Grants for Small Farms & Beginning Farmers 2026
Federal and state governments invest heavily in supporting small farms, beginning farmers, and sustainable agriculture. Substantial grants and loans are available to help new farmers get started, support family farm operations, expand sustainable practices, and improve farm profitability.
This guide covers USDA Beginning Farmer grants, conservation funding, equipment assistance, farm business support, and programs specifically designed to help small-scale agriculture operations succeed.
Types of Small Farm & Beginning Farmer Grants
Beginning Farmer Grants & Startup Support
Federal and state programs specifically designed to help new farmers access land, capital, and training to establish successful farm businesses.
- Beginning Farmer Loans: USDA FSA loans with favorable terms for farmers under 10 years experience
- Farm Operating Loans: Funding for initial farm equipment, livestock, and operational expenses
- Farm Real Estate Loans: Down payment assistance for beginning farmers to purchase farmland
- Training & Mentorship Grants: Programs providing business training and experienced farmer mentoring
Conservation & Sustainability Grants
Grants supporting sustainable farming practices, soil health, water conservation, and environmental stewardship on small farms.
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Annual payments for conservation practices on small farms
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Cost-sharing for conservation equipment and practices
- Organic Transition Support: Grants for transitioning to certified organic farming
- Soil Health & Cover Crop Grants: Support for soil improvement and sustainable practices
Farm Equipment & Infrastructure Grants
Grants and cost-sharing programs helping small farmers purchase equipment, build infrastructure, and improve farm facilities.
- Equipment Purchase Assistance: Cost-sharing for farm machinery, tools, and equipment
- Irrigation & Water Systems: Grants for efficient irrigation and water management systems
- Farm Building & Infrastructure: Support for barns, greenhouses, storage, and processing facilities
- Renewable Energy on Farms: Grants for solar, wind, and biogas systems for farm power
Specialty Crop & Local Food Grants
Grants for small farms growing specialty crops, serving local markets, and developing value-added products.
- Specialty Crop Grants: USDA support for high-value crops (vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts)
- Local Food System Grants: Funding for farmers markets, CSAs, farm-to-school programs
- Value-Added Product Grants: Support for processing farm products into higher-value goods
- Agricultural Marketing Grants: Help with branding, marketing, and direct sales
Organic & Sustainable Farming Grants
Grants specifically supporting organic certification, sustainable practices, and specialty agricultural methods.
- Organic Certification Cost Share: Reimbursement for organic certification expenses
- Organic Transition Assistance: Grants for the 3-year organic certification period
- Sustainable Agriculture Research: Support for farmer-led sustainability experiments
- Agroforestry Grants: Funding for integrating trees and crops on small farms
Who Qualifies for Small Farm Grants?
Beginning Farmers
- Age Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
- Experience Requirement: Farms operated for less than 10 years (varies by program)
- Farm Size: Operations from few acres to several hundred acres qualify
- Direct Operation: Must actively operate the farm
- Land Ownership: Can rent or own farmland (varies by program)
Socially Disadvantaged Farmers
- Priority Populations: Programs prioritize women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups
- Favorable Loan Terms: May qualify for lower interest rates and better terms
- Technical Assistance: Extra support with grants and farm management
- Targeted Programs: Set-asides and dedicated funding for disadvantaged farmers
Small & Family Farm Operations
- Farm Size: Typically farms with revenue under $500K-$1M annually
- Owner-Operated: Farms operated by the owner/family
- Viable Operation: Farm must be economically viable or show potential
- Sustainability Focus: Interest in sustainable or organic practices (for some programs)
Nonprofit & Community Organizations
- Farm Training Centers: Organizations teaching beginning farmer skills
- Agricultural Nonprofits: Groups supporting small farmer development
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Organizations operating CSA programs
- Farmers Markets & Cooperatives: Groups supporting small-scale agriculture
Major USDA Small Farm Programs
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Beginning Farmer Loans
Type: Low-interest loans and down payment assistance
Amount: Up to 100% financing available
For: Purchasing land, equipment, livestock, and operating expenses
Contact: FSA.USDA.gov
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Funding: Annual payments for conservation practices
Amount: $500-$10,000+ annually depending on practices
Duration: 5-10 year contracts
Contact: NRCS.USDA.gov
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Funding: Cost-sharing for conservation improvements
Coverage: 50-75% of costs for eligible practices
Focus: Soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat
Contact: NRCS.USDA.gov
Specialty Crop Block Grants
Funding: State grants for specialty crop farmers
For: Vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and other specialty crops
Uses: Equipment, marketing, research, infrastructure
Contact: AMS.USDA.gov
Value Added Producer Grants
Funding: Up to $250,000 per grant
For: Farmers processing products into value-added goods
Examples: Cheese, jam, juice, honey, farm products
Contact: RBS.USDA.gov
Organic Transition Assistance
Funding: EQIP cost-sharing for organic transition
Duration: 3-year organic certification period
Coverage: Up to 75% of transition costs
Contact: NRCS.USDA.gov
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program
Funding: Grants for training and educational programs
For: Organizations providing beginning farmer education
Focus: Business planning, farm management, technical training
Contact: NIFA.USDA.gov
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)
Funding: Grants for sustainable farming research
For: Farmers, educators, and nonprofits
Focus: On-farm research and sustainability experiments
Contact: SARE.USDA.gov
How to Access Small Farm Grants
- Contact Your Local USDA Office: FSA, NRCS, and RBS have local offices to discuss available programs
- Develop a Farm Plan: Create a basic business plan with production and financial projections
- Research Your Options: Identify which USDA programs match your farm type and goals
- Gather Documentation: Prepare financial records, farm information, and eligibility documentation
- Submit Applications: Apply directly to programs (some have annual deadlines)
- Work with Specialists: USDA specialists can help with applications and implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
What size farm qualifies as a "small farm"?
There's no single definition. USDA programs typically consider small farms as those under $500,000-$1,000,000 in gross revenue annually. Beginning farmer programs focus on experience (less than 10 years) rather than size. Contact your local USDA office to determine which programs your farm qualifies for.
Can I get both loans and grants from USDA?
Yes. Many farmers receive USDA loans (FSA) for farm operations while also receiving grants (EQIP, CSP) for conservation practices. These are complementary programs. You can use a loan to purchase equipment while receiving an EQIP grant for cost-sharing on the same equipment.
How much can I borrow as a beginning farmer?
FSA beginning farmer loans can go up to 100% financing for land purchases in some cases, and there's no fixed maximum. The loan amount depends on your farm's size, profitability potential, and your personal investment. Talk to your local FSA office to determine your borrowing capacity.
Do I need to own land to get farm grants?
No. Many programs accept farmers renting or leasing land. However, some programs (like farm real estate loans) are specific to land purchases. Check individual program requirements. Conservation programs typically require a minimum lease term (e.g., 10 years for CSP).
Are there grants specifically for women and minority farmers?
Yes. Many USDA programs reserve funding for women, minority, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers. USDA also has dedicated offices supporting these groups. Contact your local FSA office about programs prioritizing your demographic group.
How do I transition my farm to organic?
USDA's EQIP program offers cost-sharing to help with organic transition costs during the 3-year certification period. You can also pursue organic certification and, after 3 years, receive premium prices. Contact your local NRCS office about organic transition assistance.
Can I get grants to build farm infrastructure?
Yes. EQIP provides cost-sharing for building irrigation systems, barns, greenhouses, and other farm infrastructure. FSA also offers infrastructure financing. The type and amount of assistance depend on the specific system and your farm type.
Are there grants for selling directly to consumers?
Yes. USDA supports farm-to-consumer programs like farmers markets, CSAs, and direct sales. Specialty Crop Block Grants, Value-Added Producer Grants, and agricultural marketing grants can help with equipment and marketing for direct sales.
Related Grant Opportunities
Available Small Farm & Beginning Farmer Grants
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Agency: Employment Development Department
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View on Official Website →Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program FR90
Agency: Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
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View on Official Website →Riparian Habitat Conservation
Agency: Wildlife Conservation Board
Eligibility: The California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program (Program) is accepting concept proposals for projects that provide meaningful and sustainable improvements to riparian habitats. The goal of the CRHCP is to protect, preserve, and restore riparian habitats throughout California. Typical riparian projects include, but are not limited to: Restoration of riparian vegetation and re-establishing floodplain connectivity. Active or passive restoration that may include an element of invasive plant removal and control. Installation of fencing along the riparian corridor to manage livestock or wildlife and reduce impacts to streams or riparian vegetation. Reconfigure degraded, incised, or undefined streams to restore natural hydrology and encourage reestablishment of native riparian habitat.
View on Official Website →Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue
Agency: Wildlife Conservation Board
Eligibility: The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program was created by Assembly Bill 2421, and signed into law in 2018 becoming effective immediately. The Program was created for the purpose of recovering and sustaining populations of monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Eligible activities under this program include: Provide grants for the restoration or enhancement of California prairie and other appropriate breeding habitat for monarch butterflies and pollinators on private and public lands. Provide grants for the restoration or enhancement of overwintering monarch butterfly habitat on private and public lands. Provide technical assistance to grant recipients, including farmers and ranchers, regarding restoration and enhancement of breeding, overwintering, and other appropriate...
View on Official Website →Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program
Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife
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View on Official Website →California Forest Improvement Program
Agency: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Eligibility: The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources, to ensure adequate high quality timber supplies, related employment and other economic benefits, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations. The program scope includes the improvement of all forest resources including fish and wildlife habitat, and soil and water quality. Cost-share assistance is provided to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land. Cost-shared activities include: Preparation of a Forest Management Plan by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and RPF...
View on Official Website →Coastal Conservancy Grants
Agency: Coastal Conservancy
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Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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View on Official Website →