Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for operations interested in waste & compost.

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

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Regenerative

Certification

Carbon Capture

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Waste & Manure Management

Cover Crops

Certified Grassfed

Certified Organic

Reduced Tillage

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

Water Management

Individuals and businesses must complete Form W-9 prior to applying for cost-assistance. Complete this form ONLY if you are applying for cost assistance for the first time or updating your contact information (e.g. address, phone number, direct deposit/ACH, etc.).

To apply for cost assistance, complete the Application (and Supplement to Application if necessary) and submit them to the Delaware Nutrient Management Program. 

Submit by email to nutrient.management@delaware.gov
or by regular mail to:
Delaware Department of Agriculture
Delaware Nutrient Management Program
2320 South DuPont Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter of approval and a Claim for Payment form. After completion of the manure transport, you must send in the Claim for Payment form and the weight slips for payment. Payment of cost assistance is contingent upon funding availability.

Delaware Nutrient Management Program

The Nutrient Management Relocation Program is a cost assistance program designed to assist in transporting nutrients (manure) from areas of excess, to areas in need of nutrients. Many farms are dealing with excess manure, namely poultry litter, and need to export the manure in order to balance crop nutrient demands. The Delaware Nutrient Management Program provides financial assistance for the cost of Delaware manure to alternative use projects or farms in need of nutrients.




Any farmer, person or business can apply for assistance as long as they take responsibility for meeting transport standards and follow the Relocation Program Guidelines.


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

Grant

- Application
- Supplement to Application
- Claim for Payment - Farm Transportation
- Claim for Payment - Farm Transportation (Auto-Calculator)


Weeds

Fertilizer

Inputs

Individuals and businesses must complete Form W-9 prior to applying for cost-assistance. Complete this form ONLY if you are applying for cost assistance for the first time or updating your contact information (e.g. address, phone number, direct deposit/ACH, etc.).

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


The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AgNPSLP) Loan Program provides a source of low interest financing for managing poultry manure, dead poultry, and other sources of poultry related pollution in an environmentally sound and cost effective manner.


These loans help poultry farmers implement best management practices on their farms to reduce the potential for pollution from their farming operations. This program is managed jointly by the DNREC’s Environmental Finance, Division of Watershed Stewardship, and the state’s Conservation Districts. Financing is available at an interest rate of 3 percent, for 1 to 7 years, with a minimum loan of $1,000 and a maximum loan of $60,000.



The State Revolving Fund (SRF) Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AgNPSLP) Loan Program provides a source of low interest financing for managing poultry manure, dead poultry, and other sources of poultry related pollution in an environmentally sound and cost effective manner.

These loans help poultry farmers implement best management practices on their farms to reduce the potential for pollution from their farming operations. This program is managed jointly by the DNREC’s Environmental Finance, Division of Watershed Stewardship, and the state’s Conservation Districts. Financing is available at an interest rate of 3 percent, for 1 to 7 years, with a minimum loan of $1,000 and a maximum loan of $60,000.

Eligible Practices:
- Construction of poultry manure storage structures.
- Construction of dead-bird composters.
- Purchase of a front-end loader or bucket attachment for use in dead-bird composting.
- Purchase of a calibrated spinner manure spreader.
- Purchase of nutrient reduction equipment.
- Purchase of precision farming equipment as part of a precision farming system.
- Purchase of composting equipment for on-farm composting of poultry litter and dead-bird carcasses.

Eligible Applicants:
Any producer applying for an AgNPS loan must be obligated under a grower contract with of the following poultry integrators companies that has a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to participate in the AgNPS loan program: Allen Harim LLC, Amick, Inc., Mountaire Farms of Delmarva, Inc., or Perdue Farms, Inc.

Poultry

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Greenhouse

Buildings

Fencing

Construction

Storage

Facilities

Offers for FWP are accepted throughout the year. FWP contracts last between 10 and 15 years. All enrollment offers are processed through your local FSA office. 


The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. Participants must agree to restore the wetlands, establish plant cover, and to not use enrolled land for commercial purposes. Plant cover may include plants that are partially submerged or specific types of trees.


The Farm Services Agency (FSA) runs the program through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with assistance from other government agencies and local conservation groups.


By restoring farmable wetlands, FWP improves groundwater quality, helps trap and break down pollutants, prevents soil erosion, reduces downstream flood damage, and provides habitat for water birds and other wildlife. Wetlands can also be used to treat sewage and are found to be as effective as “high tech” methods. 



The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. Participants must agree to restore the wetlands, establish plant cover, and to not use enrolled land for commercial purposes. Plant cover may include plants that are partially submerged or specific types of trees.

The Farm Services Agency (FSA) runs the program through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with assistance from other government agencies and local conservation groups.

By restoring farmable wetlands, FWP improves groundwater quality, helps trap and break down pollutants, prevents soil erosion, reduces downstream flood damage, and provides habitat for water birds and other wildlife. Wetlands can also be used to treat sewage and are found to be as effective as “high tech” methods. 

Farmers and ranchers in any state can take part in the program. However, there are restrictions on the land and amount of acreage that can be enrolled. Land generally must have been used for agricultural purposes for 3 of the past 10 crop years, can include a man-made wetland used to process water flow for crop drainage, can have been used for aqua farming purposes, or has been used for prairie wetland overflow purposes. 

Interested landowners should check with their local FSA office for other requirements and limitations related to acreage and restricted years of activity. 

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

Easement

Wetland Conservation

Irrigation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

Weather

Conservation

Disaster Relief

Emergency

This loan program will accept applications continuously, but will fund projects quarterly.

Reach out to nancy@humanlinksfoundation.org to learn more about the program.

Nancy Iscovitz

HumanLinks Foundation is offering a low interest loan program for farmers seeking financial assistance to support projects that will improve the economic viability, social impacts or environmental sustainability of their farm businesses. The goal of this loan program is to support regenerative agriculture and mitigate climate change. Projects that enhance the operations of farmers utilizing these practices will be considered.



This loan program is open to all Washington State farmers who:
- Currently employ or are adopting practices that follow regenerative, sustainable, and/or organic principles (this includes conventional farms that are transitioning into organic, sustainable, or regenerative production).
- Have been in business for at least two years.
- Are seeking to improve and/or expand their operation, improve environmental impacts, or become a more sustainable business.

Projects that enhance and measure carbon sequestration, restore soil health, utilize cover crops, preserve and create habitats, increase biodiversity, and employ environmentally safe waste management practices.

Conventional farmers who want to transition to organic, sustainable, or regenerative practices.

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Applicants must verify in their application that commercial lender or Farm Service Agency loan proceeds are available to help complete the proposed farming project. Applicants that are awarded grants may not materially deviate from their approved business plans without approval from MARBIDCO and the participating commercial lender.

Mail completed applications to:

MARBIDCO Programs
1410 Forest Dr., Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403

Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Company

Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).


MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.



Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).

MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.

Applicants must be qualified Beginning Urban Farmers, which are defined as being farmers (either individuals or incorporated businesses) with the principal operator(s) having:
- Limited personal or business financial resources;
- A food/fiber growing operation located in an urban community (i.e., must be geographically located within an incorporated municipality, or within the Baltimore or Washington beltways including the City of Baltimore);
- Ten or fewer years of commercial farming experience – either in a for-profit or not-for-profit setting; and
- No previous commercial agriculture loan history.

Eligible business activities include the purchase of:
- Agricultural inputs and supplies such as seed, fertilizer, compost, and baskets;
- Farm tools and equipment;
- Greenhouses, high tunnels, refrigeration, and irrigation systems; and
- Hired labor (at no more than 20% of the total eligible project cost).


Cash Rent

Business Plan

Refinancing

Transition

Feed

Seed

Pest Management

Training

Succession

Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000, calculated at no more than 20% of the project’s total cost and no more than 25% of the amount of the approved commercial loan for the project. (The minimum grant amount is $1,000 – with a commercial loan of $4,000, combines for a $5,000 project).

1. Identify your Project 
    a. Identify one or more opportunities which will enhance your operation’s efficiency or reduce pollution. 
    b. Develop a plan for a project to implement those opportunities. 
    c. Obtain quotes for the cost of the proposed project and determine the cost savings and potential environmental benefits which will result from the project’s implementation. A consultant, equipment vendor or small business assistance provider, such as the Environmental Management Assistance Program, can help determine the cost and savings by verifying your current energy or resource consumption. 
2. Apply – Follow this 2-step application process: 
    a.  Complete the Small Business Advantage Grant Calculator. Follow the instructions on the first tab of the spreadsheet. If you have questions, please contact the Small Business Ombudsman Office at (717) 772-5160. 
    b. Complete the Small Business Advantage Grant Application online at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Refer to the Step-by-Step Application Instructions, starting on Page 15 of the guidance document. 

For an application to be considered complete, it must contain the following items or it will be deemed deficient: 
- Completed application entered on the ESA website; 
- Application Attachments (up-load into the grant application on the ESA website): 
    - Small Business Advantage Grant Calculator; 
    - Contractor/Vendor quote; 
    - Brochures, equipment specifications and other product literature; 
    - Electric and/or natural gas bills, water bills, etc. if applicable; and 
    - The Land Owner Consent form, if applicable

PA DEP Program Staff

The Small Business Advantage Grant provides 50% matching grants, up to a maximum of $5,000 to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes.




Pennsylvania-based businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Eligible applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25% annually in energy consumption or pollution prevention related expenses (Natural Resource Protection projects are exempt).


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

Cost Share

- 2021 Small Business Advantage Grant Guidance
- 2021 Grant Calculator
- On-Line Application (opens DCED's Single Application for Assistance)
- Landowner Consent Form
- Change of Scope Form
- One-Year Follow-Up Form


Solar Power

Wind Energy

Hydro Power

Biofuel

Program is open until funds are exhausted.

The grantee will be reimbursed up to 50% of the total eligible project costs. If the project is financed through a lease arrangement which does not end in the grantee owning the equipment outright or for a token purchase amount, the grantee will only be reimbursed for 50% of the amount paid through June 30, 2021. 

Payment will be made to the grantee generally within 45 days of receipt of a fully completed and approved PCRR. DEP may decline to pay the final invoice if it is received more than 30 days after project completion date. The grant may be closed and all funds liquidated.

1) Schedule A Call
Reach out with this form, and we’ll give you a ring shortly after.

2) Create A Transition Plan
Together, you and TPF will create a custom operating, equipment, and infrastructure finance package to get you on the path to 100% organic.

3) Go Organic
Use your financing to transition the rest of your farm and begin the path to debt-free farming.

What information will I need to provide?
You’ll need to provide both ecological and financial information. TPF uses a 3 phase due diligence process, to assess the resource base of your farm and the financial viability of your business. Leases, deeds, and 3-5 years of balance sheet and income statements will be needed. 

Financing built for organic farmers. Remove the risk, invest in your soil, and accelerate your transition.

The Perennial Fund works tirelessly to see you through your entire transition to fully organic, set up new crop markets, and connect you with other leading organic farmers.

**Long Term & Low-Cost Financing**

The Perennial Fund makes you a multi-year commitment to see your farm to 100% organic. The Perennial Fund has the grit to partner with you for the long haul so you take the time to invest in your soil. You only pay when you’re making money based on a flexible crop share and deferral years.

**New Crop Markets**

You can’t talk about financing without talking about markets. The Perennial Fund helps you secure crop contracts for commodity and specialty crops through our network of buyers. The Perennial Fund's goal is to drive more value into your farm with a diverse revenue stream beyond corn and beans.

**Integrated Support**

The Perennial Fund believes every organic farmer should have the support conventional farmers have. From cover crop mixes, crop insurance, to field by field marginal analysis, The Perennial Fund can help you level up. The Perennial Fund co-creates an actionable plan to help you make your dreams into reality.


### What does The Perennial Fund finance?

Almost anything that helps your farm reach 100% organic.

**Operating loans: **TPF finances operating loans for any acres transitioning to organic and already organic acres. These are 3 to 8 year low-cost loans tailor-fit to your individual farm.

**Equipment:** If your limiting constraint is a lack of the right equipment, TPF can work with you to finance anything from a roller-crimper to an in-row roller.

**Infrastructure: **TPF can finance anything from grain bins to small scale processing. 




Financing built for organic farmers. Remove the risk, invest in your soil, and accelerate your transition.
The Perennial Fund works tirelessly to see you through your entire transition to fully organic, set up new crop markets, and connect you with other leading organic farmers.
Long Term & Low-Cost Financing
The Perennial Fund makes you a multi-year commitment to see your farm to 100% organic. The Perennial Fund has the grit to partner with you for the long haul so you take the time to invest in your soil. You only pay when you’re making money based on a flexible crop share and deferral years.
New Crop Markets
You can’t talk about financing without talking about markets. The Perennial Fund helps you secure crop contracts for commodity and specialty crops through our network of buyers. The Perennial Fund's goal is to drive more value into your farm with a diverse revenue stream beyond corn and beans.
Integrated Support
The Perennial Fund believes every organic farmer should have the support conventional farmers have. From cover crop mixes, crop insurance, to field by field marginal analysis, The Perennial Fund can help you level up. The Perennial Fund co-creates an actionable plan to help you make your dreams into reality.

What does The Perennial Fund finance?
Almost anything that helps your farm reach 100% organic.
Operating loans: TPF finances operating loans for any acres transitioning to organic and already organic acres. These are 3 to 8 year low-cost loans tailor-fit to your individual farm.
Equipment: If your limiting constraint is a lack of the right equipment, TPF can work with you to finance anything from a roller-crimper to an in-row roller.
Infrastructure: TPF can finance anything from grain bins to small scale processing. 


Farmers who already have some organic acreage under management and want to expand their operation. TPF prefers farmers who own or have a long term (5+ years) lease on the land that is set to transition. Understand the basics of regenerative agriculture and farm business planning.
TPF focuses on the Midwest and High Plains of the United States. Exceptions can and will be made. 


Legal & Finance

Education

Equipment

TPF provides capital for 3 years during the organic transition. After the transition payback on the remaining balance begin. TPF works towards leaning you entirely off of using annual operating loans and maintaining enough of your own working capital to free you from the commercial lending system in its entirety. Towards the end of your transition if you need another operating lender, TPF will do everything in its power to connect you with a values aligned partner.
The amount of money you take home is determined by your:
1. Expenses 
2. Yield
3. Market prices
4. Value adds (N credits, water credits, carbon offsets, biodiversity, etc)

What’s the interest rate?
You have two options. 
1. TPF sets a specific amount over the life of the loan, not a yearly interest rate. This is called a return cap. TPF likes this model because it protects you as a farmer so if you do very well, you’ll experience that upside not us. It also keeps the terms clear and upfront.The rate set is 110-150% of the principal of the loan. If it takes you 8 years total to payback the loan, that is equal to a 6.25% interest rate that you’re only paying when your making money. 
2. You and TPF agree on a standard APR rate. 


To enroll, farmers and crop advisers should both complete the simple registration form online, or contact a local NMI representative by March 15 (Farmers are limited to one Field Trial or Advanced Rate Trial, crop advisers are limited to ten).
- Farmers may work with a Crop Adviser or Co-op Agronomist to set up a Field Trial and record and submit required documentation.
    - If a farmer does not have a crop adviser, the MDA staff will be able to assist with Field Trial set up, harvest, and completion of required forms.
    - Crop adviser will verify information is correct by submitting forms for the farmer.
- Farmers can work with a Crop Adviser or MDA representative to set up Advanced Rate Trials and record and submit required documentation.
- Individual identity and locations from the NMI program will be kept confidential and only used for year-end summaries and educational or promotional purposes.

Ryan Lemickson

Dawn Bernau

**The Minnesota Nutrient Management Initiative (NMI) assists farmers and crop advisers in evaluating nutrient management practices on their own fields.**


It is a simple tool that can lead to improved fertilizer efficiency and improved water quality.


Each participating farmer can work with a crop adviser to set up field trials on their farms. After completing plot harvest and submitting the required forms, farmers and crop advisers are reimbursed for their time and receive a summary and analysis of their results.

- **NMI is for corn grown for grain only (wheat is acceptable in the northwest region). **Wheat growers in northwest or west central Minnesota are encouraged to participate in the [Minnesota Wheat On-Farm Research Network](https://mnwheat.org/council/farm-research-network/). Contact Melissa Carlson at 952-738-2000 or mcarlson@mnwheat.com for more information.

- **A crop adviser and farmer must enroll in NMI separately **in order to receive the full payment. Deadline for enrollment is March 15th each year.



The Minnesota Nutrient Management Initiative (NMI) assists farmers and crop advisers in evaluating nutrient management practices on their own fields.

It is a simple tool that can lead to improved fertilizer efficiency and improved water quality.

Each participating farmer can work with a crop adviser to set up field trials on their farms. After completing plot harvest and submitting the required forms, farmers and crop advisers are reimbursed for their time and receive a summary and analysis of their results.
- NMI is for corn grown for grain only (wheat is acceptable in the northwest region). Wheat growers in northwest or west central Minnesota are encouraged to participate in the Minnesota Wheat On-Farm Research Network. Contact Melissa Carlson at 952-738-2000 or mcarlson@mnwheat.com for more information.
- A crop adviser and farmer must enroll in NMI separately in order to receive the full payment. Deadline for enrollment is March 15th each year.

Field trial design requirements for all trials:
- Corn grown and harvested for grain only
- Field length strips preferred, minimum of 30 feet wide by 600 feet in length
- Account for all nitrogen sources including manure, alfalfa, legume credits in addition to starter, MAP and DAP
- Rate trials should maintain a minimum 30 lb N/acre rate separation for comparison. Dealer nitrogen program comparisons are also acceptable.
- Keep all other factors consistent across field trial area (hybrid/variety, other nutrients, rates, soils, field history, drainage, topography, equipment)
- Crop adviser submits information to verify accuracy (If a farmer does not have a crop adviser, please contact closest NMI representative for assistance.)

*See NMI Guidelines for a complete listing of field trial requirements.

Corn

Sweet Corn

Row Crops

- Registration
- Field Trial Requirements
- Guidelines

Farmers and crop advisers are compensated for each field trial. The rate of compensation is higher for those that participate in the Advanced Rate Trial. Due to State contracting policies, individual participant payments are paid in two equal installments (June & December).


CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices in California, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.


Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure.



CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices in California, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Alternative manure management practices involve handling manure in ways that don't involve using an anaerobic digester. Currently, eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure.

Projects must have existing conditions in which manure is stored in anaerobic (wet) conditions (e.g. a lagoon) with a proposal to store manure in aerobic (dry) conditions (e.g., compost) to achieve reductions in methane.  


List of Agricultural Funding for Waste & Compost