Fund provides aid to organic farmers suffering hardship

Organic producers who have experienced hardship during the 2020 calendar year may apply for financial assistance through the Bricmont Hardship Assistance Fund.

Named in honor of California Certified Organic Farmers founding member Barney Bricmont, the foundation provides direct financial assistance exclusively to organic producers who suffer financial losses due to extreme hardship. Since 2007, CCOF said, the fund has distributed $210,000 in awards.

To be considered, applicants must be certified organic operations currently in good standing with a valid organic certificate; experience economic hardship in the 2020 calendar year; submit documentation or supporting evidence of economic loss resulting from the hardship; submit a receipt for organic certification fees paid in 2020 by any accredited certifier; and submit a progress report six months after receiving the grant. CCOF said grantees from previous years are welcome to re-apply.

Applications must be received by the CCOF Foundation by May 25, with awards to be made in June. Award amounts range from $1,000-$2,500.

To apply, go to ccof.org. For more information, contact the CCOF Foundation at ccoffoundation@ccof.org or 831-423-2263.