Farm Grants in the US (2026): Grants & Funding for Farmers

This guide breaks down the best farm grants available right now, including federal USDA programs, state grants, small farm grants, grants for women and veteran farmers, fencing grants, and more. Whether you're a beginning farmer or an established operation looking to grow, here's what you need to know.

2026 USDA Funding: What Farmers Need to Know

Before diving into specific programs, here's important context for applying in 2026:

The good news: Congress passed a USDA budget of $26.65 billion for FY 2026, exceeding the current administration's proposed budget. Core grant programs, EQIP, VAPG, REAP, Specialty Crop Block Grants, and conservation easement programs, remain funded and active.

What to be aware of: A few things will make accessing those grants harder this year:

• Technical assistance cuts: Nearly $100 million was cut from Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), which helps farmers plan and apply for programs like EQIP and CSP. The support infrastructure is thinner than previous years.
• NRCS staffing reductions: Thousands of NRCS employees were laid off in 2025, meaning fewer local staff to help farmers navigate applications and implementation.
• Sequestration: Mandatory spending programs (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, RCPP) face an across-the-board sequestration reduction of approximately 5.7% in FY 2026, which may result in slightly smaller award pools than in prior years.
• Local food funding cut: Many school and food bank programs that helped them purchase from small farms were cut.

Bottom line for applicants: Start your applications early, lean on your local USDA Service Center for guidance while that support is still available, and don't assume funding levels will match those of prior years.

What is a Farm Grant?

A grant is financial assistance from a government agency, nonprofit, or private organization that does not need to be repaid. Unlike farm loans, grants are awarded based on eligibility and project purpose, making them one of the most valuable (and competitive) funding tools available to US farmers.

What Farm Grants Are Available in 2026?

Farm grants in the US fall into three main categories:

• Federal grants: Administered by agencies like the USDA, these often offer the largest award amounts but have stricter eligibility requirements and more complex applications.
• State grants: Offered through state Departments of Agriculture, these tend to be more accessible and are tailored to local agricultural priorities.
• Private and nonprofit grants: Provided by foundations and corporations, these often target specific groups (women, BIPOC farmers, young farmers) or focus areas (animal welfare, sustainability, market access).

Best Farm Grants in the US (2026 Comparison)

USDA Conservation Programs

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP is one of the most practical and widely used funding sources for on-farm improvements. Administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), it works as a cost-share program, meaning NRCS reimburses a percentage of your project costs after installation and verification.

Common projects funded through EQIP include:

• Fencing and water systems for rotational or managed grazing
• Irrigation efficiency upgrades
• High tunnels and seasonal extension infrastructure
• Erosion control and soil health practices
• Nutrient management and runoff reduction

Beginning Farmer advantage: If you have Beginning Farmer or Rancher status, EQIP can cover up to 90% of eligible costs, a significant advantage over the standard rate.

How to get started: Contact your local USDA Service Center and ask about EQIP signup periods in your county. Applications are accepted during specific signup windows each year.

2026 Note: NRCS staffing and technical assistance funding have been reduced. Contact your local office early, as wait times may be longer than usual.

Learn more about Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and learn more about Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

CRP provides annual rental payments to farmers who voluntarily remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and establish conservation cover. It's a longer-term commitment but provides a stable, predictable income.

• Program types: General CRP, Continuous CRP, Grassland CRP
• Eligibility: Agricultural producers with environmentally sensitive land
• Benefits: Soil erosion reduction, improved water quality, wildlife habitat

Learn more about Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

CSP rewards producers who are already doing conservation work and want to do more. It offers annual payments for implementing and maintaining additional conservation activities on working agricultural and forest lands.

• Funding: Over $1 billion annually, subject to ~5.7% sequestration in FY 2026
• Best for: Established farms building on existing conservation efforts
• 2026 note: Reduced NRCS technical assistance staffing may slow enrollment and implementation support

Learn more about Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

RCPP funds large-scale, partnership-driven conservation projects that address watershed and regional resource challenges. It's less suited for individual farms and better suited for producer groups or conservation organizations.

• Annual funding: $300 million
• Best for: Farmer coalitions, conservation districts, and agricultural partnerships

Learn more about Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

ACEP helps landowners permanently protect agricultural lands and wetlands. It includes two tracks: Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE).

• Best for: Landowners looking to protect land long-term while receiving easement payments
• Eligibility: Private landowners, Indian tribes, and eligible entities

Learn more about Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

Renewable Energy Grants

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses investing in renewable energy or energy efficiency improvements.

• Grant amounts: $2,500–$1 million (renewable energy systems); $1,500–$500,000 (energy efficiency)
• Eligibility: Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income from ag operations; rural businesses in areas under 50,000 population
• Covered projects: Solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, energy audits, equipment upgrades

Learn more about Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Specialty Crop & Market Grants

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)

This program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Grants are awarded to state departments of agriculture, which then distribute funds to eligible projects.

• How to apply: Through your state's Department of Agriculture (not directly through USDA)
• Best for: Research, marketing, food safety, and innovation projects for specialty crop producers

Learn more about Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program

VAPG helps agricultural producers develop and market value-added products, such as farm-made jams, aged cheese, or cold-pressed oil.

• Grant amounts: Up to $250,000
• Simplified track: Applications under $50,000 use a streamlined process. Ideal for small farms
• Eligible expenses: Planning costs and working capital for processing and marketing
• Eligibility: Independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer/rancher cooperatives

Learn more about Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program.

Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

FMPP supports the development of direct-to-consumer and local food marketing channels.

• Grant amounts: $50,000–$500,000
• Note: Requires a 25% match from the applicant
• Grant types: Capacity Building; Community Development Training & Technical Assistance; Turnkey Marketing & Promotion

Learn more about Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP).

Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program

Competitive grants that connect schools with local farms and food producers.

• Funding: Up to $12 million total in competitive grants
• Eligibility: Schools, agricultural producers, and related nonprofits or organizations

Learn more about Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program.

Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC)

A newer FSA program providing financial assistance to help specialty crop producers expand domestic markets.

• Provider: USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
• Best for: Specialty crop farmers looking to grow their US customer base

Learn more about Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC).

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC)

Provides assistance to cover food safety certification costs for specialty crop producers.

• Coverage: 2024 and 2025 certification expenses
• Now includes: Medium-sized businesses (recently expanded)
• Best for: Specialty crop farms seeking or renewing food safety certifications

Learn more about Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC).

Urban & Innovative Agriculture Grants

Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grants

USDA funding for urban agriculture projects that improve food access in cities and underserved communities.

• Total funding: $14.4 million; $2.5 million specifically for community gardens and nonprofit farms
• Eligibility: Nonprofits, schools, state and local governments
• Focus: Community gardens, urban farms, rooftop growing, indoor production

Learn more about Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grants.

Aquaculture Grants

National Aquaculture Initiative (NOAA Sea Grant)

• Grant amounts: Up to $1 million per project
• Eligibility: Universities, research institutions, and industry partners
• Focus: Aquaculture innovation and development

Learn more about National Aquaculture Initiative (NOAA Sea Grant).

NOAA Aquaculture Funding

Multiple NOAA Fisheries programs support research, development, and sustainable practices in the aquaculture sector. Eligibility varies by program.

State Farm Grants

State-level grants are often more accessible than federal options and are designed with local agricultural priorities in mind. Common focus areas include farm management and development, agricultural research, marketing and promotion, energy efficiency, climate action, and technology adoption.

Where to Find State Farm Grants

• Your state's Department of Agriculture website
• SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) regional programs, for example, Western SARE's Farmer/Rancher grants offer up to $25,000 (or $29,000 for collaborative projects)
• State land-grant university extension offices

Example: New York State's Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Development (ITRD) Grant supports farms pursuing certification and technology upgrades.

Private & Nonprofit Farm Grants

Local Farm Grant Program (Chipotle & Local Line)

Chipotle has partnered with Local Line to introduce the 'Local Farmer Grant Program' as part of its efforts to support local family farms. 

For each new Chipotle restaurant opening, Chipotle will provide donations to nearby farms to bolster their sustainability initiatives. Unlike traditional grants, the selected farms will be contacted directly by Local Line, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for formal applications. Local Line will manage the grant administration and sustainability reporting.

This collaboration highlights Chipotle's dedication to sourcing high-quality, local ingredients and fostering community relationships. The initiative aims to enhance the impact of new restaurant openings by supporting local agricultural communities.

For more information, farms can contact their Local Line representative at support@localline.ca. Media inquiries should be directed to MediaRelations@chipotle.com.

Learn more about the Local Farmer Grant Program.

Brighter Future Fund (American Farmland Trust)

Provides direct financial support to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women farmers to improve farm viability, access farmland, and adopt regenerative practices.

• Grant amount: Up to $10,000
• Best for: Underserved farmers pursuing sustainability improvements or land access

Learn more about Brighter Future Fund (American Farmland Trust).

Fund-a-Farmer Grants (Food Animal Concerns Trust)

Since 2012, FACT has awarded over 695 grants totaling more than $1.3 million to improve farm animal welfare across the US.

• Eligibility: Farmers seeking or holding animal welfare certification
• Funded projects: Fencing, watering systems, animal shelters, pasture improvements, marketing for certified farms
• Not eligible: Operational expenses (feed, land purchase, animal purchase), nonprofits
• Why it matters: One of the few dedicated fencing grant programs available to small and mid-sized livestock farms

Learn more about Fund-a-Farmer Grants (Food Animal Concerns Trust).

Sky High Farm Grants

Micro-grants for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, migrant, and refugee farmers to address barriers in accessing land, tools, education, and fair wages.

• Focus: Community-rooted projects aligned with equity and food justice values

Learn more about Sky High Farm Grants.

The FruitGuys Community Fund

Annual grants for small farms pursuing sustainable agriculture projects with measurable environmental impact.

• Grant amount: Up to $5,000
• Eligibility: Small farms, both within and outside The FruitGuys supply network
• Examples of funded projects: Beehives, soil health initiatives, on-farm biodiversity

Learn more about The FruitGuys Community Fund.

Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge

A national business competition for US startups developing innovative solutions for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

• Total prize pool: $165,000 | Top prize: $50,000
• Eligibility: Participants must be Farm Bureau members (non-members can join a state Farm Bureau to qualify)

Learn more about Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.

Farm Grants for Women

Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grant (WAMS)

• Grant amount: Up to $300,000
• Purpose: Supports research and extension activities increasing participation of women and minorities from rural areas in STEM
• Eligibility: Land-grant institutions, colleges, universities, and eligible organizations

Learn more about Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grant (WAMS).

USDA Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant

• Purpose: Funds cooperatives and associations supporting socially disadvantaged farmers with business planning, feasibility studies, and technical assistance
• Eligibility: Cooperatives with at least 75% membership from socially disadvantaged groups

Texas Rural Woman Grant

• Grant amount: $5,000
• Eligibility: Women-owned for-profit businesses in rural Texas, operational for at least 3 years
• Application period: May 28 – July 5 (annual)

Learn more about Texas Rural Woman Grant.

Brighter Future Fund

See above. This fund specifically supports women farmers alongside BIPOC and LGBTQ+ producers, with grants up to $10,000.

Farm Grants for Veterans

Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund

Provided by the Farmer Veteran Coalition to help veterans start careers in agriculture.

• Grant amount: $1,000–$5,000
• Note: Funds are paid directly to third-party vendors for equipment and services, not as direct cash payments

Learn more about Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund.

Small Farm Grants: Where to Start

Navigating farm grants as a small operation can feel overwhelming; the programs are numerous, the applications are competitive, and the biggest federal grants often favor larger or more established farms. The key is to match your farm's size and stage to the right program rather than chasing the largest dollar amounts.

Here are the best entry points for small farms in 2026:

Quick Wins (smaller, faster applications):

These programs have simpler applications, smaller award pools, and are specifically designed for small and independent farms, making them realistic targets even if you're new to grant writing.

• FruitGuys Community Fund (up to $5,000): Funds sustainability projects like beehives, soil health initiatives, or on-farm biodiversity on farms under 250 acres. A good first grant because the application is straightforward and the program actively seeks out small farms, including those outside their supply network.
• Fund-a-Farmer: A strong option for livestock farms needing fencing, watering systems, or animal welfare infrastructure. Funds are tied to specific projects rather than general operations, so having a clear, defined need works in your favor here.

Mid-Tier Federal Options:

These require more documentation and lead time, but offer larger awards meaningfully and are well-suited to small farms with a specific project in mind.

• VAPG simplified track: For funding requests under $50,000, USDA offers a streamlined application path that's far more manageable than the full VAPG process. It's designed to cover marketing or processing costs, such as packaging, labeling, or equipment to process a value-added product, and works well for farms looking to move up the value chain.
• EQIP via NRCS: The most practical federal option for small farms with infrastructure needs. High tunnels, irrigation upgrades, fencing, and soil health practices are all eligible. If you qualify as a Beginning Farmer or Rancher, EQIP can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs, significantly more than the standard rate. Contact your local USDA Service Center to find out when the next signup window opens in your county.

Is There a Grant for Farm Fencing?

Yes, fencing is one of the most commonly funded farm improvements. Your best options are:

• EQIP (NRCS): Cost-share funding for fencing that supports managed grazing or protects natural resources. Contact your local USDA Service Center to learn about enrollment periods.
• Fund-a-Farmer (FACT): Private grant covering fencing to improve animal welfare and support pasture-based systems.
• Local conservation districts: Many offer additional reimbursements for fencing materials and installation. Check with your county's soil and water conservation district.

How to Apply for Farm Grants: Step-by-Step

1. Define your project goal first: Grants are awarded for specific purposes, not general farm operations. Know what you're trying to fund before you search.
2. Identify matching grants: Use Grants.gov for federal programs, your state's Department of Agriculture website for state options, and SARE's website for regional programs.
3. Check eligibility carefully: Criteria vary by farm size, production type, location, income level, and demographics. Don't invest time in an application you don't qualify for.
4. Prepare a strong proposal: Be specific about your project, its measurable outcomes, and how it benefits your farm and community. Back it up with data where possible.
5. Gather required documents: Commonly needed: business plan, tax returns, financial statements, W-9, acreage reports.
6. Follow instructions exactly: Formatting errors or missing documents are among the most common reasons applications are rejected.
7. Submit early: Grants are highly competitive. Aim to submit at least a week before the deadline.
8. Get help if you need it: Local extension services, USDA Service Centers, and agricultural nonprofits often provide free grant writing assistance to farmers.

Looking for Canadian farm grants? Read our guide to farm grants in Canada.