SPECIALTY CROPS GRANTS
Funds Available!
Feeding Laramie Valley is thrilled to announce the initiation of a dynamic grant program designed to champion innovative, community-centered specialty crop endeavors. In collaboration with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, this initiative earmarks a total of $200,000 to support Specialty Crops projects across the state.
The program seeks to invigorate local vegetable, fruit, and nut cultivation, distribution, knowledge, and awareness. At least 20 grants will be disbursed to various entities and individuals throughout Wyoming, with the aim of amplifying local specialty crop consumption. Ranging from $500 to $10,000, these grants are open for application to eligible individuals, non-profits, and other entities.
Potential projects encompass a wide array of initiatives, including, but not limited to, the expansion and sustenance of community and school gardens, season extension programs, garden clubs, local governmental bodies and educational institutions, community colleges, Conservation Districts, as well as other pioneering crop demonstration and educational endeavors.
What Are Specialty Crops?
Specialty crops encompass fruits, vegetables, nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, as well as nursery, floriculture, and horticulture crops. For the purposes of these grants offered, Specialty Crops projects are limited to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and medicinal plants. For a full list of eligible crops, please contact us at the information listed below.
Purpose of the Grants
The overarching objective of this grant program is to foster the accessibility of specialty crops to the Wyoming community, thereby advancing food knowledge, security, and sovereignty. Past beneficiaries of specialty crop state grants have spearheaded initiatives such as school and community gardens, hoop houses, educational initiatives, and conservation efforts across Wyoming.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Applications for the grant program are now open to interested parties. The grant proposal must include a demonstration or educational component. These grants will include a cost-match component. We particularly welcome submissions from small-scale producers nonprofits, and individuals who may not have previously qualified for grant funding.
For more information and to request an application, please contact Lina Dunning.
Contact:
Lina Dunning
Community Engagement Coordinator
Feeding Laramie Valley
307-223-4339
lina@feedinglaramievalley.org
Resources
Wyoming Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Program
Review Committee
The Specialty Crops Grant Review and Award Committee is composed of five members. They meet monthly to review submitted applications. Meet your review committee below!
Lina Dunning
(She/ Her) Lina serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Feeding Laramie Valley. She coordinates special events and manages the Community Gardens program, in addition to the Specialty Crops Grant program.
Gail Giffin
(She/Her) Gail is a retired special education teacher and lifelong gardener with deep roots in Laramie and the high plains region.
Guillermo Avalos
(He/They) Gullermo is a former Americorps VISTA member with Feeding Laramie Valley. They are studying social justice and have a deep interest in its application in agriculture and food systems.
Bren Lieske
(She/Her) Bren is a long-time Laramie homesteader who has been actively involved with Feeding Laramie Valley for over a decade. She lends her extensive hands-on knowledge of Wyoming gardening and farming techniques to the committee.
Baylee Markus
(She/Her) Baylee is the Americorps VISTA Coordinator for Action Resources International
