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

To learn more about the YBS feasibility grants, including complete details, contact AgChoice at 1-800-998-5557 and ask to speak with an agricultural business consultant.

AgChoice

Is a major agricultural business decision in your future? Harness the power of a feasibility study to help you grow or diversify your business. If you’re a young, beginning or small (YBS) farmer that lives in the AgChoice territory, AgChoice will defray eligible feasibility study costs through June 30 or until funds are exhausted.



- Farmers must be in the AgChoice territory. See this map for details.
- Farmers must be planning an agricultural business project that could benefit from a financial scenario analysis during the decision process. 
- Farmers don’t need to be an existing AgChoice customer.

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

Grant

Legal & Finance

Farmers will work with an AgChoice business consultant and receive a feasibility study credit at payment. 

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). 

In 2021, USDA updated ELAP policy to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA has expanded the program to help ranchers cover above normal costs of hauling livestock to forage or other grazing acres.



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). 
In 2021, USDA updated ELAP policy to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA has expanded the program to help ranchers cover above normal costs of hauling livestock to forage or other grazing acres.

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.

Livestock

Honey

Bees

Seafood

Cattle

Specialty Livestock

Sheep

Pigs

Candles

Eels

Fish

Shellfish

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

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Guinea Pigs

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Beef Bottom Round

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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

Horses

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Bucks

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Nannies

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Lamb Stew Meat

Crayfish

Crab

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab

Southern Tanner Crab

Lobster

Geoduck

Squid

Specialty Crops

Aquaculture

- Fact Sheet
- Calculator
- ELAP Final Rule (April 6, 2022)

Trade Relief

Trees

Wildfire

Weather

Fencing

Coronavirus

Hurricane

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Español

Native Americans

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Emergency

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Inputs

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.

Apply online here. 
Microgrant applicants will need to register for an account within the microgrants system. Note that this is NOT connected to a Livestock Conservancy membership account. This is a new account just for submitting microgrant applications.

OR submit a paper application to:
The Livestock Conservancy
PO Box 477 
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Paper applications must be postmarked BEFORE August 15, 2021. 



- **National Microgrants**: This program provides funding for residents and organizations of the U.S. working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on the [Conservation Priority List](https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/conservation-priority-list). Support will be provided through this competitive program for a variety of farm-related operations, including, but not limited to, livestock, poultry, processing, milk, meat and egg production and sales, agri-tourism, wool milling, promotions and marketing. Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.

- **Youth Microgrants**: This U.S.-based program provides funding for youth projects for individuals 8-18 years of age and are actively working with breeds listed on the [Conservation Priority List](https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/conservation-priority-list). Support will be provided through this competitive program for a variety of farm-related operations, including, but not limited to, livestock, poultry, processing, milk, meat and egg production and sales, agri-tourism, wool milling, promotions and marketing. Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.

- **Premier 1 Microgrant** s: This program provides funding for residents and organizations of the U.S. working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List. Support will be provided for fencing products available through [Premier 1 Supplies](https://www.premier1supplies.com/). Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.




- National Microgrants: This program provides funding for residents and organizations of the U.S. working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List. Support will be provided through this competitive program for a variety of farm-related operations, including, but not limited to, livestock, poultry, processing, milk, meat and egg production and sales, agri-tourism, wool milling, promotions and marketing. Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.
- Youth Microgrants: This U.S.-based program provides funding for youth projects for individuals 8-18 years of age and are actively working with breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List. Support will be provided through this competitive program for a variety of farm-related operations, including, but not limited to, livestock, poultry, processing, milk, meat and egg production and sales, agri-tourism, wool milling, promotions and marketing. Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.
- Premier 1 Microgrants: This program provides funding for residents and organizations of the U.S. working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on The Livestock Conservancy's Conservation Priority List. Support will be provided for fencing products available through Premier 1 Supplies. Awards typically range from $500 - $2,000, at the discretion of The Livestock Conservancy.


For full consideration, applicants must:
1. Work with livestock, poultry, or products from animals on The Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List of heritage breeds, which can be viewed online at livestockconservancy.org.
2. Complete the application, including a detailed plan for the use of the grant funds, a clear timeline for achieving proposed goals, a summary of how the project will impact both the breed and other producers, and a strategy for how you will evaluate success.
3. Include two letters of recommendation from a professional relationship or educator. If the applicant is under 18, a letter of support from a parent or guardian is also required. These can be attached within the online application as a PDF, MS Word, or JPEG file. Letters may not be requested of or provided by current staff or board members of The Livestock Conservancy.
4. Microgrant recipients are required to submit a written report on the use and impact of the microgrant funds within one year of accepting the award.
5. Special consideration will be given to farmers who are active members of their breed association, as well as those farmers who will represent The Livestock Conservancy at local events by displaying heritage animals during the year following receipt of the microgrant.


If you are interested in applying to sell an APR on your farm land, please complete the following steps:
- Make an appointment to visit your county USDA-NRCS office to review maps of your property and request a copy of an APR Soils Packet. It is important that the entire farm property is outlined as well as the land which will be included in the application, if different. Existing houses, commercial non-agricultural structures and areas that you know for certain will be used for personal/non-agricultural use in the future (ex. House lots for children) must be excluded from APR consideration. However, commercial agricultural structures may be included at the owner’s option. If you are uncertain about possible exclusions, please ask NRCS to map the entire farm and be prepared to discuss exclusion scenarios with your APR Field Representative during the site visit (further explained below).
- Download and complete the APR Application - Word | PDF, sign (all owners of record) and mail it along with the NRCS APR Soils Packet to:
Ron Hall, APR Program
Mass Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19, some registry of deeds offices are not open for the public. If landowners applying to the APR Program are unable to obtain a copy of their property deeds for all of the proposed APR parcels they may provide the information under "Section 4: Registry of Deeds Information" of the APR application on page 3. MDAR staff will download the deed documents online.

If you have any questions, please contact your APR Field Representative listed below:
Ron Hall – Hampshire County
413-726-2002
ronald.hall@mass.gov
Barbara Hopson – Berkshire and Hampden Counties
413-726-2003
barbara.hopson@mass.gov
Michele Padula – Worcester and Franklin Counties
617-626-1758
michele.padula@mass.gov
Ashley Davies - Eastern Mass.
617-645-6772
Ashley.Davies@mass.gov


Ron Hall

It is essential to keep the agricultural industry in Massachusetts thriving. The APR Program helps to preserve agricultural land to keep valuable farmland soil from being built on by development companies for non-agricultural purposes that could be detrimental to the environment. The program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farms in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which prevents any use of the property that will negatively impact its future agricultural viability.

It is a voluntary program for farmers who are faced with a decision regarding the future use of their farms. The main objective of the APR program is to protect productive farmland with the deed restrictions and revitalize the agricultural industry by making land more affordable to farmers and their operations more financially secure. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, but applications submitted before the current deadline will be considered a priority for the next funding cycle.



It is essential to keep the agricultural industry in Massachusetts thriving. The APR Program helps to preserve agricultural land to keep valuable farmland soil from being built on by development companies for non-agricultural purposes that could be detrimental to the environment. The program offers to pay farmland owners the difference between the "fair market value" and the "agricultural value" of their farms in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which prevents any use of the property that will negatively impact its future agricultural viability.
It is a voluntary program for farmers who are faced with a decision regarding the future use of their farms. The main objective of the APR program is to protect productive farmland with the deed restrictions and revitalize the agricultural industry by making land more affordable to farmers and their operations more financially secure. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, but applications submitted before the current deadline will be considered a priority for the next funding cycle.

Landowners with at least five acres of land with suitable soils in agricultural production for the last two years.
Primary Requirements:
1. Farm must be at least five (5) acres in size.
2. Land has to have been actively devoted to agriculture for the two (2) immediately preceding tax years.
3. Farm must produce at least $500 in gross sales per year for the first five acres plus $5 for each additional acre or 50 cents per each additional acre of woodland and/or wetland.
Other criteria considered:
1. Suitability and productivity of land for agricultural use based on soil classification, physical features, and location
2. The degree of threat to the continuation of agriculture on the land due to circumstances such as owner's health, retirement, financial positions, development pressure, or insecurity due to rental agreements
3. The size or composition of the land that determines if it is economically viable for agricultural purposes, and the likelihood that it will remain in agriculture in the future


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

Easement

- APR Program Objectives and Benefits
- APR Application Instructions
- APR Improvement Program (AIP)
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Model Right to Farm By-Law
- Agricultural Commissions

Transition

To apply for this program, visit Grants.gov for instructions and application materials. 
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPILP application. 
Applicants are encouraged to review the Self-Screening Guide to assess preliminary eligibility for the program.

The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) provides grant funding to intermediary lenders who finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter, or other processing of meat and poultry. The objective of the MPILP is to strengthen the financing capacity for independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. 



What types of intermediaries can apply for this program?
Private nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Tribes, and cooperatives that finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of meat and poultry processing are eligible to apply.
Who are eligible ultimate recipients?
Businesses engaged, or proposing to engage, in the processing of meat or poultry – either directly, or through agreements with other entities - can apply for a loan from the intermediary lender as an ultimate recipient. 
Ultimate recipients must:
- Be a business engaged, or proposing to engage, in commercial meat or poultry processing projects; either directly, or through agreements with other entities
- Comply with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service requirements, or be custom exempt 


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

Loan

Poultry

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Chickens

Turkey

Ducklings

Goslings

Broilers

Fryers

Roasters

Chicks

Layers

Pullets

Poults

Toms

- Fact Sheet
- Grants.gov Posting
- Application checklist 
- Self-screening guide 
- 1970-B exhibit D
- 1970-A exhibit H
- Application template 
- FAQ
- Environmental Checklist
- MPILP vs FSC comparison

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

Grant funds to intermediaries can be used to operate and expand meat and poultry processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
- Purchasing and developing land
- Constructing a new facility
- Modernizing or expanding an existing facility
- Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology 
- Improving leaseholds
- Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements 
- Modernizing equipment or facilities to ensure food safety 
- Refinancing debt
- Purchasing cooperative stock (by individual farmers or ranchers in a farmer or rancher cooperative) 
- Purchasing transferable cooperative stock 
- Making loans to a fund that invests primarily in cooperatives (in accordance with the provisions of the program) 
- Qualifying taxable corporate bonds 
- Paying for feasibility studies for meat and processing facilities 
- Undertaking pollution control and abatement
- Handling waste management
- Offsetting start-up costs, working capital, fees and other expenses related to federal inspection

MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first. If funds remain through the end of FY22, the final application deadline is July 9, 2022.
How to Apply
- Apply through MDA's online application system. Select one of the program types:
    - E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share
    - Wholesale Cost-Share
- Include proof of payment (receipts or invoices that show a zero balance) for expenses paid during the eligible period. If you don’t have receipts, you can send a copy of the invoice with proof of payment (a canceled check or credit card statement with account and other private information redacted).
- If this is your first time applying for reimbursement, you must also submit an IRS W-9 Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification.

Brian Erickson

Jennifer Alexander

The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.

MDA has adapted to help you meet the challenges and opportunities of COVID-impacted food supply chains and changing consumer behavior. You can apply for two types of cost-shares (details below):

# E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share Program

Eligible E-commerce and digital marketing expenses might include:

- Third-party E-commerce marketplace/platform 

- Digital, e-mail, and social media advertising that drives traffic to E-commerce 

- E-commerce consulting/management contracts 

- E-commerce training and educational event attendance

- Website (with E-commerce) design and setup contracts 

Contact MDA **BEFORE you invest** if you have questions on eligibility or qualified expenses.

### Wholesale Cost-Share Program

Eligible expenses include:

- Business-Business (B2B) Tradeshow costs:

    - Booth rental 

    - Badge scanner/lead retrieval services

    - Compostable sampling costs 

    - Virtual B2B tradeshow registration

    - Shipping of samples to specific businesses for 1:1 meetings scheduled as part of a virtual domestic B2B tradeshow (only shipping costs are eligible; NOT product costs)

    - Videography created for a virtual B2B tradeshow

    - Association membership, if required to participate in an event

- In-Store Demo costs:

    - Must be a retail product demonstration in a store where your product is sold

    - May include labor for an employee, owner, or contracted help at a flat rate of $10/hour

    - May include mileage at $0.50/mile up to a maximum of $200 per demo

- Minnesota Pavilion Mentorship costs:

    - Only for approved participants in our [Minnesota Pavilion Mentorship Program](https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/minnesota-pavilions)

    - One-time reimbursement per company; maximum $500

    - For expenses including airfare, hotel/lodging, car rental, education sessions, and badge for entry



The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.
MDA has adapted to help you meet the challenges and opportunities of COVID-impacted food supply chains and changing consumer behavior. You can apply for two types of cost-shares (details below):
E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share Program
Eligible E-commerce and digital marketing expenses might include:
- Third-party E-commerce marketplace/platform 
- Digital, e-mail, and social media advertising that drives traffic to E-commerce 
- E-commerce consulting/management contracts 
- E-commerce training and educational event attendance
- Website (with E-commerce) design and setup contracts 
Contact MDA BEFORE you invest if you have questions on eligibility or qualified expenses.
Wholesale Cost-Share Program
Eligible expenses include:
- Business-Business (B2B) Tradeshow costs:
    - Booth rental 
    - Badge scanner/lead retrieval services
    - Compostable sampling costs 
    - Virtual B2B tradeshow registration
    - Shipping of samples to specific businesses for 1:1 meetings scheduled as part of a virtual domestic B2B tradeshow (only shipping costs are eligible; NOT product costs)
    - Videography created for a virtual B2B tradeshow
    - Association membership, if required to participate in an event
- In-Store Demo costs:
    - Must be a retail product demonstration in a store where your product is sold
    - May include labor for an employee, owner, or contracted help at a flat rate of $10/hour
    - May include mileage at $0.50/mile up to a maximum of $200 per demo
- Minnesota Pavilion Mentorship costs:
    - Only for approved participants in our Minnesota Pavilion Mentorship Program
    - One-time reimbursement per company; maximum $500
    - For expenses including airfare, hotel/lodging, car rental, education sessions, and badge for entry

To apply for either of these programs, your business must be:
- A Minnesota farm, or a branded food, beverage, or pet food making company registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, AND
- A small-to-medium enterprise, which is an entity with fewer than 500 employees.
You must also agree to:
- Promptly return post-event and follow-up surveys that ask for information including the number of leads generated and sales projections.
- Retain receipts and records for three years and make them available for audit or inspection by the MDA or state auditor on request.

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

Cost Share

- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

Events

Certification

Diversification

Distribution

These cost-share programs are reimbursed at a rate of 50% of eligible investment made unless noted below:
- The E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Program limit is $2,000 per farm or company during Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22).
- The Wholesale Program limit is $2,000 per farm or company during FY22.
- The maximum combined reimbursement per farm or company from both programs is $3,000 in FY22

List of Agricultural Funding with Applications Closing Soon