_.png)
Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program
Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program!
.png)
.png)
Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program
The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, The Yew Mountain Center, North Carolina State University. Direct financial support is available through the program for farmers who seek to join our effort to mitigate climate change through use of agroforestry applications. Agroforestry practices sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity. Read about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's commitment to agroforestry here.
The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is focused on implementing silvopastures and forest farming practices through direct support payments and will assist producers in designing appropriate projects using technical assistance and science-based planning strategies. The ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry practices. To achieve this goal, assistance is available through regional partners, management of funds and technical assistance. The program will also develop an Agroforestry Regional Knowledge (ARK) Exchange that serves as a framework for future growth of agroforestry adoption. The ARK Exchange will support ecocultural learning, workforce development, and networking of producer peers, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental and nongovernmental partners.
​
The project will provide up to $1500/acre for silvopasture implementation and up to $1000/quarter acre for forest farming implementation depending on project scale and scope. To enhance shared learning, producers who receive support will share successes and lessons-learned with their peers and other interested stakeholders. Minority, female, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and/or socially disadvantaged farmers are highly encouraged to apply.
​
Forest Farming assistance is available to producers in: Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Silvopasture assistance has priority funding locations in Virginia, East Tennessee, East Kentucky, West Virginia, Southeast and South Central Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Applications from farms in proximity to these regions are also encouraged.
Applications will be accepted at any time following the release of this announcement. A first round of projects will be identified on or about June 15, 2022, followed by rolling applications, on a first come first served basis, and will continue until all funds are exhausted. If a proposed project is deemed feasible, funding will be provided at a rate suitable to support completion. Direct questions to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech.
CATALYZING AGROFORESTRY GRANTS PROGRAM
Information and Application Instructions
To apply for silvopasture and/or forest farming assistance, please complete and submit the appropriate application and associated worksheet. To learn more about the project, please read the summary above and send questions to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech (iancn@vt.edu).
​
Read more about Silvopasture and Forest Farming practices here.
Application Instructions
**Please read before applying!**
We are dedicated to making this application process accessible to all interested producers, including those with limited internet and technology access. Please choose the best application method. Be sure to fill out both parts: the application and budget worksheet to the best of your ability, and include supporting documentation.
Print Applications
​
You may download and print the application and associate budget worksheet, and return by email or mail. Please email all applications, worksheet and associated documents to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech (iancn@vt.edu) with the following subject line: CAGP Application [Silvopasture or Forest Farming] - [Your name]
Silvopasture Assistance Application & Worksheet
(please fill & return both parts)
Forest Farming Assistance Application & Worksheet
(please fill & return both parts)
​
Online Applications
Please use the google forms below to submit your application (Gmail account required). After completion you may upload your supporting documentation directly to the google form, or email your supporting documentation to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech (iancn@vt.edu) with the following subject line: CAGP Application [Silvopasture or Forest Farming] - [Your name].
Thank you for your interest in
Catalyzing Agroforestry.