Sustainable farming scholarship applications due Dec. 16

Conferences include these in the mid-Atlantic: the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture Annual Farming for the Future Conference, virtual sessions Tuesday to Thursday, Jan. 17 to 19, and in-person sessions Wednesday to Saturday, Feb. 8 to 11; Future Harvest CASA Conference, Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 12 to 14; and Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Tuesday, Jan. 31 to Thursday, Feb. 2; and similar conferences approved by the HLFM.

In 2016, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market established an emerging women farmers’ scholarship fund in memory of Debra Schaefer, who died that year. It was her family’s wish that this scholarship be established in loving memory of Debra, who was a sustainable farmer in Frankford. Applicants should indicate on the form if they are aiming for one of the Debra Schaefer Scholarships.

To be eligible for the scholarships, the Delmarva farmer must: currently be farming or developing a sustainable farming enterprise on Delmarva; currently operate a small farm (low sales) as defined by the Economic Research Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (less than $350,000 gross in agricultural sales) on Delmarva, or be able to demonstrate financial need to attend this conference; and currently be a farmer/grower who sells what they grow, raise or produce on their own farm. A farmer/grower may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, and shall include family members and employees who assist in the production and/or sales/marketing of the farm products. Awardees must commit to sharing their experiences at a virtual HLFM farmers workshop to be held in the spring.

For more information and to receive an application, call 302-644-1436 or email info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.

All scholarship applicants will be notified of awards by Friday, Jan. 6.