Fresh From the Farm Offers Support to Area’s Smaller Farmers

BAINBRIDGE, Georgia – There’s nothing like fresh peas or green beans, some delicious red-ripe tomatoes, or even locally produced jam and jellies—all of which you can find this time of year at area roadside stands and farmers’ markets. That’s why Southwest Georgia Farm Credit offers the Fresh From the Farm mini-grant program, to support area producers with $500 mini-grants to help promote their small farms.

“We have access to some of the most delicious, locally-grown foods in the country, thanks to local growers who sell their products at farmers’ markets and at their farms,” said Brandon Vann, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Relationship Manager in the Association’s Americus office. “What’s not to love about locally grown blueberries and squash, cucumbers and watermelons?” he said.

This year’s grant recipients include: Pete’s Produce, Albany; Sister Produce & More, Bronwood; Wilburn Farms, Albany; Leeway Garden, Sumner; Hagerson Farm Fresh Produce, Plains; Two Nutty Chicks & Co., Pelham; Mark’s Melon Patch, Dawson; Johnson Produce, Donalsonville; Green Family Farm, Sylvester; Huckabuck Farm, Sylvester.

“As part of the local ag community, we’re committed to helping farmers of all sizes succeed,” said Paxton Poitevint, CEO, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. “These mini-grants help local farmers spread the word that they have terrific products for sale, and hopefully encourage area residents to take a minute and stop by for something healthy and tasty for their families.”

Headquartered in Bainbridge, Georgia, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit supports farmers and farm businesses, as well as rural property owners, providing safe, sound, dependable financing. The Association is part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of agricultural and rural lending institutions cooperatively owned by their borrowers. Farm Credit helps maintain and improve the quality of life in rural America and on the farm, through its constant commitment to competitive lending and expert financial services.