The USDA is offering a variety of funding opportunities for sustainable agriculture projects. This blog post provides an overview of these grant programs, including deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program highlights.
Funding is available across various focus areas, including research and education, local food systems, and climate-smart practices are all supported. Watch out for quickly upcoming March deadlines!
Here's a breakdown of the funding opportunities by category:
Research and Education:
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP): Funds projects that provide technical assistance and training for new farmers and ranchers. (Deadline: April 4, 2024)
Local Food and Nutrition:
- The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP): Funds projects that increase fruit and vegetable purchases for low-income consumers through incentives.
- (Produce Prescription Program Deadline: February 28, 2024; Nutrition Incentive Program Deadline: May 14, 2024)
- Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program: Supports the development of innovative urban agriculture projects. (Deadline: April 9, 2024)
- Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG): Provides funding for agricultural producers to develop value-added products and businesses. (Deadline: April 11, 2024)
- Climate and Conservation: Working Lands Climate Corp (WLCC): A new initiative offering training and service opportunities related to climate-smart agriculture practices. (Application deadline not yet announced)
- Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Provides grants and loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for rural businesses. (Multiple deadlines throughout the year)
For more information on each of these opportunities and see how to apply click here.
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