Welcome 

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Welcome to The Carrot Project. We are a non-profit organization committed to creating financing solutions, capitalized by private investment, for small and midsized farms that:

• use ecologically sensitive methods
• are located in New England and contiguous counties in New York
• sell their farm or value-added products to local and regional markets

The Carrot Project partners with farmers, lenders, investors, donors, and farm service providers to:

• create and administer regional financing programs for farmers
• provide investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture
• provide or connect farmers with business planning technical assistance
• collaborate on research and innovative thinking that contribute to a diverse and strong farm sector

For more detailed information, please explore this website and sign up for our e-newsletter.

FARMER & PROCESSOR NEWS

Monthly Loan Deadlines Announced 

The Massachusetts and Vermont loan programs now offer monthly loan deadlines the first of each month or the next business day, if it falls on a weekend or holiday. The Maine loan program accepts applicants on a rolling basis. Learn more. 

 MEASURING PROFITABILITY AND SUCCESS

We are looking for farm businesses to participate in a three-year study of farm profitability and success. Project participants will receive free services to help improve their farm businesses — e.g., business counseling, financial management assistance, business/industry advice, and referrals. All participant information collected will be kept strictly confidential, and used only anonymously and solely for the purposes of this project. All educational and training materials developed as a result of this project will be available to participants. We seek farms to begin participation now.

This project is funded through the Research and Education Program of Northeast SARE (LNE11-310). Read More.

The Farmer's Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Your CSA and Farmers' Market Foods is a terrific resource for using fresh, seasonal produce and other whole foods to create delightful and nutritious meals. Featuring more than 200 recipes, the book also covers basic information about types of produce, tips on storing and cooking methods, and an orientation to eating seasonally.

Author and chef Julia Shanks — who also provides business technical assistance to farmers working with The Carrot Project — will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of The Farmer's Kitchento The Carrot Project in support of its work. Ready to cook good food and support good work? Purchase your copy here.  

Recent Farmer Loans

America Agro Products, Greenfield, MA

Bangs Island Mussels, Clapboard Island, ME

Bread and Butter Farm, S. Burlington, VT

Bug Hill Farm, Ashfield, MA

Greenfield Highland Beef, Greensboro Bend, VT 

Samara CSA Farm, Burlington, VT

Shady Oaks Organics, Newburyport, MA

Sousa Family Farm, Rehoboth, MA

Village Farm, Freedom, ME

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.