Local farms receive New Producers grants

One Sequim farm and two Port Angeles farms recently received New Producer Grants from AgWest Farm Credit, the organization announced last week.

Awardees include Teresa Shiraishi, owner of Tampopo Farm in Sequim, and Sabrina Peraza, owner of Flora Farm in Port Angeles, and Denice Gustafson, co-owner of Hope Rising Microgreens, also of Port Angeles.

There were about 450 applicants for the grants ranging from Arizona to Alaska, but only 30 recipients, the organization said. Successful applicants receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation’s growth.

The program helps producers start or grow an operation, access educational support, and build connections with other producers.