Browse Ambrook’s collection of discounts for agricultural operations.

This form is used to apply for the Small and Very Small Producers Cattle program: QAD 1020C Form Application for SVS Cattle Program (doc)
Applications should be submitted via email to QAD.Auditservice@usda.gov. If email is not possible hard copy application can be submitted to:
USDA, AMS, LP, Quality Assessment Division
Audit Services Branch
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Stop 0258 – Rm3932S
Washington, DC 20250

This form is used to apply for the Small and Very Small Producers Sheep program: QAD 1020S Form Application for SVS Sheep Program (doc)
Applications should be submitted via email to QAD.Auditservice@usda.gov. If email is not possible hard copy application can be submitted to:
USDA, AMS, LP, Quality Assessment Division
Audit Services Branch
1400 Independence Ave. S.W.
Stop 0258 – Rm3932S
Washington, DC 20250

AMS reviews a producer’s application and detailed farm/ranch plan. If the information is sufficient, AMS approves the producer and the cattle and/or sheep as meeting the requirements of the USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers.  Producers certified under this program receive a certificate that allows them to market cattle and sheep as USDA Certified grass-fed.

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Grants Division

The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers was designed to create opportunities for small-scale livestock producers who would like to have their ruminant animals certified as grass fed. Producers certified under this program receive a certificate that allows them to market cattle and sheep as USDA Certified grass-fed.



This program, is designed for producers who market 49 cattle or less each year or lambs produced from 99 ewes or less.

This program requires that ruminant animals be fed only grass and forage, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning.  Animals certified under this program cannot be fed grain or grain by-products and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.

The “49 cattle or less” or “lambs produced from 99 or less ewes” rule is based upon the smallest groups identified in the Census of Agriculture.

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

Discount

Cattle

Lambs

Ewes

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Livestock

Sheep

- Official Listing for Grass Fed Beef SVS Program
- Official Listing for Grass Fed Sheep SVS Program
- QAD 1020: Grass Fed Program SVS Producers
- QAD 1020C: Application for SVS Cattle Program
- QAD 1020S: Application for SVS Sheep Program
- National Grass Fed Beef Report (Monthly)

Certified Organic

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

Regenerative

Cost of the Service: The set fee for the review is $155.00/hour.
Duration of the approval: Two year period.

Complete the appropriate application below, and then mail a notarized copy to
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 
Attn: Heritage/Century Farms Program
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

- Application
- Application Directions

Kelley Reece

**The Century Farms Program** recognizes and honors those individuals who have owned the farm land for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when over 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.

**The Heritage Farm Program** recognizes farm families that have owned at least 40 acres for 150 years or more.



The Century Farms Program recognizes and honors those individuals who have owned the farm land for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when over 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.
The Heritage Farm Program recognizes farm families that have owned at least 40 acres for 150 years or more.

Century Farm Program Eligibility
- Consecutive ownership within the same family for 100 years or more of at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa farmland.
- Present owner must be related to a person who owned the land 100 years ago.
Heritage Farm Program Eligibility
- Must have at least 40 acres of the original holding of Iowa Farmland
- Consecutive ownership within the same family for 150 years or more by the end of year applying
- Present owner must be related to a person who owned the land 150 years ago

- Searchable Database of All Century and Heritage Farms
- Application Directions

Farmers Market

Food Systems

Certificates and markers will be presented at a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair in August.


To be paired with a farmer for mentorship, apply online using this portal.
To apply to be a mentor, apply online using this portal.

Sarah Woutat

The Marbleseed mentorship program empowers organic farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.


The mentorship program empowers organic farmers through&#x2004;one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.


Beginning in January, mentors and mentees work together to set goals for the mentorship year and build a communication system tailored for their individual needs and preferences.

Unlike many internship programs, the mentored farmer is not required to help on the mentor’s farm. Instead, the mentor visits the mentored farmer at least once during the year and is available to communicate and answer questions via phone and email.

Both mentor and mentee receive complimentary registration for two years of the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, the country’s premier education and networking event about organic agriculture. The pairs begin planning at one conference and wrap up their formal relationship at the following year's conference.

The pair also receives updates throughout the year regarding other organic educational opportunities, such as field days and workshops.



The Marbleseed mentorship program empowers organic farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.

The mentorship program empowers organic farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.

Beginning in January, mentors and mentees work together to set goals for the mentorship year and build a communication system tailored for their individual needs and preferences.
Unlike many internship programs, the mentored farmer is not required to help on the mentor’s farm. Instead, the mentor visits the mentored farmer at least once during the year and is available to communicate and answer questions via phone and email.
Both mentor and mentee receive complimentary registration for two years of the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, the country’s premier education and networking event about organic agriculture. The pairs begin planning at one conference and wrap up their formal relationship at the following year's conference.
The pair also receives updates throughout the year regarding other organic educational opportunities, such as field days and workshops.

Mentored Farmers
Applicants must have been operating their farm business for at least one year prior to application date. We have found that farmers at this stage have more experience with basic farming issues and know where they need guidance. 
Mentors
The Marbleseed team matches experienced farmer mentors with a mentee, paired by specialty and proximity to each other’s farms. Mentors receive a stipend for sharing their time and knowledge with a mentee. Additional requirements are listed on the application form.

Stewardship

Succession

Certification

Legal & Finance

See here for application form details. To apply, see the following steps:
1. The farmer/rancher seeking financing obtains application forms (Official Action Certificate and Loan Submission Voucher) from the NIFA website/office or from their lender.
2. The farmer/rancher and their lender negotiate the terms of the agricultural loan.
3. The application materials (including Loan Submission Voucher of lender, Official Action Certificate of Borrower, and a draft copy of the loan note and amortization schedule) are completed by the lender and borrower and submitted to NIFA, along with the borrower's $250 application fee. If the application is approved, NIFA will issue an Intent Resolution to issue bonds.
4. NIFA must hold a public hearing on the issuance of bonds for the project (requiring a public notice published at least 14 days prior).
5. When all terms of the bond are finalized, the farmer(s) or rancher(s) may request final approval from NIFA, and preparation of final bond closing documents for execution. (Elected Official's Approval must be obtained by NIFA from the Nebraska Secretary of State prior to loan closing and bond issuance.)
6. All parties may then execute the documents, close the bond issue, and fund the underlying loan. Generally, NIFA mails these documents to the loan closing site prior to the closing date.
7. All payments on the NIFA loan are made directly to the local originating lender.

Application Fees:

The $250 application fee is non-refundable but will be applied to the total fees due to NIFA at closing. The farmer or rancher must pay the following fees at the time of closing, which may be paid from (included in) the loan proceeds (in an amount up to 2% of the principal amount of the loan before fees), if permitted by the purchaser of the bond (the lender):
- NIFA Fee: 1.25% of the principal loan amount ($250 minimum)
- Bond/NIFA Counsel Fee
- Allocation Fee: $150 

For example, the fees on a $150,000 [base] loan would be $2,925: ((150,000 x .0125) + (150,000 x .006) + 150). All or a portion are includable in the loan because $2,925 is less than 2% of $150,000. If including all the fees, the total loan amount would be $152,925 ($150,000 + $2,925).

The total fees charged on a loan shall not exceed a maximum limit of $4,775* (*loans of $250,000 and higher).

Dudley Beyer

The&#x2004;NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program assists farmers and ranchers to obtain agricultural loans at interest rates generally lower than those available in the conventional farm credit markets. This is accomplished by the issuance of a bond by NIFA, the interest on which is exempt from federal and Nebraska state income tax. The lender then sets the rate of interest on the farm loan to reflect the tax-exempt rate on the bond.



The NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program assists farmers and ranchers to obtain agricultural loans at interest rates generally lower than those available in the conventional farm credit markets. This is accomplished by the issuance of a bond by NIFA, the interest on which is exempt from federal and Nebraska state income tax. The lender then sets the rate of interest on the farm loan to reflect the tax-exempt rate on the bond.

To qualify as a beginning farmer or rancher, the borrower must meet the following criteria:
- Be an individual actively engaged in an agricultural or ranch operation or must become actively engaged in an agricultural or ranch operation upon receiving the loan.
    - The loan may not be made to a firm, partnership or corporation.
- Have a net worth (including the net worth of the farmer's or rancher's spouse) of not more than $500,000.
    - "Net worth" for this program is all assets, valued at their fair market value, less indebtedness.
- Be an individual who has not at any time had any direct or indirect ownership interest in "substantial farmland".
    - "Substantial farmland" is any parcel of land greater than 30% of the median size of a farm in the county in which the parcel is located (see Previous Ownership table).
    - Any ownership or material participation, or financing received by the person's spouse or minor child is treated as ownership and material participation or financing received by the borrower. (Property farmed under a true lease or rental arrangement is generally not considered as "owned".)
    - An individual who owned farmland which was subsequently disposed of while such individual was insolvent may, in some situations, still qualify as a first-time farmer for this program. Contact NIFA for the specific requirements.
    - An individual with an interest in a trust, corporation, or partnership, in which the trust, corporation, or partnership owns land, may be disqualified as a first-time farmer. Contact NIFA for details.

The aggregate amount of the loans (subject to limitations on depreciable property) received by a farmer or rancher (including the farmer or rancher's spouse or minor children) cannot exceed $552,500* (*adjusted annually for inflation/deflation).

Eligible Agricultural Projects:

- Real estate used in an agricultural operation, including improvements to real estate such as terracing, wells, water impoundment and permanently-affixed buildings used for farming purposes.
    - The beginning farmer acquiring the farmland must be the principal user of the land, and materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm.
    - The land to be acquired is used only for an agricultural purpose.
    - The total amount of loans to finance the land, together with any portion of the loans allocated to financing depreciable property, may not exceed $552,500*. (See specific limits on financing depreciable property.). If real estate acquired with proceeds of a loan includes the financing of used equipment or other property, the value of such used equipment and property financed as part of the loan may not exceed $62,500.  (*adjusted annually for inflation/deflation)
- Depreciable property used in an agricultural trade or business, including, but not limited to, equipment and breeding livestock.
    - The total amount of loans for existing (used) depreciable property/livestock may not exceed $62,500.
    - The total amount of loans for both new and existing depreciable property (including breeding stock) may not exceed $250,000.
    - The total amount of loans for depreciable property (subject to the foregoing limits), when aggregated with any NIFA loan for real estate, may not exceed $552,500*.

Proceeds of the agricultural loans may not be used to provide working capital or to refinance existing Ag indebtedness incurred more than 60 days prior to NIFA approval. These loans may be used, with certain restrictions, for property purchased at auction.

Agricultural loan proceeds may be used to purchase eligible projects from a related person under certain circumstances. Contact NIFA with questions on individual situations.

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

Loan

- Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program FAQs
- Beginning Farmer and Ranching Program Flyer

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Historically Underserved

Infrastructure

The loan terms (interest rate, length of term, etc.) are negotiated between the lender and the borrower. The term of the loan may not exceed 30 years. The interest rate on the loan must be at a rate that is below what the lender would charge on a similar type of loan not financed with proceeds of a tax-exempt bond.

Interested farmers should find an eligible lender willing to provide financing, then apply to Business Oregon using this application.

The application cannot be reviewed unless the department has received all of the following: 
- $250 application fee 
- Background letter from applicant and lender 
- Current personal financial statement witnessed by a bank officer and signed by all loan applicants 
- Complete application form signed by both parties 
- All required Certifications and Certificates

Lenders with questions about issuance fees and project structures should contact Business Oregon.

Business Oregon

The purpose of the Beginning and Expanding Farmer Loan Program (aka Aggie Bond Program) is to provide affordable financing&#x2004;to new farmers for financing capital purchases.


The Aggie Bond Program allows the lender to avoid paying income taxes on interest the lender receives from the borrower. The lender passes on this savings to the borrower in the form of a lower interest rate. The state of Oregon does not provide a repayment guarantee of the Aggie Bond. The lender assumes all credit risks, and the borrower is solely responsible for repaying the Aggie Bond.



The purpose of the Beginning and Expanding Farmer Loan Program (aka Aggie Bond Program) is to provide affordable financing to new farmers for financing capital purchases.

The Aggie Bond Program allows the lender to avoid paying income taxes on interest the lender receives from the borrower. The lender passes on this savings to the borrower in the form of a lower interest rate. The state of Oregon does not provide a repayment guarantee of the Aggie Bond. The lender assumes all credit risks, and the borrower is solely responsible for repaying the Aggie Bond.

A person must:
- Be an Oregon resident
- Have a net worth of no more than $750,000
- Be a principal user of the farm and materially and substantially participate on the farm
- Have never owned/operated a farm that was larger than 30% of the county's median farm size


- Program flier 
- Application
- Fiscal Yr 2016-2020
- OAR 123-052

The maximum Aggie Bond financing is $520,000. Aggie Bond financing can be used for:
- Purchase of farm land
- Costs of depreciable farm property. Financing of new depreciable property (such as construction of farm buildings and new equipment) is limited to $250,000. Financing of used depreciable farm property is limited to $62,500.

Most entities that are in the business of making agricultural loans (such as commercial banks and Northwest Farm Credit Services) are eligible to be Aggie Bond lenders. A lender may not be a substantial user of the financed property, or related to a substantial user of that property. The Aggie Bond Program has some unique features, and works most easily with eligible lenders who have reviewed the program requirements and expressed an interest in participating.

Roxana Newton

Economic Development Project Controller

Bon Wier

The Young Farmer Interest Rate Reduction (YFIRR) Program is intended to facilitate a lower interest rate to agricultural producers or agribusiness owners who are between 18 and 46 years of age through a commercial lender. The&#x2004;YFIRR program provides an interest reduction to the borrower on a qualifying bank loan for an eligible project. The Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas deposits funds in a bank (which must be a state approved depository) at a below market interest rate. The bank issues a loan of like amount, at no more than 4% above the interest rate on the state's deposit. The program does not offer a guaranty or participation by the Authority in the loan. 



The Young Farmer Interest Rate Reduction (YFIRR) Program is intended to facilitate a lower interest rate to agricultural producers or agribusiness owners who are between 18 and 46 years of age through a commercial lender. The YFIRR program provides an interest reduction to the borrower on a qualifying bank loan for an eligible project. The Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas deposits funds in a bank (which must be a state approved depository) at a below market interest rate. The bank issues a loan of like amount, at no more than 4% above the interest rate on the state's deposit. The program does not offer a guaranty or participation by the Authority in the loan. 

- Any person who is 18 years of age but younger than 46 years who proposes to use loan proceeds for the creation or expansion of an agricultural business in Texas.
- The applicant should discuss the program with his or her lender and have the lender submit the application.
- Eligible lenders include any financial institution that makes commercial loans and is an approved depository for state funds.
- Farm Credit System lenders are not eligible because they are not able to accept deposits form the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- The lender and the borrower determine the repayment, maturity and collateral for the loan.  

Use of Funds:

Loan proceeds may be used for any agriculture-related operating expense, including:
- The purchase or lease of land;
- Fixed asset acquisition or improvement; and/or
- Any enterprise based on agriculture, as identified in the application.
- A loan under this program may be applied to existing debt only when required by the lender to finance the expansion of an eligible project. 

Interest Rate Determination: The Comptroller of Public Accounts places a linked deposit with a participating financial institution. The interest rate on the linked deposit is determined on the date the loan is funded and based on matching the loan maturity date to the closest U.S. Treasury bill or note maturity date or the end of the State’s fiscal biennium (Aug. 31 of each odd numbered year). Typically, YFIRR loans offer interest rates lower than current market rates.

Term Requirements: The lender and the borrower determine repayment, maturity and collateral for the loan.

Are you interested in becoming involved in the TOPP network? Let us know using one of the following forms:
- General Interest Form
- Transitioning Producer (Mentee) Application
- Mentor Application

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are&#x2004;partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.

The partner organizations will:

- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.

- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.

- Provide community building opportunities to include:

    - Train-the-mentor support

    - Technical assistance

    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing

- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.

- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 

Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.

TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.



The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
The partner organizations will:
- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.
- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.
- Provide community building opportunities to include:
    - Train-the-mentor support
    - Technical assistance
    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing
- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.
- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 
Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.
TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.

Education

- Interactive TOPP map with state-by-state partner listings
    - Use this interactive map to explore the partner organizations located in your state. When you click on an individual state, the map will take you to the page in the document that displays contact information for partners in that state. When you click on a region, you will be taken to the first state, listed alphabetically in that region. In the bottom right corner of the contact information page, there is a link to return to the main map.
- Transitional Production Plan (TPP) - Crops (pdf)
- Transitional Production Plan (TPP) – Livestock (pdf)
- TOPP Fact Sheet (pdf)
- TOPP Success Stories
- News Release: Organic Transition Initiative (issued August 22, 2022)
- Transitioning to Organic
- Farmers.gov – Organic Farmers (check here for information on Organic Cost Share, NRCS programs, Insurance and Disaster Assistance and more)
- Organic Regulations


Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Trade Relief

Labor

Apply online by choosing the type of advising you wish to receive below:
- Farm Business Advising
- Forest Products Business Advising
- Food Systems Business Advising
- Forestland Ownership Succession Advising


Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program

The Viability Program offers business planning and technical assistance to enterprises that keep Vermont's working landscape in production. These include: farm businesses of&#x2004;all sizes and sectors; food businesses that process, store, market, or distribute local agricultural products; and forest products businesses such as maple producers, consulting forestry firms, loggers, sawmills, craftspeople and wood manufacturers.

The Viability Program also offers ownership succession planning for all the business types listed above. Additionally, the program provides forestland ownership succession planning assistance to families who own forestland in Vermont. 

## Services

The Viability Program provides a range of services, from in-depth long-term business planning to short-term specialized assistance, including:

- Business Planning

- Enterprise Analysis

- Financial Record-keeping and Management

- Marketing and Sales

- Human Resources Management

- Management Coaching

- Retirement & Ownership Succession Planning


## How It Works

The Viability Program matches participants with advisers who have the specific skills to meet their needs. The Viability Program contracts these advisers to provide on-site, one-on-one, custom-tailored assistance for participants. Services are provided free of charge following a $75 enrollment fee. In some cases, if the scope of work is larger than what the program can cover, participants will need to contribute to the consultancy fees. Participants who have completed the program may also re-enroll in the Viability Program as their business evolves.


## Why Enroll?

After participating in the Viability Program, more than half of participants report a high level of strategic planning skills, and almost all participants exit the program with a clear vision for where their business is going. Participants routinely report they are able to place more energy on the quality of their work, and personally, half report that they find themselves satisfied with their ability to balance workload and family life. 



The Viability Program offers business planning and technical assistance to enterprises that keep Vermont's working landscape in production. These include: farm businesses of all sizes and sectors; food businesses that process, store, market, or distribute local agricultural products; and forest products businesses such as maple producers, consulting forestry firms, loggers, sawmills, craftspeople and wood manufacturers.
The Viability Program also offers ownership succession planning for all the business types listed above. Additionally, the program provides forestland ownership succession planning assistance to families who own forestland in Vermont. 
Services
The Viability Program provides a range of services, from in-depth long-term business planning to short-term specialized assistance, including:
- Business Planning
- Enterprise Analysis
- Financial Record-keeping and Management
- Marketing and Sales
- Human Resources Management
- Management Coaching
- Retirement & Ownership Succession Planning

How It Works
The Viability Program matches participants with advisers who have the specific skills to meet their needs. The Viability Program contracts these advisers to provide on-site, one-on-one, custom-tailored assistance for participants. Services are provided free of charge following a $75 enrollment fee. In some cases, if the scope of work is larger than what the program can cover, participants will need to contribute to the consultancy fees. Participants who have completed the program may also re-enroll in the Viability Program as their business evolves.

Why Enroll?
After participating in the Viability Program, more than half of participants report a high level of strategic planning skills, and almost all participants exit the program with a clear vision for where their business is going. Participants routinely report they are able to place more energy on the quality of their work, and personally, half report that they find themselves satisfied with their ability to balance workload and family life. 

The Viability Program's 1-on-1 business advising is open to farms, food businesses and forest products businesses of all types and sizes, so long as:
- the owner(s) is year-round Vermont resident, currently operating the business in Vermont,
- the owner(s) is actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business,
- the owner(s) has at least two years' experience managing the current business,
- the business has grossed at least $15,000 in the most recent tax year,
- for food businesses there is an added requirement that these businesses must be primarily involved in adding value to Vermont agricultural products, and
- for forest products businesses there is the added requirement that these businesses must be primarily involved in the harvesting, production, processing, storage, marketing, and/or distribution of local forest products.
The sole eligibility for forestland succession planning is that the participating family own forestland in Vermont.

Forestry

Forest Residues

Timber

More Information by Business Type
- Farm Business Advising
- Forest Products Business Advising
- Food Systems Business Advising
- Forestland Ownership Succession Advising


Transition

Complete an application online to apply.
A short phone consultation with the Seeds for Bees program manager is required as the last step to finalize a participant’s enrollment if accepted. 

Stetcyn Maldonado

Seeds for Bees encourages the use of cover crops to increase the density, diversity, and duration of bee forage in California orchards, farms, and vineyards, while improving soil health.  The seed mixes available through Seeds for Bees are designed to bloom at critical times of the year when natural forage is scarce but managed and native bees are active.  Seeds for Bees serves the needs of bees, beekeepers, and growers, increasing sustainability of pollination and agriculture.



To enroll in the SFB program enrollees must:
- Be a farmer or grower of crops in California. 
- Grow honey bee pollinated crops (including seed production), nuts, or fruits. 
- Growers of wind pollinated crops may be considered for enrollment based on additional information provided in grower’s application. 
- Plant a minimum of 2 acres of cover crops. 
- Agree to submit 2 photos per year and complete a short annual survey.

Nut Trees

Fruits

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

- 1st year Seeds for Bees enrollees are eligible for a $2,500 discount off their total seed purchase. 
- 2nd year enrollees are eligible for a $1,500 discount off their total seed purchase.
- Shipping is free for all orders throughout the enrollee’s participation in Seeds for Bees. Growers located within 50 miles of seed distributor are requested to pick up their seed if possible, so more donations can go directly to growers for free seed. 
- A limited number of new enrollees will be accepted each year based on available funding. 
- Project Apis m. has sole discretion for final enrollment decisions.
- Project Apis m. has the right to refuse any applicant at any time. 

List of Agricultural Discounts