LEWES, Del. — Calling all small Delmarva farmers interested in learning more about sustainable practices and focused on growing for the local market. Apply now for the 2023 Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) scholarship program! Completed applications are due no later than Friday, December 16, 2022.
The HLFM is awarding a number of scholarships for 2023 sustainable agriculture conferences. Up to $500 in scholarship money with proof of registration (one scholarship per farm) will be awarded for in-person conferences, and up to $150 will be awarded for virtually attended conferences.
Conferences include these in the mid-Atlantic:Â PASA Farming for the Future Conferences, Virtual conference, January 17-19, 2023, In-person main conference, February 8-11, 2023Â www.pasafarming.org/conference-home;Â Future Harvest CASA Conference, January 12-14, 2023Â www.futureharvestcasa.org/conference/2022-conference; Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Virtual Convention January 31-February 2, 2023Â www.mafvc.org; 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 was a sustainable farmer in Frankford, Delaware. On the application, please let us know if you are applying for one of the Debra Schaefer Scholarships.
To be eligible for the scholarships, the Delmarva farmer must:
1)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Currently be developing a sustainable farming enterprise, or currently farming, on the Delmarva.
2)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Currently operate a small farm (low sales) as defined by the ERS (Economic Research Service) for the United States Department of Agriculture (less than $350,000 gross in agricultural sales), on the Delmarva, or be able to demonstrate financial need to attend this conference. (Only one applicant per farm, please.)
3)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Currently be a farmer/grower who sells what they grow, raise, or produce on their own farm, or be in training to become a farmer. A farmer/grower may be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation and shall include family members and employees who assist in the production and/or sales/marketing of the farm products.
4)        Commit to sharing their experiences at a virtual HLFM farmer’s workshop to be held in the spring.
To receive an application and more information about the scholarships, please call (302) 644-1436 or email info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org
Completed applications are due no later than Friday, December 16, 2022. All scholarship applicants will be notified of awards by January 6, 2023.
–Historic Lewes Farmers Market