN Board Member.
– Northeast Oregon Economic Development District Media Release
