Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for extension.

To apply, applicants must submit a completed Attachment A Application Response Form signed by Applicants and landowners with the below required attachments:
- Aerial photograph or map with your farm property outlined. (You may obtain copies of maps or aerial photos online, from an up-to-date NRCS conservation plan or contact your USDA-NRCS field office to request a map with advance notice.) 
- NRCS Farm Conservation Plan or Co-operator’s Agreement (requirement for cranberry farmers only)
- Completed Attachment A-1 addendum (requirement for prior FVEP grant recipients only).
- If an Applicant does not own the land they farm, a signed copy of an executed lease must be submitted along with the application that allows permission for the applicant to farm the land at least through June of 2023 and allows any proposed infrastructure to be constructed and used on the property. All applicants, including landowners, must sign this application.

All required attachments and full application information can be found in the current Request For Proposals.

Then submit the completed package by either Emailing as attachment(s) to Jill.Ward@mass.gov with subject: "FVEP APPLICATION"
OR
Mailing hard copies to the following address: 
Farm Viability Enhancement Program 
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources 
138 Memorial Ave, Suite 42 
West Springfield, MA 01089

Melissa L. Adams

The Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) provides business planning and technical assistance to help established farms identify strategies to increase farm viability such as, new or&#x2004;expanded enterprises, increased productivity, marketing, and/or environmental sustainability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $75,000 to $150,000 to implement strategies identified during the planning process in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm property to keep it in agricultural use for a 10 to 15-year term. Eligible uses of funds are capital projects on the farm such as building or repairing barns, farmstands or other agricultural buildings, modernizing equipment, or improving food processing capacity.



The Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) provides business planning and technical assistance to help established farms identify strategies to increase farm viability such as, new or expanded enterprises, increased productivity, marketing, and/or environmental sustainability. Participants selected to participate in the program may be offered grant funds of $75,000 to $150,000 to implement strategies identified during the planning process in return for signing an agricultural covenant on the farm property to keep it in agricultural use for a 10 to 15-year term. Eligible uses of funds are capital projects on the farm such as building or repairing barns, farmstands or other agricultural buildings, modernizing equipment, or improving food processing capacity.

- Farm operations must have been in active use by the current operator for at least the three previous years and have generated at least $10,000 in gross farm income, as shown on Schedule F or Form 1120, or other relevant tax statements from the most recent tax year to be eligible to apply. 
- Farms must own at least 5 acres of land currently in active agricultural production. 
- Farms must intend to keep their land in continued agricultural use and the property to be put under covenant through the program must be unencumbered by any other restrictions on the deed.

- 2022 Request for Proposals
- FAQs
- Request for Written Approval form for prior FVEP participants

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

Irrigation

Storage

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Infrastructure

Equipment

The covenant is a deed restriction prohibiting any uses on the farm except agricultural uses. The covenant is recorded at the registry of deeds and prohibits activities detrimental to the agricultural use of the land for a specific term, either five, ten, or fifteen years. Rights retained by landowners include the right to privacy and to carry out regular agricultural practices, to maintain the farm in its present condition, and to construct or place temporary structures for agricultural uses. Prohibited uses include construction or placement of non-agriculturally related temporary or permanent structures, and non-agricultural uses on the land. Prior written approval may be requested for certain agricultural structures or uses that do not derogate from the intent of the covenant.

If selected for Phase I of the program, farmers must agree to participate in a business planning process intended to help them increase the economic viability of their farm. Participants receive assistance to develop a business plan or business plan update including financial projections. Additional technical assistance may also be available. This process usually takes about 5 or 6 months. Upon approval of a completed plan by the Department, the farm may be eligible to move to Phase II of the program to receive a grant for eligible capital projects identified in the plan intended to increase farm viability in return for placing land under a short-term a covenant to keep it in agricultural use. 

Application forms are available from the department, agricultural education instructors, and county extension agents, or can be downloaded here. 
Mail your completed application to:

Montana Department of Agriculture 
P. O. Box 200201 
Helena, Montana 59620-0201 

Applications must be approved by the local loan committee, with final approval determined by the Montana Department of Agriculture Loan Committee. A written summary of past experience or education relating to the proposed project must accompany the application. A map showing directions to the applicant's farm or ranch is also required with the application.

Walt Anseth

The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are&#x2004;provided by the [Montana State University Extension Service](http://www.msuextension.org/), Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.


By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:

- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;

- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;

- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and

- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.



The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program was developed to assist and encourage members of agricultural youth organizations in financing agricultural projects. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Loans are made from the assets of the Agricultural Finance Program. Program support and technical assistance are provided by the Montana State University Extension Service, Montana agricultural educators, and private financial institutions.

By providing financial encouragement to young men and women to establish and expand agricultural projects, the program aims to:
- Foster the interest of young people in agriculture, thereby preserving Montana's agricultural future;
- Provide financial experience and training through personal involvement;
- Build experience and equity in agriculture to provide a foundation for future vocations; and
- Provide support to Montana agriculture education and Extension Service youth programs.

Active members of FFA, 4-H and other recognized agricultural youth organizations are eligible for this program. The Montana Department of Agriculture may also make direct loans to youths unable to participate as members of such organizations. Parents or guardians must be willing to cooperate with prospective borrowers and have ample facilities available to provide for the project. Applicants should be between the ages of nine and 21, Montana residents, and citizens of the United States.

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

Loan

- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Loan Terms & Application
- Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program: Application Instructions & Forms

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Stewardship

Trade Relief

Succession

Historically Underserved

Marketing

The amount of a loan depends on the project, but cannot exceed $3,500 for applicants ages 9-11, or $8,500 for applicants ages 12-21. Applicants may refinance loans, providing they still qualify and do not exceed the $8,500 maximum. More than one family member may qualify for individual loans. Individuals may borrow up to 90% of the total first year cost of a project. Loan repayments periods can be one to five years, depending on the project. Payments are usually made annually. Additional terms, as well as information about the Local Loan Committee, are detailed below under the Loan Terms & Application tab, or download the Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program Loan Terms & Application.

1. Review the Sample Application and gather the required two (2) reference letters. 
2. Apply at this portal. Paste your answers from the Sample Application into the online form and submit.

NC AgVentures is a Cooperative Extension program that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase&#x2004;farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.


NC AgVentures offers two grant options:

1. Individual Grants for North Carolina family farms who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits. 

2. Community grants are available for community groups and organizations with project ideas that will directly benefit 3 or more farms. Some examples: Cooperative Extension, farming associations, local schools, churches and civic groups with




NC AgVentures is a Cooperative Extension program that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

NC AgVentures offers two grant options:
1. Individual Grants for North Carolina family farms who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits. 
2. Community grants are available for community groups and organizations with project ideas that will directly benefit 3 or more farms. Some examples: Cooperative Extension, farming associations, local schools, churches and civic groups with


Family farms and community organizations working with farmers in the following counties are eligible to apply: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, and Yadkin.

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

Grant

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Legal & Finance

Labor

Priority will be given to: 
- Applicants that are current/former tobacco growers, former quota holders, tobacco workers or close family descendants. 
- Farms that have not received previous funding from NC Tobacco Trust Commission, RAFI or NC AgVentures 
- Applicants that earn at least 50% of their gross personal income from their farm operation. 
- Proposals that present a new direction or innovative opportunity to diversify, expand or implement new entrepreneurial plans for their farm operations that are viable and will increase farm profits. 
Criteria: 
- The project must increase farm income and/or maintain employment opportunities The proposal must be adequately researched 
- The budget must be realistic 
- The applicant must have the skills to complete the project or have identified technical assistance to help them implement a successful project 
- The project must become self-supporting and/or enhance your ability to keep farming The proposal must be reviewed and submitted by a N.C. Cooperative Extension agent All proposals must be typed for consideration

1. Review the grant application guidelines
2. Fill out the application cover page and budget forms in detail per the guidelines
3. Develop your business/project plan per the information provided in the guidelines
4. Submit the completed forms and business/project plan by email by the deadline 

Jaime Smith

The Farm Reinvestment Grants provides matching funds to Connecticut farms to expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms through projects with a lifespan of 10 years or more. The Farm Reinvestment Grant is funded through bond authorizations of the State of Connecticut. 


Below are&#x2004;funding priorities of the Farm Reinvestment Grant as they directly relate and respond to enhancing existing agricultural operations and provide a stimulus to the local and state economies.

1. Constructing new agricultural production facilities for existing farms;

2. Projects which dramatically improve the operation’s cash flow;

3. Diversification into new production areas;

4. Expansion of existing production facilities via capital improvements;

5. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure to adapt to climatic changes;

6. Investing in infrastructure for existing and emerging food safety requirements. 



The Farm Reinvestment Grants provides matching funds to Connecticut farms to expand, diversify, and improve existing working farms through projects with a lifespan of 10 years or more. The Farm Reinvestment Grant is funded through bond authorizations of the State of Connecticut. 

Below are funding priorities of the Farm Reinvestment Grant as they directly relate and respond to enhancing existing agricultural operations and provide a stimulus to the local and state economies.
1. Constructing new agricultural production facilities for existing farms;
2. Projects which dramatically improve the operation’s cash flow;
3. Diversification into new production areas;
4. Expansion of existing production facilities via capital improvements;
5. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure to adapt to climatic changes;
6. Investing in infrastructure for existing and emerging food safety requirements. 

The following entities are eligible to apply for the Farm Reinvestment Grant:
1. Agricultural producers, singularly or jointly, whether such producers are owners or tenants of existing agricultural production facilities located within the State of Connecticut;
To qualify for the Farm Reinvestment Grant the applicant must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, possess a Farmer’s Tax Exemption Permit, have submitted a Schedule F, Form 1120S, or Schedule C for the previous three years.
Prior grantees may apply for a Farm Reinvestment Grant. However, past awards and corresponding project completion will be taken into consideration.

Public Health

Compliance

Is there an applicant match involved? 

Yes, a 50% cash match, or a 1:1 match, must be provide by the applicant. This means if your total project has a cost of $20,000 the applicant must provide at least $10,000 and a maximum of $10,000 could be awarded by the FTG.

If I apply by the deadline does it mean I'll be funded?

No. This is a very competitive grant program. Applications are evaluated by a team of reviewers and is primarily based on the business/project plan. More information on the evaluation criteria can be found in the application guidelines.        

How is the grant money paid to someone who's been awarded? 

Grant funds are paid after the project is successfully completed, a final financial report outlining all expenses associated with the project have been received and approved, a final project report has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted.  For any building a certificate of occupancy must be obtained as well. 

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.

Rob Myers

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Grant Program supports state professional development programs and competitive grants for&#x2004;training agricultural professionals.


Professional Development Program (PDP) competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private, and not-for-profit sectors, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. Applicants are educators who often represent but are not limited to, Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and non-profit groups. PDP competitive grants are awarded for state and multi-state PDP projects that emphasize cross-agency training, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. 



The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Grant Program supports state professional development programs and competitive grants for training agricultural professionals.

Professional Development Program (PDP) competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private, and not-for-profit sectors, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. Applicants are educators who often represent but are not limited to, Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and non-profit groups. PDP competitive grants are awarded for state and multi-state PDP projects that emphasize cross-agency training, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. 

Proposals must be targeted to educators within the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and/or educators and other relevant personnel in the non-profit and for-profit sectors serving farmers and ranchers. Projects can be for up to 36 months in duration. Involvement of educators from more than one state is appropriate but not required. 

- View the Call for Proposals (Word)
- View the Call for Proposals (PDF)

Funding decisions are made by NCR-SARE’s regional Administrative Council, after receiving feedback from a review committee. The Administrative Council is a collection of farmers, ranchers, university representatives, nonprofit representatives, Extension and NRCS people, other government employees, and agribusiness representatives. This group sets research priorities and recommends projects for funding.
Before writing a grant proposal, determine a clear project goal and explore previous research. It often helps to contact NCR-SARE, local agriculture groups, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and/or Extension educators to share ideas and invite participation. 

Apply for this grant online on grants.gov.
Search for Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-ICGP-009743

To apply for grants on grants.gov you must be registered which is a process that can take multiple weeks, so we recommend you begin the process as soon as possible. You can register at grants.gov here.

Grants.gov Customer support

Mathieu Ngouajio

The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns&#x2004;include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the [USDA National Organic Program](http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop) for organic production standards. 



The Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research, education, and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research, education and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning by delivering practical research-based information. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program for organic production standards. 

Applications may only be submitted by the following entities:
1. State agricultural experiment stations;
2. Colleges and universities; 
3. University research foundations; 
4. Other research institutions and organizations; 
5. Federal agencies; 
6. National laboratories; 
7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations; 
8. Individuals who are United States citizens or nationals; or 
9. A group consisting of two or more of the entities above

Trials

Conservation

Research

If an OREI program grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the grant recipient is required to match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and/or in-kind contributions. 
NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if NIFA determines that: (1) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (2) the project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

List of Agricultural Funding for Extension