Farm development grants cater to a variety of agricultural needs.
Beginning farmers face a variety of challenges, not the least of which are financial. Initial development of a farm---or even continued development of an established farm---comes with land, equipment and labor costs. In the U.S., numerous government and nonprofit organizations provide funding for farm development. In addition to these grants, some state organizations award grants tailored to the needs of resident farmers.
USDA Rural Development Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development branch offers a wide range of grants tailored to farm and agricultural development. As of 2010, more than 35 USDA grants assist developing farms in the areas of business, housing and utilities. These numerous grants financially aid farmers in endeavors including biofuel use, renewable energy development, rural economic development, rural business opportunities, rural housing, water and waste management, housing preservation, farm labor housing, rural community development, energy costs, pre-development and planning. In addition to grants, the Rural Development program offers direct loans, guaranteed loans, technical assistance and research and educational materials. Award sizes vary greatly per grant; interested parties should contact a local Rural Development office for details and application materials.
USDA Rural Development
Room 205-W
Mail Stop 0107
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
202-720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov
SARE Grants
In the world of modern agriculture, many developing and established farmers turn toward sustainable agriculture. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program---or SARE---lends a financial hand to advance and develop farm systems that are profitable and environmentally sound. Professional development grants help spread knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices while producer grants aid developing farmers in researching, marketing and demonstrating projects to other farmers and ranchers. Sustainable community innovation grants promote connections between farmers and sustainable farm communities in northeast and southeast regions, and on-farm research and partnership grants support developing agricultural researchers and nonprofit organizations. SARE prominently offers research and education grants to fund agricultural scientists and producers as they investigate developing farm technology. Interested farm professionals should prepare and submit a proposal to SARE.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education National Office
USDA-NIFA
Stop 2223
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
202-720-6071
sare.org
Farm Aid Grants
Farm Aid works to sustain agricultural communities and industries across America. As part of its efforts, Farm Aid offers a series of grants geared toward developing farmers. Farm Aid's grants help families stay on their farms, build local markets, keep their businesses healthy in the face of corporate agriculture, train new farmers and support farmer-to-farmer programs. In 2009, Farm Aid awarded $503,500 to aid the development of family farms and agriculture. Potential grantees may submit proposals by regular or electronic mail.
Farm Aid
501 Cambridge St., Third Floor
Cambridge, MA 02141
1-800-FARM-AID
farmaid.org
Tags: Rural Development, 1400 Independence, 1400 Independence Washington, Agriculture Research, Agriculture Research Education, developing farmers, development rural
