Starting a farm from scratch is no easy task, especially for first-generation farmers. The costs for tools, equipment, seeds, and storage can quickly become overwhelming. To help ease this burden, the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, CAFF, created the Farmers for Tomorrow Fund — a resource designed to assist aspiring farmers in launching their businesses.
The annual Farmers for Tomorrow Benefit Happy Hour is set for 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the CAFF Farm in Fayetteville. In case of rain, an alternative location will be available. Tickets are on sale now.
“This event offers an evening of great food, local brews, a silent auction, and live music — all in support of helping new local farms take root and thrive,” said Heather Friedrich, CAFF program manager.
Farmers for Tomorrow event attendees will be offered dishes crafted by talented chefs Thor Maher and James Tyler of Fire and Lightning Catering, featuring fresh produce grown by students at the CAFF Farm School. This year, the band KALO will provide entertainment with their unique blend of rhythm, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
Tickets are $65 per person or $330 for a table of six. Friedrich said that by purchasing a ticket, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation, supporters are “not just enjoying a night out– you’re investing in the future of our local food system, economy and regional food security.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Farmers for Tomorrow Fund is available to graduates of the Farm School program who have secured land and are ready to start farming.
Past recipients of the Farmers for Tomorrow Fund include Sunny Acres Farms, Purple Finch Farm and Blooming Hope Mushroom Farm.
Sunny Acres is a small-scale market farm committed to regenerative agriculture and organic practices, with produce available at the Fayetteville and Goshen markets. Purple Finch Farm is a market garden and truck patch in Prairie Grove. Blooming Hope aims to make mushrooms the next “superfood,” while reconnecting people with nature.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the CAFF website at https://farmandfoodsystem.uada.edu/farmers-for-tomorrow/ or call (479) 575-2798.
CAFF acknowledges the support of its event partner, Farm Bureau Arkansas, and its sponsors, Adventure Subaru, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas and Simmons Foods.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit uada.edu.
Jenifer Fouch is with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.