Grant Reimbursement For Texas Farmers Co-op

The Central Texas Farmers Cooperative (CTFC) is a farmer-owned organization established in 2016 to uplift small regenerative producers across the region and strengthen the local food system. Open to current and aspiring producers of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, eggs, meats, and select value-added goods, the co-op brings together farmers committed to ecological stewardship and community well-being. Through its multi-farm CSA program, CTFC connects consumers with fresh, sustainably grown food while supporting the viability of small farms. Guided by rigorous standards for soil health, food safety, humane livestock care, and ethical business practices, the cooperative works to ensure that healthy land, healthy people, and a healthy regional economy grow together. In doing so, CTFC fosters a resilient agricultural network for Central Texas.

Use of Funds

Steward’s grant reimbursement loan will provide bridge financing to allow CTFC to purchase a refrigerated van and value added processing equipment before the end of 2025. The loan is structured as a 9-month term, with the first 3 months of interest-only payments fully covered by an interest reserve. The Co-op is expected to receive its grant reimbursement by March 2026, at which point the funds will be applied as a principal paydown. 

Ecological, Social, and Economic Stewardship Practices

Ecological Stewardship

• CTFC upholds its members to strict standards related to environmental stewardship as outlined in the member handbook and marketing agreement:
• Members are required to build, maintain, and contribute to healthy soils by using crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage. 
• Synthetic inputs are prohibited along with GMO or chemically treated seeds, irradiation and sewage sludge.
• Livestock are humanely raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics and provided with ample pasture for grazing. Pasture diversity is actively encouraged by incorporating a wide range of plant species. Ruminants are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised, while poultry and goats receive non-GMO, locally milled grains. Pork is also pasture-raised.
• Members must foster beneficial wildlife habitat and support ecological biodiversity. All farms are highly diversified and incorporate perennial plantings that play a key role in an integrated pest management strategy.
• Water conservation is a top priority for all members. Members utilize drip irrigation systems and most implement permaculture techniques like  berms and swales. Additionally, most members use compost and  mulch to promote water retention and mitigate erosion and runoff.

Social Stewardship

• Preserves farmland for future generations through conservation efforts.
• Keeps small and beginning farmers in business by providing access to sales, marketing, and distribution channels through the Co-op. 
• CTFC offers networking opportunities through regular meetings and social engagements, further strengthening the local food system through this alliance. 

Economic Stewardship

• Supports agricultural markets and infrastructure that enable small farms to thrive.
• Promotes a healthy regional food system by working in cooperation with over a dozen small-scale vegetable farmers and over a half a dozen protein producers and selling directly to consumers.
• Reduces food miles by selling farm products locally and regionally. 
• Governed by a Board of Directors. CTFC was created to conduct business for the benefits of its members.

Stewardship Statement

Throughout the term of this loan, Central Texas Farmers Co-op (CTFC)  pledges to:

• Support diversified, small-scale and beginning farmers and producers through providing sales outlets and marketing and distribution support. 

• Uphold farmer members and other businesses from which it sources products to the following standards: 

• Organic and sustainable farming  practices only. No use of synthetic inputs. 

• Emphasis on soil health, land regeneration and animal welfare for all producers. 

• Executing a marketing agreement with each producer, in which they agree to abide by standards required by CTFC and confirmed by a site visit from either a board member or an appropriate appointed party.  

• Continue to operate in ways that support the collective, using fair and just systems that uphold integrity. Adhere to CTFC bylaws and prioritize the success and needs of farmer members above all else.