FUNDS FOR FARMERS

New Announcements

2010 WI Specialty Crop Block Grants - Deadline: April 1, 2010
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP) is announcing a competitive solicitation process to award USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crops. Selected applications will be included into one Wisconsin state plan and submitted to the USDA for final approval. Completed proposals must be submitted to juli.speck@wi.gov by 4:00pm on Thursday, April 1, 2010. Selected proposals will be submitted to the USDA for final approval and projects should be able to commence in late fall or early winter 2010. Additional information can be found at the DATCP website, including an application, grant manual, and a list of evaluation criteria.

New EQIP Funds for Wisconsin Farmers available: Sign-up Jan. 19 - Feb. 19, 2010
Farmers can sign up at the NRCS office in USDA Service Centers statewide. NRCS anticipates nearly $14.6 million in funds for Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center serving your county. More about EQIP.

New USDA pilot program will fund one hoop house per farm
This program is part of a pilot project to see if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers. The size of the high tunnel funded by EQIP is limited to 2178 sq. ft. Payment rate is $1.86/sq. ft. The practice must be sited on existing cropland that has an active crop production history.To sign up or learn more about EQIP assistance for high tunnel projects, contact your local NRCS office...more.

Farm Business Management Scholarships - Limited Number - APPLY EARLY
ST. PAUL, MN, December 3, 2009 - Minnesota growers of several specialty crops may qualify for scholarships to offset the cost of farm business management classes through a program administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Applications are now being accepted for 2010. Learn more at www.mda.state.mn.us/fbm or call Meg Moynihan at 651-201-6616.

Grant Monies Available for Iowa Farmers
Grant monies available from the Iowa RC&D for farmers in the Iowa and Cedar Valley region. Funds can be used to attend the MOSES Organic Farming Conference. Learn more.

Building Sustainable Places Guide
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and several USDA agencies have just released this 108-page guide. The new guide covers 64 grant, loan, and other resources from USDA and other federal agencies. This Guide aims to help farmers, landowners, consumers, small businesses and others who are interested in sustainable agriculture in both rural and urban areas identify federal programs that could advance their interests. The Guide is available in hard copy and also on the website of NCAT's Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) program. To obtain a free hard copy of the guide, please contact ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service at (800) 346-9140 or e-mail Debbie at debbier@ncat.org.

FARRMS Grants Available - Most Deadlines: December 1, 2009 (others vary)
The FAARMS program offers grants that can be used for a variety of projects or expenses directly related to farming operations, including but not limited to: fencing, computers, seed, irrigation, equipment, etc. The program is available to farms that are certified organic or actively transitioning into organic production. Non-certified projects on the organic farm - for example a free range poultry operation that isn't certified are also eligible. Growers whose gross sales are under $5000 who meet the NOP organic rule but do not need to be certified may also apply. Learn more.

Researcher and Producer Grants

Organic Valley's Farmers Advocating for Organics (FAFO)
A grant fund open to all applicants seeking funding for projects or programs oriented towards protecting, safeguarding, and advancing the organic marketplace through research, education and/or advocacy. FAFO is a voluntary fund contributed to only by Organic Valley and Organic Prairie farmer-members. Once gathered, FAFO funds are distributed by a nine-member farmer committee. The FAFO Committee is interested in hearing from individuals, universities, public/private schools, NGOs, farmers and consumers who are interested in securing funds for their organic specific projects. For more information on application criteria or contact information, please visit www.organicvalley.coop/farmerfund.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) - North Central Region
SARE is a program providing grants to researchers, agricultural educators, farmers and ranchers, and students in the United States. Farmer project grant requests are generally due in the late fall. For more information call (612) 626-3113 or visit the SARE website.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)
A non-profit foundation that sponsors research, including farmer directed research related to organic farming practices. Proposals are considered twice a year, May and November. For more information call (831) 426-6606, email jane@ofrf.org or visit the OFRF website.

Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
Grants may be used for planning activities, for working capital to market value-added agricultural products, and for farm-based renewable energy. Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Although smaller projects may be funded, multi-year and larger projects can also fit this program, however a large match of funds is required. For more information about the program, contact your State Rural Development Office via 1-800-670-6553 or go to the VAPG map and click on your state to be directed to your state's Rural Development website. Deadlines are typically in mid-summer. (New funds just announced. See above in new announcements.)

Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program (BFRDP)
The Farm Bill has made available in fiscal year (FY) 2009 $17.2 million to fund a BFRDP. To support the nation's beginning farmers and ranchers, BFRDP will make competitive grants to new and established local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers. Project periods will be limited to 3 years. Proposed budget requests must not exceed $300,000 per year. Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including nongovernmental and community-based organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer training and outreach. Deadlines are typically in the spring (The 2009 deadline was in May). However, learn more about the program by visiting the USDA website, downloading a pdf detailing the program, or downloading a powerpoint presentation explaining the program. Contact Siva Sureshwaran at ssureshwaran@csrees.usda.gov, (202) 720-7536; or Janie Hipp at jhipp@csrees.usda.gov, (202) 720-3605 for more information.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
Offers grants to qualified small businesses (including small and medium-sized farms) in support of high quality, innovative research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if successfully commercialized. For more information contact Siva Sureshwaran, National Program Leader, at ssureshwaran@csrees.usda.gov, (202) 720-7536 or visit the SBIR website.

Application request for FY 2010 announced. Download these two informational documents to learn more about the program. SBIR document ONE and SBIR document TWO. You can find all this information and more at the SBIR website above - including online applications, selection criteria, contacts, and application deadlines.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. Any farmer engaged in livestock or crop production on eligible land may apply for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland; rangeland; pasture; private non-industrial forestland; and other farm or ranch lands, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Approximately two of every five applicants in the statewide signups will be successful in securing an EQIP contract. Since the signups for most practices are handled on a county basis, individual county results may vary from this statewide average. Farmers who are currently organic and are adding land can receive $1040 to pay for consultants to help them with the plan, new to organic farmers get $1465. For more information visit the EQIP website.

Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI)
Provides $320 million over the next four years for producers in selected watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin to voluntarily implement conservation practices that avoid, control, and trap nutrient runoff; improve wildlife habitat; and maintain agricultural productivity...more.

Producers First Program
Producers First is a pilot program that is accepting applications from Wisconsin local food producers to work with expert consultants who will provide one-on-one technical assistance with the goal of increasing farm operation capacity, efficiency, sales, and profitability. Applicants to the program will need to identify both a technical assistance need within their farm operation and a qualified, committed consultant to address that need. The deadline for 2009 has passed. Questions about future funding availability may be directed to Teresa Cuperus, (608) 224-5101, teresa.cuperus@wi.gov. Learn more about the Producer First program, and download the four part application. Application Cover Sheet; Application; References; Producer Info.

WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection Ag Development and Diversification (ADD)
The ADD Grant Program invites proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy through the development and exploration of new value-added products, new markets, or new technologies in agriculture. ADD grants are awarded competitively each year, with deadlines generally in mid-March. For more information, contact Mike Bandli: (608) 224-5136, mike.bandli@datcp.state.wi.us or visit the WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection website.

The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant Program (GLCI)
The GLCI is a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and private sector agricultural and conservation groups, working together to promote best management practices on Wisconsin private grazing lands. There are three types of grants offered under this program. Grazing grants for education, for research, and for technical assistance. All applications are generally due in mid-May. For more information go the GLCI website or contact Laura Paine, Division of Agricultural Development, (608) 224-5120 or laura.paine@wi.gov.

Buy Local Buy Wisconsin (BLBW)
The BLBW grant program invites pre-proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food by local food buyers. Pre-proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, agritourism, food retailing, processing, distribution or warehousing. The 2009 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Manual and pre-proposal template are available online at www.datcp.state.wi.us, keyword "Buy Local" or go directly to the BLBW page. The deadline was October 7, 2009. To learn more about 2010 funding opportunities contact Teresa Cuperus at 608-224-5101; teresa.cuperus@wisconsin.gov

Ag. Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
AURI provides expertise and assistance to increase value, demand and market opportunities for agriculturally-based products. AURI is helping to add value to Minnesota agriculture. Applicants are required to match contributions and work with AURI personnel in developing the value added project. For more information call (800) 279-5010 or visit the AURI website.

MN Dept of Ag. Sustainable Ag. Demonstration Grant Program (MDA)
Competitive grants for up to $25,000 are awarded to individuals or groups for on-farm sustainable agriculture research or demonstration projects in Minnesota. The purpose of the grant program is to fund practices that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources as well as improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas. For more information contact Jean Ciborowski at jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us or (651) 201-6217. Learn more. 2010 Deadline: January 15th.

Leopold Center
The Leopold Center offers competitive and renewable grants for those in the state of Iowa. Check their website for upcoming grants or contact them with your ideas. Grants are agriculture focused and cover a wide range of topics including: research, buy local, and policy. For more information, email leocenter@iastate.edu, or call (515) 294-3711.

Grassroots Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill
This 128 page guide, written by the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (SAC), walks you through each of thirty-four 2008 Farm Bill programs most important to sustainable agriculture, serving both as a "report from the trenches" of what survived the most recent farm bill fight, and a guide to new policies and funding opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and grassroots organizations. Go to SAC's website to order a hardcopy of the guide, browse through the guide online with an easy to navigate table of contents, or download and print pages from the guide.

Minnesota Department of Ag. Conservation Funding Guide
Minnesota is a top state for privately owned farmland set aside or managed to meet conservation goals. Conservation practices on farms can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and more. Conservation practices cost money. Fortunately, there are programs that help many farmers pay for conservation. The MN Dept. of Ag. Conservation Funding Guide helps farmers learn about these ever-changing programs - some offered by the MDA but most by other agencies or organizations.

Federal Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching
This publication from ATTRA offers an overview of the major federal conservation programs that provide resources for farmers and ranchers to enhance and maintain sustainable farming and ranching practices. This guide helps farmers and ranchers make their way through the often complex and difficult application processes.

Additional Farm Funding: USDA
Visit this USDA webpage for links to current info about federal and other funding opportunities.

FSA Farm Loan Info
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies. Loans can also be used to construct buildings or make farm improvements. FSA loans are often provided to beginning farmers who cannot qualify for conventional loans because they have insufficient financial resources. FSA also helps established farmers who have suffered financial setbacks from natural disasters, or whose resources are too limited to maintain profitable farming operations. Find your local FSA office or USDA Service Center to learn more about FSA loan programs, and what info you'll need to complete an application.

FSA has a variety of loan types to choose from, including Beginning Farmer/Rancher loans, Emergency Farm Loans, Socially Disadvantaged Farmer/Rancher loans, and more. Visit the FSA website to learn more about each type of loan available.

Young & Beginning Program
Farm Credit Services of America offers a Young & Beginning Program featuring financial benefits for less-established producers. This program is designed for producers age 35 or younger, or with 10 years experience or less. This is a loan program. For more information, visit the Farm Credit Services of America website.

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit
Available in Iowa and Nebraska, this tax program provides an incentive to current and retired farmers who rent agricultural assets to a beginning farmer. The owner receives a tax credit for several years based on the value of the lease. To learn more about Iowa's program call (515) 281-6444, or visit the Iowa Ag. Development Authority website. To learn more about Nebraska's program call (800) 446-4071, or visit the Nebraska Beginning Farmer Tax Credit website.

Farm Aid
Farm Aid is a non-profit organization working to keep family farmers on their land. Their website is full of farmer resources, including a Farm Aid Hotline, and Farmer Resource Network. They hold concerts featuring Willie Nelson and Dave Mathews to raise monies for their Farmer Disaster Fund. Call 1-800-FARMAID (1-800-327-6243), email Farmhelp@farmaid.org, or visit Farm Aid's Farmer Resource Network to learn more.

Crop Insurance
Federal Crop Insurance protects a farmer against production or revenue losses when production does not meet a preset production guarantee. Covered losses include adverse weather (frost, heat, drought, hail), fire, insects and disease, wildlife damage, earthquake or volcanic eruption and failure of irrigation water supply. Non-covered losses include negligence or wrong-doing, poor management and farming practices, failure or breakdown of irrigation equipment or facilities and chemical drift. There are many crop insurance programs out there. Visit the MOSES Crop Insurance webpage to learn more, or download the MOSES Crop Insurance Fact Sheet.

Rural Cooperative Development Center Grants (RCDC)
USDA has $4.4 million for the RCDC program for Fiscal Year 2009. The agency will be awarding grants of up to $200,000 to colleges, universities, and non-profits to create and operate centers that help rural cooperatives. The grants require a 25 percent match. Applications are generally due at the end of June. Learn more about this grant program.