2026 FARMER HEALTH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM

Farmers face a unique and growing set of health challenges driven by long working hours, geographic isolation, and limited access to care. These factors contribute to increased risks for chronic illness, mental health issues, and dental problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rural populations experience higher rates of chronic disease, psychological distress, and dental decay than their urban counterparts. Despite their vital role in ensuring national food security and economic stability, most farmers still lack comprehensive health coverage.

Farmers deserve better, so we are launching the 2026 Farmer Health Mini-Grant Program to provide farmers with financial support in accessing the care they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Our Farmer Health Mini-Grant Program covers three pillars of farmer health: medical, dental, and mental health services.  

2026 FARMER HEALTH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM DETAILS 

  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from April 3 – September 1. 

  • Funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis, so early submission is encouraged. 

  • All Farmer Health Mini-Grant funds must be spent and receipts submitted no later than September 30, 2026. 

  • Farm owners and farm workers within the state of Georgia are eligible to apply for financial support for eligible medical, dental, and/or mental healthcare expenses for themselves and/or their dependents, plus eligible travel expense reimbursements (mileage, rideshare, or bus only). 

  • Priority will be given to farms in rural counties. 

  • Examples of what we DO fund: dental appointments, mental health appointments, procedures, all vision, physical therapy, medical supplies for specific conditions, chiropractic and acupuncture services, etc.  

  • Examples of what we do NOT fund: medically defined elective surgeries, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, first aid kits or similar supplies, etc. 

  • Health mini-grant awards can reach up to $930 for rural county farmers and $780 for urban county farmers. 

  • Awards must be spent and receipts submitted by September 30, 2026, 

  • Post-award reporting (such as a survey or short report) is required. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be a part-time or full-time farmer or farm worker based in Georgia. 

  • You must be a soil-based farmer with a soil-based operation, using sustainable, organic farming practices. 

  • You must have at least one year of farming experience and at least three months at your current operation. 

  • You must have an active Georgia Organics farmer membership. 

  • You must submit a completed 2026 Farmer Health Mini-Grant application. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Yes, you can apply for funds for medical, dental, and/or mental services, up to a cap of $930 if you reside in a rural county and $780 if you reside in an urban county. 

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear back from the Georgia Organics team within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application.  

  • Yes. Funds can be received up-front or as a reimbursement. You will need to submit proof of purchase documentation, receipt(s), and/or invoice(s) within 30 days of purchase (for reimbursements) or make your purchase within 30 days of having funds deposited into your account via ACH (for funds received up-front), unless otherwise specified in your communication with Georgia Organics.   

  • No; however, priority will be given to farms in rural counties, per our funder’s priorities.

  • Yes, you can still apply if you have health insurance. However, priority will be given to those farmers who do not currently have health insurance.

  • Yes, the mini-grant funds can be used to support a portion of the total cost of the eligible services or purchases.

  • Georgia Organics reserves the right to partially fund requests based on need, available funding, and the response from the overall applicant pool. Farmer Health Mini-Grants will be awarded up to $930 for rural county farms and up to $780 for urban county farms. If selected, you'll be informed of your final award amount and can decide whether to accept the mini-grant at that time.

  • All Farmer Health Mini-Grant funds must be spent and receipts submitted no later than September 30, 2026.  

APPLY HERE