Hardship Assistance Grants for Organic Producers

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Written by Adrian Fischer on Monday, May 18, 2020

If you—or an organic producer you know—have experienced hardship during the 2020 calendar year, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance through the Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund. The application deadline is midnight on Monday, May 25, 2020.  

Throughout the nation, farmers are experiencing severe economic losses as the results of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather patterns, an increase in duration and number of natural disasters, and other financial challenges. Now, more than ever, organic producers need access to immediate and long-term financial support to prepare for and recover from natural disasters and economic loss. 

Each year, the CCOF Foundation responds to crises like these by offering economic assistance to organic farmers, processors, and handlers. Over the past eight years, over 180 certified organic businesses across the country have received financial support through CCOF’s Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund. 

Applying for financial assistance from the fund is easy—simply complete the online application by the first grant deadline of the year on May 25, 2020, or wait for our second grant deadline on November 20, 2020. Documentation of your economic loss and organic certification is required. Assistance will be awarded based on need and available funds.

Eligibility Criteria
Bricmont Fund Hardship Assistance Fund grants are available for applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • Certified organic operations currently in good standing (valid organic certificate required for consideration)
  • Severe economic loss experienced in the 2020 calendar year 
  • Submission of documentation or supporting evidence of economic loss resulting from the hardship (required for consideration)
  • Submission of a receipt for organic certification fees paid in 2020 (by any accredited certifier)
  • Submission of a progress report/survey six months after you receive the grant
  • Grantees from previous years are welcome to re-apply

Applications must be received by the CCOF Foundation no later than Monday May 25, 2020. Applications received after this date will not be considered until November 20, 2020.

For more information to apply, contact the Adrian Fischer at afischer@ccof.org or (831) 246-6282.

For information on helping even more farmers in need by donating to the Bricmont Hardship Fund, please contact Jessy Beckett Parr, Foundation Director at jparr@ccof.org