Farm Finance Updates | July 2024
By Julie Davenson, Farm Finance Specialist
Excerpt from ‘Farm Finance Digest’: SCI’s Monthly Farmer Newsletter
Happy 4th of July!
Dropping in to share that many of the newly established USDA Regional Food Business Centers have announced grant opportunities. Be sure to check out the article below to learn more. They've created a resource to support regional food business planning with technical guidance and grant funding. Whether you're building your own food enterprise or collaborating with one, you might find this financial and technical aid incredibly helpful. Don't forget to subscribe to their email list to stay informed about upcoming opportunities in your area.
Also, if you haven't had a chat with your local NRCS office about possible cost-sharing practices you could qualify for, now's the perfect time, ahead of many state deadlines. You'll be pleased to know districts are broadening their understanding and extending eligibility due to the influx of Inflation Reduction Act funding.
Sometimes, it's like a doctor's appointment - you might have to advocate for yourself as districts often face challenges in fund administration and personnel might not be fully informed about all eligible practices.
We are here to support you! Please see the Farmer Resources below for updated financing news and opportunities. If you're looking for help in identifying eligible practices or need support in liaising with your local office, feel free to give us a shout.
FARMER RESOURCES
USDA Regional Food Business Centers
www.ams.usda.go
Great news! The USDA Regional Food Business Centers will offer Business Builder grants within their assigned regions as their agreements are finalized and Centers are established.
Organic Practices Eligible for EQIP 828
NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs. Organic producers may apply to either EQIP or EQIP’s Organic Initiative.
The EQIP Organic Initiative has a smaller ranking pool, and cap on funding.
Access their FACT sheet HERE.
Expanding Insurance Options
USDA Expanding Crop Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Growers USDA’s Risk Management Agency announced that it's expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice.
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice, adding enterprise unit eligibility for several crops, and making additional policy updates. This is the first of several announcements this summer, which will include the expansion of the shellfish policy in the Northeast and new coverage for grape growers in the West and beyond.
ARTICLE | Farming is Facing a Three-Pronged Existential Crisis
New pressures on agriculture have shifted the focus for farms and farmers. Without many previously critical subsidies, margins have become slimmer or nonexistent. Climate change has made drought and flooding more common, threatening several crop harvests. And a globalized economy has created regional conflicts that cause widespread impacts on costs and supply.
This article takes a look at how some farmers have optimized changes on their farm.
WORKSHOP | Dirt & Democracy: Conservation Districts 101 | Online | July 21 at 5:30pm ET
A summer series focusing on building a democratic, agrarian social movement. Learn about the history, purpose, and potential of our national decentralized, democratic, locally-led infrastructure of the Conservation Districts!
Sessions are every other Sunday. Watch past recordings HERE.
WORKSHOP | Farmer Bootcamp at the RFSI Forum | October 8 in Denver, CO
Join the Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum early to attend the Farmer Bootcamp designed specifically to offer a deep-dive introduction to the regenerative capital ecosystem for agriculture and food. With specific tracks for farmers/producers, entrepreneurs, and investors/funders there is something for everyone hoping to get a primer on the space and how you can engage in it.
They also have farmer scholarships for the conference but apply now before they are gone!
UPCOMING GRANT DEADLINES
Pollinators Conservation Fund
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to advance pollinator conservation. The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.
Deadline: JULY 24
Apply: HERE
Southern SARE Education Grants
Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.
Deadline: AUGUST 2
Apply: HERE
Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program
NFWF is soliciting proposals for projects that voluntarily conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West. The objective of this program is to work in focal landscapes in the region to restore and conserve wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows and aquatic systems while conserving the phenomenon of large mammal migration. Approximately $5 million in grant funding is available.
Deadline: AUGUST 6
Apply: HERE
Livestock Conservancy Microgrants
This program provides support from $500 to $2,000 for farm-related improvements by residents and organizations in the United States who are actively working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List.
Deadline: AUGUST 15
Apply: HERE
Composting and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Project
USDA is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to host a Composting and Food Waste Reduction pilot project. Approximately $7.8 million is available to fund as many as 30 projects.
Deadline: SEPTEMBER 4
Apply: HERE
Western Sare Grant - Professional & Producer
This grant program involves agricultural technical advisor (main applicant) and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. With the collaboration of at least three producers, projects must integrate research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to producers and other agricultural stakeholders. $85,000 limit/one-three years in scope.
Deadline: OCTOBER 22
Apply: HERE