SALT LAKE CITY — A second round of funding is open for farmers who want to expand their operations with sustainability in mind through the Local Food Microgrant Program.

The program, a partnership between the city and Urban Food Connections of Utah, was first announced in February. The grants will help farmers access technology, education, tools and equipment to grow more produce more sustainably.

“Our local farmers add so much to our community, as anyone who has visited one of our nearby markets can attest. Quite literally we are nourished by the fruits of their labor every day and we want to support their endeavors,” Mayor Jackie Biskupski said in a statement.

In the first grant cycle, the program had 33 applicants requesting a total of $131,669 in funding. Nearly $14,500 was awarded to four recipients, including BUG Farms, Blue Spring Farms, Earth First Organix and Pyne Farms.

“We were overwhelmed by the interest we saw in the first round,” Alison Einerson, of Urban Food Connections of Utah, said in the statement. “There is clearly a sizable demand for continued microgrant opportunities to support local farmers, and we look forward to working with the city to continue to grow the program in the coming years to meet more of that demand.”

Applications for the microgrants will be accepted until Aug. 25. For more information on the program, visit: slcfarmersmarket.org/programs-events/local-food-microgrant-program.