Overview

Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee?

FRESHFARM is committed to providing vital economic opportunities for local farmers and artisanal food producers. An important part of that mission is helping farmers and producers gain access to capital. Even with the support of thriving farmers markets, many of our farmers operate on the margins of profitability. We want our farmers to be able to afford to innovate and think outside of the box, whether that means having the funding to attend a cheese making conference or to buy a new piece of equipment that helps them save water. Working with Kiva to offer our farmers zero interest loans will help us make this possible.

What is the mission of your organization?

FRESHFARM is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity in the Mid-Atlantic Region. We do this by operating producer-only farmers markets that provide vital economic opportunities for local farmers and food producers, and through innovative philanthropic outreach programs that educate the public about food and related environmental issues.

Borrower Due Diligence

How will you decide who to endorse as a borrower? What due diligence will you conduct?

We have individual relationships with each farmer and producer who sells at our markets. We also regularly visit farms and processing facilities to verify sustainable practices and discuss issues with our farmers and producers. We will commit to visiting our loan recipients at least twice during the loan repayment period. All borrowers that we endorse will have an established relationship with FRESHFARM and its staff. The opportunity to apply for a loan will be available to all of our farmers and food producers. We will determine which farmers or producers to endorse based on need, timeliness, length and quality of relationship, and significant and positive impact of the loan on growing practices, expanded product line and sustained business operation. We have cultivated relationships with our farmers and producers for 20 years and can speak to their character and financial stability.