Fact Awards Fund-A-Farmer Grants To LivestocK Farmers

CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) awarded nearly $60,000 in grants to farmers located across the country to help them transition to pasture-based systems, improve the marketing of their humane products, and enrich the conditions in which their farm animals are raised.

24 farmers from 14 different states received grants through FACT's Fund-a-Farmer Project this year. Of the 24 grants, 16 funded general improvements to farm animal welfare, five grants funded increasing access to pasture, and three grants funded marketing projects. The funded projects will impact farms raising broiler chickens, laying hens, swine, dairy cows, and beef cattle. Thanks to the 50 total grants made by FACT since 2012, thousands of animals are now able to graze on pasture, stay protected from predators and the elements, and have access to fresh water and safe feed.

FACT is delighted to announce its new crop of Fund-a-Farmer grant recipients during the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) "National Farmers' Market Week," which runs from August 3 through 9. This year marks the 15th Annual National Farmers' Market Week, an event that recognizes the important role that farmers' markets play in the agricultural and food economy.

"We encourage consumers to support family farms at their local farmers' markets," said Lisa Isenhart, FACT's Humane Farming Program Director. "Not only can you find humane and sustainable food products for your family, but you will also be contributing to the financial success of these farmers who are raising their animals humanely. The personal connection benefits farmers and consumers alike."

The 2014 Fund-Farmer grant recipients include:

Chris and Holly Browder, the owners of Browder's Birds Pastured Poultry Farm located on Long Island, NY, received a Fund-a-Farmer grant in both 2013 and in 2014. Their farm exemplifies the importance of farmers' markets to family farmers and the impact of these grants. The Browders currently sell their eggs and poultry products at several farmers' markets in the area, and were instrumental in developing these markets in their community.

"Farming is really hard work and the highlight of every week is going to the farmers' markets. Just a few hours of meeting customers - hearing how much they appreciate our efforts to provide humanely raised poultry, and how they notice the difference in the quality and flavor of the meat - is all the motivation it takes to do it all over again come Monday," Holly Browder stated.   

A wide variety of projects were funded by FACT this year. For example, Bird's Eye View Farm was awarded funds to transition from an industrial contract broiler operation to a pasture based egg farm. Say Hay Farms and Walnut Hollow Ranch received grants geared toward improving their ability to market humane products. In such cases, grant monies support the development of colorful and informative promotional materials for use at stores, on-farm, and with the public. Turkey Foot Farm will use granted funds to transition from raising hogs outdoors on dirt to a rotational pasture system, with multiple pastures and water sources. A number of farms receiving grants plan to improve their animals' protection from the elements, especially during winter months. Many of the funded farms sell their products directly to consumers at farmers' markets and through CSA programs.

To receive updates about the project and future funding opportunities, FACT encourages farmers and the public to subscribe to its weekly Eat.Farm.Blog and monthly Fund-a-Farmer newsletter at www.fundafarmer.org. Consumers can also learn more about shopping humanely at farmers' markets on FACT's Humane Choices webpage.

For more information about FACT's Fund-a-Farmer Project, contact Humane Farming Program Director Lisa Isenhart at 773-525-4952 or [email protected].

Founded in 1982, FACT is a national nonprofit organization based in Chicago that promotes humane and food safety through science-based advocacy, consumer education, and support for humane farmers.

Contact:
Jacki Rossi
(773) 525-4952 w
(219) 218-3824
[email protected]

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SOURCE Food Animal Concerns Trust