ASD needs your help. Last week, we learned that three of our federal grants were frozen. Totaling $1.25 million dollars in awarded and legally obligated funding through 2028, these federal grants enable ASD to provide essential resources and services that farming communities throughout Central Appalachia rely on. This includes training, technical and financial assistance, sales and processing support, and more. 

With federal funding frozen, these critical services and our agroforestry team are in jeopardy. These federal grants are largely reimbursement-based, meaning ASD and farmers must spend the money before the government issues payment. With a freeze in effect, these payments cannot be made and we have no information on how long it will take before our grant accounts are unlocked. Our limited state and foundation grants cannot sustain a long-term funding freeze - we need your support.

This article offers another glimpse into the federal funding freeze impacts that farmers are facing.

We can get through this - together. Ways you can help:

• Donate to our program- Your donation, no matter the size, makes a big difference for the people, plants, and future of Appalachia. Help us bridge this funding gap with a 100% tax deductible donation, matched 1:1 up to $60,000!

• Share your impact story - We’d love to hear how ASD’s programming (or other federal programs) have impacted you, your farm, and/or your community - and impacts this funding freeze may have! Click below to fill out these quick surveys by February 28!

• Contact your local representatives - Click the button below for a draft email template and contact information for elected officials to share it with. The voice of many is stronger than the voice of a few!

• Help spread the word - Share this with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to raise awareness about this issue and its impacts to our farming communities.

"On behalf of the entire agroforestry team, thank you for your support - in whatever form it may take! Despite the uncertainty ahead, ASD’s commitment to supporting farmers remains unwavering. Much like the at-risk plants we tend to, we are resilient. Together, we will continue to grow a stronger Appalachia through agriculture, just as we have for the past 30 years."

~Katie Commender, ASD Director of Agroforestry

Questions?

Katie Commender, Agroforestry Director: kcommender@asdevelop.org

Stesha Warren, Agroforestry Technical Trainer: swarren@asdevelop.org

Emilie Tweardy, Agroforester: etweardy@asdevelop.org

Wyn Miller, Agroforester: wmiller@asdevelop.org

Robin Suggs, Herb Hub Procurement Manager: rsuggs@asdevelop.org

Shannon Joyce, Herb Hub Associate: sjoyce@asdevelop.org

Appalachian Sustainable Development’s mission is to

grow a stronger Appalachia through Agriculture.