In 2024, we gave away over $1,500,000 to support farmers and students choosing to go and stay organic. We supported over 70 farmer/mentor–mentee pairs, provided nearly 300 people with technical assistance, and transitioned over 70,000 acres of land to organic. Our hardship assistance grants helped 53 producers and kept over 10,000 acres of organic land in operation.
In 2025, we look forward to supporting farmers and students across the United States to study, grow, and stay organic!
To start the year off right, we wanted to introduce you to one of our program recipients.
Ms. Dysha M Waites received a Future Organic Farmer scholarship to attend FarmShare Austin’s Farmer Starter program in Austin, Texas.
Dysha’s career goal is to establish a diverse, sustainable farm focused on growing and drying medicinal herbs with regenerative and organic practices. She aims to provide high-quality herbs for health products, support her family, donate any surplus, and collaborate with CSAs and wholesalers. She envisions herself adopting indigenous farming methods and sharing her knowledge with her community through teaching and consulting.
CCOF’s Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund opens March 17, 2025!
Farmshare Austin partners with CCOF under the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program, a $100M program housed under the National Organic Program. Together with over 180 partners, Farmshare Austin provides mentorship, technical assistance, community, and workforce development to advance the organic sector. Learn more at https://www.organictransition.org/.
We look forward to working with you in 2025 toward a world where organic is the norm!