Southeast Beginning Farmers Stipend

RAFI-USA is accepting applications for the 2023 Beginning Farmers Stipend, a new granting program. Stipends support the success of beginning farmers by helping to reduce financial barriers and may be used to cover farming start-up and/or production costs. Individual applicants may request between $3,000 – $5,000 in funding.

• Only persons identifying as farmers of color may apply.

• This funding is intended to support farmers with less than three years of experience* as a principal operator, who are committed to owning and operating a viable, sustainable farm business.  

• You must be the owner or co-owner of the farming operation or plan to launch your farm business in 2023. 

• You must be farming or ranching in the U.S. Southeast: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA.**

• Farmers producing any agricultural product, at any scale, and for any market, are invited to apply.

Funding priority will be given to proposals with:

• High expected impact 

• Clear farmer commitment

• Strong project planning and feasibility

• Demonstrated individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area

Apply online in English or Spanish.

• Info Page