Grants and Loans for Farmers

Describes programs and resource guides that serve as starting points for identifying funding opportunities.

This 2017 guide details USDA programs, arranged by Agency, "that have been created to help farmers succeed." Each program description "provides helpful information on who's eligible, what a program helps farmers do, and where to go to get more information." Note: Includes "Special Set-asides for Organic, Beginning, Socially Disadvantaged, and/or Military Veteran Farmers and Ranchers" program matrix (p. 27).

USDA offers numerous programs to help farmers, ranchers, and businesses access the organic market. This page describes and links to USDA loan programs, conservation assistance, crop insurance, and marketing programs that support organic agriculture.

This guide describes and links to organic and organic-related United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Some USDA programs specifically target organic farmers, ranchers, and handlers. USDA also provides research data and technical information; delivers organic education and knowledge to other USDA programs and the public, and offers marketing and infrastructure programs that assist with business development and marketing of organic operations.

This 2014 catalog, developed in accordance with the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2801, et seq.), describes Federal programs and activities "that directly or indirectly encourage, support, or assist U.S. aquaculture." Prepared by the Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture (formerly the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture) under the National Science and Technology Council’s Life Sciences Subcommittee. Note: The Guide has been archived. Conduct a Web search for the Federal Government Agency and/or the aquaculture funding program to locate current information on these programs.

USDA’s Urban Agriculture Tool Kit identifies and describes technical and financial resources developed by urban farmers, federal and city government agencies, and local organizations that address considerations for new urban farmers. Key resources include “Accessing Capital and Financing.”

Agriculture is full of exciting and rewarding opportunities. "Two of the biggest challenges facing new farmers and ranchers are access to land and access to capital. Capital needs range from buying the farm itself to financing your business. USDA and its partners have many tools that you can use when taking these first key steps."

Grant programs support "a variety of agricultural activities, including the specialty crop industry and local and regional food system expansion."

Search for funding opportunities by Emphasis (or topic) and Eligibility to find grant announcements and applications.

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program operates a competitive nationwide research and education grants program and conducts outreach to facilitate improved sustainable farming practices.