The Farmer Fund is accepting COVID emergency relief applications from May 1-10, 2020 through an online application submission process. Please read the following carefully for general information on the fund, eligibility criteria and application submission and review processes. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our current pool of funds will allow us to provide eligible farmers with emergency relief contributions up to $1,000 per person. With more expected support from donors, there is the possibility to assist even more farmers or increase the total received by each farmer, so please share the donation link with your friends and family.

How Much Money is Awarded? 

Successful applicants will receive a maximum, one-time $1,000 emergency relief payment. Only one grant is allowed per family/farm operation. 

What Can the Funds be Used For? 

Awards are intended as emergency relief only to support a farm’s continued operation during this pandemic to grow and provide food for Georgians. Funds can support: lost income or unanticipated expenses due to changes in supply chains, production volumes, and business markets; expenses related to food safety and public health; and medical expenses incurred from illness related to COVID-19. Farmers who have suffered significant losses will be prioritized for funding. 

Who Can Apply? 

The Farmer Fund is for Georgia-based sustainable and organic farmers suffering hardship and financial loss due to COVID-19 disruption. If you have not suffered financial loss due to this pandemic, please do not apply for these funds. Current eligibility criteria for farmers are as follows: 

1. Must be an established Georgia-based producer/grower (not a reseller);

2. Must sell to the public through a farmers market, CSA, wholesale outlet or restaurants that serve Georgia families;

3. Must farm with sustainable and organic production practices;

4. Must complete and email a signed copy of your IRS W-9 Form;

5. Must be affiliated with or a member of one of the following partner organizations or initiatives

   • Georgia Organics 

   • Food Well Alliance 

   • Community Farmers Market 

   • Wholesome Wave Georgia 

   • Global Growers 

   • The Common Market 

   • Atlanta Farmers Coalition 

   • Athens Land Trust

   • Southwest Georgia Project 

   • Georgia Food Oasis Network 

Application review 

Applications will be initially reviewed to verify the basic qualifications of operating a working farm and the outlined criteria. Those applications that meet the basic qualifications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of external stakeholders and representatives from the collaborating organizations.

How Do I Apply? 

Applications will be accepted from May 1-10, 2020. Checks will be issued to approved applicants within 10 business days of receiving the application. Applications can be submitted online by hitting the APPLY HERE link on this web page. We encourage you to submit your application online as quickly as possible to ensure funds are still available. If you lack internet access, you can contact 912-483-9217 to submit your application by phone.

Confidentiality Georgia Organics and the COVID-19 emergency relief coalition partners of The Farmer Fund will only use this information for processing applications. We will not share this information with any other individuals or organizations unless required by law. 

 Questions?  Contact your affiliate organization or Porter Mitchell at porter@georgiaorganics.org