As funding allows, in 2015 FACT will award scholarships for livestock and poultry farmers to attend select sustainable agriculture or humane farming conferences. As these conferences are a key way that farmers share resources and knowledge with one another, we want to prioritize sending humane livestock farmers to conferences. A limited number of scholarships will be available in 2015 to cover registration expenses to five specific conferences:
- EcoFarm Conference, Pacific Grove, CA – January 21-25, 2015
- PASA Farming for the Future Conference, State College, PA – February 4-7, 2015
- OEFFA Annual Conference, Granville, OH – February 14-15, 2015
- MOSES Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, WI – February 26-28, 2015
- Southeastern Sustainable Livestock Conference, Atlanta, GA – March 28, 2015
**As of January 9, 2015 limited funding is still available. Inquire at scholarship@foodanimalconcerns.org for additional information.**
Who is eligible for a scholarship? Current livestock and poultry farmers who express an intention to learn about humane farming methods at a sustainable agriculture conference are eligible. Farmers must own or be employed by a working, independent family farm. Interns and volunteers are not eligible for a scholarship.
How do I apply? Farmers seeking a scholarship should complete a simple application requesting funds to reimburse registration fees. We also require proof of conference registration. Please type directly into the application form, save your work, and email your application materials to scholarship@foodanimalconcerns.org. Applications are also accepted via mail but please keep in mind scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
How large are the scholarships and what do they cover? FACT’s will reimburse up to $400 for expenses associated with conference registration fees. FACT will not reimburse for conference meals, lodging, transportation, membership fees, or pre-conference workshops that are not related to livestock or poultry production.
How will decisions be made? Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible farmers for one of the five conferences listed above until funding is depleted.
What expectations are there for scholarship recipients? After attending the conference, scholarship recipients will be required to (1) submit photos, (2) complete a short questionnaire, (3) provide a testimonial, and (4) participate in our online forum for humane farmers. Recipients will also be automatically added to our monthly Fund-a-Farmer email listserv. If a scholarship recipient does not attend conference for which they received a scholarship, all funds must immediately be returned to FACT.