Grants for
Growers
Farmers, would-be farmers, and environmental activists can get help applying for financing and other services through the USDA Service Centers located throughby Harry Booras
If you know where to look it’ s not too difficult to get cash for your sustainable growing project. But you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time filling out lots of paperwork – primarily online. Many of these programs are for commercial agricultural operations, but grants are often available for research, testing or just doing something beneficial for the environment or your community.
Hundreds of programs exist in both state and federal agencies that provide funds to those that can root them out, and, more importantly deal with applications, proposals and exhibits that can be quite daunting to complete. But it can be done, lots of folks do it and claim anywhere from a few dollars from micro financers to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, as well as state and local departments as well.
As long as you are engaged in some form of commercial, agricultural, agricultural research or sustainable land stewardship you can probably find a federal or state program that will provide funding.
Socially conscious foundations and large corporations also provide grant opportunities. They can take different forms, from low interest loans to no-strings attached awards. Most of the time the grantee must submit a report, including financial statements on the results of the work that was subsidized.
All federal grants related to growing food are administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture( NIFA), a U. S. government body, under the Department of Agriculture. It is intended to consolidate all federally funded agricultural research.
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