Sustainable farming scholarship applications due by Dec. 13

All Delmarva farmers with small operations who are interested in learning more about sustainable practices and focused on growing for the local market are invited to apply now for the 2025 Historic Lewes Farmers Market scholarship program. Completed applications are due no later than Friday, Dec. 13.

The HLFM will award a number of scholarships for the 2025 conferences. Up to $500 in scholarship money with proof of registration (limit two scholarships per farm) will be awarded for in-person conferences, and up to $150 will be awarded for virtual attendance at conferences.

Conferences in the mid-Atlantic include: Future Harvest CASA Conference, Jan. 17-18, futureharvest.org; Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Jan. 28-30, mafvc.org; and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Feb. 5-7, pasafarming.org; and similar conferences approved by the HLFM.

In 2016, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market established an emerging women farmers’ scholarship fund in memory of Debra Schaefer, who was a sustainable farmer in Frankford. Eligible applicants should indicate on their form if they are applying for one of the Debra Schaefer Scholarships.

To be eligible for scholarships, applicants must currently be farming or developing a sustainable farming enterprise on Delmarva; currently operate a small farm (low sales) as defined by the Economic Research Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (less than $350,000 gross in agricultural sales) on Delmarva, or be able to demonstrate financial need to attend this conference. Only one applicant per farm is allowed.

Applicants must also currently be a farmer/grower who sells what they grow, raise or produce on their own farm, or be in training to become a farmer. A farmer/grower may be a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation, and shall include family members and employees who assist in the production and/or sales/marketing of the farm products.

They must also commit to sharing their experiences at a virtual HLFM farmers workshop to be held in the spring.

Interested farmers can call 302-644-1436 or email info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org for more information.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, Dec. 13. All scholarship applicants will be notified of awards by Friday, Jan. 3.