Project Impacts

Approximately 40 farmer projects funded annually. Past and current grants range between $2,500 and $9,000.

• Projects are a powerful catalyst for leveraging personal investments, with awardees reporting an investment more than four times the average grant amount.

• Projects typically secure employment of three people per farm.

• Approximately 75% of farmers report increases in income in first year. Many expect significant gains by the fourth year.

• As agriculture communities are strengthened and farmer income is secure, land is more likely to remain farmland.

• The local tax base is strengthened with the increase of trade of local produce and agritourism dollars.

Data gathered from annual grantee reports and July 2006 economic impact analysis conducted by Richard L. Hoffman Center for Assessment and Research Alliances at Mars Hill College.