MCPHERSON, Kan. — Family farmers in Kansas and Missouri can now access much-needed relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Farm Aid has partnered with the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation and Missouri Farmers Union to distribute emergency relief grants to help farmers meet household expenses. Families who rely on farming for their income, live in Kansas or Missouri, and are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to complete an application.
There is an initial June 15 deadline to apply for a Farm Aid COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative Grant and limited funding is available. The application process may reopen if funding remains following the June grant review meeting. Applications will be reviewed by a team of representatives from Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union, Common Ground Producers and Growers, Inc., Cultivate KC, Kansas Black Farmers Association, and the Kansas Rural Center.
Approval is based on the applicant qualifying as a family farm and demonstrating economic loss. Priority is given to smaller farms that may not have the required data needed to apply for USDA or other federal programs.
Applications are available online at kansasfarmersunion.com/farmer-
Donations to support these efforts can be made to the KFUF COVID-19 Relief Fund at kansasfarmersunion.com/donate-covid-19-relief-fund/ and Farm Aid’s COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative Fund at https://give.farmaid.org/give/.
Kansas Farmers Union is the state’s oldest active general farm organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. We believe family ownership of farm land is the basis for the world’s most viable system of food production. Maintaining this family farm system will preserve our natural and human resources as well as promote a strong rural economy and vibrant social structure.
The Kansas Farmers Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting education on rural and agricultural issues and providing resources for rural economic and cooperative development. Through the KFU Foundation, Kansas Farmers Union brings important educational and networking opportunities to all Kansans.
Farm Aid has committed $400,000 to launch a national COVID-19 Farmer Resilience Initiative, working with more than 100 local, state and regional organizations across the country to pair immediate relief efforts with longer-term resilience strategies. Learn more about the initiative at farmaid.org/blog/farm-aid-
Farm Aid works year-round to build a system of agriculture that values family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities. Its annual concert celebrates farmers, eaters and music coming together for change.
— Kansas Farmers Union
For more news from Kansas, click here.