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reestablish land and grow food and useful plants.one acre orchard property, SB farm worksmall equipment or loan/grant helpequipment (small tractor) or assistance to acquire a high-tunnel greenhouse
In addition to USDA, I’d . NRCS is the part of USDA that runs EQIP, they may help with finding the right EQIP programs.Includes a (sounds like it’d give you a preference in applications, maybe?), as well as an (whether you’re already certified or want to transition to it at some point): Financial assistance provided for addressing priority resource concerns during the contract (initially 5 years, does require some performance reporting). I’m not sure how many of these areas might apply to you, but it covers things like irrigation water management, forage harvest management, drainage water management, nutrient management, some soil stuff, etc. has the full list. : Seems similar to CIC, but it sets you up with someone to help develop a conservation plan and maybe get funding. I’m not sure how likely that is, though.EQIP may also offer financial assistance for getting (TSP) that helps with conservation planning and aligning conservation activities to NRCS requirements (e.g., more funding).
: These include Direct Farm Ownership Microloans (for building/repairing/improving farm buildings, service buildings, etc.) and Direct Farm Operating Microloans (includes essential tools, fencing/trellising, hoop houses, irrigation, etc.). I’m guessing the second one would make the most sense for you.
: Help with more of the business aspects of getting products direct to consumers (strategic planning, management training/education, outreach, etc.).: This one’s a bit of a long shot. RCPP funds specific projects each year based on location (i.e., need), and if any of them look applicable, you’d essentially partner with that organization to get the funds. I believe your NRCS office can help see if you’d be a fit for any of these.: This one requires annual energy costs around $5,000 for stationary equipment (not including fuel costs for vehicles/mobile equipment). Sounds high to me, but if that fits, it could be worth checking out. There’s also an info session on April 8th.: If you can help expand or preserve the availability of staple and perishable foods in underserved areas (direct to consumers or certain retail outlets). Not sure how strict the requirements are.
Ag Funding Notes
Goals
Grants
: If you do any further processing to the crops (like making cider or dried fruit), this could be a good one. Helps with capital expenses and planning activities for producing/marketing value-added products.
: USDA loan guarantees and grants for making energy-efficiency improvements. Needs to have at least 50% of gross income coming from ag operations, in rural area with population of 50,000 residents or less. Grants for up to 50% of the total eligible project costs. Some additional requirements and hoops to jump through, but it could work if the greenhouse uses solar energy for, say, powering fans/lights/irrigation, solar water heating, or is used to extend a growing season. Could maybe also help with things like insulation, high-efficiency systems, LED lighting, etc.
for Colorado: Individual states run this program, which helps with specialty crops, including fruits/vegetables. Unfortunately, they’re already in the second phase of this year’s application cycle, but it should open up again in January.
: Broad, can sign up for notification when they reopen it.
Closed this year, up to 5k for small farms supporting sustainable agriculture projects.
NRCS
: Covers a few different programs, but provides technical/financial support for integrating conservation practices into ag operations.
: Very broad, applies across all industries but gives $10,000 3x monthly with very little requirements.
: Financing for energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy improvements (i.e., greenhouse). May be more competitive as it goes across all industries.
Loans
USDA has a lot of loan options. If you haven’t already contacted your local USDA Service Center (), I’d start with that. It sounds like they can help with finding low-interest loans (and grants), including some designed for woman-owned farms or organic certifications.
: Low-interest financing for building/upgrading permanent and portable storage facilities and equipment. Not sure if this is part of any of your upgrade plans, but it Includes grain bins, bulk tanks, cold storage facilities, also drying and handling and storage equipment (including storage and handling trucks).
Other things I came across
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