Grants for Poultry Farmers
Poultry farming grants support chicken operations, egg production, poultry hatcheries, turkey farming, duck farming, and other poultry-related agricultural enterprises. Federal and state programs provide funding for facility improvements, equipment purchase, technology adoption, organic/pasture-raised conversion, disease control, and poultry business development. Federal agencies prioritize poultry as strategic agricultural commodity. Below are 39 verified poultry farming grant opportunities.
Types of Poultry Farming Grants
Facility & Infrastructure
Poultry house construction, facility improvements, ventilation systems, lighting upgrades, feed storage, water systems, and poultry facility modernization.
Equipment & Technology
Egg grading and processing equipment, automatic feeders, watering systems, climate control technology, nest boxes, and production efficiency improvements.
Business Development
Value-added poultry products, farm-to-table operations, direct marketing, specialty poultry development, poultry processing, and diversification grants.
Specialty Operations
Pasture-raised chicken conversion, organic poultry operations, heritage breed development, free-range egg production, and specialty poultry farming.
Major Poultry Farming Grant Programs
USDA FSA Equipment & Facility Loans
Funding: Up to $600K for equipment and facilities
Purpose: Poultry houses, feed systems, processing equipment, lighting, ventilation
Terms: Favorable interest rates, extended repayment (7-10 years)
Website: FSA Loans
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Poultry Focus
Funding: $23K-$38K annually for conservation practices
Focus: Poultry waste management, nutrient management, water quality, pasture-based systems
Eligibility: All poultry operations implementing conservation improvements
Website: NRCS CSP
EQIP Poultry Assistance Program
Funding: Cost-share up to 75% (max $450K/year)
Practices: Litter management, nutrient management, waste composting, pasture installation
Eligibility: Poultry operations implementing environmental improvements
Website: NRCS EQIP
USDA Value-Added Producer Grants
Funding: Grants up to $250K for value-added projects
Focus: Poultry processing, specialty products, direct marketing, farm-to-table
Examples: On-farm processing, pasture-raised packaging, specialty breed marketing
Website: AMS Grants
Organic Certification & Transition Grants
Funding: Up to $750/year for 3 years
Focus: Organic poultry certification costs, transition assistance for organic conversion
Programs: USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share, state organic transition programs
Website: NRCS Organic Programs
Beginning Poultry Farmer Programs
Funding: Down payment loans (40% of down payment), microloans (up to $35K)
Eligibility: New poultry operators (less than 10 years experience)
Support: Lower rates, extended terms, direct technical assistance
Website: Beginning Farmers
Who Can Apply for Poultry Farming Grants?
Poultry farming grants serve diverse chicken producers with varying operation sizes and types. Eligibility depends on program type and poultry operation characteristics.
- Chicken Farmers: Layer hens (egg production), broilers (meat), dual-purpose chickens eligible
- Specialty Poultry: Turkey farmers, duck farmers, quail, guinea, and other poultry species
- Operation Sizes: Backyard flocks to large commercial operations eligible (size requirements vary)
- Pasture-Raised & Organic: Free-range, pasture-raised, and certified organic poultry operations receive enhanced support
- Beginning Poultry Farmers: Operations less than 10 years old receive priority and enhanced funding
- Socially Disadvantaged Operators: Women, minority, and other disadvantaged poultry farmers receive priority
- Diversified Farms: Poultry as part of diversified farm operations eligible
- Agricultural Businesses: Poultry cooperatives, processing operations, and agricultural businesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Can backyard chicken keepers get grants?
Yes, in most cases. FSA loans are available for home-scale operations ($35K+), microloan program specifically targets small operations (up to $35K). EQIP and CSP have no minimum size requirement—small backyard operations implementing conservation practices eligible. Specific backyard poultry grants less common at federal level, but state/local programs often support backyard/urban farming. Check your state's Department of Agriculture for state-specific backyard poultry programs. NRCS technical assistance free to all farmers regardless of size. For very small operations (under 10 birds), explore local community garden grants, sustainability nonprofits, urban farming organizations rather than federal programs.
What's the difference between conventional and pasture-raised poultry grants?
Pasture-raised and organic operations receive enhanced support: Higher CSP payments ($23K-$38K) for comprehensive pasture management + conservation practices vs. conventional, EQIP offers higher cost-share percentages (85-90% vs. standard 75%) for organic/pasture systems, Organic certification assistance (up to $750/year × 3 years) available, specialty marketing grants emphasize pasture-raised products. Conventional operation funding available through standard FSA loans and equipment assistance. Pasture conversion grants: EQIP typically covers $3,000-$8,000/acre for pasture installation + grazing infrastructure. Value-added grants prioritize pasture-raised/organic products. Contact NRCS for pasture setup costs and available support programs—implementation costs often 50-70% USDA-funded through EQIP.
How much can I borrow/receive for poultry facility improvements?
FSA equipment/facility loans: up to $600K for significant poultry facility improvements (new poultry house ~$60-$120K, equipment ~$20-$50K). EQIP cost-share: up to $450K/year (typically 75% of practice costs, you pay 25%). CSP annual payments: $23K-$38K/year for conservation practices. Value-added grants: up to $250K for processing facilities. Microloan program: up to $35K for smaller operations. Combination approach: many operations combine FSA equipment loan ($100K-$200K) + EQIP cost-share ($100K-$200K for facility + environmental improvements) + CSP annual payments ($25K/year) for total multi-year support $300K+. Typical poultry house construction: $40-$80K fully fundable through FSA loan.
Are there grants specifically for poultry disease control or biosecurity?
Limited federal grants directly for disease control, but EQIP covers biosecurity improvements: litter disposal systems, downtime cleaning facilities, bird isolation areas, watering system upgrades. Poultry waste management (environmental concern = disease vector) eligible for EQIP. Some state programs offer poultry disease control assistance. USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) offers technical guidance (free) on biosecurity but limited grants. Best approach: frame improvements as both environmental stewardship (eligible for EQIP/CSP) and disease prevention. Contact NRCS to develop biosecurity/environmental plan qualifying for cost-share assistance. Also check with your state's veterinarian office—some states offer poultry health assistance programs.
How do I get grants for organic poultry production?
Organic poultry grants available through: (1) Organic Certification Cost-Share: USDA covers up to $750/year for 3 years toward NOP certification costs, (2) EQIP: Higher cost-share (85-90% vs. standard 75%) for organic pasture installation and organic-specific practices, (3) CSP: Premium payments ($23K-$38K annually) for comprehensive organic management, (4) State programs: Many states offer additional organic transition grants. Requirements: meet NOP standards (certified organic feed, pasture access, no synthetic inputs), certification through approved agency. Timeline: Apply for Organic Certification Cost-Share through NRCS, develop transition plan (0-3 years), apply for CSP/EQIP during signup windows. Allow 6-12 months for full organic certification process.
Can new/beginning poultry farmers get grants?
Excellent support for beginning poultry farmers: FSA Beginning Farmer Programs—Down Payment Loans (40% of down payment assistance for facilities), microloans (up to $35K, favorable terms), lower interest rates on equipment loans. Direct farm loans available to new operators at competitive rates. Most conservation programs (EQIP, CSP) have no experience requirement. Some states offer beginning farmer poultry-specific programs. Definition: "beginning farmer" = farming less than 10 years, personal labor is 50% or less of farm management, annual income under $350K. No poultry experience required. Start by contacting FSA for loan options (2-3 months approval), NRCS for conservation planning (free). Mentorship programs available through extension services and agricultural nonprofits.
How to Apply for Poultry Farming Grants
- Assess Your Poultry Operation Needs: Identify funding priorities: facility/equipment upgrades (FSA loans), conservation/environmental improvements (EQIP/CSP), value-added production (marketing grants), organic conversion (certification assistance), or operating support. Document current poultry operation: bird count/type, facility age/condition, production goals.
- Locate Your Local USDA Office: Visit USDA Service Locator to find FSA (loans) and NRCS (conservation) county offices. Free services. Schedule appointment or visit during office hours. Discuss poultry operation with staff, confirm program eligibility, receive application materials.
- Prepare Poultry Operation Documentation: Gather: farm financial statements/tax returns (3 years), poultry operation details (species, number of birds, production type), farm map, facility documentation (age, condition, photos), business plan (if applying for value-added grants), proof of farm ownership/lease, proof of residency.
- Develop Poultry/Conservation Plan (If Applicable): For EQIP/CSP programs, work with NRCS conservationist to develop plan addressing poultry operation improvements: facility upgrades, waste management, pasture installation (if applicable), or organic transition. Field visit by NRCS staff typical. Plan development 2-4 weeks.
- Complete & Submit Application: FSA Loans: Complete at county FSA office with documentation. Conservation Programs: Submit through NRCS (deadlines typically Feb-April, vary by state). Value-Added Grants: Submit through AMS website on published deadlines. Organic Certification Cost-Share: Apply through NRCS. Include all requested documentation and attachments.
- Follow Up & Approval: Track application status with USDA office. Respond to requests for additional information promptly. Timeline: 2-6 months from submission to decision. Once approved, receive loan documents (FSA) or Notice of Award (grants). Sign documents and begin participation. Comply with annual reporting requirements.
Poultry Farming Grant Resources
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Equipment, facility, and operating loans for poultry operations of all sizes.
NRCS Conservation Programs
EQIP, CSP, and conservation assistance for poultry operations.
Agricultural Marketing Service
Value-added poultry products and specialty poultry marketing grants.
Organic Poultry Resources
Organic certification, transition assistance, and organic poultry farming guides.
Beginning Farmer Programs
Down payment assistance and loans specifically for new poultry farmers.
Available Poultry Farming Grants (39)
Showing 1-20 of 39 grants
Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance, with Mutual Reliance Initiatives Clinical Trials Not Allowed
Food and Drug Administration
Development of Animal Models and Related Biological Materials for Research (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
NIDA Animal Genomics Program (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers (U18)
Food and Drug Administration
Utilizing Equipment to Study Environmental Extrinsic Factors and Enhance Rigor and Reproducibility of Animal Research (R24, Clinical Trials Not-Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Service
Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers (P40 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers (P40) (Clinical Trials Not-Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program
Denali Commission
Farmworkers 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...
Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Proposals may focus on research and/or education projects to enhance control measures of vertebrate pests that pose a significant threat to the welfare of state’s agricultural economy, infrastructure, environment, and the public. CDFA does not support proprietary product development projects. Proposals that originate from outside of California are considered if the proposal includes relevance to vertebrate pest concerns within California. Proposals may focus on research and/or education projects to enhance control measures of vertebrate pests that pose a significant threat to the welfare of state’s agricultural economy, infrastructure, environment, and the public. CDFA does not support proprietary product development projects. Proposals that originate from outside of California are...
Farm 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...
2025-26 Digital Divide Grant Program Round 3
Public Utilities Commission
The Digital Divide Grant Program will award one grant of $100,000 for rural and urban public schools and two grants of up to $50,000 each for non-profit Community Based Organizations (CBO). The grants will fund digital projects that serve beneficiary public schools/districts and non-profit Community Organizations. Projects may address gaps in broadband networks, affordability, access to personal devices and digital skills training. The Digital Divide Grant Program (DDGP) will provide three grants for a total of $200,000. The DDGP is funded by fees collected from leases of state-owned property to wireless telecommunications service providers, pursuant to Government Code Section 14666.8. Eligible projects will serve a beneficiary public school or district located in an urban or rural...
Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program Grants
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
The Program may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative or Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) approved pesticides registered for use in CA on BLH and/or on rangeland/hillside. Project Scope: The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program (BCTVCP) may consider funding projects that develop new management methods for treating the beet leafhopper (BLH), the primary vector of the beet curly top virus or development of enhancements to other program areas that will mitigate the virus. Priorities: The funding will be based on the researcher using a no pesticide alternative...
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – California
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. This program Supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy's ("Conservancy") Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines ("Guidelines") Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and...
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All – (Prop 68 River – CA) Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River – California)
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy's ("Conservancy") Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines ("Guidelines") Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and...
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) SMMC Grant Program – (Prop 68 River San Fernando Valley – Severely Disadvantaged Community)
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Projects which facilitate the protection and restoration of wildlife, habitat and historical/archaeological resources, including habitat restoration projects in urban rural areas. This program supports The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 is codified as Division 45 (commencing with section 80000) and sections 5096.611 and 75089.5 of the public resources code and section 79772.5 of the water code. Prop 68 authorizes $4 billion in general obligation to finance a drought, water, parks, climate, coastal protection and outdoor access for all program. The Santa Monica Mountains conservancy's ("Conservancy") Proposition 68 Grant Program Guidelines ("Guidelines") Specifically pertain to grants funded by proposition 68 and...