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Even if deadlines on these lists are outdated, they make great starting points for a grants search for your farm. Check websites of individual agencies and organizations for recent information. Read below for more details about grants for farmers.
The following words of wisdom are from the Guide to Starting a Farm Business
in NYS by Monika Roth and Jacob Schuelke (available by contacting Monika
Roth at 607-272-2292 or mr55@cornell.edu):
"An increasing number of grant opportunities are available for farmers
to apply for - most are from federal or state programs with specific objectives.
Grants fall into three general categories: 1-grants for business planning, 2-grants
for on-farm research and demonstration projects mostly production-oriented though
some include marketing demonstration projects; and 3-grants for farm energy
conservation, alternative energy, environmental protection/conservation and
waste handling.
Grants are never (rarely) available to start your farm and should not be counted upon to grow your business. Grants in consort with loans and other government programs may be a viable business strategy as long as there is a contingency plan in case the grant doesn't come through.
Grants are very competitive (many applications) so you should only apply if you feel you have a project that clearly meets the grantors' objectives. It also takes significant time and effort to write a winning grant proposal, so do not think you can complete it in a day or two.
Always find out what kinds of projects have been funded in the past to make sure your project is in line with what is being funded. And once you submit a grant, do not expect to hear back about whether your project was funded for at least 6 months. If funded, it may also take time to finalize the contract and you cannot spend money and get reimbursement before you have a signed contract.
Finally, grants require reporting of results to the funder. You must keep records and write up your results as well as provide financial records. Grants are considered income for tax purposes."
Penn State University Cooperative Extension
This publication explains why many small-scale farms succeed in Pennsylvania and examines the steps a farmer should take to secure a loan, as well as the major lenders that serve the small-scale agricultural sector.
Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture
FSA offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans to farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain private, commercial credit. Often, FSA borrowers are beginning farmers who cannot qualify for conventional loans because they have insufficient financial resources. The Agency also helps established farmers who have suffered financial setbacks from natural disasters, or whose resources are too limited to maintain profitable farming operations.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides direct and guaranteed loans to beginning farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Each fiscal year, the Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership (FO) and operating loan (OL) funds to beginning farmers and ranchers.
Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture
The FSA can make and guarantee loans to socially disadvantaged applicants to buy and operate family-size farms and ranches. Funds specifically for these loans are reserved each year. Non-reserved funds can also be utilized.
A socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities. For purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups are women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan natives, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
First Pioneer is a full financial services provider for agricultural businesses. It offers a broad range of loans, such as mortgages, seasonal loans and lines of credit. It can meet the beginning farmer’s other business needs, including equipment leases, record-keeping, tax planning and preparation, appraisals, business consulting, multi-peril crop insurance and more. First Pioneer Farm Credit offers financial services to assist in the development of farm and financial management skills. It provides, according to the resources available, educational opportunities.
Dennis Kauppila, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Vermont, 2000
Describes types of loans, getting approval for your loan, business plans, the 5 Cs of credit, what lenders look for, and what to do if your loan is denied.
4 pages. Single copies free; multiple copies may require S&H fee. To order, contact:
UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering Bldg.
63 Carrigan Dr.
Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: (802) 656-5459
E-mail: sustainable.agriculture@uvm.edu