Funding Opportunities

Pride of New York is offering its members an expanded cooperative advertising program for specialty crops, to now include television and radio as well as cooperative funding for print, point of purchase and promotional items. Cooperative funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Reimbursements of up to $5,000 per member are offered for qualifying advertising.

A new group that is working across the supply chain to make Iowa-grown fruit and vegetables more readily available is looking for innovative ideas for research and development projects in 2009. The Fruit and Vegetable Working Group, coordinated by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension, has set aside $12,000 for projects that address issues in specified areas, including marketing, post-harvest handling, infrastructure development, labor supply, risk management, and education. One to three grants will be awarded.

University of Illinois Extension is looking for organic and sustainable farmers with weed problems to participate in on-farm research. In order to participate in the program, farmers must be currently farming in Illinois or in neighboring states within close proximity of the Illinois border. The program is looking for sustainable and organic farmers working to develop methods to cope effectively with perennial weeds in their grain or vegetable systems. Selected projects will receive the latest research-based info on managing perennial weeds without chemicals; up to $500 per year of participation; one-on-one assistance in developing a viable on-farm research project; and a chance to exchange what's learned with other farmers.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is requesting proposals for funding from its Frederick County Agricultural Viability Fund from Frederick County, Maryland farmers and farmer’s markets. The funding is to be used for marketing and promoting the farm, farm activities, farm products and/or farmers’ markets. Applications may request any
amount up to $5,000.

The farmers' market fuel reimbursement grant will pay growers to take their products to a farmers market that is more than 60 miles away. A producer traveling over 60 miles one way from their Wyoming farm/ranch/garden to a Wyoming Farmers’ Market may be reimbursed up to $1,000 per year to assist with costs associated with transportation over the farmers’ market season. Applications that meet the criteria will be approved on a first come first served basis for the season.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets invites applications for financial assistance to strengthen existing community garden organizations and support local garden coalitions. Each applicant may apply for and receive up to $5,000. These small, flexible grants can be used for capacity building efforts such as leadership development and organizational planning, membership recruitment activities, and strengthening a community garden’s role within its neighborhood. There is a total of $50,000 available state-wide for the program.

EPA Region 9 is soliciting proposals to carry out the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and to support efforts by the agricultural community to transition away from high-risk pesticides to lower risk pesticides and sustainable practices in food production. EPA Region 9 anticipates awarding approximately 3 to 5 grants totaling approximately $350,000. EPA Region 9 anticipates that each grant will range in size from approximately $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000. Region 9 serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and Tribal Nations.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)seeks New Mexico companies, individuals, agricultural organizations, commodity groups, and nonprofits which have a long-term commitment to improving the economic viability of New Mexico's rural economy or have projects with a significant value-added and marketing potential for high-value specialty crops. NMDA's objectives are agricultural growth, rural stability, maintaining market share, market development, value-added, and product development. The maximum amount which will be awarded to individuals is $5,000-$10,000 and the maximum amount which will be awarded to companies and organizations is $25,000-$30,000.

The Barns Grant is an historic preservation technical assistance and granting program of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, to support efforts to preserve the iconic historic barns of Connecticut. The Barns Grant is offered to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities and to private owners of significant barns. 2009 Barns Grants are matching funds for conditions assessments, feasibility studies and minor stabilization projects. Applicants must be members of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Pre-applications initiate the application process.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Public and private entities and organizations, business and industry, educational institutions, local governments and individuals are eligible to submit proposals. Proposals must have practical, near-term application involving new or alternative technologies, practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate expanded agricultural development, economic activity and employment growth. The maximum limit in any one round of financing is $50,000.

The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) have announced up to $25 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value biobased products, subject to annual appropriations. The FOA will fund projects in the following three technical areas: Feedstocks development; Biofuels and biobased products development; Biofuels development analysis. Award amounts are planned to range from $1 million to up to $5 million with project periods up to four years, subject to annual appropriations. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, national laboratories, federal research agencies, state research agencies, private sector entities, non-profit organizations, or a consortium of two or more of those entities.

The purpose of the Department of Agriculture's Farm Reinvestment Grant Program Program (FRG) is to insure the viability of agriculture in Connecticut. By providing money for capital enhancement to farms, it is the department’s hope to help preserve Connecticut’s agricultural base and improve farm production. These competitive matching grants will be awarded on the basis of the quality of the business plan that is a part of the application. The farmer applicant must match or exceed the amount of the grant being requested. These funds must be used for projects that are defined as capital fixed assets and have a life expectancy of 10 years or more. The funds may be used for the expansion of existing agricultural facilities, or diversification-expansion into new production areas and site improvements related to such expansion or diversification.

EPA Region 6 Pesticide Program is seeking applications from eligible organizations that will facilitate the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). The program supports efforts to reduce the exposure to toxic pesticides through the adoption of pest management practices that transition away from the use of high-risk pesticides. The in-field adoption by farmers of already identified potential low-risk integrated crop or pest management tools and strategies is a priority. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $150,000. All projects must be carried out within one or more of the states of EPA Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas), or Tribal Nations in Region 6.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is soliciting proposals to promote transition to reduced-risk pest management practices in agriculture within the area served by Region 7. This area includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations. The Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) program supports grants for education, outreach, demonstration, and implementation of reduced risk practices for agricultural pest management. Region 7 estimates that approximately $100,000 will be available for awards under this competitive opportunity. Funding will be available through grant agreements ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.

The OREI seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning and ecosystem integration. Award ceiling is $3 million. Institutes of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit businesses and individuals are eligible to apply.

The Agricultural Development and Diversification Grant Program invites proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy through the development and exploration of new value-added products, new markets, or new technologies in agriculture. ADD grants are awarded competitively each year. Individuals, associations, agribusinesses and industry groups can submit proposals for an ADD grant. Currently, the program has $380,000 to award to projects with a maximum grant amount of $50,000.

EPA Region 1 Pesticide Program is seeking applications from eligible organizations that will facilitate the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). The program supports efforts to reduce the exposure to toxic pesticides through the adoption of production agriculture pest management practices that transition away from the use of high-risk pesticides in minor crops. Total program funding is $100,000, with two awards expected. EPA Region 1 serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Wyoming farmers/ranchers are eligible to apply for a Wyoming Specialty Crop Grant to implement season extension and water conservation methods to increase productivity. Grants will also be available for native seed production. This is a matching program. Farmers/Ranchers may receive a maximum of one grant in one fiscal year (July-June). A company cannot exceed $2,000 in the twelve-month period.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) will fund the development of educational opportunities and materials that are: pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing; and aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification. OFRF will also accept proposals to fund activities that promote information sharing among organic agricultural researchers and organic farmers and ranchers.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture is providing federal funding for current farmers' markets or groups that are interested in beginning a farmers' market. Each applicant may apply for up to $1,000. These federal funds must be matched on a one-to-one basis.

SARE Educational Sponsorships provide financial support for educational events that advance SARE grantees or project results to beginning, minority, underserved and/or commodity producers and/or the extension and educational professionals that serve them. Sponsorships are available in the amount of $500-$5000. Sponsorships are available to organizations or individuals providing educational services to farmers, ranchers, or agricultural professionals. Rolling applications are accepted on a quarterly schedule with the following deadlines: December 15, April 15, July 15, October 15.

Financial assistance will be made available to eligible beginning beekeepers who establish up to four colonies of honey bees, in an effort to reverse the recent decline of honey bee populations in Mississippi. By showing proof of purchase for two hives, a new beekeeper may receive a reimbursement of up to $180 for one of the two hives and bees. Qualifying applicants can receive a maximum reimbursement of $360; however, limited amount of funding is available.

The Yes To Carrots™ Seed Fund, a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is on a mission to make a difference in people's lives by providing under-served communities with the resources to develop and sustain an organic food source and access to healthy nutrition. The Yes To Carrots™ Seed Fund assists these communities by providing donations to help with seeds, plants, equipment, irrigation support and technical know-how. Contact them to receive a Grant Request Application form. Applications are reviewed throughout the year.

National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Fellows confront global warming on their campuses and help to educate and engage the campus community on global warming impacts and solutions. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students working with other members of the faculty, staff, or administration on projects designed to help reverse global warming on campus and beyond. Possible projects include clean energy installation and purchase, and food systems work. Deadlines during the 2008-2009 academic year include: November 14, February 2, and March 31.

The Kansas Department of Commerce, Agriculture Marketing Division has established a scholarship program to assist Kansas agritourism operators in attending select conferences, seminars and educational tours, to gain first-hand information regarding agritourism best practices around the region and the country, and to develop professional, educational, and marketing relationships within the industry nationwide. Commerce will reimburse scholarship awardees for all costs associated with educational tours, workshops, seminars, sessions, registration, and one year’s annual organizational dues related to attendance at an approved agritourism, tourism, or agricultural direct marketing conference, up to a total of $5,000 per application. The scholarship program will reimburse up to $400 in registration fees only for first time attendance of approved in-state conferences, workshops and seminars. Applications will be accepted on a quarterly basis. Due dates are July1, October 1, January 1 and April 1.

The Kansas Rural Center's Clean Water Farms Project offers farmers in high priority watersheds the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in cost share funds. To be eligible for the cost share funds, the farmer must have completed the River Friendly Farm self-assessment and developed an approved action plan to improve or protect water quality. The Clean Water Farm-River Friendly Farm Project also offers $250 incentive payments for completion of the River Friendly Farm environmental assessment within specific watersheds.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), administrator of the New York State Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program, is accepting applications to receive financial incentives to support the purchase, installation, and operation of Anaerobic Digester Gas (ADG)-to-Electricity Systems. $11 million is available for financial incentives to support the installation and operation of anaerobic digester gas (ADG)-to-electricity systems in New York State, with up to $1 million available per ADG System. Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.