Ann Fugate Memorial Fund Grant

The Ann Fugate Memorial Fund Grant for Beginner Farmers is an initiative led by the Athens Farmers Market in collaboration with Community Food Initiatives and Rural Action. The grant commemorates Ann Fugate, a committed advocate for agriculture in Appalachia, who was a co-owner of Rich Organic Farms and a prominent member of the Athens Farmers Market and Rural Action board. Following her passing in May 2020, this fund was created to carry on her legacy of promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting new farmers in Southeast Ohio. Now in its sixth year, the grant reflects a community-wide effort to bolster local food systems by reducing barriers to market entry for beginning farmers. The primary objective of this grant is to assist novice farmers in establishing themselves as vendors at the Athens Farmers Market, a nationally recognized venue. By covering stall fees for one year, the grant allows selected farmers to participate in the 2025 market season (April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027), providing them with valuable exposure and a platform to grow their operations. Although the grant covers stall fees valued at $250, awardees are still responsible for the standard $225 membership fee, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and mutual investment in the local market. Eligible applicants must be new vendors to the Athens Farmers Market, self-identified as beginning farmers, and reside within 150 miles of Athens, Ohio. While there are no specific product requirements, priority is given to applicants offering products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, plant starts, flowers, meat, dairy, eggs, staple crops, honey, and winter produce. This wide eligibility reflects the fund’s inclusive approach to boosting agricultural diversity and innovation within the market. The application process is straightforward and accessible. Prospective applicants can complete an online form available on the Athens Farmers Market website. Those unable to access the form are encouraged to contact the program coordinator directly for assistance. This ensures equitable access to the grant opportunity regardless of technical limitations. For additional inquiries, applicants may contact Paige Walters, Assistant Market Manager, via email or phone. The grant is designed to support the broader ecosystem of new food producers in the region and is complemented by other local programs such as Rural Action’s Whole Farm Project. By partnering with initiatives that offer mentoring and planning resources, the Ann Fugate Memorial Fund aims to create wraparound support systems for emerging farmers. This grant not only encourages the sustainability of the market itself but also fortifies the overall health of the regional food network. Applications for the current cycle are due by February 15, 2026. The grant is recurring annually each spring, ensuring that future cohorts of beginning farmers have continued access to the support they need to thrive. Through this effort, the Athens Farmers Market and its partners reaffirm their commitment to agricultural resilience, economic opportunity, and the legacy of Ann Fugate.