$ GET FUNDING ORGANIC FACT SHEET Funds for Farmers See our website for the most up-to-date funding information mosesorganic.org/farming/farm-finances/grants F arming is a business, and like most businesses, it is rare to receive grant funds to support operations, purchase land or improve buildings. However, there are opportunities for farmers to receive grant support for on-farm research projects, business planning, conservation, and some kinds of marketing support. The following list outlines where to look for dollars to support these kinds of activities. For the most up-to-date funding announcements, and/or to find individual program websites and electronic applications, visit the MOSES Funds for Farmers page online (see the link above). If you have questions, please contact a MOSES organic specialist: harriet@mosesorganic.org, joe@mosesorganic.org, angie@ mosesorganic.org. Grants for Producers Conservation Stewardship Program Funding provided to farmers on a per acre basis, rewarding farmers for current good conservation practices on crop or forest land with cash incentives for new conservation activities. Application rankings and payments are higher when the farmer adds on these further conservation enhancements. Signups are continuous throughout the year, with specific deadlines for application rankings. Contact your local county NRCS office http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detailfull/national/programs/financial/csp/?cid=nrcs143_008316 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) EQIP is a working lands 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 horticultural or commodity crops; rangeland; pasture; private non-industrial forestland; and other farm or ranch lands, as determined by the Secretary of Ag. For more info go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/ Organic Certification Cost Share Program Assistance to help with the cost of organic certification is offered to organic producers and/or organic handlers through the State Dept. of Ag. Recipients must receive initial certification or continuation of certification from a USDA accredited certifying agent. Program participants may be reimbursed for up to 75% of their organic certification costs for each certification category (ex.crops and livestock), not to exceed $750 per year. For more information, call your state department of agriculture and ask for the person who works with organic agriculture. 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, go to http://www.organicvalley.coop/newsroom/press-releases/details/article/farmers-advocating-for-organics-plans-for-1-million-in-grantawards-for-organic-education-advocac/ or call (888) 444-6455. Specialty Crop Block Grants Grants of up to three years and $100,000 for projects that increase the competitiveness of specialty crops (non-commodity) in areas such as addressing good agricultural practices, research on crop productivity or quality, enhancing access to federal nutrition programs, pest and disease management, or commodityspecific projects addressing common issues. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. Contact your state department of agriculture. 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. The application deadline is generally in mid-summer. For more info about the program, contact your State Rural Development Office at (800) 670-6553 or go to the http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/bcp_vapg.html Grants for Research Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) This non-profit foundation sponsors research, including farmer-directed research related to organic farming practices. Proposals are considered twice a year in May and November. For more information, call 831-4266606, email jane@ofrf.org or go to www.ofrf.org Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) SARE is a program providing grants to researchers, agricultural educators, farmers and ranchers, and students in the U.S. Farmer Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) | PO BOX 339, Spring Valley, WI 715-778-5775 | info@mosesorganic.org | www.mosesorganic.org project grant requests are generally due in the late fall. For more information, call 612-626-3113 or go to www.sare.org/ncrsare. Wisconsin Grants Buy Local Buy Wisconsin (BWBL) Supports projects likely to stimulate Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of WI 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. Contact Teresa Engel at 608-224-5101, teresa.engel@wisconsin.gov, DatcpBLBW@wi.gov or go to http://datcp.wi.gov/Business/ Buy_Local_Buy_Wisconsin/BLBW_Grants/index.aspx Grow Wisconsin Dairy Producer Grants The Grow Wisconsin Dairy Grant is a flexible, customizable grant available to producers to retain farms, facilitate operational changes, improve profitability and yield more milk. This grant can be customized to meet the needs of individual farms and can be applied to hire consultants with a range of expertise to address specific business needs. These available services and grant funds are grouped into two categories that focus on changes or efforts related to: 1) Planning and preparation for business management, development and growth; and 2) Improving profitability through on-farm production and aspects related to the day-to-day farm operation. Up to $5,000 grant to be applied towards business development and expansion needs. http://datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Dairy_Farming/Grow_Wisconsin_Dairy_Grant/ Wisconsin Producers First Technical Assistance Program Supports Wisconsin local food producers. Successful applicants will identify a need for technical assistance and receive up to $3000 to hire a consultant to address that need. A matching payment of at least 10% is required from producers. Examples include: accounting and financial organization, business planning, food safety, grant writing assistance, legal services, market development, packaging and label development, whole farm planning, etc. Any WI farmer or producer may apply. Preference to producers selling at least 75% of their products to be consumed within 300 miles of the farm. To apply visit http:// datcp.wi.gov/Business/Buy_Local_Buy_Wisconsin/ Technical_Assistance/index.aspx Contact Teresa Engel at (608) 224-5101, teresa.engel@wi.gov with questions. http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/directmktg/blbw/index.jsp ernization activities of MN dairy farms. Eligible applicants include existing and start-up MN dairy producers. This program covers 50% of the cost of completing a business plan for a dairy operation. Applicants will be required to contribute at least 50% of the total project costs from sources other than the State of MN. Covers the cost of having a qualified, independent third party provide the professional services necessary to assist the applicant in evaluating the start-up, modernization or expansion of a dairy farm. For example, costs associated with developing a business plan that fully examines the feasibility of the proposed venture would be eligible. http://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/dbgrant.aspx Livestock Investment Grants Current funding information is not available. These grants are available to persons or entities who raise livestock in Minnesota for the purposes of improving or expanding livestock production in Minnesota. Projects include the acquisition, construction, or improvement of buildings or facilities for the production of livestock or livestock products; the acquisition of equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding, and waste management; or the development of pasture for use by livestock. Beginning, as well as experienced farmers are invited to apply. See www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/livestockinvestment.aspx. Additional Resources Center for Rural Affairs The Center for Rural Affairs works to establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all. See www. cfra.org/resources/beginning_farmer/fundingsources. Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching This 28-page ATTRA guide offers an overview of the major federal conservation programs that provide resources for farmers/ranchers to enhance and maintain sustainable farming and ranching practices. Download a copy at https://attra.ncat.org/publication.html#marketing. Farm Aid This non-profit organization works to keep family farmers on their land. Call 1-800-FARMAID, email Farmhelp@farmaid.org or go to www.farmaid.org. Minnesota Grants Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) AURI provides applied research services, product development assistance and a targeted network of resources to develop value-added uses for crops and coproducts. Applicants are required to match contributions and work with AURI personnel in developing the value added project. For more information, call 507-835-8990 or go to www.auri.org. Dairy Business Planning Grant Encourages dairy business planning and mod- Visit www.mosesorganic.org for more resources andThe tools, including our Organic Resource Directory Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education andService the Organic Broadcaster Plan to (MOSES) provides Newspaper. a variety of resources attend our annual Organic Conference in for farmers interested in Farming organic and sustainable February.farming. To find upcoming events including MOSES To learn more, please see: trainings and field days visit our web calendar at: www.mosesorganic.org www.mosesorganic.org/events.html © 2014 MOSES 02HB1430 -updated January 2012
