A Niles farm was one of 10 farms across the U.S. chosen to receive a grant aimed at encouraging sustainability and health and earth stewardship.
Bertrand Farm Inc., located at 3575 W. Bertrand Road, received $4,991 from the San Francisco- based nonprofit, the Fruit Guys. The grant will help the farm establish a 500-foot perennial food project on a transitioning orchard.
These plantings will work with nature to eliminate pest and disease pressure, increase soil fertility, attract pollinators, sink carbon and produce nutrient-dense food. The installation of this project will add value to their farm and provide valuable research, beginner farm training and community education.
The decision for grant allocation was based on 70 letters of intent from farms across the U.S. proposing many impactful sustainable agriculture projects focused on supporting pollinators and conserving soil, water, and energy, extending the growing season and increasing harvests. Of the 20 finalists selected from The Community Fund’s volunteer review committee, 10 farms were selected to receive up to $5,000 in funding to support its proposed sustainability projects.
The FruitGuys is a company that delivers wellness to workplaces across America through boxes of farm-fresh fruit in an effort to replace breakroom junk food and promote healthy snacking. The company developed a deeper understanding and connection to the plight of small farmers and, in 2008, organized a Farm Steward Program to give grants to American farms to support sustainable agriculture projects. In 2012, the Farm Steward Program was officially established as a nonprofit fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives and renamed The FruitGuys Community Fund.