June 12 Farmers For Tomorrow Benefit To Provide ‘Seed Money’ For Local Small Farms

MARY HIGHTOWER

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

A June 12 fundraiser featuring food by Atlas restaurant chef and owner Elliot Hunt, beverages by Sommelier Aleks Berry, and live music by Buddy Shute & the Motivators, will provide seed money and other financial support for local small farms.

The event is presented by the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, or CAFF, whose mission is to increase the number of thriving farms and farmers in Arkansas. All proceeds directly benefit the Farmers for Tomorrow grant program which helps new local farms launched by CAFF program graduates.

These funds help purchase seeds, tools, structures, and equipment, helping folks like Lucy Bautista fulfill their dream of farming. Bautista is a CAFF graduate who launched Blooming Hope Mushroom Farm with her husband, Rodrigo.

“The Farmers for Tomorrow Grant provided the essential tools and supplies we needed to cultivate our dream as mushroom farmers,” Lucy Bautista said. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to CAFF and all of the sponsors of this grant for believing in our potential, empowering our beginnings, and providing the tangible support that continues to nourish our growth.”

The benefit will be held at the CAFF Farm, 1005 Meade Ave., in Fayetteville. Tickets are $75 each, with discounts for groups of six or more.

In addition to the food, beverages and live music, there will be a silent auction and tour of the farm.

“This fundraiser is a great way for our community to pay it forward to the future of farming in the Ozarks,” said CAFF Director Heather Friedrich. “Supporting local efforts is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference close to home.”

CAFF is a program of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  ∆

MARY HIGHTOWER: University of Arkansas