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

- FSA-2001, Request for Direct Loan Assistance
- Instructions

*All FSA direct loan applications require the same basic forms.
Simultaneous requests for a direct farm ownership loan and a direct operating loan should be combined on a single loan application form.
- When you meet with your FSA county Farm Loan Program staff, you may be asked to complete additional forms based on applicable loan program requirements for the loan type.

FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch. For new agricultural producers, FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans provide an essential gateway into agricultural production by financing the cost of&#x2004;operating a farm. With a maximum loan amount of $400,000, all FSA Direct Operating Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through [local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/index). The [funding](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/funding/index) comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.


**Loan Purposes:**


Operating loans must be essential to the success of the farming operation and only for the following purposes:

- Costs associated with reorganizing a farm to improve profitability, for example:

    - purchase of equipment to convert from conventional to no-till production

    - change from stocker to cow-calf production

    - shifting from row crop to vegetable production

    - purchasing grain drying and storage equipment to facilitate better marketing

    - purchase shares in value-added processing and marketing cooperatives

- Purchase of livestock, including poultry

- Purchase farm equipment

- Farm operating expenses including, and not limited to:

    - feed

    - seed

    - fertilizer

    - pesticides

    - farm supplies

    - cash rent

    - family living expenses

    - initial processing of agricultural commodities, under certain circumstances

- Minor improvements or repairs to buildings

- Refinance certain farm-related debts, excluding real estate

- Land and water development, use, or conservation

- Loan closing and borrower training costs



FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch. For new agricultural producers, FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans provide an essential gateway into agricultural production by financing the cost of operating a farm. With a maximum loan amount of $400,000, all FSA Direct Operating Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers. The funding comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.

Loan Purposes:

Operating loans must be essential to the success of the farming operation and only for the following purposes:
- Costs associated with reorganizing a farm to improve profitability, for example:
    - purchase of equipment to convert from conventional to no-till production
    - change from stocker to cow-calf production
    - shifting from row crop to vegetable production
    - purchasing grain drying and storage equipment to facilitate better marketing
    - purchase shares in value-added processing and marketing cooperatives
- Purchase of livestock, including poultry
- Purchase farm equipment
- Farm operating expenses including, and not limited to:
    - feed
    - seed
    - fertilizer
    - pesticides
    - farm supplies
    - cash rent
    - family living expenses
    - initial processing of agricultural commodities, under certain circumstances
- Minor improvements or repairs to buildings
- Refinance certain farm-related debts, excluding real estate
- Land and water development, use, or conservation
- Loan closing and borrower training costs

There are 2 different types of qualifications which need to be met:
- Eligible farm enterprise
- General eligibility requirements

First, the operation must be an eligible farm enterprise. Operating loan funds cannot be used to finance nonfarm enterprises, such as exotic birds, tropical fish, dogs or horses used for non-farm purposes (racing, pleasure, show and boarding).

General eligibility requirements include:
- Not having Federal or State conviction(s) for planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting, storing, trafficking, or possession of controlled substances
- The legal ability to accept responsibility for the loan obligation
- An acceptable credit history
- Be a United States 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
- No previous debt forgiveness by the Agency, including a guarantee loan loss payment
- Being unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, with or without an FSA loan guarantee
- No delinquency on a Federal debt, other than IRS tax debt, at the time of loan closing
- Not being ineligible due to disqualification resulting from a Federal Crop Insurance violation
- Have sufficient managerial ability to assure a reasonable expectation of loan repayment

Explanation of "Managerial Ability":

Managerial ability is shown to the Agency through any combination of education, on-the-job training, and farm experience or by meeting just 1 of these criteria. The level of management ability required will depend on the complexity of the operation and the amount of the loan request. Every application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Education:
- 4-year college degree or graduate degree in agricultural related field(s)
- 2-year college degree from a technical college in agricultural related field
- Successful completion of farm management curriculum offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, a community college, adult vocational agricultural program or Land Grant university
- Successful completion of a community-based, nationally-based, non-profit or similar farm workshop programs
- Vocational or general agriculture classes in high school in addition to working on a farm and participating in, and successfully complete agricultural projects in, 4-H, FFA, Tribal youth organizations, Grange Youth, or another agricultural affiliated club

On-The-Job Training:
- Working or recently worked as hired farm labor with management responsibilities (make day-to-day decisions)
- Completing or recently completed a farm mentorship, internship or apprenticeship program with an emphasis on management requirements and day-to-day farm decisions
- Participating or recently participated in urban or community-supported agriculture programs which incorporate basic agricultural training

Farm Experience:
- Owner, manager or operator of a farm business for at least 1 full production and marketing cycle within 5 years of the date of the loan application
- Employed as a migrant farm worker and elevated to leadership or foreperson position for at least 1 entire production and marketing cycle with responsibilities related to crop and field management, livestock health, breeding supervision, labor management or hiring, or general farm management
- Raised on a farm and had significant responsibility for day-to-day management decisions for at least 1 entire production and marketing cycle
- Obtained and successfully repaid at least 1 FSA Youth Loan

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

Loan

- Fact Sheet: Farm Loans Overview (PDF, 807 KB)
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP (PDF, 2.5 MB)
- Farm Answers Library
- National Agrability Project
- USDA Veterans in Agriculture
- Farmers.gov

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Weeds

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Air Quality

Landscape

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Succession

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Marketing

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Legal & Finance

Infrastructure

Equipment

Water Management

Labor

Local Food

Soil Health

Food Systems

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Maximum Loan Limitations:

The maximum loan amount for a Direct Farm Operating Loan is $400,000. There is no down payment requirement. 

Repayment Terms:

Direct Farm Operating loan repayment terms vary depending upon the purpose of the loan, the loan applicant's ability to pay, and when income is projected to be available. General operating and family living expenses are normally due within 12 months or when the agricultural commodities sell. For larger purchases such as equipment, minor repairs, or livestock, the term will not exceed 7 years.

Interest Rate:

The interest rate charged is always the lower rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing for the type of loan wanted. Interest rates are calculated and posted the 1st of each month.

Credit Score Basics:

FSA does not use credit scores. Loan applicants are expected to have acceptable repayment history with other creditors, including the Federal Government. Loan applicants are not automatically disqualified if there are isolated incidents of slow payments; no credit history; or if it can be shown that any recent undesirable credit problems were temporary and beyond a loan applicant’s control. "No history" of credit transaction by a loan applicant does not automatically indicate an unacceptable credit history.


Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Farm to School Garden Kits page.

Jenna Nieters

Local Foods Marketing Specialist

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture provides Farm to School Garden Kits to help early childhood education centers start gardens, giving children hands-on experience with growing food.



Eligibility is limited to licensed North Dakota early childhood education centers.

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

Grant

Education

Stewardship

Successful applicants receive $400 to purchase plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised garden beds, or indoor hydroponic garden equipment.

Locating a Lender:

You may click on one of the link below and select the desired state for a list of current FSA guaranteed lenders.
- Guaranteed Lender List By State, Effective March 31, 2020

Please note that this list is intended to get you started by providing very basic lender contact information. It may not contain all agricultural lenders in your area, and some lenders have multiple branches which are not specifically listed. Your local FSA Farm Loan Team can help you connect with a local lender, too, or provide you with a list of lenders known to make agricultural loans in your geographic location.

FSA’s Guaranteed Farm Loan Programs help&#x2004;family farmers and ranchers to obtain loans from USDA-approved commercial lenders at reasonable terms to buy farmland or finance agricultural production. FSA will guarantee farm loans through a commercial lender up to $1,776,000. Financial institutions receive additional loan business as well as benefit from the safety net the FSA provides by guaranteeing farm loans up to 95 percent against possible financial loss of principal and interest.


**Guaranteed versus Direct Farm Loans:**


With a guaranteed farm loan, the lender is FSA's customer, not the loan applicant. Guaranteed loans are the property and responsibility of the lender. The lender and loan applicant complete the Application for Guarantee and submit it to the FSA Service Center in their lending area. The Service Center works with the commercial lender to process the guarantee. The Farm Loan Officer reviews the application for applicant eligibility, repayment ability, adequacy of collateral, and compliance with other regulations, and if the applicant meets those requirements, the request is approved. The Service Center issues the lender a conditional commitment outlining the terms of the loan guarantee and indicating that the loan may be closed. The lender closes the loan and advances funds to the applicant, after which the Service Center staff issues the guarantee. The lender makes the loan and services it to conclusion. In the event the lender suffers a loss, FSA will reimburse the lender according to the terms and conditions specified in the guarantee.

A direct loan is funded directly by the Agency. The money used for direct loans comes from annual Congressional appropriations received as part of the USDA budget. The Agency is responsible for making and servicing the loan.


**Types of Guaranteed Farm Loans:**


- **FARM OWNERSHIP** loans may be used to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other fixtures, develop farmland to promote soil and water conservation, or to refinance debt.

- **FARM OPERATING** loans may be used to purchase livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. Operating loans also may be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family living expenses, and to refinance debt under certain conditions. These loans may be structured as term loans or lines of credit depending upon the purpose and intended term of the loan.

- The **_EZ GUARANTEE_** Program is available for smaller loans. This program provides a simplified Guaranteed Loan application process to help small, new or underserved family farmers with early financial assistance. The EZ Guarantee is available for loan applications up to $100,000 for farm operating or farm ownership purposes. Streamlined financial underwriting is available for these loans, allowing all approved lenders to analyze the request in the same manner in which they would analyze a nonguaranteed loan request of the same size and type. All existing eligibility, loan purpose, security, and other requirements remain the same.



FSA’s Guaranteed Farm Loan Programs help family farmers and ranchers to obtain loans from USDA-approved commercial lenders at reasonable terms to buy farmland or finance agricultural production. FSA will guarantee farm loans through a commercial lender up to $1,776,000. Financial institutions receive additional loan business as well as benefit from the safety net the FSA provides by guaranteeing farm loans up to 95 percent against possible financial loss of principal and interest.

Guaranteed versus Direct Farm Loans:

With a guaranteed farm loan, the lender is FSA's customer, not the loan applicant. Guaranteed loans are the property and responsibility of the lender. The lender and loan applicant complete the Application for Guarantee and submit it to the FSA Service Center in their lending area. The Service Center works with the commercial lender to process the guarantee. The Farm Loan Officer reviews the application for applicant eligibility, repayment ability, adequacy of collateral, and compliance with other regulations, and if the applicant meets those requirements, the request is approved. The Service Center issues the lender a conditional commitment outlining the terms of the loan guarantee and indicating that the loan may be closed. The lender closes the loan and advances funds to the applicant, after which the Service Center staff issues the guarantee. The lender makes the loan and services it to conclusion. In the event the lender suffers a loss, FSA will reimburse the lender according to the terms and conditions specified in the guarantee.
A direct loan is funded directly by the Agency. The money used for direct loans comes from annual Congressional appropriations received as part of the USDA budget. The Agency is responsible for making and servicing the loan.

Types of Guaranteed Farm Loans:

- FARM OWNERSHIP loans may be used to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings and other fixtures, develop farmland to promote soil and water conservation, or to refinance debt.
- FARM OPERATING loans may be used to purchase livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other operating expenses. Operating loans also may be used to pay for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family living expenses, and to refinance debt under certain conditions. These loans may be structured as term loans or lines of credit depending upon the purpose and intended term of the loan.
- The EZ GUARANTEE Program is available for smaller loans. This program provides a simplified Guaranteed Loan application process to help small, new or underserved family farmers with early financial assistance. The EZ Guarantee is available for loan applications up to $100,000 for farm operating or farm ownership purposes. Streamlined financial underwriting is available for these loans, allowing all approved lenders to analyze the request in the same manner in which they would analyze a nonguaranteed loan request of the same size and type. All existing eligibility, loan purpose, security, and other requirements remain the same.

Qualifications:

To qualify for an FSA Guarantee, a loan applicant must:
- Be a citizen of the United States (or legal resident alien), which includes Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific Trust Territories
- Have an acceptable credit history as determined by the lender
- Have the legal capacity to incur responsibility for the loan obligation
- Be unable to obtain a loan without an FSA guarantee
- Not have caused FSA a financial loss by receiving debt forgiveness on more than 3 occasions on or prior to April 4, 1996, or any occasion after April 4, 1996, on either an FSA direct or guarantee loan
- Be the owner-operator or tenant-operator of a family farm after the loan is closed. For an Operating loan, the producer must be the operator of a family farm after the loan is closed. For a Farm Ownership loan, the producer also needs to own the farm
- Not be delinquent on any Federal debt.

Conservation Loan applicants do not have to meet the "family farm" definition nor do they have to be unable to obtain a loan without an FSA guarantee. All other eligibility requirements must be met.


- National Agricultural Library Farm Business Overview
- U.S. Small Business Administration Starting and Managing Your Business


Feed

Fertilizer

Pest Management

Seed

Historically Underserved

Interest Rates:

The Guaranteed loan interest rate and payment terms are negotiated between the lender and the applicant and may not exceed the maximum rates established by FSA.

Repayment Terms:

Repayment terms vary according to the type of loan made, the collateral securing the loan, and the producer's ability to repay. Operating Loans are normally repaid within 7 years and Farm Ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. Operating Lines of Credit may be advanced for up to five years and all advances must be repaid within 7 years of the date of the loan guarantee.

Contact FAME for the reservation application, which is due by April 30 of each year. A $100 reservation fee applies.

FAME Business Financing (general)

This program helps reduce a borrower's interest rate. Loans are approved and funded by the financial institution according to its own policies. The Maine State Treasurer makes a deposit in the form of a certificate of deposit (CD) with the originating lender at up to 2% less than the prevailing rate, provided a similar discount is applied to the interest rate on the lender's loan to the business.



The applicant's principal source of income must derive from producing crops or raising livestock. Funds must be applied to an agricultural operating loan (specifically for the purchase of seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, veterinary services, labor, production-related energy and/or other production) — not loans for capital projects.

Maximum CD investment of $200,000 (the actual loan may be greater — the $200,000 is the Treasurer's certificate of deposit, not a loan cap). Up to 2% interest-rate savings to the borrower. The CD is made for a maximum of one year (the loan term may be greater). Participation is limited to two years (an additional two years is available in limited cases). Collateral is at the lender's discretion; the CD is not pledged as collateral. $100 reservation fee (half may be refunded in limited cases).

There is no application form and no public application round. Mad Capital is a private lender, and the only route it publishes is a conversation with an advisor: "Reach out to learn more about how we can help your farm." Eligibility, terms, and underwriting are all decided in that conversation — "Get CLEAR, CUSTOMIZED TERMS based on your unique operation or situation."

How to start: call or text 866-FARM-MAD (866-327-6623), or email HOWDY@MADCAPITAL.COM. The contact page at https://madcapital.com/about/contact lists exactly that and nothing more — "866-FARM-MAD  HOWDY@MADCAPITAL.COM  Call or text." Mad Capital is in Boulder, CO 80304. Note that https://madcapital.com/contact (without /about) returns 404, so use the full path.

A warning about the button. Do NOT rely on the "APPLY NOW" button under "Apply for a real estate or land loan today" on https://madcapital.com/loans/real-estate. It looks like the way in, but it is decorative: the anchor's link target is empty in the page source (it carries a bare href=''), so clicking it goes nowhere. Re-verified in the live page source on 2026-09-04. Use "Contact an Advisor" / "Contact Us" or the phone number instead.

Intake is continuous. No deadline, round, or closing date is published anywhere, and Mad Capital's homepage carries a "NOW ACCEPTING NEW FARMERS" banner. Read that banner carefully, though — it also appears on the Transition Loans page, and that product is not lending yet (see below).

What to bring: not published. Mad Capital posts no document checklist, no credit or debt-service standard, and no decision timeline. Expect a lender's normal diligence on your balance sheet, cash flow, collateral, and your organic or transition plan — that is simply not spelled out in advance. It does promise "QUICK TURNAROUND TIMES," noting "We understand that time is of the essence when making these real estate deals."

One thing to know before you call: this record is named for the Perennial Fund, but Mad Capital's site now presents four products — Transition Loans, Operating Loans, Real Estate & Land Loans, and Equipment & Infrastructure Loans — and the advisor route above is the same door for all of them. If what you actually want is transition financing, that product is not lending yet: "WAITLIST NOW OPEN … Sign up for our transition financing waitlist to be the first to know when it's live. First come, first served." Real estate and land loans are live.

Every farm and farmer face a different set of obstacles. When capital is the primary barrier, THERE ARE FEW SOLUTIONS TO HELP ORGANIC OR REGENERATIVE FARMERS SUCCESSFULLY ACCESS THE CAPITAL THEY NEED.


That’s why Mad Capital offers FLEXIBLE, CUSTOMIZED, AND TRANSPARENT REAL ESTATE AND LAND LOANS for farmers at all stages of their regenerative organic journey. Access capital from a mission-aligned and experienced team that will work to understand your expansion goals.



Every farm and farmer face a different set of obstacles. When capital is the primary barrier, THERE ARE FEW SOLUTIONS TO HELP ORGANIC OR REGENERATIVE FARMERS SUCCESSFULLY ACCESS THE CAPITAL THEY NEED.

That’s why Mad Capital offers FLEXIBLE, CUSTOMIZED, AND TRANSPARENT REAL ESTATE AND LAND LOANS for farmers at all stages of their regenerative organic journey. Access capital from a mission-aligned and experienced team that will work to understand your expansion goals.

Mad Capital publishes no eligibility criteria. This is a private, mission-driven lender, not a program with a rulebook — there is no application window, no scoring, and no posted qualifying test. Underwriting is done case by case with an advisor.

The only qualifier the site actually states is what kind of farmer it lends to: "FINANCING FOR REGENERATIVE RANCHERS & ORGANIC FARMERS," described as "The most flexible, transparent, and customized financing built exclusively for organic, regenerative, and transitioning farmers." You do not need to be certified already — the offer is aimed at "farmers at all stages of their regenerative organic journey." As of this writing the page says "Now accepting new farmers."

What the real-estate and land loan is for, which is the closest thing to a use test: acquiring adjacent land, converting more acres to organic or regenerative, funding a succession or retirement while preserving equity, cashing out equity to reinvest, buying land you currently lease, and lowering a down payment against existing equity.

What is NOT published anywhere: no state or regional restriction, no acreage minimum, no revenue floor or ceiling, no credit-score or debt-service threshold, no years-of-farming requirement, no ownership or tenure test, and no beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged audience restriction or priority. Expect a lender's normal diligence on your balance sheet, cash flow, and collateral regardless — that is simply not spelled out in advance.

Your next step, and a practical warning: the "APPLY NOW" button on the real-estate loan page currently links nowhere (its link target is empty), so use "Contact an Advisor" / the contact page or call 866-FARM-MAD (866-327-6623) instead. Eligibility will be assessed in that conversation.

Waste & Manure Management

Training

Research

Compliance

Waste & Compost

Complete the Master Application (PDF: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/docs/00Fullmaster-application_20240925.pdf). All applicants complete Section 1 (General Applicant Information) and a vendor form, then any applicable assistance sections. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. Questions: PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov or pfas.dacf@maine.gov.

Maine DACF — PFAS Response Program / PFAS Fund

Shiela Leonard

DACF supports Maine farmers facing PFAS contamination to make adjustments that allow them to remain in business and produce safe food, through the PFAS Response Program and the Fund to Address PFAS&#x2004;Contamination (PFAS Fund, established with $60 million). This record covers the **Farm Financial Assistance** applied for through a single Master Application, which comprises:


- **Administrative Cost Grant** (Section 2): a one-time grant partially compensating farms for time spent on activities upon initial discovery of PFAS contamination.

- **Income Replacement** (Section 3): up to a total of 24 months of lost income, adjusted for inflation, for farms that stopped selling products due to PFAS.

- **Technical Assistance / Professional Services** (Section 4): support for professional services guiding recovery (business planning, marketing, etc.).

- **Clean Feed Assistance** (Section 5): support for clean feed for livestock health and depuration goals.

- **Equipment and Input Costs** (Section 6): support to convert operations to new products and production methods.

- **Infrastructure** (Section 7): support for permanent physical assets and structures aiding transition.

- **Debt Service on Existing Loans** (Section 8): payment of loans tied to pre-discovery farm infrastructure.

- **New Loan Assistance** (Section 9): support for costs of obtaining a new loan.


Three additional PFAS programs — the **Farm Testing Reimbursement Payment Program**, the **Farm Water Treatment Program**, and **Livestock Depopulation Funding** — have their own applications and appear as separate funding-library records. The no-cost **PFAS Navigator Program** provides one-on-one support to impacted farmers.



DACF supports Maine farmers facing PFAS contamination to make adjustments that allow them to remain in business and produce safe food, through the PFAS Response Program and the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund, established with $60 million). This record covers the Farm Financial Assistance applied for through a single Master Application, which comprises:

- Administrative Cost Grant (Section 2): a one-time grant partially compensating farms for time spent on activities upon initial discovery of PFAS contamination.
- Income Replacement (Section 3): up to a total of 24 months of lost income, adjusted for inflation, for farms that stopped selling products due to PFAS.
- Technical Assistance / Professional Services (Section 4): support for professional services guiding recovery (business planning, marketing, etc.).
- Clean Feed Assistance (Section 5): support for clean feed for livestock health and depuration goals.
- Equipment and Input Costs (Section 6): support to convert operations to new products and production methods.
- Infrastructure (Section 7): support for permanent physical assets and structures aiding transition.
- Debt Service on Existing Loans (Section 8): payment of loans tied to pre-discovery farm infrastructure.
- New Loan Assistance (Section 9): support for costs of obtaining a new loan.

Three additional PFAS programs — the Farm Testing Reimbursement Payment Program, the Farm Water Treatment Program, and Livestock Depopulation Funding — have their own applications and appear as separate funding-library records. The no-cost PFAS Navigator Program provides one-on-one support to impacted farmers.

In general, commercial farms are eligible if: (1) the farm has DACF-confirmed unsafe levels of PFAS contamination - one or more farm-product samples exceeding current Action Levels or deemed of concern by the Maine CDC, and/or groundwater exceeding Maine's enforceable interim drinking water standard, and/or soil exceeding a current Maine CDC crop-specific screening level; and (2) the farm has partnered with DACF to investigate the scope of contamination and granted ongoing access. A commercial farm is a farm that produces any farm product with the intent that it be sold or otherwise disposed of to generate income. Some sections have additional or different eligibility requirements noted within the Master Application.

DACF PFAS financial assistance programs are subject to change and to funding availability. Payments to producers may be considered reportable income by the IRS and/or Maine Revenue Services, and producers are responsible for payment of all taxes. Income Replacement is limited to up to 24 months of lost income (inflation-adjusted) and to 2 years from the date of discovery of elevated PFAS levels.

Application

Applicants must verify in their application that commercial lender or Farm Service Agency loan proceeds are available to help complete the proposed farming project. Applicants that are awarded grants may not materially deviate from their approved business plans without approval from MARBIDCO and the participating commercial lender.

Mail completed applications to:

MARBIDCO Programs
1410 Forest Dr., Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403

Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Company

Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).


MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds&#x2004;to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.


This grant is designed to provide an incentive for beginning urban farmers to seek commercial lender financing for the development of their urban agricultural enterprises, including the purchase of a farm property in an eligible urban area. MARBIDCO has partnered with [Horizon Farm Credit](https://www.horizonfc.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-O6zBhASEiwAOHeGxSUkjM_YAqpKchvFG8ExFgVyT_Qm7QYz_8l7Ebu2K2-tco4QAszh3RoCNDIQAvD_BwE) to establish and manage this fund. Call us today for more information on how to apply for this grant at 410-267-6807.



Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).

MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.

This grant is designed to provide an incentive for beginning urban farmers to seek commercial lender financing for the development of their urban agricultural enterprises, including the purchase of a farm property in an eligible urban area. MARBIDCO has partnered with Horizon Farm Credit to establish and manage this fund. Call us today for more information on how to apply for this grant at 410-267-6807.

Eligibility
Applicants must be Beginning Urban Farmers, which are defined as being farmers (either individuals or incorporated businesses) with the principal operator(s) having:
- 10 or fewer years of commercial farming experience – either in a for-profit or not-for-profit setting or having limited personal or business financial resources (net worth less than $300,000);
- A commercial food/fiber growing operation located in an urban area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and ​any incorporated municipality recognized by the State of Maryland.
Eligible business activities include the purchase of:
- Real estate
- Agricultural inputs and supplies such as seeds, fertilizer, compost, and 
- baskets.
- Farm tools and equipment.
- Greenhouses, high tunnels, refrigeration, and irrigation systems; and
- Hired labor (at no more than 20% of the total eligible project cost).


Maximum Grant Amount: $15,000 for equipment and working capital and $35,000 for real property, but no more than 25% of the project's total cost. In addition, the grant amount can be no more than 33% of the approved commercial loan for this project. Minimum Grant Amount: $1,000. (This means there must be an approved commercial loan of at least $3,000.) Commercial Lender Participation: Required. A commercial lender must have approved a loan to fund the proposed urban farming project before a grant will be awarded. Disbursement of Funds: Funds will be disbursed to approved applicants on a schedule to be determined when the grant is awarded.

Application Forms
FSA-2001, Request for Direct Loan Assistance (Instructions)
*All FSA direct loan applications require the same basic forms. When you meet with your FSA county Farm Loan Program staff, you may be asked to complete additional forms based on applicable loan program requirements for the loan type.

Technical Assistance
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 necessary information; explain the application procedure, process, and requirements; assist in completing FSA forms and identifying information sources if requested; inform applicants of other technical assistance providers who may help at minimal or no charge (e.g., the Cooperative Extension Service, non-profit organizations, the Intertribal Agriculture Council); and advise applicants of alternatives to overcome barriers to eligibility.

Suggestions for Meeting with a Farm Loan Officer: have a general idea of your goals; keep good records of income and expenses; bring financial records including tax returns for the most recent production cycle; bring copies of any written leases; and check your credit report before applying.

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&#x2004;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)



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)

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

- Fact Sheet: Microloans (PDF, 260 KB)
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP (PDF, 2.5 MB)
- Farm Answers Library
- National Agrability Project
- National Organic Program
- Natural Resources and Conservation Service Resources for Small Farms
- USDA Information for Veterans


Nutrition & Food Safety

Disaster Relief

Emergency

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.

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.

Contact MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

MASBDA

This MASBDA program provides financial benefits to Missouri youth who undertake crop or livestock production projects, guaranteeing a portion of a loan made by a participating lender.



Participants must be active 4-H or FFA members enrolled in livestock or field crop projects. They need parental consent, leader/advisor approval, and must meet lender repayment standards. Applicants aged 18 and older must provide citizenship certification.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture guarantees 50 percent of a loan up to $3,000 for a two-year period. Funds may cover livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, and fuel; up to 25 percent may purchase equipment such as feeders, waterers, and farrowing crates. A non-refundable $25 application fee is required.

To apply, the applicant must submit completed plans and budgets signed by the project advisor and parent or guardian along with the FSA application for loan assistance.

For more details, see the Application Instructions.

Submit your complete Application packet to your local FSA office.

FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in [4-H clubs](http://4-h.org/), [FFA](https://www.ffa.org/home), a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project&#x2004;being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.


The Youth Loan application requires a recommendation from a project advisor who verifies that he/she will sponsor the loan applicant, has the correct training and experience to supervise your project, and is available to help whenever needed.


If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 years at the time of loan closing, parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must consent  to the loan application. Young people applying for a Youth Loan are personally responsible for repaying the loan. A co-signer is required only if the project shows possible difficulty in repaying the loan or does not meet security requirements.


**Loan Purposes:**


Youth loan funds must be used only to pay the expenses associated with an approved project.

- Buy livestock, seed, equipment and supplies

- Buy, rent or repair needed tools and equipment

- Pay operating expenses for the project



FSA makes loans to individual young persons to start and operate income-producing projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, FFA, a Tribal youth group, or similar agricultural youth organization. The project being financed with an FSA Youth Loan needs to provide an opportunity for the young person to acquire experience and education in agriculture-related skills.

The Youth Loan application requires a recommendation from a project advisor who verifies that he/she will sponsor the loan applicant, has the correct training and experience to supervise your project, and is available to help whenever needed.

If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 years at the time of loan closing, parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) must consent  to the loan application. Young people applying for a Youth Loan are personally responsible for repaying the loan. A co-signer is required only if the project shows possible difficulty in repaying the loan or does not meet security requirements.

Loan Purposes:

Youth loan funds must be used only to pay the expenses associated with an approved project.
- Buy livestock, seed, equipment and supplies
- Buy, rent or repair needed tools and equipment
- Pay operating expenses for the project

Project Requirements:

The approved project to be financed must:
- Be able to produce sufficient income to repay the loan amount plus accrued interest in full;
- Be related to agricultural;
- Be educational;
- Be part of an organized and supervised program
- not be a noneligible enterprise.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

In addition to the items listed for project requirements, Youth loan applicants also must:
- Be a United States citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified legal alien;
- Have no controlled substance convictions;
- Have no past due debt problems;
- Have not caused the Government a financial loss on previous loan assistance;
- Have not received debt forgiveness from FSA.

Noneligible Enterprises:

Youth loan funds may not finance:
- Exotic animals, birds, or fish not normally associated with agricultural production
- Non-farm animals, birds, or fish ordinarily used for pets, companionship, or pleasure
- Market or process farm products, goods or services not produced by the youth loan applicant, even if it might be agriculturally related

Youth loans accrue at the same interest rate as the Direct Operating loan rate. Loan applicants receive the advantage of always being charged the lower rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing. Interest rates are calculated and posted the 1st of each month.

Repayment periods vary from 1 to 7 years. The length of the loan depends upon the amount of the loan, the loan purpose, and the project.

Two-phase competitive solicitation via the DCED Electronic Single Application (grants.pa.gov). Phase I is a Full Proposal; highest-combined-score projects are invited to submit a Final Grant Proposal. The FY2025-26 RFP was released November 10, 2025 with Full Proposals due December 19, 2025; the next cycle is expected around November 2026.

Holly Zarefoss

The purpose of the Commonwealth Specialty Crop Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It funds specialty crops that are not currently eligible under the federal program or are otherwise designated high-priority by the Secretary, assisting the growth, seed certification, and marketing of eligible crops. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Market Development) under Act 40 of 2019.



Eligible applicants include state and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty-crop stakeholders. Eligible crops (FY2025-26): hemp, hardwoods, honey, hops, barley/rye/wheat (for distilling, brewing, and malting only), and flax (for fiber only). Grants may not be awarded to projects that directly benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

A total of $460,000 is awarded through this reimbursement-based grant, on a funds-available basis. Matching funds are not required. Grant funds cannot be expended on purchases/services that predate the grant agreement's effective date or that are incurred after June 30, 2029. Annual and Final performance reports are required. Set-asides: 6.2% for rural and 3.8% for urban distressed municipalities, with the balance split across crop types.

Submit an emailed proposal to ndacontracts@agri.nv.gov including prior growing experience, a response to the Cost Schedule (species and acreage), a completed Nevada Native Seed Grow-Out Application, contact info, and a water-rights permit. The 2026 solicitation closed August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST. The State intended to award up to six (6) four-year contracts; solicitations recur, so watch the Grant Opportunities page for the next cycle.

Nevada Department of Agriculture — Contracts

A Nevada Department of Agriculture program that awards paid four-year contracts (up to six per solicitation) to Nevada growers who produce locally adapted native seed for the state's post-wildfire restoration needs. Growers receive per-acre compensation and starter seed plus technical support through Nevada's Foundation Seed Program (FSP).



Open to Nevada-resident agricultural producers/growers. Cooperators must be the legal landowner (or hold notarized landowner authorization), have appropriate water rights for the site, control noxious weeds per NRS 555, and keep the majority of the growing area within Nevada. Priority to applicants who demonstrate the most knowledge of the species they apply to grow.

A dedicated market or distribution channel provided by an organization that may include financial incentives.

Channel

Growers are paid to produce native seed for state restoration on a four-year contract (subject to Board of Examiners approval). Production funding is set per acre by species difficulty at $4,000, $5,000, or $6,000 per acre; payment is made in two installments (80% at contract establishment, 20% at completion). All harvested clean seed is returned to the Department during the contract; seed produced from those fields after the contract term is the grower's to sell. Total funding available for the initiative is $316,445.

Applicants must contact their Cooperative Extension agents by Oct. 14 to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Extension agents will remain a resource for farmers throughout the year as they complete their projects.

After discussing the project with an Extension agent, complete the application and submit either by email or regular mail:
 Email Requirements:
- All proposal documents, including attachments, must be in PDF format.
- All sections of application must be submitted; including SECTIONS VI, VII and Letters of Support (scans are acceptable). If awarded, you will need to provide originals before any money is dispersed.
- Proposal to be in a single PDF file if possible. If file is too big, the attachments can be sent as one document and the application as a separate document.
- Email application to agoptions@wnccommunities.org
- Please include the words 2023 WNC AgOptions Application in the subject line.

Mail or Hand-Delivery Requirements:
If sending a hard copy, a traceable/trackable mailing method is suggested. Mail or Hand Deliver to:
WNC AgOptions Project Coordinator
WNC Communities
594 Brevard Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806

WNC AgOptions Coordinator

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2025 GRANT CYCLE CANCELLED

Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread damage to our local communities and agricultural lands in Western North Carolina. Families have been displaced, farms have been devastated, and livelihoods are at risk. While the region recovers from the disaster, we regretfully have made the decision to cancel the upcoming grant cycle. This will allow our family farms to concentrate on recovery efforts and&#x2004;allow the resources in the region to focus on assisting farmers and their families.


Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.

The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.



IMPORTANT NOTICE: 2025 GRANT CYCLE CANCELLED
Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread damage to our local communities and agricultural lands in Western North Carolina. Families have been displaced, farms have been devastated, and livelihoods are at risk. While the region recovers from the disaster, we regretfully have made the decision to cancel the upcoming grant cycle. This will allow our family farms to concentrate on recovery efforts and allow the resources in the region to focus on assisting farmers and their families.

Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.
The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.

Applicants are residents of North Carolina who demonstrate the economic viability of farms in Western North Carolina. Support is provided to individual farmers/farms that are diversifying or expanding their operations to increase farm income and encourage the sustainability of the farm businesses. The farm must be one in which the family holds the financial responsibility, takes the risks, and provides the majority of the management decisions for the farm business. WNC AgOptions awards grants to a variety of farm operations, including: fruits & vegetables, livestock, nurseries, agritourism, beekeeping and value-added processing. While agriculture is a varied and diverse industry that can be defined in many ways, WNC AgOptions favors applicants who operate a business and manage land for the purpose of producing crops for harvest and sale. Any funding requests should be for items directly related to the growing and harvesting of crops for sale, including livestock. WNC AgOptions also favors agritourism operations that are for the purpose of inviting the public on farm to increase sales of farm products.


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

Cost Share

Farmers Market

Recreation

Suitable expenses are those associated with the production and marketing of diversified farm enterprises and agri-tourism endeavors. Examples include, but are not limited to: seeds, fertilizer, plants, amendments, livestock, trainings, advertisements, packaging, fences, signage, facilities, supplies, tools and specialized equipment. Items that cannot be funded by the award include: farmer labor, pre-existing farm debt, and expenses that are dated outside of the grant period.

Funds must be used as stated in the applicant’s proposal. Use of funds inconsistent with the proposal will result in forfeiture of award and repayment of funds.

WNC AgOptions will provide cash awards to projects with budgets that are at least 10% higher than the amount of the award request. An award request of $4,000 would require a project budget of at least $4,400 and a $8,000 award request would require a budget of at least $8,800.

The $6,000 awards are only available for farmers who write a business plan for their project.

List of Agricultural Funding for Seed