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

The Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment loan is the only loan program specifically for historically underserved and women farmers and beginning farmers. Down Payment loan funds may be used only to partially finance the purchase of a family farm. Loan applicants must contribute a minimum downpayment of 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm and the Agency will finance 45 percent to a maximum loan amount of $300,000. The balance of the purchase price not covered by the down payment loan and the loan applicant's down payment may be financed by a [commercial lender](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/Farm-Loan-Programs/pdfs/Current_Guaranteed_Lender_List.pdf), private lender, a cooperative, or the seller.



The Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment loan is the only loan program specifically for historically underserved and women farmers and beginning farmers. Down Payment loan funds may be used only to partially finance the purchase of a family farm. Loan applicants must contribute a minimum downpayment of 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm and the Agency will finance 45 percent to a maximum loan amount of $300,000. The balance of the purchase price not covered by the down payment loan and the loan applicant's down payment may be financed by a commercial lender, private lender, a cooperative, or the seller.

To qualify: 
- The applicant must make a cash down payment of at least 5 percent of the purchase price; 
- The maximum loan amount does not exceed 45 percent of the least of the purchase price of the farm or ranch to be acquired, the appraised value of the farm or ranch to be acquired, or $667,000 (Note: This results in a maximum loan amount of $300,150); 
- The term of the loan is 20 years. The interest rate is 4 percent below the direct FO rate, but not lower than 1.5 percent; 
- The remaining balance may be obtained from a commercial lender or private party. FSA can provide up to a 95 percent guarantee if financing is obtained from a commercial lender. Participating lenders do not have to pay a guarantee fee; 
- Financing from participating lenders must have an amortization period of at least 30 years and cannot have a balloon payment due within the first 20 years of the loan.

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

Loan

Fact Sheet: Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

Commercial Lenders

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Socially Disadvantaged

Repayment terms for direct Farms Ownership loans vary but never exceed 40 years. 

Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the government’s cost of borrowing. 

Guaranteed loan terms are set by the lender. Interest rates for guaranteed loans are established by the lender.

Contact your local FSA Service center to apply.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) authorized the use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, such as losses not covered by the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). 

The 2018 Farm Bill amended certain provisions related to ELAP effective with the 2019 program year. Those amendments included: 

- removing ELAP from the combined ELAP and LFP maximum per person and legal entity payment limitation for the 2019 and subsequent program years; 

- providing reimbursement of 90 percent of the cost of losses for socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning, or veteran farmer or rancher; 

- in addition to covering the cost related to gathering livestock to treat for cattle tick fever, ELAP will now cover the cost related to gathering livestock to inspect for cattle tick fever; 

- no longer covering livestock death losses due to diseases that are caused or transmitted by a vector and are not controlled by vaccination or an acceptable management practice. The 2018 Farm Bill authorizes these diseases under LIP. 



The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) authorized the use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, certain adverse weather events or loss conditions, including blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is provided for losses not covered by other disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, such as losses not covered by the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). 
The 2018 Farm Bill amended certain provisions related to ELAP effective with the 2019 program year. Those amendments included: 
- removing ELAP from the combined ELAP and LFP maximum per person and legal entity payment limitation for the 2019 and subsequent program years; 
- providing reimbursement of 90 percent of the cost of losses for socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning, or veteran farmer or rancher; 
- in addition to covering the cost related to gathering livestock to treat for cattle tick fever, ELAP will now cover the cost related to gathering livestock to inspect for cattle tick fever; 
- no longer covering livestock death losses due to diseases that are caused or transmitted by a vector and are not controlled by vaccination or an acceptable management practice. The 2018 Farm Bill authorizes these diseases under LIP. 

ELAP provides assistance for livestock feed and grazing losses that are not due to drought or wildfires on federally managed lands; losses resulting from the cost of transporting water to livestock due to an eligible drought; losses resulting from the additional cost associated with gathering livestock for treatment and/or inspection related to cattle tick fever, honeybee feed, colony and hive losses; and farm-raised fish feed and death losses. 

An eligible livestock, honeybee or farmraised fish producer who certifies they are socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning, or a veteran farmer or rancher will receive 90 percent of the payment rate for the losses under ELAP.

The average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation relating to limits on payments for persons or legal entities, excluding joint ventures and general partnerships, with certain levels of AGI apply. Specifically, a person or legal entity with an AGI (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1400) that exceeds $900,000 is not eligible to receive ELAP payments. Direct attribution provisions also apply to ELAP. Under direct attribution, any payment to a legal entity will also be considered for payment limitation purposes to be a payment to persons or legal entities with an interest in the legal entity or in a sub-entity.

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

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Producers can apply to receive ELAP assistance at local FSA service centers. The ELAP application period ends Dec. 31 of each calendar year. 
In addition to submitting an application for payment, producers who suffered losses must submit a notice of loss to the local FSA service center that maintains the farm records for their business.

For honeybee losses, producers must file notice of loss with the FSA within 15 days after loss is apparent. For Livestock and farm-raised fish losses, producers must file notice of loss with the FSA within 30 days after loss is apparent.

Producers may submit an application for payment from ELAP anytime during the program year and up until January 30th of the following year.

It recommended that you call and make an appointment with your nearest Farm Loan Officer or Farm Loan Manager. Agency officials are required to:
- Help loan applicants complete FSA forms and gather information necessary for a complete application;
- Explain the application procedure, process, and the requirements for a complete application;
- Assist loan applicants in completing FSA forms and identifying sources of information needed for a complete application, if assistance is requested;
- Inform loan applicants of other technical assistance providers who may be of assistance at minimal or no charge. Some examples include, and are not limited to, the Cooperative Extension Service, non-profit organizations and institutions, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, and other similar organizations; and
- Advise applicants of alternatives that will help overcome any possible barriers to being determined eligible for an FSA loan.

Suggestions for First Meeting with FSA
- Have a general idea of what it is you want to do and be able to identify your goals. What type of operation do you have or want to have? What do you need to operate that farm or ranch? How will you market your product(s)? How much do you need? What are your projections?
- Good recordkeeping is very important. If you do not have your records organized, it is a good idea to try and put all your income and expenses into an understandable format. It does not have to be fancy. Also, what is happening inside the household is just as important as your business needs. Expenses such as food, clothing, mortgage or rent, insurance, taxes, medical costs, credit card payments, education expenses, and other consumer debt are part of the farm plan calculations. Know your costs. Bring your records with you.
- Remember to bring any financial records, which can include tax returns, for the most recent production cycle to assist in projecting the cash flow for your loan proposal. If you need to rely on off-farm income to repay the loan, bring in your last few pay stubs.
- Bring copies of any written leases to the office with you if you are leasing land or equipment.
- It is a prudent idea to check your credit report before applying for a loan. This allows you to spot any errors or research events that may have negatively impacted your credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to credit reporting companies.
- Many answers can be found in the booklet, "Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans.

Farm Ownership Loans offer up to 100 percent financing and are a valuable resource to help farmers and ranchers purchase or enlarge family farms, improve and expand current operations, increase agricultural productivity, and assist with land tenure to save farmland for future generations. With a maximum loan amount of $600,000 ($300,150 for Beginning Farmer Down Payment), all FSA Direct Farm Ownership Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through [local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/index). The [funding](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/funding/index) comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.


**Loan Purposes:**


FSA’s Direct Farm Ownership loans are used to:

- Buy a farm or ranch

- Enlarge an existing farm or ranch

- make a down payment on a farm

- purchase of easements

- Construct, purchase or improve farm dwellings, service buildings or other facilities and improvements essential to the farm operation

- Promote soil and water conservation and protection

- Pay loan closing costs


There are 3 types of Direct Farm Ownership Loans: "regular," joint financing, and downpayment depending upon individual needs. FSA also offers a Direct Farm Ownership Microloan for smaller financial needs.


**Direct Farm Ownership Joint Financing Loan:**


Also known as a participation loan, joint financing allows FSA to provide more farmers and ranchers with access to capital. FSA lends up to 50 percent of the cost or value of the property being purchased. A commercial lender, a State program, or the seller of the farm or ranch being purchased provides the balance of loan funds, with or without an FSA guarantee.


**Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan:**


Available only to eligible beginning farmers and ranchers and/or minority and women applicants, a Down Payment loan is a special type of Direct Farm Ownership loan program that partially finances the purchase of a family size farm or ranch. Beginning farmers do not have to identify themselves as a minority or woman, and minority and women loan applicants do not have to be beginning farmers.


The Down Payment Farm Ownership loan is the only loan program that does not provide 100 percent financing. Down Payment loans require loan applicants to provide 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm.


As established by the Beginning Farmer definition, loan applicants interested in the Down Payment loan may not own more than 30 percent of the average size farm at the time of the application. The applicant may exceed the 30 percent after the loan is closed. The most current Census of Agriculture data is used in this calculation.



Farm Ownership Loans offer up to 100 percent financing and are a valuable resource to help farmers and ranchers purchase or enlarge family farms, improve and expand current operations, increase agricultural productivity, and assist with land tenure to save farmland for future generations. With a maximum loan amount of $600,000 ($300,150 for Beginning Farmer Down Payment), all FSA Direct Farm Ownership Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers. The funding comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.

Loan Purposes:

FSA’s Direct Farm Ownership loans are used to:
- Buy a farm or ranch
- Enlarge an existing farm or ranch
- make a down payment on a farm
- purchase of easements
- Construct, purchase or improve farm dwellings, service buildings or other facilities and improvements essential to the farm operation
- Promote soil and water conservation and protection
- Pay loan closing costs

There are 3 types of Direct Farm Ownership Loans: "regular," joint financing, and downpayment depending upon individual needs. FSA also offers a Direct Farm Ownership Microloan for smaller financial needs.

Direct Farm Ownership Joint Financing Loan:

Also known as a participation loan, joint financing allows FSA to provide more farmers and ranchers with access to capital. FSA lends up to 50 percent of the cost or value of the property being purchased. A commercial lender, a State program, or the seller of the farm or ranch being purchased provides the balance of loan funds, with or without an FSA guarantee.

Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan:

Available only to eligible beginning farmers and ranchers and/or minority and women applicants, a Down Payment loan is a special type of Direct Farm Ownership loan program that partially finances the purchase of a family size farm or ranch. Beginning farmers do not have to identify themselves as a minority or woman, and minority and women loan applicants do not have to be beginning farmers.

The Down Payment Farm Ownership loan is the only loan program that does not provide 100 percent financing. Down Payment loans require loan applicants to provide 5 percent of the purchase price of the farm.

As established by the Beginning Farmer definition, loan applicants interested in the Down Payment loan may not own more than 30 percent of the average size farm at the time of the application. The applicant may exceed the 30 percent after the loan is closed. The most current Census of Agriculture data is used in this calculation.

There are 3 different types of qualifications for a direct farm ownership loan which need to be met:
- Eligible farm enterprise
- General eligibility requirements
- Farm management experience

First, the operation must be an eligible farm enterprise. Farm Ownership loan funds cannot be used to finance nonfarm enterprises, such as exotic birds, tropical fish, dogs or horses used for non-farm purposes (racing, pleasure, show and boarding).

All loan applicants must be able to meet the following general eligibility requirements:
- Must not have Federal or State conviction(s) for planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting, storing, trafficking, or possession of controlled substances
- Have the legal ability to accept responsibility for the loan obligation
- Have an acceptable credit history
- Be a United States citizen, non-citizen national or legal resident alien of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific Trust Territory
- Have no previous debt forgiveness by the Agency, including a guarantee loan loss payment
- Be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, with or without an FSA loan guarantee
- Not be delinquent on any Federal debt, other than IRS tax debt, at the time of loan closing
- Not be ineligible due to disqualification resulting from Federal Crop Insurance violation
- Be able to show sufficient farm managerial experience through education, on-the-job training and/or general farm experience, to assure reasonable prospect of loan repayment ability
- Must be the owner-operator of a family farm after loan closing

Managerial Experience Requirements:

The Direct Farm Ownership loan is different from all the other FSA loan offerings because Congress wrote into the law an additional 3 year farm management experience requirement. These 3 years of experience must be within 10 years of the date of loan application. 

Loan applicants may substitute 1 year of those 3 years if they have 1 of the following:
- Post-secondary education in an agriculturally-related field; and/or
- Significant business management experience; and/or
- Leadership or management experience while servicing in any branch of the military.

To gain credit for 2 out of the 3 years, loan applicants must show 2 of the following:
- Not less than 16 hours of post-secondary education in an agriculturally-related field; and/or
- Significant business management experience with at least 1 year of management in a non-agriculture related field where the applicant's day-to-day responsibilities included direct management experience, such as personnel decisions, payroll, and inventory ordering. In other words, not an individual who is a manger in title only; and/or
- Having been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the U.S.; and/or
- At least 1-year experience as hired farm labor with substantial management responsibilities; and/or
- Successfully completed a farm management curriculum offered by a cooperative extension service, a community college, an adult vocational agriculture program, a non-profit organization, or a land grant college or university; and/or
- Successfully completed a farm mentorship, apprenticeship, or internship program with an emphasis on management requirements and day-to-day farm management decisions; and/or
- Successfully repaid an FSA Youth loan; and/or
- Have an established relationship with an individual who has experience in farming or ranching, or is a retired farmer or rancher, and is participating as a counselor in the U.S. Small Business Administration's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program or with a local farm or ranch operator or organization, approved by the Secretary, that is committed to mentoring the farmer or rancher.

There are 2 ways to by-pass the 3 year farm management experience requirement entirely:
- Use the Guaranteed Farm Ownership loan program, which works through a commercial lender; or
- Have at least 1-year experience as hired farm labor with substantial management responsibilities and be working with a SCORE mentor.

- Fact Sheet: Farm Loans Overview 
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP
- National Agrability Project
- Farm Answers Library
- Farmers.gov

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Business Plan

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Maximum Loan Limitations:

The maximum loan amount for a "regular" Direct Farm Ownership loan is $600,000. The maximum loan amount for a Joint Financing or Participation Farm Ownership loan is $600,000.

Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment maximum loan amount works differently. The maximum loan amount under this loan program will not exceed 45 percent of whichever is the lesser amount of:
- the purchase price;
- the appraised value of the farm being purchased; or
- $667,000.

The balance of the purchase price not covered by the down payment loan and applicant down payment may be financed by a commercial, cooperative, or private lender, including the seller. The financing provided by FSA and all other creditors cannot exceed 95 percent of the purchase price. An FSA guarantee may be used if financing is provided by eligible lenders.

Interest Rates:

The interest rate charged is always the lower rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing for the type of loan wanted. Interest rates are calculated and posted the 1st of each month.

Repayment Terms:

The maximum repayment period for the Direct Farm Ownership loan and the Joint Financing loan is 40 years.

The repayment term for FSA's portion of a Down Payment loan is 20 years. The non-FSA financing portion is required to be at least a 30 year repayment period with no balloon payment allowed within the first 20 years of the loan.

Apply for this grant on grants.gov: Search for CFDA number 10.443

The USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program), is managed by USDA’s** **Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). The 1990 Farm Bill established the program to provide outreach and technical assistance for underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, in owning and operating sustainable farms and ranches while increasing their participation in USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. The 2018 Farm Bill boosts mandatory funding for the program through FY 2023.

FOTO is the combination of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program). USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers BFRDP and USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 2501 Program. FOTO provides mandatory funding of $30 million for fiscal year (FY) 2020 and increases funding annually up to $50 million by FY2023. Annual funding will be split equally between BFRDP and the 2501 Program.



The USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program), is managed by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). The 1990 Farm Bill established the program to provide outreach and technical assistance for underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, in owning and operating sustainable farms and ranches while increasing their participation in USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. The 2018 Farm Bill boosts mandatory funding for the program through FY 2023.
FOTO is the combination of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program). USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers BFRDP and USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 2501 Program. FOTO provides mandatory funding of $30 million for fiscal year (FY) 2020 and increases funding annually up to $50 million by FY2023. Annual funding will be split equally between BFRDP and the 2501 Program.

Eligible organizations:
- Community-Based & Non-Profit Organizations 
- Tribal Governments & Colleges 
- Higher Education Institutions with Agricultural Programs (such as 1890s, 1994s and Hispanic-Serving Institutions) 
- Alaskan Native Cooperative Colleges 

Organizations must have documented experience in working with socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers for at least three (3) years to qualify for the 2501 Program.

- Frequently Asked Questions
- Fact Sheet 2020

To apply for these loans, fill out the Apply form on this webpage.

Feed The Hunger Fund works side-by-side with its borrowers – primarily women, immigrants, and people of color – to build a more equitable food system. As a certified Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), FTHF provides critical loans in Hawaii and California to help farmers and food entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.	



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Support doesn’t stop once a business is launched. Program specialists work one-on-one to nurture each business owner at every step along their journey. FTHF builds on the gifts each entrepreneur brings to the table by helping them learn what they need to know to be successful for the long-term.



USDA will announce the selected entities later in the summer of 2021. At that point, you can select an entity on the list to receive a loan to resolve the ownership issues. At any time, you can contact the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center, which you can find at farmers.gov/service-locator. Schedule an appointment to meet with the county outreach coordinator to discuss your questions and interests and learn more about USDA programs. To learn more about applying for loans to participate, visit farmers.gov/heirs/relending.

In the meantime, you can get started on getting a Farm Number from USDA to be eligible for this and other programs. Call your local USDA service center to get started.

Have you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership? The Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP) can help you resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues on agricultural land. 

[Heirs’ property](https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/heirs-property-eligibility) issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution. The program’s benefits go far beyond its participants. It will also keep farmland in farming, protect family farm legacies and support economic viability.  


## **What Is Heirs’ Property?**

Heirs’ property is a legal term that refers to family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. It has historically been challenging for heirs to benefit from USDA programs because of the belief that they cannot get a farm number without proof of ownership or control of land. Learn more on farmers.gov/heirs.

## **How the Program Works**

This program works differently than other USDA programs. Rather than USDA providing the loan directly to producers, the loan will be provided to intermediary lenders, who then relend the funds to producers like you.

**Here are additional details:**

1. Intermediary lenders – cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1% interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August.  

2. Farm Service Agency (FSA) selects and announces lenders.

3. Heirs can apply -- for up to $600,000 -- directly to lenders for loans and assistance.

4. Heirs and lenders will need to repay the loan as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.  




Have you inherited land without a clear title or documented legal ownership? The Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP) can help you resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues on agricultural land. 
Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution. The program’s benefits go far beyond its participants. It will also keep farmland in farming, protect family farm legacies and support economic viability.  

What Is Heirs’ Property?
Heirs’ property is a legal term that refers to family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. It has historically been challenging for heirs to benefit from USDA programs because of the belief that they cannot get a farm number without proof of ownership or control of land. Learn more on farmers.gov/heirs.
How the Program Works
This program works differently than other USDA programs. Rather than USDA providing the loan directly to producers, the loan will be provided to intermediary lenders, who then relend the funds to producers like you.
Here are additional details:
1. Intermediary lenders – cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1% interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August.  
2. Farm Service Agency (FSA) selects and announces lenders.
3. Heirs can apply -- for up to $600,000 -- directly to lenders for loans and assistance.
4. Heirs and lenders will need to repay the loan as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.  


Intermediary lenders will make loans to heirs who: 
- Are individuals or legal entities with authority to incur the debt and to resolve ownership and succession of a farm owned by multiple owners; 
- Are a family member or heir-at-law related by blood or marriage to the previous owner of the property;  
- Agree to complete a succession plan. 
If you’re an heir, you may use the loans to resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan.
This may also include costs of buying out fractional interests of other heirs to clear the title, which includes closing costs, appraisals, title searches, surveys, preparing documents, mediation, and legal services.   
If you’re an heir, you may not use loans for any land improvement, development purpose, acquisition or repair of buildings, acquisition of personal property, payment of operating costs, payment of finders’ fees, or similar costs. 

- August 3, 2021 Webinar: Applying to be a Relender for the Heirs' Property Relending Program. Interested re-lenders should register at the FSA webinars page. 
- July 29, 2021 Press Conference with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, U.S. Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., and U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos
- July 29, 2021 News Release: Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
- HPRP Final Rule in the Federal Register
- Frequently Asked Questions about HPRP


Nutrition & Food Safety

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact your local state office for additional information and to apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.

- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.



This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Who may apply for this program?

The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:
- Nonprofits.
- Federally-recognized tribes.
- Institutions of higher education.

The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient:
- Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

What is an eligible area?
- Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
- The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
- The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs.

Are there other requirements?

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:
- Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
- Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

Stewardship

What kind of funding is available? 
- Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
- Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?
- Maximum term is 20 years.
- Two-year payment deferral.
- Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?
- Up to $50,000.
- Fixed interest rate.
- Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:
- Working capital.
- Debt refinancing.
- Purchasing equipment and supplies.
- Improving real estate.

Make an account here to start you application.

Steps to expect:
1. Apply: Complete the online loan application, telling us more about your business and financial needs.
2. Approval: Work with the Steward team to confirm loan terms and plan for your raise campaign on Steward’s lending platform.
3. Private Raise: Start by sending emails and making phone calls to invite qualified “anchor lenders” in your network to participate early in your campaign to build momentum.
4. Public Raise: Once a campaign reaches a certain percentage funded (typically 20-25%), the raise is featured on Steward’s public website. Here we co-market the campaign with outreach to prospective lenders in your community, as well as Steward's national lender network.
5. Receive Capital: After a successful raise, Steward will finalize its loan to your farm business by disbursing funds through our secure lending platform.
6. Grow: Expand your business and share your success! Begin repaying your loan to Steward starting 90 days* after the loan funds are received. At that point, Steward will automatically begin repayments to participating lenders in this project.

Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.


Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).


**What They Fund:**

- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.

- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.



Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.

Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).

What They Fund:
- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.
- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.

- 3+ years farming experience (new operations with significant experience)
- U.S. business in good standing (LLC, Inc., or registered nonprofit)
- Incorporate regenerative and sustainable practices
- Securable assets (loan collateralized by land, equipment, inventory, etc.) 


- Loan Terms: range from 36 months to 60 months (sometimes longer)
- Interest Rate: range from 5% to 10% depending on purpose of loan and state of business (6%- 8% is most common, all interest passed on to lenders).
- Repayment: typically begin 3-6 months after funds are disbursed.
- Fees: Steward charges a fixed 3% origination fee, that’s it.

To apply for this program, reach out to your local FSA office.

The Transition Incentives Program (TIP) offers assistance for land owners and operators, as well as opportunities for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. It provides land owners or operators with two additional annual rental payments on land enrolled in expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, on the condition they sell or rent this land to a beginning farmer or rancher or to a socially disadvantaged group. Up to two additional annual CRP payments can be obtained through TIP. New land owners or renters must return the land to production using sustainable grazing or farming methods.


TIP provides land owners and operators with an incentive to return land to production on an expiring CRP Contract in a way that preserves established conservation practices. It also provides an opportunity for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to purchase their own land or rent land.



The Transition Incentives Program (TIP) offers assistance for land owners and operators, as well as opportunities for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. It provides land owners or operators with two additional annual rental payments on land enrolled in expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, on the condition they sell or rent this land to a beginning farmer or rancher or to a socially disadvantaged group. Up to two additional annual CRP payments can be obtained through TIP. New land owners or renters must return the land to production using sustainable grazing or farming methods.

TIP provides land owners and operators with an incentive to return land to production on an expiring CRP Contract in a way that preserves established conservation practices. It also provides an opportunity for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to purchase their own land or rent land.

To be eligible for TIP, an owner or operator must be a farmer or rancher on land enrolled in an expiring CRP contract. The owner or operator must agree to sell, or have a contract to sell, or agree to lease long-term (at least five years) the land enrolled in an expiring CRP contract to a beginning, veteran or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher who is not a family member.
The owner or operator must agree to permit the beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher to make conservation and land improvements according to an approved conservation plan during the last two years of the CRP contract. 
Beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers participating in TIP may re-enroll otherwise eligible land under CRP’s continuous signup provisions including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. 
Beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers must materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch involved in CRP contract modification.  


Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

Legal & Finance

To apply, applicants must first complete the pre-proposal document and schedule a call with VDACS program staff using this calendly link. Following that call, the application will complete a full application. 
It is required that all VFAIF applicants attend one "How to Apply" webinar. Select one from the dates on the bottom of this page.

Successful applications will show a clear vision and plan, including a timeline and deliverables; will have a comprehensive budget; and will demonstrate a path to financial sustainability or profitability.

Sarah Santa Cruz

Coordinator, Virginia Food Access Investment Fund

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access communities.

Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.

For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:

- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;

- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;

- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;

- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and

- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.




The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access communities.
Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.
For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:
- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;
- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;
- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;
- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and
- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.


Eligible projects include the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, or expansion of:
- Grocery stores that primarily sell meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, dry groceries, household products, sundries, and healthy food options
- Innovative food retail projects such as mobile markets or delivery models, including food trucks
- Small food retailers, such as small-scale stores, neighborhood stores, small groceries, farmers’ markets, or corner stores
- Small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farm co-ops, community gardens, restaurants or cafes with a direct food retail component or in partnership with a qualified food retailer, food hub, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and/or farm stand
Mandatory Requirements
Projects must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding:
- Be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Have a retail component where consumers can purchase fresh meats, seafood, dairy, produce, and/or healthy food options
- Directly serve residents within low-income, low-access communities
- Demonstrate a history of community engagement, work in the community, and community support for the project
- Accept SNAP benefits and offer Virginia Fresh Match incentives
- Purchase a minimum of 25% of fresh products from Virginia’s small, beginning, limited resource, Veteran, and/or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers


- VFAIF Grant Guidelines
- Equitable Food Oriented Development Brown Paper. 
- Learn more about the awardees of the inaugural 2021 VFAIF grant cycle
- 2021 Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Awardees Map
- How to Apply presentation slides (pdf)


Public Health

Prioritization will be given to projects that meet the following criteria: 
- The entity receiving funds is owned or substantially led by individuals from low-income, low-access communities, or is working in an active, ongoing partnership with these individuals, which must include shared leadership, decision-making, resources, and/or shared economic benefit
- Integrate community culture and artistic expression in the business model and/or customer experience
- Provide a path for financial sustainability and positive outcomes to the community, including education, leadership and youth development, employment of community residents, job training, or workforce development
- Demonstrate success in creating partnerships and/or efforts to leverage additional funding. 

List of Agricultural Funding for Women