Northeast/National Programs:

• The Brighter Future Fund by American Farmland Trust 

  • AFT’s grants help drive new solutions for resolving key challenges facing our society by increasing the resilience of farms to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening local food systems, creating greater equity in opportunities for underserved farmers, ensuring the availability of sufficient clean water and habitat for threatened wildlife, and improving farm viability and community vitality.
    

• The Carrot Project 

  • The Carrot Project’s loan programs are available for businesses in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Capital or operating loans of $5,000-$250,000 are available to farm, forestry and fishery businesses, and to processing, distribution and storage enterprises that use any type of local agricultural product.
    

• Center for Rural Affairs - Beginning Farmer Finances and Farm Businesses 

  • Considerations and resources for new farmers when considering their financial picture overview from the Center for Rural Affairs.
    

• The Expanding Agroforestry Project 

  • Led by The Nature Conservancy, this project aims to accelerate private investment in agroforestry while helping farmers improve profitability. To achieve its goals, project partners will: provide farmers with region-specific technical assistance and outreach to support local implementation; Deliver $39 million in direct incentive payments to farmers in support of tree planting; and partner with companies and retailers to expand markets for agroforestry products such as nuts, fruits, timber and silvopasture-raised livestock.
    

• Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge 

  • The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition that showcases U.S. startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
    

• Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund 

  • Small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching.

• The Fruit Guys Community Fund 

  • Funding grants up to $5,000 available for small US farms (250 acres or less) which have been active for at least 2 years (or 3 years in the case of nonprofit farms).
     

• New England Grassroots Grants 

  • The Grassroots Fund provides funding for a wide range of community-based environmental projects, including those involving agriculture and food systems. 

    • Seed Grants - The Seed grant program is geared towards newly forming community groups. Most often, Seed grantee groups have been working on their project less than two years and usually don't yet have much direct experience with implementing the idea. Seed grants prioritize support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders. 

    • Grow Grants - Grow Grants support established groups to sustain their current work or build on past success in new ways. These groups typically have some experience working together and in the community.

• Northeast Agricultural Education Grant 

  • The Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation (NAEF) will support organizations whose activities either promote agricultural leadership development, help foster a better understanding of agriculture and/or our food production system, or improve the quality of life for farmers. Of particular interest to the Foundation are those organizations that: 1) provide agricultural leadership training; 2) provide education about agriculture; 3) educate citizens, especially youth, about how food is produced and processed; or 4) promote farm safety awareness, especially those which educate and train farmers and their families.
    

• Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Fund
  

  • Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant 

    • This grant funds projects that help dairy farmers improve their operations for long-term success. Eligible projects may modernize outdated systems or introduce innovative solutions to improve farm viability, reduce climate impacts, improve milk quality or value, improve worker conditions, and strengthen the farm’s ability to respond to challenges.
      

  • Dairy Processor Modernization Grant 

    • Funds support dairy processors and dairy brands in modernizing their production to allow for increased processing of regional dairy, long-term business viability, and ability to meet consumer demands. Projects funded through this grant will focus primarily on acquiring specialized equipment for dairy processing that offers benefits such as increased capacity, higher efficiency, reduced energy usage, increased quality, or ability to produce new or higher-value products.
      

• Northeast Farmers Fund

  • The Wolfe’s Neck Center Northeast Farmers Fund is designed to support market access for regenerative products for farmers across the region. By catalyzing Northeast farmers’ access to market opportunities for regenerative products, the Northeast Farmers Fund will increase the economic viability of farms and preserve working lands while building resilience to climate impacts across the region.
    

• Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) Grants

  • Northeast SARE offers seven competitive grant programs as follows:
    

    • Farmer Grant 

      • For commercial farmers who want to test a new idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other techniques.
        

    • Farming Community Grant

      • These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers.
        

    • Graduate Student Research Grant

      • For graduate students at any Northeast college, university, or veterinary school who want to conduct research on sustainable agriculture topics.
        

    • Partnership Grant 

      • For agricultural professionals who want to conduct projects working in direct partnership with farmers.
        

    • Professional Development Grant

      • The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.
        

    • Research and Education Grant

      • Funds education projects that focus on farmers and changes they make that lead to greater sustainability; projects may included an applied research component.
        

    • Research for Novel Approaches

      • Provides funding for applied sustainable agriculture research for which farmer adoption is not yet realistic.

• PASA Sustainable Agriculture - AMP

  • PASA administers and distributes AMP funding to farmers for: 

    • Business Development and Marketing Activities - Financial support of $15,000 or more to help you improve the production, business, and marketing sides of your farm. 

    • Conservation Practice Installation and Technical Assistance - Financial support of $55,000 or more to implement a suite of NRCS conservation practices. 

    • Soil Testing - Unlimited reimbursement for any and all soil testing. 

• Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Retrofit Program 

  • Rollover protective structures ROPS in tractors are 99% effective in preventing rollover deaths and injuries. Rebate funds are good towards the price of the ROPS kit, shipping charges, tax, professional installation costs and a sun canopy. You can buy and install the ROPS kit (rollbar and seatbelt) as well as any of the previous items.
    

• Simply Organic 1% Fund Grant 

  • The Simply Organic Giving Fund (SOGF) is a grant program dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the United States and Canada by expanding access to organic, nutrient-dense food for individuals and families in need. Rooted in the Simply Organic brand’s commitment to organic integrity and nourishment, the Fund supports nonprofit organizations that are working directly in their communities to reduce hunger and improve food access through practical, scalable, and impactful solutions. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are not only meeting immediate food needs, but also strengthening long-term access to healthy, culturally relevant food options for populations experiencing low to very low food security.
    
    

• USDA - United States Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) 

    • The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awards AFRI research, education, and Extension grants to improve rural economies, increase food production, stimulate the bioeconomy, mitigate impacts of climate variability, address water availability issues, ensure food safety and security, enhance human nutrition, and train the next generation of the agricultural workforce.

  • USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service:
    

    • Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) 

      • FMPP offers four types of projects, 36-month Capacity Building, 36-month Community Development Training and Technical Assistance, 24-month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and 24-month Turnkey Recruitment and Training.
        

    • Local Food Promotion Program 

      • The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-toconsumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.
        

    • Organic Marketing Development Grant 

      • The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program supports the development of new and expanded organic markets to help increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural commodities. The program focuses on building and expanding capacity for certified organic production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, distribution, and development of consumer markets.
        

    • Regional Food System Partnerships 

      • RFSP program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The program focuses on strengthening the viability and resilience of regional food economies through collaboration and coordination.
        

    • Sheep Production and Marketing Program 

      • The Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) supports projects that strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products.  The program supports projects that improve infrastructure, business and resource development, workforce and leadership development, market expansion, and innovative approaches to addressing industry needs.
        

  • USDA - Farm Service Agency:

    • Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans

      • Loans include farm ownership loans, operating loans and microloans. Farm Ownership loans can provide access to land and capital. Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in becoming prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so much more. Through the microloan programs, beginning farmers and ranchers have an important source of financial assistance during the startup years.
        

    • Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

      • The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural producers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers. By enrolling in CRP, participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers. The program helps to improve water quality, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat, contributing to overall environmental health and sustainability.
        

    • Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

      • The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in partnership with states, Tribal governments, and non-governmental organizations.  Partners work with FSA to develop CREP agreements designed to address specific conservation challenges in targeted geographic areas. The program encourages farmers and landowners to enroll in long-term conservation contracts, removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and implementing conservation practices. Participants receive annual rental payments, cost-share assistance for establishing conservation practices, and other financial incentives.
        

    • Disaster/Emergency Assistance Programs

      • The Farm Service Agency offers a number of relief programs including Supplemental Disaster Assistance, Emergency Livestock Relief Program, Milk Loss Program, On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program, and more.
        

    • The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

      • The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope. Producers and handlers interested in applying for OCCSP through FSA should contact their local USDA Service Center.

  • USDA - National Agricultural Library

    • USDA Small Farm Funding Guide 

      • A guide from the USDA containing information for help when starting a farming operation. Includes resources about farm business planning, funding and program assistance.
        

  • USDA - National Institute of Food and Agriculture

    • Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)

      • Through support for projects that provide training, education, outreach, and technical assistance, BFRDP gives beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability.
        

  • USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service: 

    • The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

      • The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming. AMA is available in 16 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low, including Rhode Island.
        

    • Conservation Innovation Grants 

      • Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
        

    • Conservation Stewardship Program 

      • NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts.
        

    • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 

      • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as: Improved water and air quality; conserved ground and surface water; increased soil health; reduced soil erosion and sedimentation; improved or created wildlife habitat; and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.
        

    • High Tunnel Initiative 

      • A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

    • National Organic Initiative 

      • The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic.

  • USDA Rural Development 

    • Programs and Services 

      • Over 50 financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications, including:
        

    • Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)

      • The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity. The applicant’s facility must primarily process cattle in order for the project to be eligible for the program, however, funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.
        

    • Rural Business Development Grants 

      • Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) are competitive grants made to rural public entities designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Program activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities.
        

    • Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program

      • The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program improves the economic condition of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually owned businesses through Cooperative Development Centers
        

    • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

      • The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
        

    • REAP Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants

      • This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA).
        

    • Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program:

      • The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that: Generate new products from raw agricultural commodities; create and expand marketing opportunities; and increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach. 
        

  • US Forest Service - Forest Stewardship

    • The Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) provides assistance to owners of forest land where good stewardship, including agroforestry practices, will enhance and sustain multiple forest resources and contribute to healthy and resilient landscapes.