A fundraising effort has been launched to benefit Tom Shepherd, a longtime local organic farmer who has been battling bladder cancer for the past 18 months.

Shepherd has been tilling the soil in Santa Barbara County for decades, and currently is farming 15 acres in the Gaviota area.

He’s been a longtime provider of produce to local restaurants and farmers markets.

Shepherd recently learned that his condition is so severe that he will need a bladder transplant and possibly treatment indefinitely.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Shepherd’s medical and travel costs, and to help keep his farm running.

“The funds from this will help him get through these difficult next four months,” according to the GoFundMe page. “It will allow him to pay for all of his personal and business expenses. He will be able to pay for a full-time worker on the farm to prepare for summer, and pay for the help needed at farmers market…

“Tom has grown so much food for our community. It’s our turn to show him how much we care!”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised $53,335 of a $75,000 goal.

Click here to make a donation.

— Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.