I want to buy some land and begin organic farming. What are some resources that might help me find cheap land?

I want to buy some land, preferably more than 40 acres, and build my house on it and begin organic farming. Are there any federal grants to help you buy land specifically for agricultural use? Is there cheap land anywhere? What are the best websites to find cheap land? Thank you and keep up the great work!

— Andrew Shinn
Asheboro , North Carolina

Finding the perfect land (and the funding for it) is not an easy undertaking, but thankfully there are many helpful resources to assist you. For those wishing to delve into the wonderful world of organic farming, the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) is an excellent place to start. Their Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunities page has just what you’re looking for, including advice on how to locate land that suits your purpose, how to obtain financing, and how to specialize your endeavor for today’s market trends. As far as grants for 2008 are concerned, it’s too late to apply for some, but because you’re still looking for land, I assume 2009 is the timeframe you had in mind. The type and availability of grants will vary depending on the outcome of the farm bill, but the current bill is likely to be extended for another year. Watch the regularly updated funding opportunities listed on ATTRA’s (National Sustainable Agriculture Network) Web site, and contact your local USDA Rural Development office (here’s the contact info for North Carolina) for other options regarding grants. You can read more about finding land in How to Find Your Dream Homestead. Best of luck!

— Alison Rogers, assistant editor, Mother Earth News

11 Comments

Norma 12/22/2008 7:05:30 PM

How does one find landowners who desire caretakers?

My dream is to establish a sustainable living school and give the older generation the opportunity to share their wisdom and skills with the next generation. One day, two or three day workshops. Lectures and hands-on experience.
Maybe an entire season or a year's apprenticeship on the farm. Poultry, goats and sheep, cows and horses. Classes on finished products such as canning and preserving, bread making, quilting, all the old-fashioned needle arts including spinning. Fence building, woodworking and so on. Bee keeping and gardening, even spinning and wool dyeing.
I have lots of ideas but I need help. I'm looking into grants. I don't have land or money, just experience and skills. I'll bet there's somebody out there who can fill in the gaps. Has anybody else been thinking along the same lines? Contact me at herownwoman@att.net.
Wendy 12/12/2008 9:26:39 AM

About that 40 acres in MT. You may contact me at equinelupine@aol.com
Wendy 12/12/2008 9:22:40 AM

I have 40 acres about 15 miles NW of Billings,MT that is suitable for not only organic farming but also wind and solar useage. You may contact me if interested.
kgram 12/6/2008 1:40:01 AM

Lots of people buy country property with the idea of retiring there one day. Meanwhile, the land tends to lie idle which isn't best for anyone. If you offer to look after the land in exchange for free rent you will find people are interested. Of course, you may have to move on someday but you'll take your new skills, equipment, livestock etc. with you. It should be a lot easier to make a profit farming if you have no mortgage to pay.

Good references and a good credit rating will help.
Doug Beers 11/13/2008 4:51:44 AM

Any one interested in living and growing organically in the Caribbean can contact me, beers.doug@gmail.com
Megan Samms 10/10/2008 3:12:58 PM

Does anyone know anything about grants or funding for the same purpose in Canada ? :)
Buyan Batkhuyag 8/9/2008 10:44:11 PM

I want to make contract and sell lands on my country mongolia! contact me whoever interests
Cheryl Schalkham 6/27/2008 12:28:24 PM

I have a home and property for sale in Brookfield, CT, with 6.65 Acres and a 3 stall barn. I would love to see it go to someone who will utilize the land in a good way, with animals or farming. Email me for details.cschalkham@yahoo.com
kelly 6/21/2008 12:34:07 AM

While this all sounds good, we found a very unresponsive, and almost rude office that we tried to get any info from about the 2008 grant process. We were also discouraged from the gov. person, saying these funds are more for the "larger growers"!! Sorry, I thought the funds were earmarked for the small independent grower, those wanting ot be or continue the family farm. Wish it had been a more positive experience, but reality, again, it was a government promise of help for the small farmer, but it's the big farmer that gets the money. :(
John Crabtree 5/14/2008 11:42:07 PM

I encourage your readers to keep an eye on our website or
subscribe to our newsletter (no subscription fee) for information
about Value Added Producer Grants and other opportunities as well.
Thank you for the informational article (and your link to the
Center's website as well). John Crabtree, Center for Rural
Affairs
Allen Shannon 5/14/2008 8:53:14 AM

I just wanted to say thanks for the mention in the How to find
Your Dream Homestead article. It was very informative. It's not
often very easy finding land and I'm sure your article will assist
with that.

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