CitySeed granted $49,999 to fund stipends for BIPOC farmers as part of the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Viability Grant
New Haven, CT [July 28, 2023] - The Agriculture Commissioner has named CitySeed as part of the 25 recipients of a $750,000 Farm Viability grant, receiving $49,000. The grant will aid the work of CitySeed in supporting BIPOC farmers with project based stipends foster growth and success in BIPOC farm businesses.
Currently, CitySeed’s mission includes supporting the efforts of BIPOC farmers in the community and the goal to continue growing equitable food systems. The project works towards the organizational mission of creating equity in food systems by supporting a historically disadvantaged group. The grant will allow these local farmers to expand their business and fund projects that directly respond to problems, interests, or needs across the state. Working together with members of the Department of Agriculture’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Working Group, CitySeed will fund stipends to BIPOC farmers for projects involving infrastructure, seed starting supplies, and marketing. CitySeed aims to aid in diversifyingConnecticut’s agricultural landscape, as well as provide continued professional development.
BIPOC farmers currently make up less than 2% of farmers in the state of Connecticut.
“We are grateful to have received the grant. We are excited about the direct impact these funds will have on BIPOC farm owners who face exponential challenges in starting and maintaining their farming businesses. We look forward to working in collaboration with farmers to execute this project,” said Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, Kaitlyn Kimball.
The Farm Viability Grant is a testament to CitySeed's dedication to connecting local farmers and producers with New Haven residents. The funding will play a crucial role in supporting its continued efforts to promote food access, education, and advocacy in the area, fortifying its mission and its impact on the community.
"As a member of the BIPOC farmer community, I am incredibly grateful for the Farm Viability Grant, which will uplift us by providing essential financial support and resources. It's truly commendable for CitySeed to have a long-standing commitment to supporting farmers like us. This stipend empowers us to overcome historical barriers and cultivate sustainable agricultural practices, fostering equitable growth within our communities throughout Connecticut. CitySeed's dedication to supporting local BIPOC farmers is invaluable as it strengthens our farming businesses and enhances the overall diversity and resilience of our local food system," said CitySeed Food Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Vetiveah Harrison.
CitySeed has previously served as a fiscal sponsor in the community and has regranted funds in the form of seed funding and stipends. With the previous experience working with farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as the Department of Agriculture, the regranting of these funds will be done in the most diligent manner.
Applicants to the grant were awarded based on service and contributions to Agriculture in their community and could apply for up to $49,999. Eligible entities included Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and agricultural non-profit organizations.
CitySeed will begin dispersing funding to BIPOC farmers in the fall, once the farming season has concluded. In order to make the process more accessible, farmers will have a number of options to submit an application including digitally or in person. As farmers work to execute their projects, CitySeed will also offer professional development in collaboration with the New Connecticut Farmers Alliance in the winter of 2023 and spring of 2024.
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About CitySeed
CitySeed is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture. Since launching the city’s first farmers market in 2004, CitySeed has grown to run a network of markets that support Connecticut farmers and vendors year-round, launched CitySeed Incubates entrepreneurship services for emerging food businesses, and supports immigrant and refugee chefs resettled in Connecticut with professional development and employment through Sanctuary Kitchen. All of this helps build economic opportunity, resilience to challenging circumstances, and community development. For more visit www.cityseed.org