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