October 17, 2013 @ 12:15 PM

My husband and I are Michigan organic dairy farmers (and recent members of MOFFA) shipping milk through Organic Valley/CROPP. I am currently a member of the NOVA committee for Organic Valley. The committee has a small yearly budget available to help fund events in various regions. Our region includes Michigan, parts of Ohio and Indiana. While the grants are limited in size and generally run around $250, they might be of use to groups putting on small events. Our focus is generally on organic agriculture, sustainable farming, and environmental issues. Below is a synopsis of CROPP's guidelines. Lead time is necessary as the group conferences once per month. Please pass this information on to any that might be interested. I can be contacted by email at PPerst@gmail.com or by phone at 989-544-3159. Polly Persells

All Donation requests MUST meet one or more of the following CROPP Giving Guideline Categories:

  • Support organic family farmers – Efforts that increase professional development opportunities in organic agriculture for family farmers; empower youth in agriculture; preserve family farm culture and protect farmers’ livelihood. 

  • Grow organic food systems – Efforts dedicated to the advancement of organic agriculture and food sovereignty in both rural and urban areas, including initiatives focused on organic research, education and advocacy

  • Promote environmental sustainability – Efforts that promote and advocate for the stewardship and protection of natural resources.

  • Foster organic health and wellness – Efforts that promote healthy living by educating about the benefits of organic and increasing access to organic food. Priority given to initiatives that benefit children’s health and education. 

  • Doing good in our local communities – Efforts that empower our farmers and employees communities to strengthen their local economies, create and enrich local organic food systems, and/or increase community well being.