Launched in 2021, this new program provides farmers with the opportunity to strengthen their business and address challenges with the support of in-depth consultations with experts. Future Harvest offers grants to offset the cost of hiring a consultant. Applicants identify their top two priorities for working with a consultant as well as the consultant they are most interested in working with. Topics farmers have applied to work with range from improved marketing plans and financial record keeping systems to creating nutrient management plans and enhanced soil fertility regimes. All farmers are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to farmers with 5+ years of experience, Future Harvest members, and farmers from socially and/or economically marginalized backgrounds.
Applications for 2022 will open in the SpringFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I work with a consultant/advisor who isn’t on the list?
Yes! You’ll just need to include their name and contact information on the application HERE.
I need farm help, but I’m not sure who I should work with.
Go ahead and apply! We’ll match you if we can.
$1000 is too much for my needs.
Don’t worry – you can apply to connect with up to two consultants/advisors and/or apply for a lesser amount of funds.
$1000 isn’t enough for my needs.
While awards are capped at $1000, we encourage you to apply to at least offset some of the costs of the services your farm requires.
This isn’t a great time of year. Can I apply later?
We know spring and summer are tough times to be at the computer, so we’ve kept the application as simple as possible. This is a pilot program and we hope to run it again, but there are no guarantees, so please apply now if you’re interested.
Will I need to pay the consultant?
Nope! If you are selected to be part of this program, we will send additional instructions. The consultant/advisor will invoice Future Harvest, and we’ll handle payment.
Questions? Email Niamh Shortt, Field School Director at niamh@futureharvest.org
A FEW OF OUR CONSULTANTS
ALL CONSULTANTS
LEGAL
Maryland State Bar Association
The Law Office of Michelle Namer, LLC DBA The Law Farm
ACCOUNTING, FINANCES, ENTERPRISE BUDGETS
Julia Shanks Food Consulting / The Farmer’s Office
The W2 Group, Jeff Wilson
Dangerfield Consulting, Inc. DBA Farm Profit Plus
Virginia Foodshed Capital
Maya Kosack, Hillen Homestead
Ellen Polishuk, Plant to Profit
Patrick B. Johnson, Diversity Permaculture
India Brahm, Virginia Foodshed Capitol
INSURANCE
SOILS & SOIL FERTILITY
Ellen Polishuk, Plant to Profit
Lisa Garfield, Future Harvest and Million Acre Challenge
Marcus Roberson, Good Earth Therapy
Wills Soil & Streams
PRODUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE, SEED SAVING
Renard Turner, Vanguard Ranch
Michael Carter, Africulture
Amyrose Foll, Virginia Free Farm & Pocahontas Project
Laura Beth Resnick, Butterbee Farm
Anandi A. Premlall, FarmWarts Academy
Wesley Cornell
Lisa Garfield, Future Harvest and Million Acre Challenge
Micheal Judd SilvoCulture Ecologia Design
FOOD SAFETY
Cara Fraver
Kimberly Raikes, Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS)
Michael Carter, Africulture
Lindsay Gilmour and the Chesapeake Harvest Produce Safety Team
FARM EFFICIENCY & URBAN FARMING
Ben Hartman, Clay Bottom Farm, The Lean Farm
Denzel Mitchell Jr., Farm Alliance of Baltimore
Maya Kosok, Hillen Homestead
Renard Turner, Vanguard Ranch
Amyrose Foll, Virginia Free Farm & Pocahontas Project
Laura Beth Resnick, Butterbee Farm
Anandi A. Premlall, FarmWarts Academy
COOPERATIVES, GRANTS & STRATEGIC PLANNING
Farris III and Aita Amaize, OurSpace World
NON-PROFITS
Caitlin Patton, Caitlin Patton Consulting
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIVA under Award Number 2018-70027-28588 and is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center (NERME). NERME provides competitive grants that fund education projects focused on helping farmers and ranchers successfully manage the unique risks associated with production agriculture across the northeast.
