Promotion mini-grant applications for small growers is April 14

BAINBRIDGE – April 14 is the deadline for producers to apply for one of 10 grants of $500 each for marketing and promoting locally grown food at roadside markets and farmers markets.

Officials with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit created the program in 2013 and since has awarded 42 grants totally $21,000 to small farmers through the financial institution’s Fresh From the Farm Mini-Grant program.

Ragan Fretwell, relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, said the program helps the growers as well as those in Southwest Georgia who like to buy produce grown locally.

“They like knowing who grew the produce and where it was grown and they know that the farmers’ markets, road side stands, and u-picks in their communities are the best places to buy local produce and products,” Fretwell said.

The program was started as a way to provide small growers with a means to market and promote their products.

“The Fresh from the Farm program is an opportunity for us to collaborate with those farmers who sell locally grown produce in their communities,” Fretwell said.

Once the application process is complete, the association will select 10 qualifying producers and donates $500 to each.

The application for the mini-grants is available at the Conferences/Grants Link under the Latest News on the Community Tab at SWGAFarmCredit.com or by contacting Frances Edmunds at (229) 493.0140 or by email at [email protected]. Completed grant applications can be mailed to Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, Attention: Fresh from the Farm, 305 Colquitt Highway, Bainbridge, Ga. 39817; emailed to Edmunds, or faxed to (888) 834.9128. Completed applications must be received by April 14.