Crowdfunding is growing in popularity in the agricultural sector. Through this method of financing, farmers can raise money from a community of individuals to pursue projects on the farm. Kiva is an example of a popular and well-established crowdfunding platform that helps farmers in the United States access zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for discrete projects on the farm. Learn more about Kiva loans here.

Crowdfunding works by having the farmer (or person seeking capital) reach out to their community/network and broadcasting the funding opportunity. Sometimes, crowdfunding requires that a certain percent of the total funding goal be met by your friends and family. Then, the broader network of individuals on the crowdfunding platform can participate in fundraising.

Crowdfunding is an excellent option for farmers who don't want to raise traditional debt financing from a commercial agricultural lender. Farmers with robust communities of friends, family, and stakeholders are good candidates for a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Steward is a platform that is not an example of crowdfunding, but shares some similarities with crowdfunding. Steward can help farmers source funding for a variety of projects and expenditures from its network of individuals.

Learn more about Steward here: