Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)

Applications are accepted year-round on an ongoing basis, with review and award decisions made once per year. The batch deadline is August 31st.

Timeline (2026):

- Application Deadline: August 31
- Staff Review & Site Visit Window: Sept-Oct
- Board Review & Final Decision: November
- Award Notification: December 1

Application materials and guidance can be found at https://ag.utah.gov/conservation/leray-mcallister-working-farm-and-ranch-fund/.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Land Conservation Program with questions or to schedule a pre-application consultation: Jeremy Christensen, Land Conservation Program Manager, jeremyc@utah.gov, (385) 441-4106.

Jeremy Christensen

The LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund provides grants to preserve and restore working agricultural land in Utah, benefiting open space and wildlife as well. The Program uses funds appropriated by the Utah Legislature to purchase conservation easements on important pieces of private land, acquire small parcels in fee title under limited circumstances, and provide small restoration grants to improve conserved lands.



Eligible applicants include:

- Nonprofit land trusts,
- Local governments,
- Tribes, and
- Other eligible entities capable of holding and stewarding perpetual conservation easements.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to complete, monitor, and enforce agricultural conservation easements in accordance with state law and UDAF requirements.

To be eligible, projects must:

- Protect active agricultural lands that are at risk of conversion or degradation;
- Involve willing landowners who are committed to the long-term stewardship of their land;
- Result in a perpetual conservation easement that meets UDAF and, if applicable, NRCS ACEP-ALE program standards;
- Demonstrate strong conservation value, such as soil quality, water availability, and proximity to other protected lands; and
- Leverage additional funding or in-kind contributions.

In alignment with the program's goal of protecting Utah's most productive agricultural lands, priority will be given to irrigated properties containing prime and other high-value agricultural soils.

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

Grant

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

- Utah Land Conservation Program Grant Manual
- Pre Application Cover Sheet
- Eligible Cost Policy
- Appraisal Policy
- LeRay McAllister Glossary
- LeRay McAllister Grant Process Flow Chart
- Notice of Funding Opportunity

Conservation

Total Funding Available: $850,000 per fiscal year.

Cost-Share Requirement: Matching funds are required. Funds may only be used for the direct purchase of conservation easements. Transaction cost assistance is available through the UDAF Agricultural Resource Development Loan Program (ARDL): https://ag.utah.gov/farmers/agriculture-loan-programs/

Applications are evaluated based on soil-based qualities; agricultural productivity and viability of the property; risk of conversion to non-agricultural use; and other program priorities the Board may consider, including demonstrated public benefit, protection of watersheds, location within a strategic priority area, wildlife habitat protection, succession and land transfer planning, local supply chain tie ins, readiness of the project, and likelihood of timely completion.

View and download the Emergency Disaster Loan Application below and then email the completed application to UDAF-Loans@utah.gov.

For additional information on applying for this loan, contact your local Resource Coordinator. To view full list of UDAF’s Resource Coordinators, click here.


Tony Richards

Brian Christensen

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), through the Utah Conservation Commission (UCC), operates&#x2004;the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan Program to assist agricultural producers by providing loan funds to address extraordinary circumstances related to declared disasters that have resulted in production losses. These funds are only available to address declared disaster-related losses and cannot be used for value-added projects. Applications open on a rolling basis for each active disaster declaration. As of mid-2026, active declarations include: Freezing Temperatures (declared May 15, 2026; application deadline November 15, 2026), Drought Conditions (declared May 21, 2026; deadline November 21, 2026), and Recent Wildfires (declared June 25, 2026; deadline December 25, 2026).



The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), through the Utah Conservation Commission (UCC), operates the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan Program to assist agricultural producers by providing loan funds to address extraordinary circumstances related to declared disasters that have resulted in production losses. These funds are only available to address declared disaster-related losses and cannot be used for value-added projects. Applications open on a rolling basis for each active disaster declaration. As of mid-2026, active declarations include: Freezing Temperatures (declared May 15, 2026; application deadline November 15, 2026), Drought Conditions (declared May 21, 2026; deadline November 21, 2026), and Recent Wildfires (declared June 25, 2026; deadline December 25, 2026).

- Loan funds may only be used to cover losses related to the official disaster declared.
- Loan funds may only be used to cover losses not already covered by indemnity, insurance, or other compensation.
- Eligible losses and expenses are further defined in the application information provided specific to each declared disaster.
- Applicants must match their disaster declaration and submit their application to (and be approved by) their local Conservation District by the listed deadline.

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

Loan

- Information Page
- Resource Coordinator Contacts
- Policies and Guidelines

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Coronavirus

Fencing

Trade Relief

Trees

Wildfire

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Weather

Emergency

Disaster Relief

- Unsecured 7-year fully amortized loans.
- 0% interest for the first 2 years, 2.75% thereafter.
- First loan payment due-date options are outlined in the application information for each declared disaster; the borrower may select the month due and payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually).
- Loan maximum is currently $100,000 per entity.
- A 5% late fee may be assessed on past due principal balance.

Application will be posted when available. 

The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program was established during the enactment of the Clean Water Act. The seven Colorado River Basin states joined with federal agencies to prevent damages to lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) at the same time allow upper basin states to develop their compacted waters. A program that focused on improving irrigation efficiency was put in place and funded through Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of&#x2004;Agriculture and the Basin States.

In Utah the program operates as a partnership with BOR, USDA, EPA, USGS, US F&WS, and BLM as federal agencies and UDAF, DEQ, DNR, local conservation districts, local conservancy districts, and local irrigation entities. These partners discuss, plan and implement projects which reduce the movement and flow of salts into the Colorado River and its tributaries. The projects also benefit local Utah residents with improved irrigation infrastructure, longer irrigation season, more efficient water use, and increased economies in project areas. Representatives from the state agency and local partners are members of the CRBSCP Forum, Advisory Council, and Workgroup which oversee and guide the salinity control program among the seven basin states.

The State Ground Water Program, administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), was implemented in 1996 to assist private well owners in determining the quality of their drinking, irrigation, and livestock water. The program receives assistance from local conservation districts in the selection of wells to sample.



The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program was established during the enactment of the Clean Water Act. The seven Colorado River Basin states joined with federal agencies to prevent damages to lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) at the same time allow upper basin states to develop their compacted waters. A program that focused on improving irrigation efficiency was put in place and funded through Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of Agriculture and the Basin States.
In Utah the program operates as a partnership with BOR, USDA, EPA, USGS, US F&WS, and BLM as federal agencies and UDAF, DEQ, DNR, local conservation districts, local conservancy districts, and local irrigation entities. These partners discuss, plan and implement projects which reduce the movement and flow of salts into the Colorado River and its tributaries. The projects also benefit local Utah residents with improved irrigation infrastructure, longer irrigation season, more efficient water use, and increased economies in project areas. Representatives from the state agency and local partners are members of the CRBSCP Forum, Advisory Council, and Workgroup which oversee and guide the salinity control program among the seven basin states.
The State Ground Water Program, administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), was implemented in 1996 to assist private well owners in determining the quality of their drinking, irrigation, and livestock water. The program receives assistance from local conservation districts in the selection of wells to sample.

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

Cost Share

- US Dept. of Interior Salinity Control Program
- Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum


Water Management

The Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG) was created in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the&#x2004;Utah State Legislature. With these funds, UDAF issued grants to Utah-based businesses to increase processing capacity of agricultural products produced in the state. UDAF received additional funding to continue this program during the 2023 – 2025 legislative sessions.

The purpose of this program is to address Utah’s severe infrastructure shortfalls to increase the local processing capacity of Utah-grown agricultural products and increase consumer access to locally produced food. 


The UFSG covers expenses including processing equipment, coolers/freezers, contractor costs (plumbing, draining, electrical work), portion cutters, slaughter equipment, sorting equipment, bottling equipment, etc.

Individual grant awards will be capped at $200,000. 50% of the funds will be set aside for meat and poultry processing. $20,000 will be held for microgrants of $5,000 or less.


**Please be aware ** that this year, a minimum 25% cost match will be required. On the application, you will report the total cost of the project you are applying for. UDAF will reimburse awarded projects up to 75% of that cost. Applicants that are able to provide a 50% match will receive 10 extra preference points.





The Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG) was created in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. With these funds, UDAF issued grants to Utah-based businesses to increase processing capacity of agricultural products produced in the state. UDAF received additional funding to continue this program during the 2023 – 2025 legislative sessions.
The purpose of this program is to address Utah’s severe infrastructure shortfalls to increase the local processing capacity of Utah-grown agricultural products and increase consumer access to locally produced food. 

The UFSG covers expenses including processing equipment, coolers/freezers, contractor costs (plumbing, draining, electrical work), portion cutters, slaughter equipment, sorting equipment, bottling equipment, etc.
Individual grant awards will be capped at $200,000. 50% of the funds will be set aside for meat and poultry processing. $20,000 will be held for microgrants of $5,000 or less.

Please be aware that this year, a minimum 25% cost match will be required. On the application, you will report the total cost of the project you are applying for. UDAF will reimburse awarded projects up to 75% of that cost. Applicants that are able to provide a 50% match will receive 10 extra preference points.



Eligible applicants must:
- be located and headquartered in Utah
- have no more than 100 employees
- source at least 51% of ingredients or product inputs from Utah-grown/raised products
- sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers
- be properly registered with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and comply with all applicable food registration and inspection requirements. Note: products made under the Home Consumption and Homemade Food Act (HB181) are not eligible for this grant.

Meat/poultry processors wishing to apply must be either: 
- A state-inspected “equal-to” slaughter and/or processing plant, 
- A licensed custom-exempt plant,
- A Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally-inspected plant, or
- A USDA-inspected meat plant.

Eligible Expenses:
Eligible expenses may include processing, distribution, storage, cold storage, and packaging equipment. Expenses must make an immediate impact on the state’s capacity to process or store Utah-raised protein or Utah-grown products, including beef, dairy, pork, eggs, poultry, lamb, bison, fruit, vegetables, honey, etc. Reimbursement amounts are based on the applicable and reasonable project costs.
Reimbursement will be up to the amount stated in the contract and will require actual or copies of receipts, expenses, paid invoices and/or checks.

Expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Coolers/freezers 
- Portion cutters 
- Processing equipment (smoking units, sausage stuffers, etc.) 
- Slaughter equipment (cradles, saws, hooks, scalders, sinks, etc.) 
- Electronic sorting equipment (e.g. grading and sizing for apples, cherries, or peaches)
- Bottling equipment for juices
- Contractor costs (plumbing, draining, venting, electrical work)
- *Production expenses, including, but not limited to livestock, seeds, fertilizer, fencing, tractors, etc., are not eligible under this grant. Other expenses not eligible for reimbursement include salaries, fringe, research, land purchases, and unrelated supplies and parts. 


Meat

Vegetables

Watercress

Winter Cress

Yuca

Alfalfa Sprouts

Aloe Vera

Artichokes

Arugula

Asparagus

Bamboo Shoots

Batatas

Bean Sprouts

Beans

Beets

Bok Choy

Broccoflower

Broccoli

Broccolini

Broccolo-Cavalo

Brussel Sprouts

Cabbage

Calaloo

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celeriac

Celery

Chives

Collard Greens

Coriander

Cucumbers

Daikon

Dandelion Greens

Dill

Eggplant

Endive

Escarole

Frisee

Gailon

Garlic

Gourds

Greens

Heart Of Palm

Horseradish

Kale

Kohlrabi

Leeks

Lettuce

Malanga

Melongene

Mesculin Mix

Microgreens

Mushrooms

Okra

Onions

Oyster Plant

Parsnip

Peppers

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Radicchio

Radishes

Rhubarb

Rutabaga

Scallions

Shallots

Spinach

Squash

Sunchoke

Sweet

Swiss Chard

Tannier

Taro

Tomatillos

Tomatoes

Truffles

Turnips

Vegetable Seeds

Cilantro

Boston Lettuce

Green Leaf Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce

Lolla Rossa Lettuce

Oak Leaf Lettuce

Red Leaf Lettuce

Romaine Lettuce

Dry Onions

Green Onions

Bell Peppers

Potato Seeds

Processing Potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini

Turnip Top

Specialty Crops

Utah Food Security Request for Applications
Utah Food Security Grant Fact Sheet
Utah Food Security Grant Ranking Criteria
Food Security Grant Recipient Map
Video: Learn About The Utah Food Security Grant

Farmers Market

Buildings

Construction

Greenhouse

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Food Systems

Marketing

Contact your regional coordinator for an application and information on project requirements and work with your coordinator to applying for grant funds. Find your county coordinator using this map.

Utah Department of Agriculture & Food 

Troy Forrest

The Utah Grazing&#x2004;Improvement Program seeks to improve the productivity, health, and sustainability of Utah rangelands and watersheds. It’s believed that well planned and managed livestock grazing is the most important landscape-scale tool for maintaining healthy rangelands, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Healthy rangelands contribute to a healthy livestock industry and productive rural economies. The goals are to strengthen Utah’s livestock industry, improve rural economies, and to enhance the environment. The program includes three grants:

**Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grant**

- Applications are open annually through January 1. 

- The Utah Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) provides cost-share grants to rangers for rangeland improvements. Eligible projects include any restoration work that will improve rangeland health, productivity and management. In order for proposals to be competitive, a recommended maximum request is $100,000. 

- Project examples: elimination of invasive species, reseeding, livestock water development and improvements, fencing, grazing management planning, and any other projects that improve watershed and rangeland health and productivity. 


**UGIP Predatory Animal Control Grant**

- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022. 

- This grant is open to eligible livestock producers who have suffered predation losses and provides reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the contracted amount for practices used to stop or reduce predation. A total of $150,000 is available.


**UGIP Small Livestock Producers Grant**

- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022

- This grant is open to small livestock producers (50 animal units or less) for projects that will improve grazing management on federal, state, or private land. A total of $100,000 is available with an award maximum of up to $10,000. 




The Utah Grazing Improvement Program seeks to improve the productivity, health, and sustainability of Utah rangelands and watersheds. It’s believed that well planned and managed livestock grazing is the most important landscape-scale tool for maintaining healthy rangelands, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Healthy rangelands contribute to a healthy livestock industry and productive rural economies. The goals are to strengthen Utah’s livestock industry, improve rural economies, and to enhance the environment. The program includes three grants:
Utah Grazing Improvement Program Grant
- Applications are open annually through January 1. 
- The Utah Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) provides cost-share grants to rangers for rangeland improvements. Eligible projects include any restoration work that will improve rangeland health, productivity and management. In order for proposals to be competitive, a recommended maximum request is $100,000. 
- Project examples: elimination of invasive species, reseeding, livestock water development and improvements, fencing, grazing management planning, and any other projects that improve watershed and rangeland health and productivity. 

UGIP Predatory Animal Control Grant
- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022. 
- This grant is open to eligible livestock producers who have suffered predation losses and provides reimbursement for up to 50% of the cost of the contracted amount for practices used to stop or reduce predation. A total of $150,000 is available.

UGIP Small Livestock Producers Grant
- 2022 Application window open through June 17, 2022
- This grant is open to small livestock producers (50 animal units or less) for projects that will improve grazing management on federal, state, or private land. A total of $100,000 is available with an award maximum of up to $10,000. 


- How the GIP Program Works
- Representatives and Contacts (For GIP assistance in your area)
- Program Structure
- History
- Measuring Success
- The Future of Grazing
- History of Grazing in Utah
- Grazing Monitoring
- Utah Rangeland Improvement Act (Utah Code Annotated: Title 4, Chapter 20)


Aaron Eager

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now accepting Invasive&#x2004;Species Mitigation Weed Control Grant Applications for the 2023-24 seasons. The goal of this program is to allocate funds to projects which have management strategies with a high degree of potential success in the State of Utah.

For FY 2023-24, UDAF is looking for projects that target high priority species and will reduce the number outlier populations. It is highly recommended that multi-year proposals include a 3-5 year management plan, an extensive monitoring component, solid participating partners, and a strong restoration component.



The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now accepting Invasive Species Mitigation Weed Control Grant Applications for the 2023-24 seasons. The goal of this program is to allocate funds to projects which have management strategies with a high degree of potential success in the State of Utah.
For FY 2023-24, UDAF is looking for projects that target high priority species and will reduce the number outlier populations. It is highly recommended that multi-year proposals include a 3-5 year management plan, an extensive monitoring component, solid participating partners, and a strong restoration component.

Eligible Applicants
- Universities;
- Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA’s); 
- County Weed Boards; 
- Federal or State Agencies; 
- Federal, State, Tribal or Private Landowners; 
- Conservation Districts, 
- nonprofits, 
- and/or other Political Subdivisions.
Eligible Activities
- Early detection & rapid response
- Treating critical acres that protect larger land use areas
- Monitoring and preventing the spread of small populations and new introductions
- Monitoring and rehabilitating established infestations
- Research related to invasive species

Fertilizer

Inputs

Nutrient Management

For FY 2023-24, projects will be funded for the current year only, with the possibility of renewing funding for a multi-year project, based on available funds. Funding for projects will begin July 1, 2023 and terminate June 30, 2024.

All applicants must submit through the online application form. Other forms of applying will not be accepted. 

### Program Purpose

- Increase the&#x2004;amount of available pollinator habitat throughout Utah

- Enhance and expand existing landscapes to improve resources (pollen and nectar) available for pollinators

- Provide better connectivity between habitats to better support beneficial species

- Increase access and availability of native seed resources across the state

- Increase public awareness and involvement to improve pollinator habitat state-wide


### **General Information**

- Online application submission: March 1 through April 15, 2025

- Awards will only be given to properties owned or managed by applicant

- Projects must be in Utah to qualify

- All categories of applicants will be considered (individuals, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutes, commercial entities, Native American tribes, wildlife preserves, land trusts, etc.)

- Habitat improvement priority areas will include watersheds and habitat corridors that provide connectivity

- Particular emphasis will be on improving habitat for **native pollinator and bee populations** throughout the state

- Irrigation for plant establishment will be a requirement for project award

- Awarded applicants will receive additional information in August with plants available early Fall for distribution

- Plants are pre-selected and supplied based on your region



Program Purpose
- Increase the amount of available pollinator habitat throughout Utah
- Enhance and expand existing landscapes to improve resources (pollen and nectar) available for pollinators
- Provide better connectivity between habitats to better support beneficial species
- Increase access and availability of native seed resources across the state
- Increase public awareness and involvement to improve pollinator habitat state-wide

General Information
- Online application submission: March 1 through April 15, 2025
- Awards will only be given to properties owned or managed by applicant
- Projects must be in Utah to qualify
- All categories of applicants will be considered (individuals, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutes, commercial entities, Native American tribes, wildlife preserves, land trusts, etc.)
- Habitat improvement priority areas will include watersheds and habitat corridors that provide connectivity
- Particular emphasis will be on improving habitat for native pollinator and bee populations throughout the state
- Irrigation for plant establishment will be a requirement for project award
- Awarded applicants will receive additional information in August with plants available early Fall for distribution
- Plants are pre-selected and supplied based on your region

- Projects must be in Utah to qualify
- All categories of applicants will be considered (individuals, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutes, commercial entities, Native American tribes, wildlife preserves, land trusts, etc.)
- Minimum space requirement of 900 square feet needed for consideration 
- Applicants must agree to a 3-year follow-up period

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

Discount

- Information Page
- Trifold Project Information Handout

Qualified applicants will be awarded up to 25% costs share through plant and seed contributions for selected projects. There will be no cash awards at this time.

List of Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Funding Opportunities