What are The Types of Funding Programs for Farmers

Agriculture comes with its own set of challenges and expenses at the start, much like any other business. Farmers generally resort to government grants and farm loan programs to start up a farm. Applicants generally have to compete against each other for grants, but the funding helps farmers to get through the initial rocky stages.

Farmer and Rancher development

Agricultural producers can find training, education, outreach and technical assistance to help them start farms and ranches with the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture which is a division of the USDA gives grants to government offices and non-profits at state, local, tribal and regional levels.

These grants cover activities such as land stewardship programs and the development of marketing strategies. Each organization can receive a total of $250,000 per year with a minimum of 25% of the funding going to disadvantaged farmers, new farmers, and so on.

Farm Labour Housing

The biggest challenge of starting and operating a farm is finding people to run it as the laborers generally need housing. The USDA Rural Development office provides grants to buy, build, renovate and repair laborer housing with the Farm Labour Housing Grant and Loan Program. Eligible applicants include farm associations, government offices, non-profits, individual farmers, family farm corporations, American Indian tribes, and so on. Grants are available to government offices, non-profits, farmworker associations, and non-profits while loans are available to everyone.

Environmental Quality Incentives

An agricultural producer can receive up to $20,000 per year to switch to organic farming according to the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The program is also open to people who are already certified in organic farming and are looking to expand their operations. Along with receiving $20,000 for a year, grant recipients can also apply for up to $80,000 over a course of six years. The eligible applicants have to meet the organic standards set by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

State Grants and Financial Assistance

Farmers can also find grants and other financial assistance outside the US Department of Agriculture as many state government offices provide aid. The Texas Department of Agriculture, for instance, offers the Young Farmer Grant program. This program supports farmers between the ages of 18 and 46 who can receive $5000 to $20000 to cover for operating costs, livestock, feed, and basic expenses.

Anyone who is looking to start their farm can contact their state and local agriculture department offices to find the kinds of grants and assistance offered. United Farm Mortgage specializes in the end to end process of procuring land and can help with sibling buyouts, family-owned farms, and so on. Their services are designed to fit the financial needs that enable you to grow your business in the best possible way. Whether its farm loan programs or loans for farmland purchase, United Farm Mortgage takes care of it all! Please visit here for more details: https://unitedfarmmortgage.com/farm-loans

Exit mobile version