The A Team Foundation challenge

Posted on 29th October 2013

by organicresearchcentre

The A Team Foundation, Funding Enlightened Agriculture (FEA) and Buzzbnk have come together to create a funding solution which will enable food and farming projects to get the funds and support they need to move forward.

It is estimated that food and farming currently receives less than 1% of the income of the charity and voluntary sector in the UK. The A Team Challenge provides projects with the opportunity to gain a good understanding of the principles of crowdfunding and valuable experience in its practice.

The Challenge seeks to provide 7-10 projects with matched funding of between £2,500 to £10,000 per project. Funding Enlightened Agriculture and Buzzbnk will provide support and advice in creating a realistic financing plan and crowdfunding education and support.

They aim to support small enterprises that are in line with the principle of Enlightened Agriculture which is that: “Farming, horticulture and food distribution be expressly designed to provide everyone everywhere with food of the highest quality, nutritionally and gastronomically, without wrecking the rest of the world”. The basic approach is that of “agroecology”.

They are looking for UK-based projects in the following areas of agriculture:

• Horticulture, especially organic horticulture
• Organic, or biodynamic farming practice (this does not need to be certified, but applicants will need to demonstrate that they are practising organic or biodynamic principles).
• Small-scale mixed farming (again organic in principle though not needing to be certified as such, and geared to serving local communities) in which crops (both arable and horticultural) and livestock are integrated synergistically
• Enterprises involved in the marketing and distribution of food that provide an outlet for local food production including small-scale farmers and growers.

For more information and how to apply click here