Producer Grants
In partnership with the Lane Community Health Council and FOOD for Lane County through the new Grow Lane County project, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District (UWSWCD) is pleased to offer grants that support on-farm conservation practices and improvements while building a stronger network of local food resources for Lane County. This grant opportunity is available to producers located in Lane County, who grow or raise food primarily for local markets. The goals of this funding opportunity are to:
Promote practices that increase soil health and water quality on farms and ranches;
Help producers improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations; and
Increase the diversity and volume of locally grown and harvested food products in Lane County, and make those products available to residents experiencing high rates of food insecurity or hunger.
2025 Funding Opportunity
The Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District will provide a total pool of $250,000 to distribute in 2025. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may not be able to fund all requests. Please keep this in mind if you decide to apply. If you would like your request to be considered for a partial award, you will be able to indicate that in your application.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to participate in this funding process an applicant must meet the following criteria:
Must be located in Lane County.
Must grow or raise food products primarily for Lane County markets.
Must operate your farm or ranch business as a primary or significant source of household income.
Must be currently participating in anti-hunger / food security programs, or plan to do so during the course of the grant period.
Priorities
Successful projects will include the following elements:
Agricultural practices established, sustained or expanded through the grant will provide environmental benefits to soil, water and / or habitat.
Project will improve the efficiency and productivity of the operation.
Project will increase the availability of and access to healthy, locally grown food items to Lane County residents experiencing hunger or food insecurity.
Application and Informational Materials
2025 Grant Timeline
January 30th - February 26th - Application period
February 27th - Late March - Review period
Early April - Awards announced
Contact Information
Grant Simonton, Farm & Food Coordinator, Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District, RARE AmeriCorps Member
rare@uwswcd.org
