Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

The Application is quite short and easy but requires some preparation.
Step 1: Find your DUNS number or apply for one.
Step 2: Document your expenses and intended expenses, making sure to have receipts or other documentation for the past expenses. (Ambrook created a template to help users itemize their expenses and apply for this program. Download it here as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or make an online copy here in Google Sheets.)
Step 3: Fill out the two-page online application on the USDA's website before 11:59 p.m. ET on November 22, 2021. 
The last potentially confusing part of the application is selecting the appropriate “Eligible Industry” from the drop down list. We suggest you peruse the options (go to this census link for more information on each), and choose the one that most closely describes your operation. 
Special note for livestock producers: Common livestock like cattle, hogs and poultry are not included under the eligible animal production industry categories. You may want to check under the food processing industries to see if your business qualifies. For example, poultry producers that process onsite may qualify under the category "Poultry processing."

Applicants must have a DUNS number to apply. A DUNS number is free but can take up to 5 business days to receive. Ambrook recommends applying for a DUNS number as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for this program. Go to this website or call (866) 705-5711 to start the process.

If you are selected for a PRS grant, you will need to make an account at SAM.gov and connect it to your DUNS number.

AMS PRS Support Team

The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19). Eligibility is generally open to businesses with less than $5 million in average annual revenue and with less than 500 full-time employees. 


It is free to apply to this program. The application is short and easy, and you can apply in these three steps:

**Step 1**: Find your [DUNS](https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=get_a_duns_numbers_sitelinks-nc-60ec67f47efcc8044131cbf3&utm_term=getadunsnumber_sitelink&mt=exact&_bt=532576631948&_bk=dun%20and%20bradstreet&_bm=e&_bn=g&_bg=123224853823&gclid=CjwKCAjw2P-KBhByEiwADBYWCu7U57wynkIYzYcxV3R6_nVyef_xgNp84XTzat1hHD_xBRuo9xkE8xoCKRMQAvD_BwE) number or apply for one.

**Step 2**: Document your expenses and intended expenses, making sure to have receipts or other documentation for the past expenses. (Ambrook created a template to help users itemize their expenses and apply for this program. Download it here as a [Microsoft Excel](https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1tuKQpQZiI2hOPSngydn5tJCnHMINbI0W) spreadsheet or make an online copy here in [Google Sheets](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-PxyD6tZ9BdPzc4sIPU7BV63CGwmzNP6d6sxNTnH9vU/copy).)

**Step 3**: Fill out the [two-page online application](https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda?id=grant_application_page_1) on the USDA's website before 11:59 p.m. ET on November 22, 2021


You can read more about the template and the program in our [long-form post about it](https://ambrook.com/blog/you-should-apply-to-the-pandemic-response-and-safety-prs-grant-program).



The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to specialty crop producers and processors, other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, and farmers markets to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19). Eligibility is generally open to businesses with less than $5 million in average annual revenue and with less than 500 full-time employees. 

It is free to apply to this program. The application is short and easy, and you can apply in these three steps:
Step 1: Find your DUNS number or apply for one.
Step 2: Document your expenses and intended expenses, making sure to have receipts or other documentation for the past expenses. (Ambrook created a template to help users itemize their expenses and apply for this program. Download it here as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or make an online copy here in Google Sheets.)
Step 3: Fill out the two-page online application on the USDA's website before 11:59 p.m. ET on November 22, 2021

You can read more about the template and the program in our long-form post about it.

Applicant must have a DUNS number to apply. A DUNS number is free but can take up to 5 business days to receive. Ambrook recommends applying for a DUNS number as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for this program. Go to this website or call (866) 705-5711 to start the process.
This first round of Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program funding is open to most small producers, food processors and distributors, and farmers markets, as long as the applicant's operation is smaller than the maximum size standards for that industry (quoted below).
- All farmers markets
- Crop Production with Average Annual Receipts less than $5 Million
- Animal Production and Aquaculture with Average Annual Receipts less than $5 Million (Special note for livestock producers: Common livestock like cattle, hogs and poultry are not included under the eligible animal production industry categories. You may want to check under the food processing industries to see if your business qualifies. For example, poultry producers that process onsite may qualify under the category "Poultry processing.") 
- Post-Harvest Crop Activities with Average Annual Receipts less than $30 Million
- Food Manufacturing with fewer than 500 employees. Many subsectors of Food Manufacturing are eligible all the way up to 1,250 employees—see this page for the exceptions
- Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods with fewer than 500 employees
- Warehousing and Storage with Average Annual Receipts less than $30 Million
- Production and processing activities unrelated to human food, such as ornamental fish production or refrigeration and storage of fur, are not eligible to apply for funds

Allowable Outcomes and Activities
Implement workplace safety measures to protect workers against COVID-19
- Provide personal protective equipment, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizer, or hand washing stations
- Install and purchase air filters or new signage
Implement market pivots to protect workers against COVID–19
- Develop and implement online platforms
- Use online or print materials to communicate market pivots
Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19
- Install and purchase protective barriers made of plexiglass or plastic sheeting, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables, chairs and lighting
Provide additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19
- Secure additional transportation services for workers
- Offer new delivery routes or distribution services
Provide worker housing that protects workers against COVID-19
- Secure additional housing resources/services to maintain social distancing or to allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees
Provide health services to protect workers against COVID-19
- Offer or enable vaccinations, testing, or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including any paid leave due to COVID-19 infection

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

Grant

- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Check Your Eligibility for PRS Funding
- How to Apply for a Free DUNS Number 
- Ambrook's Guide to Applying to PRS

Trade Relief

Trees

Wildfire

Weather

Fencing

Coronavirus

Events

Certification

Diversification

Distribution

Nutrition & Food Safety

Hurricane

Tornado

Flood

Drought

Certified Organic

Public Health

Compliance

Emergency

Marketing

Local Food

Food Systems

- Grant Recipients must retain receipts and other supporting documents related to the cost of the goods and services needed to achieve the outcomes identified in their PRS application.
- Grant Recipients must submit copies of records and cost documentation upon the request.
- Grant Recipients certify that they will not use the Payment to cover costs that have been reimbursed from other sources or that other sources are obligated to reimburse.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Submit the following to apply for program eligibility:
- Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form (xlsx)
- Eligible Distributor Certification Form (xlsx)
Once approved for program eligibility, submit the following to receive reimbursement:
- Reimbursement Claim Form (Not Yet Available)
Submit all forms to DDP@usda.gov. 
In addition, for the Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form, please create and email a password in a separate email to DDP@usda.gov.

In the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress directed USDA to develop a $400 million Dairy Donation Program (DDP) to facilitate dairy product donations and reduce food waste. Under this program, eligible dairy organizations form partnerships with non-profit feeding organizations that distribute food to individuals and families in need. Those partnerships may apply for and receive reimbursements to cover some expenses related to eligible dairy product donations.



Eligible Dairy Organizations (EDO)
Dairy farmers, cooperatives, and processors purchasing fresh milk or bulk dairy products to process into retailpackaged dairy products may qualify for this program. In addition, the dairy farmer, cooperative or processor must file a Receipts and Utilization report with a Federal milk marketing order (FMMO). For those reporting to a local FMMO office as part of normal business operations, the requirement is already met. For those that do not, please contact us at ddp@usda.gov so that we can help with filing the Receipts and Utilization report. 
Eligible Distributors	
EDOs may form one or more partnerships with nonprofit feeding organizations, called eligible distributors, that distribute food to individuals and families. EDOs can partner with an umbrella organization that includes multiple distribution locations or with an individual (or independent) organization with a single distribution location.

Dairy

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

- Dairy Donation Program (DDP) Overview (pdf)
- Webinar: USDA’s Dairy Donation Program (DDP)
- Dairy Donation Program (DDP): What Do I Need to Know?
- What Dairy Products are Eligible for Reimbursement?
- Retroactive Reimbursements
- Step-by-Step Detailed Explanation of DDP Forms (pdf)
- August 25, 2021 - Press Release - USDA Establishes Dairy Donation Program, Part of Continuing USDA Pandemic Assistance
- USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers


The DDP reimburses the EDO for
1. Cost of milk to make the donated product - applicable classified price of the fresh fluid milk (or bulk dairy commodity product milk equivalent) used in the donated dairy product;
2. Manufacturing costs—a standard cost for manufacturing the donated dairy product;
3. Transportation costs—portion of the costs to transport donated product between the plant and distribution location.

What About the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program? 
If you participated in the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP), you do not need to apply for the DDP. Current participants in the MDRP are automatically enrolled in the DDP. EDOs will receive the same reimbursement for cost of milk, manufacturing, and transportation as DDP participants.

This form is used to apply for the Small and Very Small Producers Cattle program: QAD 1020C Form Application for SVS Cattle Program (doc)
Applications should be submitted via email to QAD.Auditservice@usda.gov. If email is not possible hard copy application can be submitted to:
USDA, AMS, LP, Quality Assessment Division
Audit Services Branch
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Stop 0258 – Rm3932S
Washington, DC 20250

This form is used to apply for the Small and Very Small Producers Sheep program: QAD 1020S Form Application for SVS Sheep Program (doc)
Applications should be submitted via email to QAD.Auditservice@usda.gov. If email is not possible hard copy application can be submitted to:
USDA, AMS, LP, Quality Assessment Division
Audit Services Branch
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Stop 0258 – Rm3932S
Washington, DC 20250

AMS reviews a producer’s application and detailed farm/ranch plan. If the information is sufficient, AMS approves the producer and the cattle and/or sheep as meeting the requirements of the USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers.  Producers certified under this program receive a certificate that allows them to market cattle and sheep as USDA Certified grass-fed.

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Grants Division

The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers was designed to create opportunities for small-scale livestock producers who would like to have their ruminant animals certified as grass fed.



This program, is designed for producers who market 49 cattle or less each year or lambs produced from 99 ewes or less.

This program requires that ruminant animals be fed only grass and forage, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning.  Animals certified under this program cannot be fed grain or grain by-products and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.

The “49 cattle or less” or “lambs produced from 99 or less ewes” rule is based upon the smallest groups identified in the Census of Agriculture.

A reduction or waiving of fees for meeting a certain criteria.

Discount

Cattle

Lambs

Ewes

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Livestock

Sheep

- Official Listing for Grass Fed Beef SVS Program
- Official Listing for Grass Fed Sheep SVS Program
- QAD 1020: Grass Fed Program SVS Producers
- QAD 1020C: Application for SVS Cattle Program
- QAD 1020S: Application for SVS Sheep Program
- National Grass Fed Beef Report (Monthly)

Conservation

Research

Regenerative

Cost of the Service: The set fee for the review is $115.00.

Duration of the approval: Two year period.

Throughly read the RFA and make sure you have your application materials together before continuing. Contact your local USDA service center if you need assistance.

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. AMS strongly encourages applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process, see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. The RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments.

Find this opportunity on grants.gov under either the Assistance Listing number “10.175,” or the FMPP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-21-0002”

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or other direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) market opportunities. A 25% match is required.



All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated and located within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations
- Food Councils
- Economic development corporations
- Local governments
- Nonprofit and public benefit corporations
- Producer networks or associations
- Regional farmers' market authorities
- Tribal governments

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

Cost Share

- COVID-19 Resources for Grants
- Farmers Market Promotion Program Overview (Video)
- 2021 FMPP Request For Application [RFAs] (pdf)
- What AMS grant is right for me?

Farmers Market

Agritourism

Recreation

The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Grants can be used for the planning stages of establishing or expanding a local and regional food business enterprise or to improve or expand a food business that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure by performing feasibility studies, market research, training and technical assistance for the business enterprise and/or for producers working with the business enterprise. A 25% match is required.




Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products. Such entities may include:

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated and located within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Agricultural businesses and cooperatives.
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations.
- Food councils.
- Economic development corporations.
- Local governments.
- Nonprofit and public benefit corporations.
- Producer networks or associations.
- Regional farmers’ market authorities.
- Tribal governments.

- COVID-19 Resources for Grants
- Local Food Promotion Program Overview (Video)
- 2021 LFPP Request For Application [RFAs] (pdf)
- What AMS grant is right for me? (pdf)


Submit the following two forms to MDRP@usda.gov to apply during the application window.
- Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form (pdf)
- Plant and Distributor Location Information Spreadsheet (xls)


Emily DeBord

Under this program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product donations.

In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2019, and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter.

Interested partnerships must apply for 2019, 2020, and 2021 program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan, for each fiscal year. Applications for FY19 and FY20 will be accepted through October 30, 2020. Applications for FY21 will be accepted through March 31, 2021. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. Claims for reimbursement for FY19 and FY20 will be accepted through December 31, 2020.

This [webinar ](https://youtu.be/4NENVyIOT1w)provides information on the program and how to apply.



Under this program, eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product donations.
In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2019, and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter.
Interested partnerships must apply for 2019, 2020, and 2021 program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan, for each fiscal year. Applications for FY19 and FY20 will be accepted through October 30, 2020. Applications for FY21 will be accepted through March 31, 2021. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. Claims for reimbursement for FY19 and FY20 will be accepted through December 31, 2020.
This webinar provides information on the program and how to apply.

Donations must meet eligibility specifications described in this guide.

- Notice to Trade: USDA Announces Milk Donation Reimbursement Program Application Deadline for Fiscal Year 2021
- Notice to Trade: USDA Announces Issuance of Approvals for Milk Donation Reimbursement Program
- Notice to Trade: USDA Extends Application Deadline for Milk Donation Reimbursement Program to December 6, 2019
- Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP): What Do I Need to Know?
- Federal Register Notice published September 5, 2019
- Press Release: USDA Removes Red Tape and Extends Application Deadline to Increase Milk Donations, Program Modifications will help American dairy processors donate more milk for distribution to low-income individuals
- Commodity Specifications for Fluid Milk and Milk Products Eligible for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (pdf)


You need to complete the following steps to apply for a grant:
1. Apply for a DUNS number
2. Register with System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
3. Register with www.grants.gov

Then, find the opportunity on grants.gov and apply online.

The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The program focuses on strengthening the viability and resilience of regional food economies through collaboration and coordination. In 2020, USDA awarded 23 partnerships in 15 states. 



Being a partnership program, applicants must consist of multiple entities and organizations. This program is not intended for projects conducted by single organizations with several collaborators, but rather for multi-sector partnerships of organizations coming together on more or less equal footing to execute multi-faceted projects. A partnership is an agreement between one or more eligible entities and one more eligible partner.

Partnerships that include “Limited Resource Entities” are strongly encouraged to apply. AMS defines “Limited Resource Entities” as any organization that provides technical assistance services to and engages historically underserved farmers and ranchers in addressing their needs. See USDA definition of Historically Underserved Groups for further information.

Eligible Partners include:
- State Agencies or Regional Authorities
- Philanthropic Corporations
- Institutions of Higher Education
- Commercial, Federal or Farm Credit System Lending Institutions
- Private Corporations 

Eligible Entities include:
- Individual producers
- Farmer or rancher cooperatives, producer networks or associations
- Majority-controlled producer based business ventures
- Food Councils (a.k.a food policy council)
- Community Supported Agriculture Networks or Associations
- Local Governments
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Public Benefit Corporations
- Economic Development Corporations
- Regional Farmers Market Authorities
- Tribal Governments

- Federal Register
- 2021 Request for Applications
- 2021 FAQ

As a program designed to use public investment to catalyze the development and expansion of local and regional food economies, RFSP grants require a non-federal cash match equal to 25% of the total amount of federal funding provided. As a result, in-kind contributions do not count towards the match; however, in-kind contributions do contribute to priority consideration during the administrative review portion of the application process.


Application Instructions:

1. Download the application (Fillable PDF)
2. Fill in form on your computer and save to your computer.
3. Submit saved form via email to stevelee@nsiic.org
 
Hard copy may be mailed to NSIIC at address on application. 
 
Please note that hand written applications will not be considered. 

Steve Lee

Program Manager

The Sheep Production & Marketing Grant Program seeks to develop solutions for practical problems on a national basis and address the needs of the entire sheep industry, while focusing on the measurable benefits for sheep producers, encouraging partnerships among other sheep industry organizations, and reducing duplication of effort among participating organizations.


Financial assistance provided by the center must accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

- Strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States through the improvement of infrastructure, business, resource development and the development of innovative approaches to solve long term problems.

- Provide leadership training and education to industry stakeholders.

- Assist all segments of the industry in addressing sustainable production and marketing of sheep and sheep products.

- Promote marketing of sheep and sheep products through an organized method that can measure tangible results.

- Enhance the sheep industry by coordinating information exchange and seeking mutual understanding and marketing within the industry community.




The Sheep Production & Marketing Grant Program seeks to develop solutions for practical problems on a national basis and address the needs of the entire sheep industry, while focusing on the measurable benefits for sheep producers, encouraging partnerships among other sheep industry organizations, and reducing duplication of effort among participating organizations.

Financial assistance provided by the center must accomplish one or more of the following objectives:
- Strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States through the improvement of infrastructure, business, resource development and the development of innovative approaches to solve long term problems.
- Provide leadership training and education to industry stakeholders.
- Assist all segments of the industry in addressing sustainable production and marketing of sheep and sheep products.
- Promote marketing of sheep and sheep products through an organized method that can measure tangible results.
- Enhance the sheep industry by coordinating information exchange and seeking mutual understanding and marketing within the industry community.


An eligible entity means any entity that promotes the betterment of the U.S. sheep industries including LLC's, partnerships, corporations, cooperative organizations, associations, a federally recognized Indian Tribe and public or quasi-public agencies. The entity may be operated as a for-profit or a not-for-profit entity and must provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number). The NSIIC does not require a Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number. Applicant must have credentials demonstrating expertise in project content.  Applications submitted by an individual are not allowed.  

Rams

Labor

Overhead is limited to no more than 7.5% of the total grant request.  Unrecovered indirect costs are not an allowable source of matching funds. 

List of Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Funding Opportunities