A Partnership for Small and Midsized MAINE Farmers

Coastal Enterprises, Inc., a statewide, nonprofit community development financial institution, and The Carrot Project announce the Maine Farm Business Loan Fund.  The Fund was established to meet the financing needs of small and midsized farms that use sustainable practices and serve local and regional markets in this growing sector of Maine’s economy. 

Qualified farm owners may borrow for working capital or other needs such as equipment, buildings, production or value-added enterprises.  Farmers may apply for loans up to $35,000.

“We chose to place the money in the hands of CEI because of its close connections and successes with Maine farmers,” said Dorothy Suput, Executive Director of The Carrot Project. “Their statewide coverage, impact in natural resource areas, and expertise in business technical assistance convinced us that they were the best partner. The other major players that make this possible are the investors including: BSW Wealth Partners, Clean Yield Asset Management, Marjorie Coward, Fresh Pond Capital, Jordan Schmidt, and Talgra, LLC.'

To learn more about the Maine Farm Business Loan Fund and sustainable agriculture at CEI, contact Gray Harris at 207-882-7552 or go to www.ceimaine.org.

MASSDEVELOPMENT, STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS, AND THE CARROT PROJECT LAUNCH LOAN PROGRAM TO HELP MASSACHUSETTS FARMERS

MassDevelopment, along with Strolling of the Heifers and The Carrot Project,  announced the MassDevelopment/Strolling of the Heifers Small Farm Loan Program through which eligible Massachusetts farmers can receive amounts ranging from $3,000 and $15,000. These funds will help farmers finance capital investments and meet operating costs. MassDevelopment and The Carrot Project will jointly administer the program.

“Supporting the Commonwealth’s farms benefits everyone,” said Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment President and CEO. “More and more Massachusetts residents seek out fresh and quality produce as part of an ever-growing movement toward eating healthful, local food. We hope that these loans will help ensure that our farmers can meet the demand for their products and preserve valuable open space in Massachusetts."

Read more

Planting at Mighty Food Farm (Photo Credit E. Ferry)

New Report Available

Financing Farming in the U.S.: Opportunities to Improve the Financial and Business Environment for Small and Midsized Farms Through Strategic Financing. This report chronicles the coming together of a diverse group of people from across the country over a six-month period to explore (1) the reasons for the chasm between an emerging sector of smaller-scale agriculture producers and access to capital, and (2) workable strategies to create successful farmer-lender relationships. Read More go to our Program page under Reports.

Microloan Recipient Profiles

Read three profiles of farms that have received Micrioloans on the Programs page of this site.

The Carrot Project's E-newsletter is sent out 3-4 times per year. If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please send a message with your name, town/city, state, and if you are a farmer to subscribe@thecarrotproject.org.

Strolling Microloan Partners