USDA Agriculture Grants

USDA agriculture grants support farm operations, rural development, crop production, livestock management, conservation practices, technology adoption, equipment purchase, and agricultural business growth. Federal programs provide direct grants, cost-share assistance, loans, and technical support to farmers, ranchers, agricultural businesses, and rural communities. Below are 48 verified USDA agriculture grant opportunities.

Types of USDA Agriculture Grants

Farm Operations & Production

Direct operating grants, equipment purchase assistance, technology adoption, crop production support, livestock development, and farm management assistance programs.

Conservation & Stewardship

Conservation Stewardship Program, EQIP cost-share, soil health initiatives, habitat restoration, sustainable practice incentives, and environmental stewardship grants.

Rural Development & Infrastructure

Rural infrastructure improvements, broadband access, water systems, facility upgrades, community development, and economic development grants for agricultural areas.

Beginning & Specialty Farmers

Beginning farmer grants, socially disadvantaged farmer support, specialty crop development, organic farming assistance, and targeted farmer demographic programs.

Major USDA Agriculture Grant Programs

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Purpose: Pay farmers for implementing conservation practices

Funding: $8.9B annually (~$23K-$38K/year per operation)

Focus: Soil health, water quality, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat

Website: NRCS.USDA.gov/CSP

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Agency: USDA NRCS

Purpose: Cost-share assistance for conservation practice installation

Funding: 75% cost-share up to $450K per year

Practices: Irrigation, grazing management, crop rotation, cover crops, erosion control

Website: NRCS.USDA.gov/EQIP

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans & Grants

Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency

Purpose: Farm operations, equipment, land acquisition, farm ownership

Loan Amounts: Up to $1.8M for land, $600K for operating

Programs: Direct Loans, Guaranteed Loans, Microloans, Down Payment Loans

Website: FSA.USDA.gov

Agricultural Marketing Service Grants

Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Purpose: Market development, organic promotion, specialty crop marketing, local food systems

Funding: Competitive grants for market development projects

Website: AMS.USDA.gov/Grants

USDA Rural Development Grants

Agency: USDA Rural Development (RD)

Purpose: Infrastructure, business development, housing, community facilities in rural areas

Types: Water system grants, broadband grants, business grants, community development

Website: RD.USDA.gov

National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA)

Agency: USDA NIFA

Purpose: Research, education, extension programs, agricultural innovation

Funding: Competitive grants for research and program development

Website: NIFA.USDA.gov/Grants

Who Can Apply for USDA Agriculture Grants?

USDA grants serve diverse agricultural audiences with varying eligibility criteria by program type.

Farmers & Ranchers: Any size or type of farm operation eligible for most programs
Beginning Farmers: Specialized programs for operations less than 10 years old with income under $350K
Socially Disadvantaged Farmers: African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, women farmers, and LGBTQ+ farmers
Specialty Crop Producers: Fruit, vegetable, horticulture, and specialty crop farmers
Organic & Sustainable Farmers: Operations implementing certified organic or sustainable practices
Agricultural Businesses: Farm cooperatives, agricultural processing, marketing organizations
Rural Communities & Nonprofits: Rural development, agricultural nonprofits, rural organizations
Tribal Governments & Native Farmers: Federally recognized tribes and Native American agricultural operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CSP and EQIP?

Both programs incentivize conservation but serve different purposes: EQIP provides cost-share assistance (75%) for installing conservation practices—you pay 25%, USDA covers 75%, up to $450K/year. CSP provides annual payments ($23K-$38K/year typical) for maintaining and improving conservation practices on existing operations. Many farmers stack both programs: use EQIP for practice installation (cost-share), then CSP for ongoing payments. Timeline: EQIP 3-6 months for approval, CSP competitive selection 3-6 months. Deadlines vary by state—typically Feb-April for both programs.

How do I apply for USDA agriculture grants?

Step 1: Identify your target program (FSA loans, CSP, EQIP, marketing grants, etc.). Step 2: Check eligibility requirements on USDA website or contact your local USDA office—services are free. Step 3: Gather documentation: tax returns (3 years), farm records, financial statements, farm map, proof of residency. Step 4: Submit application through your county FSA office (loan programs) or NRCS office (conservation programs). Step 5: Follow up on application status, respond to requests for additional information. Most programs take 2-6 months from application to approval decision. Locate your county office at USDA Service Locator.

Can small farms or part-time farmers get USDA grants?

Yes. CSP and EQIP have no minimum farm size requirement. FSA direct loans available for operations as small as $5K revenue annually (with exception of very small operations). Part-time farmers qualify if they meet income thresholds and farm operation requirements. Some programs specifically target small/beginning farmers: USDA Down Payment Loans (up to 40% of down payment assistance), FSA Microloan Program (up to $35K), and specialty small farmer programs. CSP has no size limits—payment calculated based on practices and acreage. EQIP assistance also available for any size operation. Contact local USDA office to confirm eligibility for your specific farm size.

What if I want to adopt organic or sustainable practices?

Multiple USDA programs support organic/sustainable transitions: Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (covers up to $750/year for 3 years toward certification costs), Conservation Stewardship Program and EQIP offer higher payment rates for organic/sustainable operations, Crop Insurance subsidies available for organic crops, some states offer organic transition grants. Eligible practices: cover crops ($50-$120/acre through CSP), no-till farming ($10-$20/acre), rotational grazing, wildlife habitat, soil carbon sequestration, crop diversity, reduced chemical inputs. Begin with NRCS conservationist to develop sustainability plan, then apply for matching programs. Average approval timeline: 1-2 months for planning + 2-4 months for program enrollment.

Are USDA grants available in my state?

Yes. All major USDA programs are available in every state with slight variations in deadlines and funding levels. NRCS, FSA, and other USDA agencies have county offices in every state. Funding amounts and deadline dates vary by state (typically Feb-April for CSP/EQIP enrollment). Some regional variations exist: CSP may open in spring in one state, early summer in another; EQIP signup typically occurs 2-3 times annually. Contact your local FSA county office or NRCS office to confirm exact dates and available programs. State-specific agriculture offices may offer additional grants supplementing federal programs. Search your state's Department of Agriculture website for state-level grant opportunities.

How much funding can I expect from USDA grants?

Funding varies dramatically by program: CSP averages $23K-$38K annually, EQIP provides 75% cost-share up to $450K per year (depending on practice costs), FSA loans up to $1.8M for farm ownership and $600K for operating, Down Payment Loans cover up to 40% of down payment, Microloans up to $35K. Specialty grant programs range from $5K-$100K+ depending on project. Direct grants (non-loan) tend to be smaller but competitive. Actual funding depends on: farm size, practices selected, regional cost indices, and competitive selection (for some programs). Combine programs for maximum support: EQIP cost-share + CSP payments + crop insurance + state grants can total $50K-$100K+ annually for farms implementing multiple conservation practices.

How to Apply for USDA Agriculture Grants

Identify Target Programs: Determine your needs (operating funds, equipment, conservation, land, business development). Research USDA programs on USDA.gov, AgentureUSA.gov, Grants.gov. Typical options: FSA loans (land/operations), CSP/EQIP (conservation), AMS grants (marketing), RD grants (infrastructure). Check eligibility—some programs serve all farmers, others target specific demographics or farm types.
Locate Your Local USDA Office: Visit USDA Service Locator to find FSA and NRCS county offices. Services are completely free. Schedule appointment or visit walk-in office hours. Staff review available programs, answer eligibility questions, explain application process, provide application forms and instructions. Bring farm operation details (acres, commodities, income).
Prepare Documentation: Gather: tax returns (3 years), farm financial statements, farm map/boundaries, proof of ownership or lease, farm records, credit report authorization form (for loans), business plan (if applicable), proof of citizenship. Organized documentation speeds process significantly. For conservation programs, NRCS may request existing conservation practices, soil types, water resources information.
Develop Plans (If Required): For CSP/EQIP, develop conservation plan with NRCS conservationist showing baseline conditions and proposed practices. Field visit by conservationist (1-2 hours). Plan development 1-2 weeks. Strong conservation plans more competitive. For operating/business grants, develop business plan detailing production plans, income projections, farm expenses.
Submit Application: FSA loans: Submit at county FSA office, complete loan application and attachments. Conservation programs: Submit through NRCS, usually online or in-person. Deadlines vary by state and program—typically Feb-April for major programs. Confirm exact deadlines with your local office. Most applications require electronic signature.
Monitor Application & Respond: Track application status through USDA office. Respond promptly to requests for additional information or documentation. Most programs take 2-6 months from submission to approval decision. Once approved, receive Notice of Award, contract/loan documents. Sign documents and begin program participation. Annual reporting and compliance requirements apply.

USDA Agriculture Grant Resources

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Farm loans, down payment assistance, operating loans, and beginning farmer programs.

Visit FSA.USDA.gov →

NRCS Conservation Programs

CSP, EQIP, soil health, and conservation stewardship grant opportunities.

Visit NRCS.USDA.gov →

Agricultural Marketing Service

Market development, organic promotion, specialty crop, and local food system grants.

AMS Grants →

Rural Development

Infrastructure, broadband, water systems, and rural business development grants.

Visit RD.USDA.gov →

USDA Service Locator

Find your local FSA, NRCS, and other USDA office locations and contact information.

Service Locator →

Grants.gov

Searchable database of all federal grants including USDA agriculture opportunities.

Visit Grants.gov →

Available USDA Agriculture Grants (48)

Showing 1-20 of 48 grants

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture

Fish and Wildlife Service

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Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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Conservation Interns at the Raystown Lake Project, USACE

Dept. of the Army -- Corps of Engineers

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Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Strengthening Agricultural Systems

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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SOI - Rural Transportation Match and Gap Funding Assistance Program

Denali Commission

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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...

Agriculture; Disadvantaged Communities; Employment unknown

Tribal 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 unknown

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...

Agriculture; Environment & Water; Health & Human Services; Science unknown

Grants 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 unknown

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...

Agriculture; Disadvantaged Communities; Environment & Water unknown

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...

Disadvantaged Communities; Education; Housing unknown

BH UWC Consolidated Grant Program

Baldwin Hills Conservancy

The BH UWC Consolidated Grant Program streamlines administration of State funds, aligning with the Cutting Green Tape initiative. Centered on Embedding Equity, it funds high-impact projects that advance conservation, climate resilience, and Access for All through Planning, Implementation, Acquisition, and Stewardship & Community Access Grants that deliver equitable, measurable benefits statewide. The Consolidated Grant Program guidelines prioritizes project which directly and meaningfully benefit Disadvantaged Communities and Vulnerable Populations. BH UWC Community and Climate Resilience Framework is integral to effective and equitable grant making is the strategic funding of projects & programs that deliver tangible and/or measurable benefits to a population, in direct response to a...

Disadvantaged Communities; Environment & Water; Parks & Recreation unknown

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...

Agriculture; Science unknown