Help for farmers

Staff reports

Published: July 2, 2009

ASHEVILLE - Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is making matching funds available to farmers through a program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
Farmers can apply for matching funds that will enable them to conduct promotions and develop materials that identify their products as local. ASAP will offer approximately $50,000 total to Southern Appalachian farmers to help them market and promote local foods.
Individual farmers can apply to receive up to $1,500 of assistance.
Farmers tailgate markets are eligible for up to $2,000. As much as $5,000 is available for groups of farmers.
Current and former tobacco farmers can receive up to 75 percent of these marketing costs.
Funds can go toward advertisements in print, on the radio or in other media, product labeling, graphic design, materials such as posters and business cards, signs and more.
To apply for funds, farmers must be Appalachian Grown certified.
Visit www.asapconnections.org or contact Megan Ray at megan@asapconnections.com.