17 young and new farmers to receive grants

The first round of funding under the County’s new Farming Assistance Grant Program has been determined.

Seventeen young and new farmers will receive a total of $11,399 during the initial funding cycle. The County is notifying the successful applicants this week.

“Agriculture has played an important role in our local economy, and we want to encourage future generations to carry on that tradition,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “We are pleased to provide this support to young and new farmers and encouraged by the initial interest shown in the grant program.”

Council approved the grant program in July 2018 based on recommendations from the Farming Assistance Ad-Hoc Committee. The grant program offers support to young and new farmers negatively impacted by property tax increases as a result of a rise in farmland property assessments.

Eligible farmers received a minimum of $300 up to a maximum of 20 per cent of the annual municipal farm tax bill, whichever was greater.

The new Prince Edward County Cultivation Corporation will disburse the grants to the qualifying applicants.

Council will consider renewing the Farming Assistance Grant Program during the 2019 budget meetings, set to take place Jan. 14-18.