Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for nutrition & food safety.

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 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.

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

Grant

HVAC

Lighting

Greenhouse

Buildings

Fencing

Repairs

Construction

Storage

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Regenerative

Certification

Carbon Capture

Wildlife Habitats

Soil Health

Cover Crops

Grazing & Grass-Fed

Organic

Strip-Till

No-Till

Marketing

Facilities

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. 

Applicants must fully complete the necessary application and be able to show verification of successful audit completion, billing and proof of payment for the audit. In addition, the State of Delaware requires all applicants to register in the new State of Delaware eSupplier Portal before payments can be made. If you have previously been reimbursed through the state, your information is still on file but be sure to update any information in the new portal, as necessary. This portal can be located at https://accounting.delaware.gov/w9_notice.shtm.

Brenda Clements

Anna Wicks

This cost-share program is designed to assist Delaware fruit and vegetable growers with the cost associated with obtaining an third party food safety audit and the testing of their agricultural water. Delaware growers can now receive financial support in obtaining a third party audit to verify they are following effective food safety practices. Audits verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. Part of verifying good agricultural and good handling practices is by ensuring the water used in crop production and postharvest activities is safe. 



To be eligible for assistance, Delaware fruit and vegetable growers must meet the following requirements: 
- Growers must have successfully completed a third-party USDA AMS or commercial audit. 
- Growers must submit receipts for the water tests performed 
- All paperwork must be submitted to the Delaware Department of Agriculture between October 1, 2018 and July 31, 2021, to be eligible for reimbursement. In the event of limited funds, preference will be given to audits on a first come, first serve basis until funds are depleted.

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

Cost Share

Fruits

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

Alfalfa Sprouts

Aloe Vera

Artichokes

Arugula

Asparagus

Bamboo Shoots

Ground Cherry

Boston Lettuce

Green Leaf Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce

Lolla Rossa Lettuce

Oak Leaf Lettuce

Red Leaf Lettuce

Romaine Lettuce

Dry Onions

Green Onions

Dry Peas

English Peas

Green Peas

Snap Peas

Sugar Peas

Bell Peppers

Potato Seeds

Processing Potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini

Turnip Top

Specialty Crops

Wetlands

Irrigation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

Water Management

The Delaware Department of Agriculture, Food Products Inspection Section, will pay 80 percent of the cost of a successful USDA AMS or commercial third party food safety audit with a maximum reimbursement of $1,000 per year, per farm. Upon successful competition, the department will also pay 80 percent of the cost associated with annual water testing, with a maximum reimbursement of $500 per year, per farm. For 2019, USDA has agreed to defray 100% of the costs associated with Harmonized GAP and Harmonized GAP+ Audits; in Delaware. If USDA has covered 100% of the applicants successful audit, the applicant is still eligible for water testing reimbursement through this cost-share and should proceed to fill out this application.

Many answers are found in our booklet, "Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans". It is also recommended that you call and make an appointment with your nearest Farm Loan Officer or Farm Loan Manager. Agency officials are required to:
- Help loan applicants complete FSA forms and gather information necessary for a complete application;
- Explain the application procedure, process, and the requirements for a complete application;
- Assist loan applicants in completing FSA forms and identifying sources of information needed for a complete application, if assistance is requested;
- Inform loan applicants of other technical assistance providers who may be of assistance at minimal or no charge. Some examples include, and are not limited to, the Cooperative Extension Service, non-profit organizations and institutions, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, and other similar organizations; and
- Advise applicants of alternatives that will help overcome any possible barriers to being determined eligible for an FSA loan.

Suggestions for Meeting with Farm Loan Officer
- Have a general idea of what it is you want to do and be able to identify your goals. What type of operation do you have or want to have? What do you need to operate that farm or ranch? How will you market your product(s)? How much do you need? What are your projections?
- Good recordkeeping is very important. If you do not have your records organized, it is a good idea to try and put all your income and expenses into an understandable format. It does not have to be fancy. Also, what is happening inside the household is just as important as your business needs. Expenses such as food, clothing, mortgage or rent, insurance, taxes, medical costs, credit card payments, education expenses, and other consumer debt are part of the farm plan calculations. Know your costs. Bring your records with you.
- Remember to bring any financial records, which can include tax returns, for the most recent production cycle to assist in projecting the cash flow for your loan proposal. If you need to rely on off-farm income to repay the loan, bring in your last few pay stubs.
- Bring copies of any written leases to the office with you if you are leasing land or equipment.
- It is a prudent idea to check your credit report before applying for a loan. This allows you to spot any errors or research events that may have negatively impacted your credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to credit reporting companies.

The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.


**Direct Farm Ownership Microloans:**

- Make a down payment on a farm

- Build, Repair, or Improve farm buildings, service buildings, farm dwelling

- Soil and Water Conservation Projects

- May be used as a Downpayment Farm Ownership Loan

- May be used in Joint Financing


**Direct Farm Operating Microloans:**

- Essential tools

- Fencing and trellising

- Hoop houses

- Bees and bee equipment

- Milking and pasteurization equipment

- Maple sugar shack and processing equipment

- Livestock, seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation

- Irrigation

- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and Organic certification costs

- Marketing and distribution costs, including those associated with selling through Farmers' Markets and Community Supported Agriculture operations

- Pay for qualifying OSHA compliance standards (Federal or State)


**Microloan versus FSA's "regular" loan:**


_Direct Farm Ownership Microloans:_

- No appraisal needed

- Verification of non-farm income unnecessary unless required for repayment

- Successful repayment of an FSA Youth loan may be used towards the required 3 years of management experience


_Direct Farm Operating Microloans:_

- The Microloan program allows for situations where production yield history or reporting is impractical, not relevant to the proposal submitted, or is not available.

- Modified farm managerial experience requirements accommodate smaller farm operations, beginning farmers, and those with no farm management experience. Small business experience plus any farm experience, along with a self-guided apprenticeship, is a way to meet the farm management requirement.

- Rural Youth loan recipients with a successful repayment history, or youth who have participated in an agriculture-related organization, can meet the modified managerial ability requirements with those experiences.



The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.

Direct Farm Ownership Microloans:
- Make a down payment on a farm
- Build, Repair, or Improve farm buildings, service buildings, farm dwelling
- Soil and Water Conservation Projects
- May be used as a Downpayment Farm Ownership Loan
- May be used in Joint Financing

Direct Farm Operating Microloans:
- Essential tools
- Fencing and trellising
- Hoop houses
- Bees and bee equipment
- Milking and pasteurization equipment
- Maple sugar shack and processing equipment
- Livestock, seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, family living expenses, and other materials essential to the operation
- Irrigation
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), GHP (Good Handling Practices), and Organic certification costs
- Marketing and distribution costs, including those associated with selling through Farmers' Markets and Community Supported Agriculture operations
- Pay for qualifying OSHA compliance standards (Federal or State)

Microloan versus FSA's "regular" loan:

Direct Farm Ownership Microloans:
- No appraisal needed
- Verification of non-farm income unnecessary unless required for repayment
- Successful repayment of an FSA Youth loan may be used towards the required 3 years of management experience

Direct Farm Operating Microloans:
- The Microloan program allows for situations where production yield history or reporting is impractical, not relevant to the proposal submitted, or is not available.
- Modified farm managerial experience requirements accommodate smaller farm operations, beginning farmers, and those with no farm management experience. Small business experience plus any farm experience, along with a self-guided apprenticeship, is a way to meet the farm management requirement.
- Rural Youth loan recipients with a successful repayment history, or youth who have participated in an agriculture-related organization, can meet the modified managerial ability requirements with those experiences.

As with the regular Operating loan program, traditional and non-traditional family farms and ranches may be eligible for Microloan financing.

General eligibility requirements include:
- Must not have Federal or State conviction(s) for planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting, storing, trafficking, or possession of controlled substances
- Have the legal capacity to incur the loan obligation
- Be able to show an acceptable credit history
- Is a citizen, non-citizen national or legal resident alien of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific Trust Territories
- Have no previous debt forgiveness by the Agency, including a guarantee loan loss payment
- Be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, with or without an FSA loan guarantee
- Not be delinquent on any Federal debt, other than IRS tax debt, at the time of loan closing
- Not be ineligible due to disqualification resulting from Federal Crop Insurance violation

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

Loan

- Fact Sheet: Microloans
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP
- Farm Answers Library
- National Agrability Project
- National Organic Program
- Natural Resources and Conservation Service Resources for Small Farms
- USDA Information for Veterans
- Farmers.gov

Weeds

Events

Diversification

Distribution

Trade Relief

Nutrition & Food Safety

Conservation

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Legal & Finance

Local Food

Research

Equipment

Disaster Relief

Food Systems

Emergency

For the Direct Ownership Microloan, the maximum term is 25 years.

For the Direct Operating Microloan, the repayment period will vary depending upon the purpose of the loan. General operating and family living expenses are due within 12 months or when the agricultural commodities sell. For larger purchases such as equipment or livestock, the term will not exceed 7 years.

Reach out to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for more information.

Tennessee Department of Agriculture

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was established in 2005 to provide cost share dollars to agricultural producers for the purpose of making long-term investments in Tennessee farms and communities. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency, and make a positive economic impact in their communities.




List of Agricultural Funding for Nutrition & Food Safety

List of Agricultural Funding for Nutrition & Food Safety

Connecticut Farm Reinvestment Grant

Food Safety Audit Cost-Share Program

Microloan Programs

Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP)

Agricultural Produce Safety Improvement Program (APSIP)

Connecticut Farmland Restoration Program (FLRP)

Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP)

Rhode Island Produce Safety Improvement Grants

Warner Grants for Sustainable Agriculture