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Funding opportunity: Local farmers need your help to weather freezing temperatures

January 17, 2023
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In the last month, Georgia has seen record-low temperatures. For many of our local and organic farmers, this cold weather is more than an inconvenience. Without critical infrastructure to protect against sustained freezes, whole crops have been lost. Months of planting work froze in the ground – a devastating blow to small farmers who don’t get paid without a harvest, and the farm workers, restaurants and farmers markets who depend on them. “We havenever experienced anything like this type of loss before, it’s simply devastating,” said Ilana Richards of Levity Farms in Madison, Georgia.

The destruction translates to losses up to 90% in seasonal sales and revenue for owners, plus unexpected expenses for frozen pipes, damaged equipment and lost animal life. The Farmer Fund, operated by Georgia Organics, supports local growers through farmer’s markets and other programs. The fund has received an unprecedented $240,000 in requests for emergency assistance, with requests still coming in. Alice Rolls, president and CEO of Georgia Organics, said “The Farmer Fund is seeing a record number of applications. I am grateful for the cooperative spirit of our allies who are teaming up to support our impacted farmers.” Click to learn more about The Farmer Fund and make a gift. Donors, contact your philanthropic officer to make a grant or visit DonorCentral NXT.