National Young Farmers Coalition Next Generation Farmer Fund

The Next Generation Farmer Fund is NYFC's announced successor to the sunset Young Farmer Grant Program: a $1M+ initiative providing direct financial support and technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers under 40 who steward land through sustainable practices. Grants of $10,000-$50,000 go to regenerative young farmers and ranchers with a focus on soil health, water management, energy use, and/or biodiversity initiatives. Applications open October 28, 2026 and close December 1, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time; award decisions are announced on or before February 28, 2027.

• Be 40 years old or younger (as of December 31, 2027). If you farm or ranch with others, the majority of the business, cooperative, or decision-makers should also be 40 or younger.

• Be actively farming or ranching during the 2027 growing season. The grant will fund conservation practices implemented in 2027.

• Implement the project on a farm or ranch in a U.S. state or U.S. territory.

• Producing food or fiber is a primary or significant agricultural purpose of your farm or ranch.

• Propose a practice that is new on the land where the project will take place.

Direct grant of $10,000-$50,000, including any technical assistance costs. All awardees are expected to work with a qualified Technical Assistance Provider (TAP). Program funded via a $500K Whole Foods Market match available until November 30, 2026.

Published amounts: Grants awarded will range from $10,000 to $50,000. A $1 million+ initiative. Projects should include between one to four conservation practices.

Applications open October 28, 2026 and close December 1, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Apply online at https://apply.youngfarmers.org/ (the "APPLY HERE" link on the program page); applications are open now through December 1, 2026. Partner-organization signup form (for partner organizations, not farmers): https://youngfarmers.jotform.com/261616063244048.

Timeline: applications open October 28, 2026; close December 1, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time; award decisions on or before February 28, 2027; grant agreements completed by March 31, 2027; funds disbursed April 2027. An info-session webinar is scheduled for November 5, 2026 at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT.

• NGFF practice standards (spreadsheet)

• NRCS Conservation Practice Standards

• Info session webinar, November 5, 2026 (registration)