List is updated as we learn of grants which may not be listed at the sites below.
As farmers face increasing financial stress a natural reaction is to seek financial assistance – often in the form of grants. Grants for struggling businesses generally are not available, but grants for new ideas and research may be available. As we become aware of opportunities, they will be posted here.
Grant Opportunities for Farmers
A page maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the South-Central Agricultural Program. Please Note: if the application deadline for a particular grant has expired, plan ahead for next year. Generally these grants come around about the same time each year. Request information anytime so you know what is expected in the application.
The Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is accepting applications for organic farming projects that involve farmers in both the design and implementation of the project, and that take place on organic farms, where possible and appropriate. Grants of up to $15,000 are available and assistance exists for farmers seeking help in applying. Applicants are encouraged to raise matching funds or in-kind contributions from other sources. More info here. The Organic Farming Research Foundation, which has disbursed nearly $1.2 million in organic research grants since 1990, will be accepting grant applications on July 15 and Dec. 15 of each year.
Possible funding opportunity. Graze NY will be writing a grant for pasture improvement needs. The grant application will be for funding at a 75% cost share rate for fencing, watering systems, fertilizer, seed, and lime. You need to have a minimum of 25 animal units (1,000 pounds of animal) Needs to show a water quality benefit. Land that was previously being row cropped that will now be in permanent pasture is an excellent way to show a water quality benefit. Removing animals from surface water, such as streams, ponds, concentrated flow areas, etc, is also excellent. If interested, call the office ASAP to be put on the list. Phone: 607-257-2340.
Sustainable Farmer Educator Grants
Are offered to successful and articulate farmers who are committed to sharing their knowledge with producers, extension personnel, and others in the agricultural community. The award is capped at $8,000 annually, and applications are accepted only when vacancies occur.
Have been due in August. Previous awards
Grow New York Enterprise Program
The Grow NY Enterprise Program is a joint Governor's initiative of the Governor's Office for Small Cities (GOSC), Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), which dedicates $3 million to increasing the demand for and expanding the use of New York's agriculture and forest products. The primary objective of the program is to provide funds to local governments who in turn use the dollars to assist qualifying businesses who undertake activities resulting in the creation or\par retention of job opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.
This new program dedicates $3 million in grants and loans to agriculture-related businesses and governments in towns or cities under 50,000 people that will increase the demand for and expand the use of New York's agriculture and forest products. Open deadline while funds are available ...!
USDA Conservation Assistance Programs
USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Programs
Rural Business-Cooperative Service supports economic and business development in rural communities. Financial assistance is offered in the form of grants, loans and loan guarantees. Non-financial assistance is offered in cooperative development, Rural Empowerment Zones (EZ), Rural Enterprise Communities (EC), and Champion Communities (CC) programs as well as technical assistance to entrepreneurs and development organizations.
WildlifeHabitat Incentives Program
Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grants
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
CSREES Funding Opportunities in Organic Agriculture
Organic Transition Program (ORG)
1.) Although the Organic
Transition Program is administratively lumped in with pest
management programs in the Request forApplications (RFA),
proposals are not by any means restricted to pest management
topics.
See last year's (2002) RFA (request for applications) in order to
get a head start planning for the FY2003 RFA.
See
http://www.reeusda.gov/integrated/
http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/whatnew/reerfa.htm
http://www.reeusda.gov/agsys/pestmgt/organic.htm
http://www.reeusda.gov/agsys/pestmgt/orgsum01.htm
2.) Although eligibility for Organic Transitions projects is
limited to degree-granting institutions, other organizations
and individuals can be collaborators, subcontractors, etc. and/or
stimulate their contacts at eligible institutions to apply.
Organic Research and Extension Initiative
This is a new program authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. A total of $15 million has been authorized for 5 years. The program will begin operations in FY04. This gives us approximately 12 months to prepare and assemble teams that can produce successful proposals. Eligibility is expanded to include State, tribal, local or regionally based entities. There are six general program areas set forth in the legislation: 1.) Facilitate the development of organic agriculture production, breeding and processing methods; 2.) Evaluate potential economic benefits to producers and processors who use organic methods; 3.) Explore international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed commodities; 4.) Determine desirable traits for organic products; 5.) Identify marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture; and 6.) Conduct advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions.
Non-Farm Grants, may offer the random grants for ag.: Web sites on which one can search for available grant monies. Keep in mind that grant money is rarely available to for-profit ventures for purposes of obtaining capital.
(NNY, CNY, ENY)
are one of the many services provided by FSA