The Carrot Project

ph: 617-666-9637

“The answer is simple. Small family farms need money, mostly for capital investments. We need money for improvement & investment in equipment and technology.”

- An anonymous Maine farmer, November 2007

Programs

Microloan Fund for New England Farmers

The Microloan Fund for New England Farmers, a partnership between Strolling of the Heifers and The Carrot Project, addresses the difficulty that some New England farmers have in obtaining credit for projects that improve their operations and increase their income, as well as meet emergency needs. It focuses on small loans to small- and mid-sized farms that use sustainable and organic methods (or are moving toward them), and that are active in local food networks.

Initial capital for the Microloan Fund was raised from several sources: the proceeds from benefit concerts generously given by the legendary folksinger Pete Seeger, his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger and bluesman Guy Davis in September, 2008; major grants from the Thomas Thompson Trust and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters; and private investments made through The Carrot Project.

  • Report Avaiable
    Are Northeast Small Farmers in a Financing Fix?

    The Carrot Project created, tested, and implemented the Farmers’ Financing Needs Assessment to gain a better understanding of the financing obstacles facing small and midsized farms. The survey portion of the Assessment was completed by 706 farms in New York and the New England States.

    The information gained from this survey is important to guide the development of financing and technical assistance programs to meet the needs of the regions’ farmers. The report answers questions such as what type of farmer (by stage and type of operation and by region) is unable to find adequate financing and what type of lending options and equity funding would be appropriate.

    For PCs (non Mac) download a copy of Are Northeast Small Farmers in a Financing Fix? Research Results on Financing Gaps and Program Opportunities (561Kb) CLICK HERE.

    If you would like a copy of the report sent to you by mail, please contact info@thecarrotproject.org.

  • PROGRAM SITES

    The Carrot Project is working to build partnerships with lenders and farm support organizations to create technical assistance and financing programs to meet the needs of small and midsized farms in New York and New England. We are exploring different program sites. For more information, please contact Dorothy Suput.

The Carrot Project's E-newsletter is sent out 2-4 times per year. If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please send a message to subscribe@thecarrotproject.org.

Thank you.

The Carrot Project

ph: 617-666-9637