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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