Most states have a sustainable or organic farming association (NOFA, MOSES/Marbleseed, CFSA, OGS, PASA, OEFFA and others) that runs small farmer grants, scholarships and equipment funds. Check your state chapter first — these are the least competitive dollars available.
- Typical award
- $250–$10,000
- Deadline
- Varies by association; many run annual cycles
- Type of support
- Funding / grants · Micro-grants
- Who can apply
- Individual producer, Non-profit, Beginning / underserved
- Fits these operations
- Vegetables & produce, Cut flowers, Orchard & fruit, Mixed / diversified, Value-added & food business, Urban farm
The eligibility and application details below are general guidance for this kind of program, not text copied from the funder. The facts above — who runs it, how much, and when it closes — are hand-checked. Always confirm specifics on the official page.
Am I eligible?
- Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
- Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
- Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
- Beginning, veteran, and historically underserved producers are prioritized
- Matching funds or in-kind contribution may be requested
How to apply
- 1Read the current program page or notice of funding to confirm this cycle's rules
- 2Contact State sustainable agriculture councils & farming associations before writing — most funders will tell you if you are a fit
- 3Draft the narrative, budget, and any required letters of support
- 4Submit whenever you are ready — rolling review, earlier is usually better
- 5Sign the award agreement and track spending for reporting
What you'll need
- Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
- Project description and itemized budget
- Maps, photos, or quotes for anything you plan to build or buy
- Proof of land ownership or a lease covering the project period
- Organizational documents (501(c)(3) letter, board list) if applying as a non-profit
Timeline & contact
Rolling review — expect roughly 1–3 months from submission to decision
Get help: State sustainable agriculture councils & farming associations — contact details are on the official program page
Ready to apply?
Applications go through State sustainable agriculture councils & farming associations, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
This listing was last hand-checked August 2026.