Agenda Item Name:
TitleSmall-Producer Agriculture Capital Support Pilot GrantEnd
Presenter:
Sean McLendon, Strategic Initiatives Manager
Description:
Program and award criteria for a Small-Producer Agriculture Capital Support Pilot Grant
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve pilot grant program and direct staff to solicit applications for up to $10,000 in available funding ($5,000 Maximum Award per application)
End
Prior Board Motions:
At the Feb 9, 2021 Regular Board meeting under the Local Food topic, Commissioner Prizzia stated that she would like to see a pilot program for a mini Grants for small/minority farmers to purchase equipment to help establish the Local Food Economy.
Commissioner Prizzia moved to refer to staff the concept to staff to research if there is any possibility to establish now or for next year a mini-grant program. The motion carried 4-0.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
There is sufficient budget in the Economic Development Division in account 001.17.1770.552.82.53 for FY21. For pilot grant in FY21, $10,000 will be used to award up to two $5,000 grants.
There is no budget in FY22 to continue this program.
End
Background:
On February 9, 2021, Commissioner Prizzia moved to refer the concept to staff to research if there is any possibility to establish now or for next year a mini grant program. The motion carried 4-0.
This document brings back a pilot project criteria and process to fulfill that Board direction in the FY21 budget year. The criteria and process still align to the County Commission's strategic vision of "Achieving Social and Economic Opportunity for All" and desire to "promote the economic prosperity of all citizens, address economic equity, and diversify the tax base", per Goal 1 of the Economic Element in the Comprehensive Plan.
Grant funding is limited to capital equipment needs of Alachua County residents that have small producer agricultural operations wholly contained within...
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