Salisbury Bank and the Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund Partner to Strengthen Agriculture

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The Greater Berkshire Agriculture Fund and Salisbury Bank and Trust Company today announced a loan fund to assist farms and farm-related businesses that might otherwise have difficulty getting loans. Eligible businesses may apply for loans in amounts of up to $75,000. These funds will help farmers and related businesses finance capital investments and meet operating costs.

 “Considering the growing consumer interest in buying locally produced foods, there’s never been a better time to support local agriculture. At Salisbury Bank, we understand that farmers’ futures depend on their ability to grow their businesses to meet the needs of the market. That's why we’re delighted to help support The Carrot Project in its efforts to create small-farm financing solutions,” said Geof Talcott, Salisbury Bank senior vice president and chief lending officer. Read More.

Applications will be available later this spring. For further information contact bphelps(at)thecarrotproject.org.

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.

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.

Recent Farmer Loans

Bangs Island Mussels, Clapboard Island, ME

Bella Farms, Monkton, VT

Bread and Butter Farm, S. Burlington, VT

Greenfield Highland Beef, Greensboro Bend, VT

Griffen Farm, Perham, ME

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.