Beginning Farmer Scholarship

Funding Source: Farmers Market Promotion Program of the USDA

Purpose

Rural Action awards scholarships for beginning farmers in Appalachian Ohio to gain professional development through attending conferences, registering for online courses, or attending trainings to learn knowledge and skills related to farming and selling local food.

Geographic Scope

Appalachian counties of Ohio: Adams, Ashtabula, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Vinton, and Washington

Eligibility

• Applicants: Beginning farmers, farm workers, and apprentices
• USDA Definition of Beginning Farmer: Farmer who has not operated a farm or ranch, or who has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years
• Requirement: Must serve an Appalachian county of Ohio (e.g., if your farm serves customers in an Appalachian county, you are eligible to apply)
• Limitation: One scholarship per farm only; covers registration fee for one individual

What Scholarships Cover

• Registration fees only for conferences, online courses, or trainings

What Scholarships Do NOT Cover

• Meals
• Lodging
• Transportation
• Membership fees

Eligible Educational Opportunities

Individuals may apply for funding to attend an educational opportunity of their choice. Rural Action staff will review proposed conferences on a case-by-case basis and approve those deemed eligible. Examples include:

• Rural Action Southern Ohio Forest Farming Conference (OH)
• Cornell Small Farms Program Ag Progress Days (PA)
• National Conference of Private Forest Landowners (NC)

Award Decision Process

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible beginning farmers until funding is depleted.

Important Notes

• Scholarships will not be awarded for conferences or events that have already been completed
• If a scholarship recipient does not attend the conference, all scholarship funds must immediately be returned to Rural Action
• Rural Action coordinates with conference organizers to verify attendance

Application Process

1. Submit Application: Apply for a scholarship requesting up to $350 for reimbursement of registration fees
2. Receive Decision: Hear back from Rural Action within 2 weeks of applying. Review will be for eligibility and notification via email.
3. Register and Submit Receipt: Register for the educational event and send your receipt to Rural Action staff. You have 1 month from acceptance to provide proof of conference registration in the form of:
   • Registration email confirmation, OR
   • Credit card receipt
4. Receive Reimbursement: Once Rural Action has your proof of payment and registration, they will issue you a check to reimburse your registration fees
5. Attend the Educational Event: All scholarship recipients are expected to:
   • Attend sessions related directly to farming
   • Those attending a workshop or training event must attend the entire session for which they registered
6. Complete Reporting Form: Within 14 days of attending the event, scholarship recipients must complete a short report form about their experience. This helps Rural Action report to funders and continue to fund important professional development opportunities.