Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Submit the Application
If you have determined you meet the eligibility requirements, please fill out the AgEE Program Application and email it to cda_efficiency@state.co.us 
If you are having any trouble filling out the application please feel free to reach out to Wil Mannes by phone (303-866-2418) or by email (wil.mannes@state.co.us).
Step 3: Gather Information & Schedule an Audit
Once your application is received the program administrator, Nexant, Inc., will become your "Energy Coach", reaching out to collect historical energy use data and schedule a no-cost onsite energy audit. 
Step 4: Guided Audit & Audit Report Performed
Your Energy Coach will come out to your operation and audit the sites outlined in your application to identify potential energy saving measures and collect operational data. After the site visit, your Energy Coach will develop and review your streamlined audit report with you.

This audit report identifies:
- Potential energy efficiency upgrades
- Estimated project costs
- Estimated annual savings
- Estimated available funding
- Payback periods
    
Step 5: Determine Financing Options & Apply for Funding
If after reviewing your streamlined audit report you decide to move forward with a project, your Energy Coach will once again review potential funding sources (outlined below), help secure project quotes from potential contractors and guide you through the funding application process.

Potential Funding Options Available:
- CEO Rebates (Incentives)
- Utility Rebates
- NRCS EQIP Grants
- USDA REAP Grants
- CDA ACRE3 Grants
- CPACE financing
- Private Loans through a variety of sources
 
It is important to note that to meet qualifications for ACRE3, EQIP, and REAP grants, your Energy Coach will need to develop a more in-depth audit report referred to as an Energy Management Plan or "EMP" before you can move forward with the application process.

Wil Mannes

The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.


Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.


The&#x2004;Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the [EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=stelprdb1046252) for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the [Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program](https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/energyoffice/agricultural-energy-efficiency).


An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.



The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.

Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program.

An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.

All EQIP-eligible Colorado agricultural producers and processors can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program.

Eligible participants include any of the following operations which also accrue $4,800+ in on-farm energy costs annually.
- Dairies
- Irrigators
- Greenhouses/Nurseries
- Cold Storage Facilities
- Poultry & Swine operations
- Feedlots

Please note Cannabis and Hemp operations are not eligible for this program and transportation energy expenses are excluded from the $4,800 requirement.

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

Grant

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

Cost Share

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

Loan

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Biofuel

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Certification

Carbon Capture

Regenerative

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Facilities

Fill out the Preliminary Application and submit it here to get started.

Learn more about the complete application process here.

Sam Anderson

Energy Coordinator

The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save&#x2004;water and energy.


CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.


In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.

The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.


Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.


You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:

- [Recommendations for Developing](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGpJYmI5dzlYU1k/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGtZQnFPdnpxbWs/view?usp=sharing)


For more information, here is [how to participate](https://ag.colorado.gov/acre3-how-to-participate) in the ACRE3 Program.



The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save water and energy.

CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.

In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.
The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.

Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.

You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:
- Recommendations for Developing
- Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado
- Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook
- Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual

For more information, here is how to participate in the ACRE3 Program.

Project Developers should view the Hydro Navigation Guide Resources to download the Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual, hydropower assessment and design tools, a project planning checklist, and other resources for project developers and program partners.

- P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria

Irrigation

Wetland Conservation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Alternative Energy

The RCPP irrigation hydro program provides funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and ACRE3 energy grant program. Additional funding is available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). ACRE3 funding will be awarded after funding has been approved for EQIP and REAP (if applicable). When applying for funding through these programs, please note that funding payments are on a reimbursement basis and upfront costs of the project are the responsibility of the applicant. Please note that federal tax incentives for renewable energy cannot be used together with payments from a federally funded program such as EQIP or REAP.

EQIP:

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP may also help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. EQIP has three payment rates within the RCPP program: regular EQIP, EQIP special initiatives, and EQIP historically underserved.

To get started with EQIP, go to: www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted. Select “Service Center Locator” to find a local representative. Please request assistance through the RCPP hydro program.

This document describes EQIP project eligibility and criteria for the RCPP irrigation hydro program: P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria.

EQIP payments are determined from the eligible conservation practices listed in the EQIP Practice Payment Schedule. Here are some examples of available practice codes:
- 430 Irrigation Pipeline – Micro Hydro Power Plant 442 Irrigation System, Sprinkler 449 Irrigation Water Management 430 Irrigation Pipeline – HDPE Pipe 587 Structure for Water Control – Cleaning Screens 533 Pumping Plant

While the minimum REAP grant request is $2,500 and competition is lower for requests under $20,000, ACRE3 encourages applicants to consider that the amount of work required for small grants is nearly the same as that required for large grant requests. Before applying for a REAP grant, the applicant should look over the application and REAP checklist to estimate the number of hours that it will take to meet the application requirements both before and after the application is submitted.

This document describes REAP project eligibility and criteria: P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria.

Additional Incentives, Policies, and Programs:

Participation in the RCPP irrigation Hydropower Program precludes you from receiving renewable energy tax credits from the IRS. However, several other tax incentives, financing options, renewable energy policies, and local programs may provide additional assistance with hydro projects. The attached brochure provides information to help you take advantage of these other opportunities: P.04 Renewable Energy Incentives and Policies in Colorado.

REAP grants provide up to 25% of eligible project costs, including renewable energy equipment and installation costs. REAP grants and loans can be combined for a maximum of 75% of project costs.

Please note: When completing the REAP application, all hydro projects approved for the RCPP irrigation hydro program should always be categorized as Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Replacement (not for Energy Generated or Energy Saved) unless the estimated energy production exceeds the on-farm energy needs. In that case, the project should be categorized under Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Generation.

ACRE3:

The ACRE3 program promotes the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for Colorado’s agricultural producers and processors under the direction of the Colorado Agricultural Value-Added Development Board. The Colorado Department of Agriculture may award ACRE3 funds to projects for up to 25% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $25,000 per project. The ACRE3 program will provide technical services to agricultural producers to complete the project development process described in this navigation guide. This document describes ACRE3 project eligibility and criteria: P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria. 

REAP:

The USDA Rural Development (RD) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP grants can be used to purchase or install hydropower systems to reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs. REAP has two types of funding assistance, Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance Financing programs, for secured loans up to 75% of project costs.

Apply online through this portal on the lender's website.

Katy Dickey

Denise Martinez

The Colorado Agricultural Future Loan is a financially-inclusive lending program that offers financing to beginning farmers and ranchers, and businesses that transform, package, process, store, or grade Colorado&#x2004;farm or ranch products.

We’re using alternative forms of documentation to qualify loans that conventional lenders won’t consider. By providing agricultural infrastructure and operating loans to those who might not otherwise qualify for traditional lending opportunities, we are seeking to strengthen Colorado agriculture, expand diversity within farming, and increase participation from next-generation farmers.

Loan funds can be used for most business purposes, including, but not limited to: operating expenses, the purchase of land and equipment, business improvements, worker wages, and conservation projects.



The Colorado Agricultural Future Loan is a financially-inclusive lending program that offers financing to beginning farmers and ranchers, and businesses that transform, package, process, store, or grade Colorado farm or ranch products.
We’re using alternative forms of documentation to qualify loans that conventional lenders won’t consider. By providing agricultural infrastructure and operating loans to those who might not otherwise qualify for traditional lending opportunities, we are seeking to strengthen Colorado agriculture, expand diversity within farming, and increase participation from next-generation farmers.
Loan funds can be used for most business purposes, including, but not limited to: operating expenses, the purchase of land and equipment, business improvements, worker wages, and conservation projects.

- You must be a resident of Colorado.
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must own or operate a farm, ranch, or business that provides supporting infrastructure to benefit farms and ranches in the state of Colorado. Although your business does not yet have to be operational, you do need to have applied for and received a Colorado business license. 
- You must have the ability and resources needed to operate. You are capable of beginning or expanding the operation of your business as soon as funds are disbursed. 
- You must have the education, training, or experience necessary to operate the business. 
- You will need to provide a detailed written description of your business that answers the following questions:
    - What does your business do?
    - What need(s) are you filling?
    - Who are your customers and how will you reach them?
    - How is your business going to make money?
    - What do you need to get started?
    - What are the biggest challenges you face?
    - What do you have in place to help you succeed?
    - How will you measure success?

- Information Page From CDA
- Information Page From Lender (First Southwest Bank)

Succession

Events

Distribution

Diversification

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

- 4% fixed interest rate (Annual Percentage Rate 4.17%)
- Term notes of 1-20 years
- 1.5% loan fee
- Revolving lines of credit up to 5 years
- Up to $750,000, with more possible for significant capital purchases

To begin the application process, complete a field assessment form for each of your fields for a given crop year. Find the appropriate field assessment for your farm on this page. 

The Colorado Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) Program is a free and voluntary tool to inspire producers, give bragging rights, and structure conversations around soil health. STAR is a practice-based rating system that assigns points for the following soil health practices: cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and other best management&#x2004;practices based upon a 10-minute form that producers fill out about each field. As a result, the farmer or rancher receives a STAR rating from 1-5 stars that help them understand how well they are doing in promoting soil health and upholding the **5 principles of soil health**:

- Soil Armor

- Minimize Soil Disturbance

- Plant Diversity

- Continual Live Plant/Root

- Livestock Integration

STAR could become a market signal to pay producers more for products grown using healthy soils practices and provide an onramp to other opportunities.



The Colorado Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources (STAR) Program is a free and voluntary tool to inspire producers, give bragging rights, and structure conversations around soil health. STAR is a practice-based rating system that assigns points for the following soil health practices: cropping, tillage, nutrient application, and other best management practices based upon a 10-minute form that producers fill out about each field. As a result, the farmer or rancher receives a STAR rating from 1-5 stars that help them understand how well they are doing in promoting soil health and upholding the 5 principles of soil health:
- Soil Armor
- Minimize Soil Disturbance
- Plant Diversity
- Continual Live Plant/Root
- Livestock Integration
STAR could become a market signal to pay producers more for products grown using healthy soils practices and provide an onramp to other opportunities.

Conservation

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Individual producers who have submitted a STAR field assessment form to CDA will be subject to random verification by a CDA employee.  This verification process does not require a field visit, but rather will involve the submission of documentation showing the practices indicated in the STAR Form.  Documentation may include receipts, invoices, dated photographs, harvest logs, FSA Form 578, NRCS records, harvest logs, and other commonly kept records.  

Apply for the grant online using this form.

Joanne Hernandez

The NextGen Ag Leadership Grant&#x2004;Program is a new opportunity created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the fall of 2022. This program provides grants to agricultural organizations and educational institutions that support developmental and training opportunities for the next generation of agriculturalists.  

Programs qualifying for NextGen grants must help lead young people into careers in food and agriculture and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow. 

To ensure the security of our food systems, stewardship of natural resources, and equitable food access across communities, CDA is advancing our support of educational and leadership development opportunities for the next generation of agricultural producers, aspiring producers, and young people across the food and ag value chains. 

Colorado’s food and agriculture industry is broad and diverse. This program is geared toward not just future generations of farmers and ranchers, but also people trained in the biosciences, nutrition, meat science, veterinary science, agronomy, soil health and conservation, engineering, food safety, technology, product development, marketing, and logistics.



The NextGen Ag Leadership Grant Program is a new opportunity created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the fall of 2022. This program provides grants to agricultural organizations and educational institutions that support developmental and training opportunities for the next generation of agriculturalists.  
Programs qualifying for NextGen grants must help lead young people into careers in food and agriculture and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow. 
To ensure the security of our food systems, stewardship of natural resources, and equitable food access across communities, CDA is advancing our support of educational and leadership development opportunities for the next generation of agricultural producers, aspiring producers, and young people across the food and ag value chains. 
Colorado’s food and agriculture industry is broad and diverse. This program is geared toward not just future generations of farmers and ranchers, but also people trained in the biosciences, nutrition, meat science, veterinary science, agronomy, soil health and conservation, engineering, food safety, technology, product development, marketing, and logistics.

Proposals for grants can be submitted by any agricultural organizations and educational institutions serving the next generation leaders in agriculture. The grant application must address one or more of the following strategic NextGen program priorities:
1. Develop individual leadership and/or entrepreneurial skills. Examples might include established leadership and training programs. 
2. Enhance organizational leadership and capacity building. Examples might include agricultural organizations seeking to develop leaders internally. 
3. Create educational and/or training opportunities. Examples might include foundations providing NextGen educational and/or training, conferences wanting to offer scholarships, community colleges and other educational entities offering financial assistance for youth pursuing education in a food or agricultural program. 
Creative and innovative ideas that fit within the strategic priorities are encouraged. Grants will not be awarded to individuals. 

- PDF flyer about the program
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Preview Application

Stewardship

Transition

Education

All projects must be fully completed by the end of the state fiscal year in which funds are awarded. The state fiscal year runs from July 1st - June 30th of the following year. For example, projects funded in July of 2023 must be fully completed by June 30, 2024.

Before applying, read and follow all instructions in the FY23 SCBGP Concept Proposal Instructions. Then, complete a Concept Proposal and Submit to cda_scbgp@state.co.us by 5:00 P.M. on February 24, 2023. Concept Proposals must be saved as a Microsoft Word .docx file.

Colorado Department of Agriculture

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the [U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop).



The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a federal grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). For a list of eligible and ineligible commodities, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service website.

- Producer groups, organizations, and associations, as well as state and/or local organizations, academia, and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply with projects lasting from approximately January 1, 2024 to November 15, 2025, either as single entities or in combined efforts.
- Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will accrue to a broader group of similar producers, region or industry segment. Projects may not solely benefit individuals, individual operations, or individual companies or businesses. 
- All projects must solely enhance the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops.

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plantain

Plumcots

Plums

Pomegranates

Prunes

Pummelo

Raisins

Rambutan

Sapodilla

Sapote

Schizandra Berries

Soursop

Sprite Melon

Star Fruit

Star Gooseberry

Strawberries

Sugar Apple

Tangelos

Tangerines

Tangors

Wampee

Watermelon

Wax Jamboo Fruit

Winter Melon

Bees

Anise

Basil

Cassava

Chia

Cinnamon

- FY23 SCBGP Concept Proposal Instructions
- Sample Concept Proposal
- Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities Table
- How to Obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
- USDA 2022 RFA
- USDA AMS Terms and Conditions

As a change from last year, applicants for FFY23 SCBGP may provide a cash and/or in-kind matching contribution. This may increase the competitiveness of the application during the review process.

List of Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Funding Opportunities