Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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American Farm Trust opens grant program for Virginia farmers
Virginia farmers can apply this month for two grant programs designed to help them improve soil health and strengthen the long-term viability of their farms.
The two grants — the Healthy Soils Grant and the Farm Vitality Grant — are part of the American Farm Trust’s Regenerate Virginia initiative, according to a news release from AFT.
The Healthy Soils Grant, which is in partnership with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, provides awards of up to $30,000. It supports innovative on-farm practices that build soil health and address gaps not covered by other programs.
The Farm Vitality Grant provides up to $25,000 for business consulting and planning services that strengthen long-term farm viability.
The application window is open through Dec. 19. More information — including a downloadable application, eligibility requirements and a link to a Dec. 15 online Q&A session — is online.
AFT awarded $896,600 through these grant programs to 38 Virginia farmers and ranchers last year, the news release said.
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United Way receives disaster recovery grant
United Way of Southwest Virginia has received a two-year, $500,000 grant to expand its disaster recovery work.
The grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy will support the United Recovery Force: Disaster Division, according to a news release from United Way.
The grant will allow United Way to expand its preparedness and resilience efforts, including community education, resilience planning, provision of emergency kits to families and risk mitigation strategies, the release said. The agency will continue to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters. In the past, this has included helping families with emergency housing and supplies, coordinating volunteer clean-up efforts and connecting residents with recovery resources.