The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association is partnering with a group of homegrown investors to launch the OEFFA Investment Fund, which will offer loans to members employing environmentally sound ag practices that are financially viable, yet don’t fit the mold for traditional banking loans.

 

The farm association’s executive director, Carol Goland, says conventional lending is typically not available to small-scale, diversified farms.

 

"There’s so much excitement and enthusiasm for locally produced, organically raised products and yet these businesses aren’t able to take advantage of the market opportunity that’s out there because of their inability to access capital," Goland explains.

 

Most of the requests are expected to be in the $5,000 to $50,000 range. While most of the investments will involve loans, Goland says there are innovative options.

 

" Other kinds of investments will also be considered," she says. "For instance, a revenue sharing agreement, royalties, a land lease - the possibilities are really only limited by the imagination of the entrepreneurs who seek funding."

 

Applications are being accepted starting today, with the first funding decisions expected in January. More information can be found at the group’s website: www.oeffa.org