Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for cooperatives.

Interested producers should contact the DNREC Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Program or their local Conservation District office to apply for funding.

Sharon Webb

Alisa Bently

Dan Holston

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AgNPSLP) Loan Program provides a source of low interest financing for managing dairy and milking parlor waste and manure in an environmentally sound and cost effective manner.


These loans help dairy farmers implement best management practices on their farms to reduce the potential for pollution from their farming operations. This program is managed jointly by DNREC Environmental Finance, the Division of Watershed Stewardship, and the state’s Conservation Districts.



The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AgNPSLP) Loan Program provides a source of low interest financing for managing dairy and milking parlor waste and manure in an environmentally sound and cost effective manner.

These loans help dairy farmers implement best management practices on their farms to reduce the potential for pollution from their farming operations. This program is managed jointly by DNREC Environmental Finance, the Division of Watershed Stewardship, and the state’s Conservation Districts.

Eligible Practices:
Financing is available for the following dairy waste and manure management practices: Waste Management Systems, Equipment, Irrigation Equipment as part of a complete dairy waste management system for the purpose of spray irrigating wastes.

Eligible Applicants:
Any producer applying for an AgNPS loan must be obligated under a producer or supplier contract with one of the following dairy cooperatives or milk processors that has a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to participate in the AgNPS loan program: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., Land O’Lakes, or Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Associate. Inc.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Dairy

Milk

Butter

Cheese

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Waste & Manure Management

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

Water Management

Infrastructure

Non-profit organizations and academic/research institutions are eligible to submit a letter of interest (LOI) via  FAFO's online grant portal. LOIs will be reviewed and responded to within two weeks. If an LOI is approved, an organization will be invited to submit a full application.

Shannon Suddeth

Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) began with the 2002 Farm Bill, which included an exemption for organic farmers from contributing&#x2004;to national promotion programs like “Got Milk?” In response, Organic Valley devised a way for farmers to pool their exemptions into an organic-focused granting fund as a way to promote and advance organic farming.

FAFO is a grant program funded entirely by annual, voluntary contributions from Organic Valley farmers. It's the largest farmer-funded grant program in the U.S. and one of the few focused solely on organic.

The fund provides a way for Organic Valley farmers to address the long-term needs of the organic marketplace and the future of organic agriculture by supporting the development of long-term solutions. Through combining resources, Organic Valley farmers are able to invest in projects that affect the livelihoods of organic farmers across the country.

Within this context, FAFO is currently prioritizing projects that focus on:

- Projects that benefit family farmers who produce organic dairy, eggs, meat, produce, and grain/forage

- Projects that focus on organic soil health and biology

- Projects that strengthen CROPP Cooperative (internal)



Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) began with the 2002 Farm Bill, which included an exemption for organic farmers from contributing to national promotion programs like “Got Milk?” In response, Organic Valley devised a way for farmers to pool their exemptions into an organic-focused granting fund as a way to promote and advance organic farming.
FAFO is a grant program funded entirely by annual, voluntary contributions from Organic Valley farmers. It's the largest farmer-funded grant program in the U.S. and one of the few focused solely on organic.
The fund provides a way for Organic Valley farmers to address the long-term needs of the organic marketplace and the future of organic agriculture by supporting the development of long-term solutions. Through combining resources, Organic Valley farmers are able to invest in projects that affect the livelihoods of organic farmers across the country.
Within this context, FAFO is currently prioritizing projects that focus on:
- Projects that benefit family farmers who produce organic dairy, eggs, meat, produce, and grain/forage
- Projects that focus on organic soil health and biology
- Projects that strengthen CROPP Cooperative (internal)

Check if your organization and project meet the following criteria before applying:
- Non-profit or academic/research institution
- Advances FAFO’s mission of protecting and promoting the organic industry or the livelihood of organic farmers (with an explicit focus on organic)
- Category of research, education, or advocacy
- Aligned with FAFO’s strategic priorities (optional, but projects meeting this criteria will be prioritized)
- Organization's impact reaches beyond local community 
- One-time grant requested in the amount of $5,000-$50,000, corresponding to scope and impact of project
- Administrative overhead does not exceed 5% of amount requested


A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Trade Relief

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

One-time grants are awarded in the amounts of $5,000-$50,000, with an average grant award of $20,000 and the size of the award corresponding to the scope and impact of the project. Grants exceeding $50,000 and multi-year grants are considered under extraordinary circumstances by invitation only.

Got to FarmLend.com to apply for a new loan, refinance, and even browse land listings near you!

FarmLend Support

FarmLend allows you to apply online for a land loan from participating [Farm Credit](https://farmcredit.com/) associations across the United States. Farm Credit is a network of mission-driven, customer-owned financial cooperatives that has been serving agriculture for more than 100 years. To start a land loan in person through a local office instead, use the [Farm Credit Locator](https://farmcredit.com/locations) to connect with your local association.



FarmLend allows you to apply online for a land loan from participating Farm Credit associations across the United States. Farm Credit is a network of mission-driven, customer-owned financial cooperatives that has been serving agriculture for more than 100 years. To start a land loan in person through a local office instead, use the Farm Credit Locator to connect with your local association.

Legal & Finance

You can download an application to fill out by hand, or you can fill out an application online on this page. 

Applications are reviewed and approved by the LaM FUND Advisory Committee on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with us to review your application; to contact the LaM FUND committee, please email lmfund@lamontanita.coop. LaM FUND loans include a $25 application fee and a 5% access to funds fee.


Joseph P

The La Montañita (LaM) FUND is a member funded micro-lending program designed to grow the local food system and strengthen the local economy. It provides an opportunity for members of La Montañita Food Co-op to support farms, ranches, value-added producers, and other food system endeavors and related businesses in the La Montañita foodshed region, as well as non-food businesses in New Mexico&#x2004;that utilize the cooperative economic business model. La Montañita Co-op Members can purchase Interests (similar to investing in a mutual fund) in the LaM FUND. Proceeds from the sale of the Interests in this offering are deposited in an account with Nusenda Credit Union for use as collateral for loans made by Nusenda to local producers and based on the recommendations of the LaM FUND Loan Advisory Committee. The loans are administered by Nusenda.



The La Montañita (LaM) FUND is a member funded micro-lending program designed to grow the local food system and strengthen the local economy. It provides an opportunity for members of La Montañita Food Co-op to support farms, ranches, value-added producers, and other food system endeavors and related businesses in the La Montañita foodshed region, as well as non-food businesses in New Mexico that utilize the cooperative economic business model. La Montañita Co-op Members can purchase Interests (similar to investing in a mutual fund) in the LaM FUND. Proceeds from the sale of the Interests in this offering are deposited in an account with Nusenda Credit Union for use as collateral for loans made by Nusenda to local producers and based on the recommendations of the LaM FUND Loan Advisory Committee. The loans are administered by Nusenda.

If you are a farmer, rancher, value-added producer, operate some other food system endeavor, or manage a cooperative business, you can apply for a loan through the La Montañita (LaM) FUND. 

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

La Montañita owns and controls the LaM FUND. The FUND consists of two types of Interests—A and B. Both A Interests and B Interests allow for the participation in LaM FUND activities but do not provide ownership of the LaM FUND. They do entitle A and B Interest purchasers to a share of any income from LaM FUND activities, such as loan fees, as determined by the La Montañita Board of Directors, proportional to the number of Interests they have purchased. La Montañita will purchase all A Interests by rolling over its A Interests purchased in the previous offerings. If a loan defaults, collateral provided by A Interests will be accessed first to repay Nusenda before collateral provided by B Interests is accessed.

The investing aspect of the LaM FUND is open to all current Co-op members who reside in New Mexico. The money raised from the sale of the “Interests” are placed in a Money Market account at Nusenda Credit Union, and are used to collateralize the loans to producers and other cooperative enterprises approved by the LaM FUND’s Loan Advisory Committee.

Interests are $250 each with a total 800 units in this year’s offering. The Interests are divided into 100, A-Interests and 700, B-Interests. La Montañita Co-op will purchase all 100, of the A-Interests for a total Co-op investment of $25,000 this year. Monies from the Co-op purchased A-Interests will be used first to cover outstanding balances in the event of a LaM FUND loan default. These A-Interests are the Co-op’s financial commitment to the program and although the purchase of LaM FUND’s interests are considered high risk, the A-Interests purchased by the Co-op, provide a lessening of risk to other LaM FUND investors.

B-Interests are available to all Co-op members on a first come first serve basis until they are gone. To keep the grassroots nature of the investing program individuals are limited to 40 B-Interests for an individual maximum investment of $10,000. Investors who purchase the “Interests” will receive the highest possible Nusenda money market interest rate (based on the total amount in the account) on our cooperatively pooled, federally insured account.  Any income generated by LaM FUND loans will be shared in proportion to the number of “Interests” purchased. The Interests have a one-year term beginning January 1st and ending on December 31.

Payments to investors on LaM FUND generated income will be approved by a vote of the Co-op Board of Directors in much the same manner as they now approve the annual membership patronage refunds and will be paid within the first 90 days of each year.

Co-op members can purchase B-Interests by December 31 for the following year.

Loan applications will be taken on an ongoing basis. The LaM FUND Loan Committee will meet periodically to review all applications. Funds for approved loans will be available in late winter and early spring just in time for the growing season.

Submit the following to apply for program eligibility:
- Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form (xlsx)
- Eligible Distributor Certification Form (xlsx)
Once approved for program eligibility, submit the following to receive reimbursement:
- Reimbursement Claim Form (xlsx)
Submit all forms to DDP@usda.gov. 
In addition, for the Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form, please create and email a password in a separate email to DDP@usda.gov.

Under this program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product&#x2004;donations.


In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2019, and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter.


Interested partnerships must apply for program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form and Eligible Distributor Certification Form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as received. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. 



Under this program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product donations.

In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2019, and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter.

Interested partnerships must apply for program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form and Eligible Distributor Certification Form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as received. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. 

Eligible Dairy Organizations (EDO)
Dairy farmers, cooperatives, and processors purchasing fresh milk or bulk dairy products to process into retailpackaged dairy products may qualify for this program. In addition, the dairy farmer, cooperative or processor must file a Receipts and Utilization report with a Federal milk marketing order (FMMO). For those reporting to a local FMMO office as part of normal business operations, the requirement is already met. For those that do not, please contact us at ddp@usda.gov so that we can help with filing the Receipts and Utilization report. 
Eligible Distributors	
EDOs may form one or more partnerships with nonprofit feeding organizations, called eligible distributors, that distribute food to individuals and families. EDOs can partner with an umbrella organization that includes multiple distribution locations or with an individual (or independent) organization with a single distribution location.

- Webinar: USDA’s Dairy Donation Program (DDP)
- MDRP Reimbursement Claim Form Overview (pdf)
- Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form Sample (xlsx)
- Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP): What Do I Need to Know?
- Part 1146—Milk Donation Reimbursement Program
- Commodity Specifications for Fluid Milk and Milk Products Eligible for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (pdf)

Nutrition & Food Safety

The DDP reimburses the EDO for
1. Cost of milk to make the donated product - applicable classified price of the fresh fluid milk (or bulk dairy commodity product milk equivalent) used in the donated dairy product;
2. Manufacturing costs—a standard cost for manufacturing the donated dairy product;
3. Transportation costs—portion of the costs to transport donated product between the plant and distribution location.

What About the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program? 
If you participated in the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP), you do not need to apply for the DDP. Current participants in the MDRP are automatically enrolled in the DDP. EDOs will receive the same reimbursement for cost of milk, manufacturing, and transportation as DDP participants.

Apply at the appropriate link below:
- New Farmer Micro Grant Cognito Form Application Link 
- Infrastructure Investment Grant Cognito Form Application Link 
- Research and Development Grant Cognito Form Application Link
- Innovation and Diversification Grant Cognito Form Application Link

A complete application includes: 
1. Applicant Information (Appendix A) entered on the Cognito Form link 
2. Budget Form (Appendix B) added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link 
3. Grant narrative (Appendix C) added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link 
4. Conceptual drawings, estimates/quotes, production information, etc added as an attachment on the Cognito Form link

Jaime Smith

Mark Hood

The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program for Connecticut farmers&#x2004;and agricultural cooperatives to support the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. **_Please be aware: This is a reimbursement grant._**

The FTG will look different this year as it has been updated to better serve the CT agricultural industry to include supporting new and beginning farmers to research and development for farm business expansion.



The Farm Transition Grant Program (FTG) (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program for Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives to support the diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales, and other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state. Please be aware: This is a reimbursement grant.
The FTG will look different this year as it has been updated to better serve the CT agricultural industry to include supporting new and beginning farmers to research and development for farm business expansion.

The following entities are eligible to apply for all Farm Transition Grant categories: 
1. Agricultural producers, singularly or jointly, whether such producers are owners or tenants of existing agribusiness within the State of Connecticut 
2. Agricultural cooperatives To qualify for the New Farmer Micro Grant, eligible entities must meet the following to qualify: 
    a. Apply for or possess a Farmers’ Tax Exemption Permit through the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services 
    b. Have a 2-5-year business plan drafted 
    c. Complete a crop plan 
    d. Be the operation owner and have been in production for a year or more 
    e. Tenants must include a written agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project
To qualify for the Infrastructure Investment Grant, Research and Development Grant, and Innovation and Diversification Grant eligible entities must meet the following: 
- Be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, if established as a limited liability corporation or incorporation 
- Possess a Farmer’s Tax Exemption Permit 
- Have submitted a Schedule F, Form 1120S, Form 1065, or Schedule C for the previous three years 
- Tenants must include a long term written lease agreement between all necessary parties regarding the submitted project. 
Previous awardees to the Farm Transition Grant can reapply. 
Past awards and corresponding project completion will be taken into consideration when evaluating applications. 
Applicants who have an open agreement and a project in progress are ineligible to apply. 

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Grant Application Guidelines and Forms
- 2021 Farm Transition Grant Appendix B: Budget Fillable Form in Excel format
- 2021 Farm Transition Grant Appendix C: Grant Narrative Fillable Form in Word Format

Match Requirement, Expenses, & Payment: 
All eligible expenses funded by any Farm Transition Grant program must advance farming and agriculture as defined by Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-1(q). 
All grant categories have a cash match requirement of which the percentage necessary varies. The cash match requirement for each program can be self-financed, bank-financing, or provided through another grant (federal, state, or otherwise). If a grant is providing the match, the applicant must disclose the grantor, the grant name, and amount awarded. A three-year profit and loss statement and current profit and loss must be provided. 
The Farm Transition Grant must be paid directly to the applicant. 
The following expenses cannot be used as a match and will not be funded by any grant category: 
- Any expense incurred prior to contract execution 
- Land acquisition/mortgages 
- Cost of borrowing (points and other fees) 
- Expenses related to establishing a new organization/business 
- Any portion of expense for which the applicant pays a contractor in merchandise or service in lieu of cash 
- Tuition/tuition reimbursement or career-related/scholarship funds 
- Routine business expenses (utilities, office supplies, etc.) 
- Disposable supplies (office, farm, otherwise) unrelated to the project 
- Legal expenses related to litigation 
- Indirect or contingency costs of any percentage 
The following expenses are an acceptable match if they directly and meaningfully support the proposed project: 
- Employee salaries and fringe benefits paid to execute the project 
- State/local/federal permits 
- Attorneys’ fees (not related to litigation) 
- Consumable or disposable supplies 
Eligible expenses by grant category can be found on page 4. The eligibility of general-purpose equipment will be reviewed based on grant category and project usage. 
These are reimbursement grants. Incomplete projects cannot be fully reimbursed. 
A reimbursement of 50% of the award can be provided to the New Farmer Micro Grant awardees during the project work, with the remaining 50% of the award reimbursed upon project completion. Receipts with proof of payment to justify the first 50% of the award must be provided. 
Project Duration & Post Award Requirements 
Projects must be completed within 18 months of contract execution. Contract and project extensions are not allowed.
Applicants of awarded projects will be responsible for the following: 
1. Signing an agreement with the State of Connecticut 
2. Providing a Certificate of Insurance holding the state harmless or listing the state as an additional insured on the grantee’s liability insurance policy 
3. Completing the project within the contractual timeframe
4. Submitting a final project report in the required format per the executed contract 
5. Submitting a final financial report itemizing actual expenses. Copies of invoices and proof of payment must be submitted with the payment request at the conclusion of the project 
6. Agreeing to a site inspection once the project is complete and prior to final payment being released 
7. Other requirements as outlined in the State of Connecticut contract 
Grantees will have additional training on requirements once contracts are executed.


Apply online here when the grant is open.

Southern SARE Producer Grants are competitive. Each year SARE receives more grant proposals than SARE has monies to award funding. Here are some suggestions that might aid in strengthening your proposal:
- Follow the instructions in the Call for Proposal. Failure to follow directions or omit any required information will result in your proposal being rejected.
- Make sure your proposal falls in one of the following focus areas: Beneficial insects, alternative crops/animals, organic agriculture, sustainable marketing projects, sustainable grazing systems, soil health or water quality, appropriate technology, agroforestry, or increasing sustainability of existing farming practices.
- Only one Producer Grant is allowed by the farmer applicant per grant cycle. If you have more than one idea, SARE recommends you select your best proposal for submission, and save your other ideas for future submissions.
- Thoroughly research your project before applying. You may have a great idea for a project, but the research related to the topic may already be well established. SARE looks for projects that are new, innovative, generate results that are useful beyond one year and produce information that many farmers can use.
- Successful projects include clear goals and objectives. Due to the small size of the Producer Grants, SARE recommends developing no more than three (3) objectives in order to complete your project.
- SARE encourages collaboration and partnerships on grant projects. Cooperators help complement your skills. When you enlist the cooperation of people who have expertise in areas that you don’t, they’ll strengthen your project. Make sure to include cooperators from universities, Cooperative Extension, NGOs, community organizations, or other farmers to add value to your project.
- Make sure you include an outreach plan. Outreach plans can include field days, educational resources, how-to videos, publications, workshops, or presentations are conferences to share research results with other farmers.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to begin your proposal and to submit it to the SARE Grants Management online system. The deadline for proposal submissions is firm. Anticipate technological glitches, budget issues, user error or other issues that might cause delays.
- Be clear on the “what”, “why”, and “who cares” of your research project and how it pertains to sustainable agriculture. This is generally outlined in the “Statement of Problem” portion of your proposal. This is your “hook” for reviewers. Remember, they get to know you through your proposal. Tell your story.
- Seek assistance from other individuals or organizations in writing and reviewing your grant.

Candace Pollock-Moore

SSARE Assistant Director

Recognizing the value and importance of on-the-farm, producer experience in developing solutions to agricultural production challenges, the SSARE Producer Grant program was established in 1994 to give farmers the opportunity&#x2004;to conduct their own research projects. The competitive research grants program is intended to help farmers and ranchers develop sustainable production and marketing practices. The goal of the grant program is for farmers/ranchers to conduct projects to solve challenges and problems they face, and develop information on what works and doesn’t work so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same problems can benefit from the results of the funded project.



Recognizing the value and importance of on-the-farm, producer experience in developing solutions to agricultural production challenges, the SSARE Producer Grant program was established in 1994 to give farmers the opportunity to conduct their own research projects. The competitive research grants program is intended to help farmers and ranchers develop sustainable production and marketing practices. The goal of the grant program is for farmers/ranchers to conduct projects to solve challenges and problems they face, and develop information on what works and doesn’t work so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same problems can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer Grants are open to individual farmers/ranchers or farmer organizations. Only one proposal may be submitted per grant cycle. Primary occupation is farming or ranching or the applicant is a part-time producer. At least $1,000 of annual income from the operation must be documented. Farmer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board. There are no restrictions on farm size or the length of time an applicant has been farming. Producer Grants, however, are designed for farmers already established in their farming operation, and not be beginning farmers or ranchers.


Trials

Producer Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding:
- The proposal must be submitted from an individual farmer/rancher or farmer/rancher organization, such as a cooperative. Proposals from NGOs, other community groups or researchers are not accepted.
- Primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation.
- The proposed project addresses production and marketing issues that promote sustainable agriculture.
- The proposal addresses a research project; Producer Grants are not designed to pay a farmer to “farm.”
- Projects must include at least one cooperator. They can be other farmers, researchers, extension agents, governmental or non-governmental organizations, or others who cooperate in project planning, data collection and outreach of results.
- The proposed project satisfies the requirements of allowable expenses.
- An outreach component is identified in the proposal. Outreach allows the farmer to share his/her project outcomes with the greater farming community.


List of Agricultural Funding for Cooperatives