Eastern Arizona College hosts Funding for Farmers Workshop

Eastern Arizona College hosted the Gila Valley Food Coalition’s Funding for Farmers Workshop at its Discovery Park Campus last week. More than 30 people attended the event focused on helping beginning and current farmers discover local financing options. Pictured here speaking is EAC Small Business Development Center director, Kevin Peck, event host. [EAC submitted photo by – Sophia Saldana]

By Kris McBride

THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College hosted the Gila Valley Food Coalition’s Funding for Farmers Workshop at its Discovery Park Campus last week. More than 30 people attended the event focused on helping beginning and current farmers discover local financing options.

“Programs like this are key to revitalizing rural economies by supporting local food systems,” said Kevin Peck, director of EAC’s Small Business Development Center. “This workshop will help more individuals participate in the competitive grant process and create real opportunities that address the growing demand of locally produced food.”

Representatives from the Arizona Economic Recovery Center, Prestamos CDFI, Graham County Board of Supervisors, USDA, UA Cooperative Extension, EAC’s Small Business Development Center, and Country Financial were on hand to discuss loan and grant programs and answer questions.

“Beginning farmers face new challenges compared to those who started decades ago. They operate smaller farms, come from non-farm backgrounds, and have less access to farmland that has traditionally been passed down from generation to generation. There are programs available to help both beginning and current farmers and we encourage anyone interested to reach out to us.”

Individuals who were unable to attend the Gila Valley Food Coalition’s Funding for Farmers Workshop and are interested in financing options for farming are encouraged to contact Samantha at samantha@localfirstaz.com.

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