There are many opportunities for existing and beginning farmers to access loans and grant programs, both locally and at the federal level. Below are some of these funding opportunities.
The Dairy Margin Coverage Program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. FSA has revised the regulations for DMC to allow eligible dairy operations to make a one-time adjustment to established production history. This adjustment will be accomplished by combining previously established supplemental production history with DMC production history for those dairy operations that participated in Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage during a prior coverage year.
Learn more here! The enrollment period for 2024 is ends April 29th, 2024.
The Braiding Seeds Fellowship, a project of Soul Fire Farm Institute in collaboration with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, carries on the legacy of the braided seeds by providing beginning farmers with resources, professional development, and mentorship to support their livelihood on land. Braiding Seeds fellows receive a $50,000 stipend; a menu of professional development opportunities including 1:1 mentorship, workshops, farm finance and business plan support; cohort gatherings; and individualized coaching.
Learn more here! Apply by May 1, 2024!
Sullivan County Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund
The Sullivan County Revolving Loan Funds provide seed capital and early-stage loans to eligible entrepreneurial companies who want to establish or expand within the county. Special consideration shall be given to assisting businesses owned and operated by persons of low-to-moderate income, as required by the specific program. For more information call the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Community Development at 845-807-0527 or visit their website.
Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund
The IDA administers a revolving loan fund for agri-businesses. For more information on the loan program and an application, contact the County of Sullivan IDA office at 845-295-2603 or visit their website.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development
Through the Sullivan Investments Revolving Loan Program and the Incubator Without Walls Revolving Loan Program, the Partnership provides financing along with technical assistance to businesses. For more information on the loan program and an application contact the SC Partnership office at 845-794-1110 or Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The Department offers various funding opportunities to ensure the growth of New York’s agricultural communities. These opportunities touch many parts of the diverse agricultural sector: connecting farmers with new markets; supporting marketing efforts for producers and retailers; getting local, healthy foods into schools; improving infrastructure on fairgrounds and in companion animal shelters statewide; ensuring climate-resilient farming practices; and more.
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program
Marketing and Advertising of NYS Grown and Certified Specialty Products
visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities to explore relevant opportunities.
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center Funding Opportunities
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grants
USDA National Agricultural Library: Grants & Loans for Farmers
Although limited, financial support for small farms and farm-related businesses is available from a variety of federal, state, and local agencies, and from non-governmental organizations. Grants & Loans for Farmers
USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loans - Online application launched for Direct Loan Customers.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
National Young Farmers Coalition Grant Program
Brighter Future Fund - American Farmland Trust
Growing Spaces Urban Farming Grant
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Rural Energy for America Program (Loan & Grant)
NYSERDA offers financial assistance to identify electric and natural gas energy efficiency measures for eligible farms and on-farm producers, including but not limited to: dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. Farms must be customers of a New York State investor-owned utility and contribute to the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Please check your farm’s current utility bills.
Last updated April 26, 2024