• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Community Food & Agriculture Coalition

Community Food & Agriculture Coalition

Increasing the production and consumption of Montana-grown foods, so that everyone has local food, farmers are successful, and farmland is in active production.

  • Farmers
    • Farm Link Montana
    • Kiva Loan & Pitchfest
    • Field Tested Grants
    • Farmer Field Days
    • Planning For On-Farm Success Workshops
    • One-on-One Business Assistance
  • Farmland
    • Farmland Conservation
  • Food Access
    • Double SNAP Dollars
    • SNAP EBT at Farmers Markets
  • News & Events
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Partners
  • Donate Now
COVID-19 Resources for Producers, Farmers Markets, and Consumers looking for Local Food

Search CFAC

Field Tested Grants


CFAC is now accepting Field Tested mini-grant applications starting October 29th, 2020 for beginning specialty crop producers. If you are a Montana-based operation that could benefit from up to $5,000 in funding to increase your on-farm efficiencies and specialty crop production, please consider applying. This grant round, CFAC has $100,000 to award. 

Timeline and Requirements

Applications are due November 19th, 2020. Awardees will be announced by January 8, 2021. Applicants that are awarded a mini-grant will need to agree on a method of data collection and reporting on the efficiencies they plan to develop, and participate in at least one site visit to their farm. Applicants can apply for one or two year grants depending on the project.

Steps in the application process:

1.  Submit your initial Application by November 19th, 2020. Projects must solely increase the competitiveness of Montana Specialty crops. Grants can range between $1,000-$5,000. Tune into Info Webinar on November 5th at 11:00AM to learn more about the grant process and how to apply. (Missed the webinar? Check out the recording here)

2.  If the project fits the parameters of the mini-grant program, CFAC will contact you to schedule a meeting (via phone or Zoom). This meeting is a required part of the application process.

3. We will announce grant awardees by January 8th, 2021.

4. Important notes: Grant purchases can be reimbursed only after a contract is signed and reporting methods are agreed on between CFAC and awardee. Each grant recipient must contribute information for a Field Tested report or a podcast about their project and how it enhances specialty crop production.

Project Timeline 

October 29, 2020RFA Released  
November 5, 2020Applicant Info Webinar at 11:00AM 
November 19, 2020Applications Due
December 7-11, 2020Required technical assistance appointments for selected applicants take place this week   
January 8th, 2021Grantees announced 
January 2021Contracts Signed & Data Collection Method Determined
February 2021Funds for project reimbursed 
Summer 2021 OR Summer 2022CFAC site visits (depending on project timeline)
Summer 2021 OR Summer 2022Collect final data from grantees (depending on project timeline)

Contact us if you have more questions: bfrprogram@missoulacfac.org or 406-926-1625

More about Field Tested!

CFAC’s Field Tested mini-grants aim to grow and diversify the pool of farmers participating in Montana’s Specialty Crops industry. We help remove hurdles for new farmers by allowing them to start and expand farming ventures. Mini-Grant funding must be used to increase the competitiveness of Montana Specialty Crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruit, horticulture and nursery crops. You can read through our previous grant recipients’ Field Tested Reports or watch this info video to learn more about the projects we’ve funded in the past.

Field Tested Reports

Field Tested grant projects are reported as a short publication to share the impact and lessons learned with other new specialty crop producers in Montana. Each Field Tested grant recipient must agree to a plan for data collection and communication with CFAC staff so that a Field Tested report can be produced before the end of the grant period. Past Field Tested Mini Grant awardees are encouraged to apply, however first priority will be given to quality applications from new applicants.

Sign up for the latest food and farm news!

Your connection to the latest local food and farm information, events, and more.



Footer

Contact

1535 Wyoming Street
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 926-1625
Email: cfacinfo@missoulacfac.org
Map

Key Links

About Us
Supporters
Most Recent 990
Board Login

Get Involved

Donate Now Get Involved Monthly E-news Sign-Up
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Copyright © 2021 Community Food & Agriculture Coalition · All Rights Reserved
Website by Tomatillo Design