Most states run a quasi-public authority making low-interest loans for farmland purchase, processing facilities, energy work and farm succession — often the cheapest capital available to a small farm in that state.
- Typical award
- $10,000–$1,000,000+ depending on state
- Deadline
- Varies — many rolling with periodic funding rounds
- Type of support
- Loans & credit · Land & infrastructure
- Who can apply
- Individual producer, Beginning / underserved, Non-profit
- 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
- Applicant is usually required to be registered to do business in the state
- Credit history, repayment ability, and collateral are reviewed
- Business plan and cash-flow projections generally required
How to apply
- 1Talk to a State ag finance authorities (MARBIDCO, IADD, MDA and peers) loan officer about the size and purpose of the loan
- 2Assemble financials: balance sheet, income history, and projections
- 3Submit the application with your business plan and collateral information
- 4Respond to underwriting questions, then close and draw funds
What you'll need
- Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
- Three years of tax returns (or projections if you're just starting)
- Current balance sheet and cash-flow projection
- Business plan and description of what the loan will buy
- Collateral list and any existing debt schedule
Timeline & contact
Typically 30–90 days from application to closing, faster for microloans
Get help: State ag finance authorities (MARBIDCO, IADD, MDA and peers) — also try Cooperative Extension in your county
Ready to apply?
Applications go through State ag finance authorities (MARBIDCO, IADD, MDA and peers), 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.