The Program

HDFFA is committed to supporting farms in our region.  This means working hand in hand to understand their needs and finding and providing resources to improve their ability to grow food for us, the community, and meet our values of making food accessible for everyone.

We are excited to offer producers the opportunity to apply for Season Extender Grants through the Growing it Forward project funded by USDA from 2017-2019. The overall goal of this project is to increase food production opportunities and low income access to fresh food utilizing season extenders in Central Oregon. 

The expected outcomes of the program are to increase:

• Knowledge of greenhouse management, plant selection and succession planting; and other topics
• Viability and profitability of agricultural producers
• Local food markets for Central Oregon consumers
• Amount of fresh food delivered to food pantries/banks
• Self-reliance and confidence in using season extenders

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a 2019 HDFFA Partner
• Be an existing agricultural producer in Crook, Deschutes or Jefferson counties selling specialty crops
• Primary markets are in Crook, Deschutes or Jefferson counties
• Have established direct and/or wholesale markets for a minimum of one year

Minimum Participatory Requirements (assistance will be provided)

• Season extender structure is built and utilized in the same growing season in which you apply for funds
• Provide a documented 50% cash match (i.e. you pay for half of the total costs of the season extender)
• Participate in a workshop provided by HDFFA/OSU Extension in 2019 related to increasing produce production, season extender construction, or improving on-farm efficiencies
• Donate a portion of the food grown to NeighborImpact Food Bank through HDFFA’s Grow & Give Program
• Submit 4 or more digital photos (pre and post construction)
• For evaluation purposes only, submit a final report that includes:
  • Season extender produce production estimates (quantity/lbs./type of produce grown, and in what months)
  • Total produce sales and market destination of produce

Grant Awards

The total funding available in 2019 is $8,500. Grants will range from $500-$3500 depending on the type of project and funding request. Grant funds will be allocated as follows: 50% at the beginning of the project to purchase supplies and 50% after the project is complete and the required documentation has been submitted. Grant funds can be used for the following purposes (labor is not an eligible expense):

• Direct payment for goods to a vendor (for example, purchasing building materials)
• Reimbursement for purchasing of supplies (pre-approval required)

Application Information

We are now accepting applications for 2019 Season Extension Grant Period. If you are interested, please review grant guidelines and eligibility requirements, click here or click the green button below to apply.

To apply, submit the application and budget online (click the button below). Please note there are multiple pages in the application. Answers to all application questions are required to be considered for award of funds.

Application Due Date: March 06, 2019

Contact Info:

Jess Weiland, Food and Farm Director
jess@hdffa.org
541-390-3572