New England Farmer Microgrants Program

Launched in 2020, the New England Farmer Microgrants Program is a grant program that provides direct financial support up to $5,000 to farmers across New England.

The grants are designed to directly fund farmers where it is needed most. Previous awardees have used the funds to cover the costs associated with finding or getting onto farmland, purchasing equipment and services that increase on-farm productivity, and planning for the future of their farms. 

As part of the Western New England Regenerative Agriculture Project, 80% of this year’s funding will be for projects that improve the resiliency of livestock operations through improved soil health or other regenerative agriculture practices in these specific counties.

For farmers outside of New England, please see the national Brighter Future Microgrant Program.

Funding should be related to equipment or services associated with:

• Finding or getting onto farmland

• Bringing more farmland into production

• Planning for the future of the farm 

• Adopting regenerative agriculture or soil health practices on livestock operations in our Western New England Regenerative Agriculture Project region.

For this program, AFT defines “farmer” as an individual, group, or organization who are intentionally cultivating annual or perennial crops or animals for harvest. AFT understands farming practices vary widely across New England and across communities. This grant does not support growing or raising products primarily for personal use but is intended to allow production for community use. Applications from farmers that prioritize community-driven food security efforts are strongly encouraged. While agriculture in New England is broad, AFT's intent is to work with terrestrial, soils-based agricultural production. It is not AFT's intention with this funding opportunity to address aquaculture, forestry, or equine operations.

The application process will have two rounds. Round 1 is an open call process to solicit initial proposals from farmers. Round 1 opens December 6, 2021, and will close on January 7th, 2022. The application portal will open December 6th.

Applicants who are selected for Round 2 will be notified by early February and will be invited to submit a more detailed application, which will require:

• a letter of support from a service provider,

• a more detailed project budget, and

• a brief narrative about how the funding will impact their farming operation.

AFT strongly encourage applicants to pre-prepare their application questions using the Word version of the application and paste those responses into the online form.  

For those with limited technology access or comfort, AFT is able to receive mailed-in applications. Connect with AFT program staff for assistance. 

• 2022 Guidelines

• FAQ Page