Funding Opportunities

Applications are due March 18, 2022.
Idaho Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for . Projects must solely enhance the competitiveness of U.S. grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets and must provide a benefit to more than just the applicant. Projects may include such topics as increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, pest and disease control, sustainability, enhancing food safety, and developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops.

Proposals for the first funding pool are due April 8, 2022.
The new opportunity provides up to $1 billion for pilot projects that create market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. Through this new program, USDA will finance partnerships to support the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities via a set of pilot projects lasting one to five years. Pilots will provide technical and financial assistance to producers who implement climate-smart practices on a voluntary basis on working lands; pilot innovative and cost-effective methods for quantification, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas benefits; and market the resulting climate-smart commodities. Proposals from $5 million to $100 million are in the first funding pool and should include large-scale pilot projects that emphasize the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production and include direct, meaningful benefits to a representative cross-section of production agriculture, including small and/or historically underserved producers.

The application deadline is March 10, 2022.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Eligible applicants include universities/colleges, municipalities, registered nonprofits, state agencies, and Council of Governments.

Applications are due by March 8, 2022.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s is a competitive matching grant program for Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives to support the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. Four types of grants are available: new farmer micro-grants, infrastructure investment grants, research and development grants, and innovation and diversification grants.

Applications are due by March 5, 2022.
The Grassfed Exchange conference is accepting applications for to attend the 2022 Grassfed Exchange conference, May 18-20, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas. There are 13 full-ride Herd Fellow scholarships available that include a full ride to the Grassfed Exchange conference, including travel, lodging, and accessing a network of hundreds of regenerative mentors. In addition, 16 tuition-only scholarships are also available to cover the registration to the conference. Any new or young farmer, student, intern, or apprentice under 35 or veteran under 45 is welcome to apply.

Concept proposals must be submitted by March 1, 2022.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications through the , made available in response to priority needs relating to COVID-19. Entities may apply for both grant opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry: Increasing sales and marketability and driving demand for specialty crops; Increasing consumption of specialty crops in Arkansas schools by expanding child knowledge and/or improving access to the nutritional benefits of specialty crops; Increasing access to local healthy foods; Research projects focused on helping specialty crop growers reduce financial costs, improve pest and disease management, and/or value-added products; and Enhancing specialty crop food safety.

Applications are due by March 4, 2022.
The Native American Agriculture Fund and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research established the , which awards fellowships to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing technical, undergraduate, and graduate degrees in agriculture. The fellowship program provides a generous benefits package that can include up to four years of fellowship status, with funding to earn agricultural degrees or technical certifications. Applicants must provide proof of Tribal enrollment or community connectedness.

Applications are due by April 8, 2022.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is accepting applications for the . This program funds projects that aim to enhance the production and competitiveness of Specialty Crop industries in Massachusetts. Socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, producer groups, and local government entities are eligible to apply. The suggested dollar value of projects is between $40,000 and $90,000.

Proposals are due March 31, 2022.
The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) (PDP) supports state professional development programs and competitive grants for training agricultural professionals. These competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private, and not-for-profit sectors, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. The maximum award is $90,000 and projects can last up to 36 months.

Applications are due by March 21, 2022.
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for the (NFF) for fiscal year 2022 to provide for expanded and comprehensive extension programs that focus on forest and rangeland renewable resources at the national or regional level. Approximately $300,000 is available for grants. RREA-NFF projects must maximize the capacity, reach, and impact of the Cooperative Extension System—Extension Forestry and Rangeland Programs to ensure appropriate management and conservation of natural resources and to ensure resilience against climate change. Applications may only be submitted by 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions.

Applications are due by March 25, 2022.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is accepting applications for . Grant funds can be used to increase specialty crop consumption and purchasing, expand production and market access, bolster food safety knowledge and processes, improve pest and disease control and environmental sustainability, contribute to new seed variety development, and expand specialty crop research and development. State, local, or tribal governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, research institutions and institutions of higher education, for-profit businesses, and individual producers may apply.

The deadline to apply for a small project grant is February 28, 2022, and a large project grant March 7, 2022.
A new Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) around the state. The Washington State Legislature has provided $3.6 million for these grants. The grants are meant to help small and midsize meat processors expand their capacity to serve small and midsize Washington farmers and ranchers selling meat and poultry products directly to consumers, stores, food hubs, restaurants, schools and other local buyers. The WSDA Local Meat Processing Capacity Grants program will provide grants of up to $150,000 for small projects, and fund large projects between $150,000 and $750,000.

Applications must be received by March 24, 2022.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) . The program offers designated grants from $1,000 to $150,000 to help Minnesota processors add value to Minnesota agricultural products by investing in the purchase of equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products. Grantees are responsible for at least 75% of the total project cost as a cash match.

Applications will be accepted through March 12, 2022.
Minnesota produce farmers may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses that improve on-farm food safety systems, including water testing for generic E. coli and other on-farm food safety improvements. The will distribute a total of approximately $18,400, with awardees receiving up to $800 per farm. No matching funds are required. To be eligible, applicants must be a Minnesota produce farmer who sells one or more of the following crops: leafy greens, apples, berries, cucumbers, green beans, melons, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sprouts, summer squash/zucchini, and tomatoes.

Pre-applications are due by March 17, 2022.
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has funds available through the to support modernized packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability. Grants will range from $75,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Grants are available to dairy processors, dairy producer associations, packaging manufacturers, supply chain businesses that partner with dairy processors, and educational or research institutes partnering with dairy processors in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Applications are due by March 7, 2022.
Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA) is offering from $500 to $5,000 to help new growers recover from the pandemic and build resilient farm businesses. These grants are made possible thanks to funding from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. To be eligible, applicants must have been farming in Ohio between one and ten seasons and be engaged in ecological farming practices that protect the farm’s natural resources.

Proposals are due by April 13, 2022.
USDA has up to $225 million available for conservation partners through the (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers, and support urban agriculture. There are two types of funding opportunities: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities, in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, partners have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic. Funding is open to agriculture and silviculture associations, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, conservation districts and universities, among others.

Applications are due by April 8, 2022.
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is accepting applications for the g (FBMB) program for FY 2022 to improve the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers, and maintain the national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. NIFA will recognize and prioritize Centers of Excellence applicants that carry out research, extension, and education activities that relate to the food and agricultural sciences.

Applications are due by March 24, 2022.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value added agricultural processing in Michigan, or that expand or develop regional food systems or access the healthy food. MDARD will accept proposals that are intended to establish, retain, expand, attract and/or develop value-added agricultural processing in Michigan; expand or develop regional food systems; or expand access to healthy food, including farm markets, urban agriculture, and hoop houses. The grant maximum is $100,000 and applicants must provide a 30% match.

Applications are due by March 10, 2022.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for . The grant program aims to boost the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Minnesota through marketing and promotion, research, and development, expanding availability and access, and addressing challenges confronting producers. Applicants may request between $20,000 and $125,000 and the MDA anticipates awarding roughly $1.25 million in total.

Applications are due by March 17, 2022.
Colleges and universities and their research foundations may apply for funding up to $500,000. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option.

Applications are due by March 28, 2022.
The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the, to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. To be eligible for a grant, the project(s) must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets and benefit crops grown in Montana. State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply. MDA anticipates approximately $5.5 million in funding will be available.

Applications are due by March 17, 2022.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications from organizations offering technical assistance to improve access to fresh, affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods for underserved communities. The funding is available through the (GFAP). These grants will help organizations provide appropriate technical assistance—including guidance and resources on topics such as business planning, financing, marketing, food procurement and distribution, handling and merchandising fresh foods, and more—to eligible food retailers, such as grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers markets. Nonprofit organizations and public agencies with capabilities to provide technical assistance may apply. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $50,000, and the grants can cover up to 75% of project costs.

Applications are due by March 11, 2022.
USDA is investing up to $2 million in cooperative agreements this year for that support historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers, and conservation practices. A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on Federal crop insurance options, recordkeeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools, and natural disaster preparedness, among others. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems. This selection process is competitive, and RMA will prioritize projects focused on underserved, organic, and specialty crop producers. Additionally, organizations providing training related to climate change, wildfire response, local foods, and urban ag will also be given stronger consideration.

The application deadline is March 4, 2022.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the . The department will accept grant requests up to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges, and universities.

Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible farmers until funding is depleted.
Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) awards to attend educational events— including virtual events—to learn knowledge, skills, and best practices related to humane animal management, business and farm finance, and/or value-added production processes. Specific conferences are listed online, or applicants can propose other events for consideration.

Funds are available on a first-come first-served basis until depleted. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2022.
Through USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding administered by South Carolina Department of Agriculture, farmers who are covered by the Produce Safety Rule can receive reimbursements up to $2,000 per year per farm for . Examples of improvements that may be eligible for funding include handwashing stations, worker training resources, and harvest bins. This program is designed to help farms make needed improvements and comply with the requirements of the federal Produce Safety Rule.

Applications are due by March 10, 2022.
The provides approximately $665 million in Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to provide grants to State agencies, Tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations with experience in providing support or relief services to farmworkers or meatpacking workers. Awards will generally range from $5 million to $50 million. Entities receiving awards will then distribute relief payments to frontline farmworkers and meatpacking workers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA strongly encourages small organizations to partner together or to partner with national organizations in submitting applications to ensure this support has the broadest reach and distribution possible to America’s farm and food workers. In 2022, workers will apply to grant recipients to receive funds.

Applications are due by November 1, 2021.
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is accepting applications for its . For this grant, a farmer or rancher (lead) and an agricultural professional (technical advisor) work together to develop a project that conducts both research and outreach on a sustainable agriculture topic. The maximum grant is $25,000, or $29,900 for a project with three or more producers. Projects are one to two years in scope.

Applications are due by November 1, 2021.
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for USDA m funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. This program provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. For 2021, OCCSP will reimburse 50% of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each category of certification.