Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance that have applications closing soon

Systems Access for CIG Applicants
eAuthorization: Starting in 2021, individuals and organizations interested in applying for a CIG Classic or On-Farm Trials opportunity must obtain level 2 eAuthentication permissions. This process can be lengthy and CIG strongly encourages applicants to begin eAuth process as soon as possible to minimize the possibility of the eAuth process creating a roadblock to CIG application submission. Details on how to apply for eAuth can be found at https://www.eauth.usda.gov/eauth/b/usda/home.
Programs Portal Account: Potential applicants must also request access to the NRCS Programs Portal. This process typically takes a few business days. During this process NRCS must verify a users’ eAuth permissions and during high volume periods it may take over a week. After you have received eAuthorization, request a portal account by selecting “New Users” at: https://nrcs-sites.secure.force.com/    
Once you have received access to the CIG application within the Programs Portal, you may log in at https://nrcs.force.com/cig to begin your application.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.


The CIG program has three components, CIG Classic, CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials and state-level CIG. 


**National and State CIG:**

Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and&#x2004;strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. Grantees must match the CIG investment at least one to one. The National CIG has an annual application period, State CIGs have various application period. Check your state's CIG page for details.


**On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials:**

Newly authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, On-Farm Trials support more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands. On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.


The Soil Health Demo Trial (SHD) component of On-Farm Trials focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health. Eligible entities receiving SHD awards agree to follow consistent soil health assessment protocols to evaluate the impacts of practice and system implementation.




Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.

The CIG program has three components, CIG Classic, CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials and state-level CIG. 

National and State CIG:
Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. Grantees must match the CIG investment at least one to one. The National CIG has an annual application period, State CIGs have various application period. Check your state's CIG page for details.

On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials:
Newly authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, On-Farm Trials support more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands. On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.

The Soil Health Demo Trial (SHD) component of On-Farm Trials focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health. Eligible entities receiving SHD awards agree to follow consistent soil health assessment protocols to evaluate the impacts of practice and system implementation.


National and State CIG – all non-Federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply. All CIG projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers.

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

Grant

- CIG Webinar for NFO Applicants
- CIG Fact Sheet 
- National CIG FAQs (PDF)
- 2016 CIG Congressional Report
- 2019 CIG Congressional Report
- 2020 CIG Congressional Report
- 2017 CIG Project Multimedia Stories     
- 2018 CIG Project Multimedia Stories     
- Historically Underserved Producer Definitions

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Certification

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Trials

Reduced Tillage

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Water Management

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Research

National Competition
A CIG funding notice is announced each year. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, are awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process. Projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state or nationwide in scope. The natural resource concerns eligible for funding through CIG are identified in the funding announcement and may change annually to focus on new and emerging, high-priority natural resource concerns.
State Competition
The CIG state component emphasizes projects that benefit a limited geographical area. Participating states announce their funding availability for CIG competitions through their state NRCS offices. For additional information about State CIG competitions, please contact your State NRCS office or search for the latest postings here.      
On-Farm Trials
Up to $25 million annually is available for On Farm Trials, which support more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands. On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches. Read more.

The Application includes step-by-step directions and a list of documents that are either required or recommended at each step. There are multiple ways that you can submit an Application:
- Online, via the e-Filing system
- Mail a paper copy to your regional office
- In-person, dropped off at a regional office

To implement the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Section 22007, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP or “the Program”) will provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners (producers) who experienced discrimination by USDA in USDA’s farm lending prior to January 1, 2021. For detailed information on administration of the Program, visit [Program Administration](https://22007apply.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#program-administration).



To implement the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Section 22007, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP or “the Program”) will provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners (producers) who experienced discrimination by USDA in USDA’s farm lending prior to January 1, 2021. For detailed information on administration of the Program, visit Program Administration.

You are eligible to file an Application if:
1. You experienced discrimination, prior to January 1, 2021, by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its farm loan programs, which are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and/or
2. You are currently a debtor with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021. (This applies, for example, if you inherited the debt that was the subject of USDA farm loan program discrimination.)

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

Loan

- Information Page
- How To Apply
- Find Local Assistance

Español

Women

People Of Color

Native Americans

All MPPEP applications must be filed through www.Grants.gov.
Please review the Application Checklist to ensure a complete MPPEP application is filed. Please review the following documents referenced in the application checklist:
- Application Template
- Environmental Checklist
- Feasibility Study Guide
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPPEP application. Register for SAM here.

MPEPP Question Portal

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible processors expand their capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency.



Eligible Producers
Sole proprietor businesses or other entities that engage – or want to engage – in meat and poultry processing.
Eligible Projects
Grant funds can be used to expand processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
- Building new – or modernizing or expanding existing – processing facilities
- Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology
- Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements
- Upholding occupational and other safety requirements
- Modifying facilities or equipment to protect food safety
- Paying for voluntary grading services on value-added processed products
- Offsetting costs associated with becoming an inspected facility
- Supporting workforce recruitment, training, and retention


Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Equine

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Horses

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

Public Health

Compliance

The maximum award amount is $25 million, or 20 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. There is no minimum award amount.
Eligible applicants must also do the following:
- Process – or plan to process – one or more species subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, or the Poultry Product Inspection Act.
- Have – or plan to get – a Federal Grant of Inspection through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, a Grant of Inspection under the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a federal equivalent Tribal or state-based meat and poultry inspection program 
- Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and all other applicable state, local or Tribal laws.

To apply for MLP, producers must submit: 
- FSA-376, Milk Loss Program Application
- Milk marketing statement from the:
    - Month prior to the month milk was removed or dumped.
    - Affected month.
- Detailed written statement of milk removal circumstances, including the weather event type and geographic scope, what transportation limitations occurred and any information on what was done with the removed milk.
- Any other information required by the regulation.


The Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. 



MLP compensates dairy operations for milk dumped or removed without compensation from the commercial milk market due to qualifying disaster events, including droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), and smoke exposure that occurred in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 calendar years. Tornadoes are considered a qualifying disaster event for calendar year 2022 only. 

The milk loss claim period is each calendar month that milk was dumped or removed from the commercial market. Each MLP application covers the loss in a single calendar month. Milk loss that occurs in more than one calendar month due to the same qualifying weather event requires a separate application for each month.   

The days that are eligible for assistance begin on the date the milk was removed or dumped and for concurrent days milk was removed or dumped. Once the dairy operation restarts milk marketing, the dairy operation is ineligible for assistance unless after restarting commercial milk marketing, additional milk is dumped due to the same qualifying disaster event. The duration of yearly claims is limited to 30 days per year for 2020, 2021 and 2022. 

MLP Payment Calculation 
The final MLP payment is determined by factoring the MLP payment calculation by the applicable MLP payment percentage.  
The calculation for determining MLP payment is:  
- ((Base period per cow average daily milk production x the number of milking cows in a claim period x the number of days milk was removed or dumped in a claim period) ÷ 100) x pay price per hundredweight (cwt.).
For MLP payment calculations, the milk loss base period is the first full month of production before the dumping or removal occurred. 
The MLP payment percentage will be 90% for underserved producers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers and 75% for all other producers.  

Producers and handlers may submit the OCCSP application below to their local FSA county office.

Johnny Blackmon

Janelle Curtis

Agriculture Inspector

Ed Foster

Robert Nick

Karen Reynolds

Amanda King

Emily Hetherington

Debbie Davis

Cassie Dahl

Susan Lawrence

Christi Miller

Nichole Steward

Ashley Christopher

Heather Barnes

Michele Brookins

Matt Green

Terry Smith

Roz Stein

Kara Kasten-Olson

OCCSP provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 50 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $500 per certification scope.



Certified organic producers and handlers who have paid certification fees may apply for reimbursement of the incurred costs.
Organic certification cost share funds are only available to certified organic producers and handlers. Certification must be provided by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. If your operation is not currently certified organic and you would like to learn more about the certification process, please visit www.fsa.usda.gov/organic.

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

Cost Share

- Organic Certification Cost Share Program Fact Sheet
- View the News Release USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification (August 17, 2021)

Marketing

Certified operations may receive up to 50 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $500 per certification scope.

To enroll follow these steps:
- Go to theoutcomesfund.com to create an account, map your field boundaries, and enter baseline and future cropping system information. 
- Your application will be submitted to the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund for review, environmental modeling, and payment estimation. 
- You will be contacted with further details and a proposed contract if you are eligible for participation.

The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund provides financial incentives directly to farmers who implement new conservation practices that yield environmental outcomes like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement.



Farmers who farm in Soil and Water Outcomes current eligible counties and are willing to add conservation practices to their existing cropping methods are likely eligible.

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

Easement

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.

WSARE

This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the support and guidance of the technical advisor, producers must integrate research&#x2004;and education to conduct on-site/on-farm experiments to improve production, marketing, and the environment. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers. 


### Mini Grants for Conferences

Funding is now available for Farmer/Rancher's to attend conferences! Mini grants will now be available for current and recent Farmer/Rancher Principal Investigators (PIs) interested in attending conferences to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. These Mini Grants will cover travel, lodging, registration, and presenter fees for eligible PIs to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. Read the [RFA, learn more, and apply](https://western.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/FR-Mini-Grant-RFA-and-Application.pdf)! (This application is separate from the main grant application) Contact the Farmer/Rancher Program Manager at Cayley.eller@montana.edu with questions specifically about the mini grant for conferences.



This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the support and guidance of the technical advisor, producers must integrate research and education to conduct on-site/on-farm experiments to improve production, marketing, and the environment. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers. 

Mini Grants for Conferences
Funding is now available for Farmer/Rancher's to attend conferences! Mini grants will now be available for current and recent Farmer/Rancher Principal Investigators (PIs) interested in attending conferences to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. These Mini Grants will cover travel, lodging, registration, and presenter fees for eligible PIs to present on the outcomes of their Western SARE-funded project and promote the Farmer/Rancher grant program. Read the RFA, learn more, and apply! (This application is separate from the main grant application) Contact the Farmer/Rancher Program Manager at Cayley.eller@montana.edu with questions specifically about the mini grant for conferences.

WSARE requires that agricultural producers be involved from inception to finish in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any WSARE-funded project. 
For Farmer/Rancher Grants: The project team must be a minimum of two (2) people and must include: A Producer (Principal Investigator and Applicant) and an Agricultural Professional. The Agricultural Professional must be independent of the Producer and should not submit the application on behalf of the Producer.


- 2024 Call For Proposals
- Information Page

Labor

Up to $25,000 may be requested if one (1) producer is involved. Proposals with three (3) or more producers may request up to $29,900. Funding is paid as a fixed price contract via a Subaward Service Agreement, with 50% of the award being paid upon execution of the Agreement. The remainder is paid in fixed increments after submission and approval of progress reports and/or final report. Farmer/Rancher grants can be funded for up to two years. 

Multiple submissions are accepted. Only one application (from any one individual applicant) can be awarded funding in any of the Western SARE competitive programs in one grant budget cycle. 

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.
The submission includes six sections: 
1. acknowledgement of reading the Call for Full Proposal, 
2. project’s basic information,
3. project summary, 
4. project narrative, 
5. budget and budget justification, and 
6. supporting documents.

Irene Grimberg

This grant program involves agricultural professional (main applicant) and producers implementing projects to address identified&#x2004;needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture—environmental, economic, and social—and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers.



This grant program involves agricultural professional (main applicant) and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture—environmental, economic, and social—and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be shared with other producers.

WSARE requires that agricultural producers be involved from inception to finish in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach or any WSARE-funded project. Each of the WSARE-funded grant programs, has slightly different requirements for the composition of the team and eligible applicant. Assemble your project team accordingly, keeping in mind the inherent interdisciplinary nature of sustainable agriculture.

For Professional + Producer Grants the project team must be a minimum of six (6) people and must include: An Agricultural Professional (Principal Investigator) and at least five (5) Producers. One of the Producers must be identified as the Advisor Representative. The team may also include additional collaborators.

- 2024 Call for Proposals
- Information Page

Stewardship

Projects may be one-to-three years in length. Total funds requested cannot exceed $75,000 over the entire project period. Multiple submissions are accepted. Only one application (from any one individual Principal Investigator, PI) can be awarded funding in any of the Western SARE competitive programs in one grant budget cycle.

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.
Project basic information, project cooperators’ information, summary, narrative, and budget and budget justification must be entered on-line; while other supporting documents must be attached as PDF documents in the online system.

Jim Freeburn

Jill West

Al Kurki

Jenna Meeks

Professional Development Program (PDP) Grants are aimed at helping Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and other agricultural professionals in the Western Region increase their understanding and proficiency in sustainable agriculture.



Professional Development Program Grants are designed to educate agricultural professionals about sustainable agriculture so they, in turn, can educate and train farmers and ranchers. Funded PDP grants must achieve this longterm outcome: 
Cooperative Extension, Natural Resource Conservation Service and other agricultural professionals are knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture principles and systems. They have ready access to resources that can help producers make informed decisions about adopting sustainable approaches with greater certainty and less risk. 
Projects must improve the ability of agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture principles and systems and to respond to inquiries on the subject from farmers, ranchers and the public. 
Approaches can include, among others: 
- Workshops 
- Conferences 
- Development of materials or curricula 
- Demonstrations 
- Web-based courses 
- Tours 
Multi-faceted proposals are encouraged. Projects using multiple techniques or methods are recommended, as are efforts whose results can be applied to wide and diverse audiences. Subject matter can include any sustainable agriculture endeavor, including animal agriculture, agronomic or horticultural crop production, or the effects of sustainable practices on quality of life for producers or rural communities.

Projects with a scope beyond a single state or area are encouraged. Projects may be 1-to-3 years in length. Funding is capped at $100,000 total costs per project.

List of Agricultural Funding with Applications Closing Soon