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 Assisting Agroforestry Grant Program!
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The application review for round two projects is April 1st, 2024 and applicants will be notified of decisions in May, followed by application consultation. Rolling applications will continue after that date.
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Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program
The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, North Carolina State University and SilvoCulture. 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 a competitive grants program focused on implementing the following agroforestry practices: Alley cropping, Forest farming, Riparian forest buffers, Silvopasture, Urban food forest, and Windbreaks. 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 for selected projects 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.
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The program will provide up to $1500/acre for all field-based agroforestry practices (alley cropping, riparian forest buffers, silvopasture, urban food forests, and windbreaks), depending on project scale and scope. For forest farming, the program will provide up to $1,000 for 1/4 acre and up to $500/acre for site preparation 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 farmers and tribal nations, LGBTQ+, socially/economically disadvantaged, and/or veteran farmers are highly encouraged to apply. Agroforestry assistance is available to producers in all States except Alaska.
Applications are accepted at any time following the release of this announcement. Application review for round two projects is April 1st 2024 and applicants will be notified of decisions in May, followed by application consultation. Rolling applications will continue after that date. 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. Virginia Tech requires a W-9(or W-8 for foreign nationals) for agroforestry project reimbursements.
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Agroforestry Grant Program applicants can learn more about agroforestry and practices here!
CATALYZING AGROFORESTRY GRANTS PROGRAM
Information and Application Instructions
To apply for agroforestry assistance, please complete and submit the below 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).
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Read more about agroforestry 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
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You may download and print and fill the application and 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: 2024 CAGP Application - [Your name]
2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Assistance Application & Worksheet
(please fill & return both parts)
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2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Assistance Application - 9 pages (pdf)
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2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Time and Budget Worksheet - 2 pages (pdf)
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Please note: Your CAGP application will not be complete until both the form and budget worksheet have been submitted.
Online Application
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: 2024 CAGP Application - [Your name].
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Please note: Your CAGP application will not be complete until both the form and budget worksheet have been submitted.
Thank you for your interest in
Catalyzing Agroforestry!
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