The University of Vermont Extension has just released a 62-page guide for farmers seeking alternative ways of raising financing for land acquisition, operations, and expansion. Entitled The Guide to Financing the Community Supported Farm, it explores a series of different models, ranging from promissery notes to owner-financed sales to multi-year CSA’s, and much more. It examines these different options through case studies of farmers who have utilized them and also through legal, social, environmental, and accounting perspectives. The guide is useful and informative not only for farmers (or farm-hopefuls) looking for financing, but also for anyone interested in ways that farms and their communities can become more tightly connected and supportive.
The guide, is free and available for viewing at the UVM website here.