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

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. Producers certified under this program receive a certificate that allows them to market cattle and sheep as USDA Certified 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

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

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

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)

Certified Organic

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

Regenerative

Cost of the Service: The set fee for the review is $155.00/hour.
Duration of the approval: Two year period.

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 (xlsx)
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.

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&#x2004;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 program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form and Eligible Distributor Certification Form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as received. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. 



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 program participation by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form and Eligible Distributor Certification Form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, as received. See below for information on how to apply and claim reimbursement. 

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.

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

Grant

Dairy

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

- Webinar: USDA’s Dairy Donation Program (DDP)
- MDRP Reimbursement Claim Form Overview (pdf)
- Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form Sample (xlsx)
- Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP): What Do I Need to Know?
- Part 1146—Milk Donation Reimbursement Program
- Commodity Specifications for Fluid Milk and Milk Products Eligible for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (pdf)

Nutrition & Food Safety

Trade Relief

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.

Submit the following to apply for program eligibility:
- Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form (xlsx)
- Eligible Distributor Certification Form (xlsx)
Once approved for program eligibility, you will receive the following forms via email to submit for reimbursement:
- Reimbursement Claim Form (xlsx)


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&#x2004;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)


Local Food

Farmers Market

Public Health

Are you interested in becoming involved in the TOPP network? Let us know using one of the following forms:
- General Interest Form
- Transitioning Producer (Mentee) Application
- Mentor Application

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are&#x2004;partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.

The partner organizations will:

- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.

- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.

- Provide community building opportunities to include:

    - Train-the-mentor support

    - Technical assistance

    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing

- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.

- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 

Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.

TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.



The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
The partner organizations will:
- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.
- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.
- Provide community building opportunities to include:
    - Train-the-mentor support
    - Technical assistance
    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing
- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.
- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 
Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.
TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.

Education

- Interactive TOPP map with state-by-state partner listings
    - Use this interactive map to explore the partner organizations located in your state. When you click on an individual state, the map will take you to the page in the document that displays contact information for partners in that state. When you click on a region, you will be taken to the first state, listed alphabetically in that region. In the bottom right corner of the contact information page, there is a link to return to the main map.
- Transitional Production Plan (TPP) (pdf)
- TOPP Fact Sheet (pdf)
- TOPP Success Stories
- Organic Pinpointed Market Development Listening Session
- News Release: Organic Transition Initiative (issued August 22, 2022)
- Transitioning to Organic
- Farmers.gov – Organic Farmers
- Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
- Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)
- NRCS offers conservation programs
- Whole Farm Revenue Protection
- Micro Farm Program
- Organic Regulations

Succession

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Stewardship

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Certification

Legal & Finance

Labor

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fsmip/apply

SAGPgrants@usda.gov

The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) is a competitive grant program that funds projects to explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system.



Eligible applicants include state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate state agencies (i.e., state universities, state colleges, or state governmental entities).  All eligible applicants must be located within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

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

Cost Share

- FY 2025 LFPP Request for Applications (RFA) (pdf)
- *The RFA is a primary resource for information about the Local Food Promotion Program grant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review it carefully and follow its guidance.
- How to Apply


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&#x2004;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.



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.

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.

- FMLFPP FAQs
- FMLFPP Research Brief (pdf)
- AMS will be hosting a webinar for applicants. To register, visit our AMS Grant Webinars page.
- LFPP will offer office hours on: 
- June 5 at 1:00pm. To Register, Click Here. 
- June 16 at 1:00pm. To Register, Click Here. 
- FY25 LAMP Overview Webinar Recording: Passcode: 0&R+5w5%
- LAMP Grant Toolkit & Application Support

Food Systems

Thoroughly read through the Request for Applications to prepare you application and submit through Grants.gov

The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program supports the development of new and expanded organic markets to help increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural commodities. The&#x2004;program focuses on building and expanding capacity for certified organic production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, distribution, and development of consumer markets. OMDG aims to increase the availability and demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and address the critical need for additional market paths.

AMS will give priority consideration to projects addressing specific pinpointed market needs for organic grains and livestock feed, organic dairy, organic fibers, organic legumes and other rotational crops, and organic ingredients currently unavailable in organic form.



The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program supports the development of new and expanded organic markets to help increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural commodities. The program focuses on building and expanding capacity for certified organic production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, distribution, and development of consumer markets. OMDG aims to increase the availability and demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and address the critical need for additional market paths.
AMS will give priority consideration to projects addressing specific pinpointed market needs for organic grains and livestock feed, organic dairy, organic fibers, organic legumes and other rotational crops, and organic ingredients currently unavailable in organic form.

Eligible applicants are business entities (regardless of legal structure) who produce or handle organic foods, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and government entities. Tribal, state, territory, and local government entities are also eligible to apply for funding, as are non-profit organizations. 

- 2023 OMDG Request for Application (RFA) (pdf) 
- OMDG Fact Sheet (pdf)
- OMDG FAQ (pdf)
- OMDG Specific Terms and Conditions (pdf)

Market Development and Promotion and Processing Capacity Expansion require 50% matching funds of the total federal portion of the grant cost.
There is a reduced match funds requirement of only 25% available to historically underserved farmers and ranchers and applicable small businesses.
Smaller Equipment-Only projects do not require federal cost sharing or matching.

- FY 2025 Request For Applications (RFA) (pdf)
- *The RFA is a primary resource for information about the Regional Food System Partnerships Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review it carefully and follow its guidance.
- How to Apply


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

- AMS will host a webinar for applicants. To register, visit our AMS Grant Webinars page
- RFSP will offer an office hours on June 12 at 2:00pm. To register, Click Here. 
- RFSP FAQ (pdf)
- FY25 LAMP Overview Webinar Recording: Passcode: 0&R+5w5% 
- LAMP Grant Toolkit & Application Support

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.

Contact sheepgrants@nsiic.org sheepgrants@nsiic.org to have the application sent to you. 
 
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&#x2004;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

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