Support Local Farmers
American farmers feed our nation and the world, but they are all local to somewhere. Get to know your local farmer, and get to know your food. USDA wants to foster the viability and growth of small and mid-size farms and ranches, and we want to create new opportunities for farmers and ranchers by promoting locally produced foods. We also want to build the infrastructure necessary to support a local food system, and we'll need local partners to do that. Local and regional food systems mean fresh food, vibrant communities, a strong connection between cities and the countryside, and support for this and the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
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AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Farm Loan Programs: Direct and Guaranteed Ownership Loans, and Direct Operating Loans, with special provisions for Beginning Farmer and Ranchers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Many farmers and ranchers and aspiring farmers and ranchers do not have enough income or assets or high enough credit scores to qualify for commercial loans. FSA provides loan gaurantees to accredited lending institutions and also makes direct loans to qualifying farmers and ranchers. » More...
Farm Storage Facility Loans
On-farm storage may cost a lot to build, but it helps farmers to maximize profits. This is why the USDA has a program to finance purchase, construction, or refurbishment of farm storage facilities. Of critical importance to those growing fruits and vegetables for the fresh market, this program finances new cold storage buildings, including prefabricated buildings having a useful life of at least 15 years. Financing may also cover site preparation, and the cooling and electrical equipment (including labor and installation) integral to the proper operation of a cold storage facility. » More...
Value-Added Producer Grants
VAPGs help farmers and ranchers receive a higher portion of the retail dollar. Grants support planning activities, such as developing a business plan, or as working capital (e.g. labor, inventory, advertising). There is 10% set-aside for projects that focus on local and regional supply networks. 10% of funds are also available for beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and small or medium-sized farms or ranches. » More...
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (NIFA)
Used to be a person could farm or ranch with little or no education. Modern farming and ranching requires some basic knowledge of environmental and physical sciences as well as business, finance, taxation, environmental and food safety regulations and marketing. This program funds programs that develop and deliver curriculum to help beginning farmers and ranchers to establish, build and manage successful farm and ranch enterprises. Twenty-five percent of the projects funded must address the specific needs of limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including minorities, immigrants, women, and farm workers who want to become farmers. » More...
Marketing and Services Division Technical Assistance (AMS)
The AMS Wholesale Markets and Facility Design program provides technical assistance to help start up farmers markets, help mature farmers markets transition to permanent facilities (as in Santa Fe, NM or Jackson, MS), or help develop regional distribution and collection facilities. In addition to site assessment and design services, staff marketing specialists and engineers also provide consumer profiles of local market trade areas to market managers and planners, using Claritas market research software, and are currently examining opportunities for using energy-conserving technologies (such as solar power) in permanent food market and storage facilities (including food banks) through case study analysis. During the design, construction, and operational phases of the project, AMS may provide additional technical services such as review of equipment specifications and advice on: facilities management, energy efficiency, design adjustments and postharvest handling. » More...
Rural Cooperative Development (RD)
Rural Cooperative Development grants are made for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture?s goal is to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts. » More...
