Thursday, October 3, 2024 – The Sooke Region Food CHI has announced the opening of applications for the 2024/25 Sooke Region Farmer Bursary, a program designed to support local farmers with $1,500 to make critical, sustainable capital improvements to their farming operations. This bursary aims to strengthen the resilience of food production in the region and foster sustainable farming practices.
We invite all local farmers to explore this opportunity and share it with others in the farming community!
Eligibility:
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a commercial food farmer located in the Sooke Region, from East Sooke to Port Renfrew.
- Generate a gross revenue exceeding $10,000 annually.
The funds are intended to be used for infrastructure or capital investments directly related to food production. Both new and used materials are eligible, as long as proof of purchase is provided. Please note that regular operating costs are not covered under this bursary.
Selection Criteria: A panel of three jurors from Sooke Food CHI will assess applications based on the following:
- Demonstrated financial need
- The anticipated impact of the project on the farm’s sustainability and productivity
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Notification of Award: December 13, 2024
- Investment Completion Deadline: September 2025
How to Apply: Farmers interested in applying can download the application form from Sooke Food CHI’s website. Once completed, please email the form to info@sookefoodchi.ca. Make sure to include “Farm Bursary Application” and your farm’s name in the subject line.
Contact Us: For questions or assistance with the application process, please reach out to us at coordinator@sookefoodchi.ca or info@sookefoodchi.ca.
For full details, visit our website at https://www.sookefoodchi.ca/bursary.
Let’s continue to grow a strong, sustainable food network in the Sooke Region!