Grants for Farmers
Farmers and ranchers can access USDA grants for equipment purchases, land improvements, conservation practices, organic certification, and farm expansion. Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Below are 188 verified grant opportunities from federal and state agricultural agencies.
Types of Grants Available
Conservation & Land Improvement
EQIP and CSP programs for soil health, water conservation, irrigation systems, and sustainable practices
Equipment & Infrastructure
Grants for farm equipment, storage facilities, processing equipment, and renewable energy systems
Beginning Farmer Programs
USDA programs for new and beginning farmers including land acquisition, training, and startup costs
Organic & Specialty Crops
Certification cost-share, specialty crop grants, value-added producer grants, and organic transition support
Eligibility Requirements
Farmer grant eligibility varies by program but generally includes:
- Farm ownership or operation: Must be actively engaged in farming or ranching operations
- Beginning farmer status: Many USDA programs prioritize farmers with less than 10 years experience
- Land requirements: Must have legal access to farmland (owned, leased, or partnership agreement)
- Conservation compliance: USDA programs require compliance with conservation and wetland protection rules
- Farm size and income: Some programs have acreage limits or adjusted gross income (AGI) caps ($900,000 for most USDA programs)
- Socially disadvantaged status: Priority consideration for minority, women, and veteran farmers
- Matching requirements: Many conservation grants require 25-50% cost-share from the farmer
- Business structure: Individual farmers, family farms, partnerships, and farm corporations typically eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EQIP program and how does it work?
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for implementing conservation practices. EQIP covers 50-90% of implementation costs (up to 90% for beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers). Common practices include cover crops, irrigation efficiency, nutrient management, and livestock waste systems. Applications are accepted year-round but ranked during specific cutoff periods. Contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to apply.
Are beginning farmers eligible for land purchase grants?
While outright grants for land purchase are rare, beginning farmers can access USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct and guaranteed loans at favorable terms. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides training and education grants to organizations that support new farmers. Some states offer beginning farmer tax credits or loan programs. Check your state's Department of Agriculture and Land Link programs for additional beginning farmer support.
Can I get grants for farm equipment purchases?
Yes, EQIP and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) can cover equipment tied to conservation practices (no-till drills, precision agriculture equipment, irrigation systems). Value-Added Producer Grants support processing equipment for product diversification. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants cover renewable energy equipment like solar panels. Equipment must directly support conservation, energy efficiency, or value-added production.
How do I apply for USDA conservation programs?
Start by contacting your local NRCS office to schedule a farm visit. An NRCS conservationist will assess your land, discuss conservation goals, and help develop a conservation plan. You'll submit an application during the ranking period. Applications are scored based on environmental benefits, resource concerns, and program priorities. If selected, you'll sign a contract outlining practices, timelines, and payment schedules. NRCS provides ongoing technical assistance throughout implementation.
What grants are available for organic certification?
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) reimburses up to 75% of organic certification costs (maximum $750 per certification category). Available for certified organic operations and those transitioning to organic. Covers application fees, inspection costs, and USDA organic certification fees. Applications typically due by October 31 for the previous fiscal year. Contact your State Department of Agriculture or USDA FSA office to apply.
Are there grants specifically for small-scale or diversified farms?
Yes, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program supports direct marketing and regional food systems. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) provides grants for on-farm research and farmer-to-farmer education. Specialty Crop Block Grants support fruit, vegetable, and nut producers. The Value-Added Producer Grant helps small operations develop new products and markets. Many programs prioritize operations under $250,000 in gross farm income.
How to Apply for Farmer Grants
Contact Your Local USDA Office
Find your county's NRCS and FSA offices through the USDA Service Center Locator. Schedule an appointment to discuss your farm operation, conservation needs, and grant priorities. Bring farm maps, production records, and business plans if available.
Develop a Conservation Plan
Work with NRCS staff to assess resource concerns on your land. Develop a conservation plan that identifies practices to address soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat, or other priorities. This plan is required for most USDA conservation programs.
Submit Applications During Ranking Periods
Complete EQIP or CSP applications during sign-up periods (typically continuous with periodic cutoff dates). For competitive grants (VAPG, SARE), follow specific RFA deadlines and application procedures. Provide detailed project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation.
Participate in the Ranking Process
Applications are ranked based on environmental benefits, resource concerns addressed, and program priorities. Beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and operations in high-priority watersheds receive additional points. Rankings determine funding priority.
Implement Practices and Request Payment
If selected, sign a contract and implement approved conservation practices according to NRCS specifications. Request inspection and payment after practice completion. Maintain records of costs and implementation. Contracts typically span 1-10 years depending on the program.
Essential Resources
USDA Service Center Locator
Find your local NRCS, FSA, and Rural Development offices. The first stop for all USDA farm programs.
→NRCS Conservation Programs
Explore EQIP, CSP, and other conservation programs. Technical and financial assistance for sustainable farming.
→Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Access beginning farmer loans, disaster assistance, organic certification cost-share, and farm loan programs.
→REAP Grants & Loans
Rural Energy for America Program grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements on farms.
→Available Grants for Farmers (188)
Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes
U.S. National Science Foundation
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Food and Drug Administration
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National Institute of Standards and Technology
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National Park Service
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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Environmental Protection Agency
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U.S. Mission to Thailand
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NASA Headquarters
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Fort Worth District
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Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers
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U.S. National Science Foundation
fixedSOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program
Denali Commission
fixedNesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Public Lands Funding 2026-27
Department of Fish and Wildlife
The Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program’s (NBHIP) Public Land Program is designed to provide assistance to state Wildlife Areas and National Wildlife Refuges to improve the quantity and quality of upland habitat for the benefit of nesting waterfowl, game birds and pollinators. Public land projects funded through NBHIP may include the cultivation or retention of upland cover such as annual nesting cover or perennial native grasses and forbs, or management activities to improve the quality of perennial grass habitats such as managing noxious weeds and other undesirable plants. Any project that is funded by NBHIP will be required to leave the upland cover habitat unmanipulated (e.g., no discing, spraying herbicides, mowing, chopping, or rolling of vegetation) during the nesting season...
Environment & Water rollingFarmworkers Advancement Program (FAP) Grant for Program Year 2025-26 (PY 25-26)
Employment Development Department
The goal of this grant is to fund projects that focus on farmworker needs at a regional level by offering essential skills and upskilling training for farmworkers to either advance in the agricultural industry and/or prepare for advancement outside of the agricultural sector. This grant program is intended to address multiple existing and emerging gaps in the current workforce system for farmworkers. FAP PY 25-26 programs will position farmworkers to obtain access to good-quality jobs including jobs that pay family-sustaining wages, offer benefits, have predictable hours, opportunities for career advancement, and promote worker voice. Projects will also provide wrap-around support and resources to build skills to prevent job loss and lay the foundation for upward mobility. Funded...
Agriculture; Disadvantaged Communities; Employment unknownClean Energy Access: LA County TECH Grant: Round 2
Public Utilities Commission
The CEA-LAT Grant will provide up to $200,000 in funding to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Los Angeles County that perform outreach and education on the Technology for Equipment and Clean Heating Clean Initiative (TECH Clean CA). It focuses on building decarbonization, healthy homes, electrification technologies, and health-related impacts. Proposals will undergo a competitive selection process. Please refer to the CEA-LAT Grant Guidelines and application forms, located on the right sidebar under Applicant Resources, to create a complete and competitive application. Activities: Potential activities include, but are not limited to: Conducting community outreach and education activities that enrich outreach and education, such as: staff training evaluating grant project impact...
Disadvantaged Communities; Education; Employment unknownTribal Nature-Based Solutions Climate Bond 2026 Solicitation
CA Natural Resources Agency
This funding will continue to support the return of ancestral lands to California Native American tribes, planning and implementation of habitat restoration projects, protecting the California coast and oceans, advancing wildfire resiliency and cultural fire, and many other multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects across California. Please refer to the TNBS Climate Bond Final 2026 Guidelines for detailed information. Approximately $9.2 million is available for tribal multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects that will fund land acquisition or other fee title acquisitions benefiting California Native American Tribes. Eligible expenses include costs associated with the purchase of property rights, conservation easements, and water rights/instream flows consistent with requirements...
Disadvantaged Communities; Employment unknownGrants and Cooperative Agreements Program (GCA) – G26
Department of Parks and Recreation
The Grants and Cooperative Agreements (GCA) Program provides for well managed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation by providing financial assistance to eligible agencies and organizations that develop, maintain, operate, expand, support, or contribute to well managed, high-quality, OHV Recreation areas, roads, and trails, and to responsibly maintain the wildlife, soils, and habitat in a manner that will sustain long-term OHV Recreation. The GCA Program supports the planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, administration, operation, enforcement, restoration, and conservation of trails, trailheads, areas, and other facilities associated with the use of Off-Highway Motor Vehicles, and programs involving Off-Highway Motor Vehicle safety and/or education.
Education; Environment & Water; Parks & Recreation unknownFarm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program FR90
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
The Farm & Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up & Abatement Grant program provides funding for cleaning up and preventing illegal dumping on agricultural properties (CCR, Section 17991(d)). Each fiscal year has four application cycles, with the fourth serving as the pilot cycle. Cycle 90 (FR90) is the fourth and the pilot cycle. CalRecycle administers the program per Section 48100 of the Public Resources Code. The project sites eligible for the grant must be located on 'farm and ranch' property, encompassing both private and public land, where the owner is not held responsible for the illegal disposal. The definition of 'farm and ranch' property can be found in the Eligible Geographies section below. Grantees are given approximately two years to complete the project(s). The sites should be fully...
Agriculture; Disadvantaged Communities; Environment & Water unknownRequest for Application (RFA) 25-10031: Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (DV)
Department of Public Health
The purpose of this RFA is to increase public awareness of Domestic Violence (DV), specifically Interpersonal Violence (IV), and support community-led efforts to adopt and implement primary prevention strategies that improve the scope and quality of services provided to victims of IV. The California Department of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (CDPH/IVPB) anticipates releasing Request for Application (RFA): 25-10031, Local Training and Education Program for the Prevention of DV. CDPH/IVPB anticipates awarding up to one (1) local project with (3) three or more years of demonstrated experience and capabilities implementing local community organizing and/or public health policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change work. Funding will be available from State of...
Disadvantaged Communities; Health & Human Services unknown