For small businesses commercializing an ag innovation — new tools, biologicals, post-harvest tech, or software. Phase I is proof of concept; Phase II scales it.
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
Active SAM.gov registration and UEI number required before award
Must be in compliance with USDA/federal program rules (AGI limits, conservation compliance)
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 USDA NIFA before writing — most funders will tell you if you are a fit
3Register in SAM.gov and get a UEI (this can take 2–4 weeks — start early)
4Draft the narrative, budget, and any required letters of support
5Submit before the posted deadline; late applications are not accepted
6Sign the award agreement and track spending for reporting
What you'll need
Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
SAM.gov UEI number and active registration
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
Timeline & contact
Expect 2–6 months from deadline to award notice, plus contracting time
Get help: USDA NIFA — your local USDA Service Center or state office can walk you through it
Ready to apply?
Applications go through USDA NIFA, 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.
Annual regional calls — deadlines differ by SARE region
For educators, extension agents, and nonprofits running on-farm trials or training with groups of producers. A common way for a farmer-plus-advisor team to fund a real experiment.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Typically $30,000–$90,000 depending on region and track
Research & innovationNon-profitOtherIndividual producer
Matching grants for applied research with a farm partner — soil health, urban food systems, protected agriculture. Farms usually join as collaborators on a research team.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
$300,000–$1 million with 1:1 match
Research & innovationNon-profitOtherIndividual producer