Farmers and producers are eligible to apply for the following grants and opportunities:

ANIMAL WELFARE  APPROVED
2011 Good Husbandry Grants

Who: Only farms currently approved by audit to use the Animal Welfare Approved seal or farms that have an application pending to be in the Animal Welfare Approved program on or before October 1, 2010 are eligible to receive a grant.

What: Grants allocated under the Animal Welfare Approved program must be used solely to improve the welfare of farm animals. Priority will be given to project proposals with the greatest potential impact for improving the welfare of farm animals, by affecting the largest number of animals, and/or resulting in the most significant increase in welfare benefits. Priority will also be given to proposals that develop innovative practices that can ultimately be applied on other operations.

When: Deadline was October 1, 2010. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application by December 1, 2010.

Web: www.animalwelfareapproved.org/farmers/grants-for-farmers

Contact: Questions may be directed to Emily Lancaster at 919-428-1641.


APPALACHIAN GROWN MATCHING FUNDS

Who: To apply for funds, farmers must be Appalachian Grown™ certified. Approved applicants will incorporate the Appalachian Grown logo in the materials for which they received funding. Appalachian Grown is a branding program of Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) that identifies products from family farms in the Southern Appalachians. Getting Appalachian Grown certified is a simple process, and it’s free. Apply for certification here.

What: Appalachian Grown certified local farmers and businesses using local farm products can apply for matching funds from ASAP for promotions and marketing materials. Funds can go towards advertisements in print, on the radio, or in other media; graphic design, product labeling, materials such as posters and rack cards, signs, and more.

Web: www.asapconnections.org/agmaterials.html (access online forms here)

Contact: Questions may be directed to Bridget Kennedy at 828-236-1282 ext. 111 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WNC AG OPTIONS

Community Grant

Who: Groups of farmers, farm co-ops, farmer associations, churches, local businesses, civic organizations, non-profit organizations or combinations of these are eligible and encouraged to apply. Western North Carolina farmers must be active in the leadership of the group. Successful projects will require participation from a diversity of people, organizations, and institutions.

What: The goal of the WNC AgOptions Community Grant Program is to support projects that improve Western North Carolina's local agricultural system by enhancing existing farm ventures, particularly by addressing processing, packaging, marketing and other distribution needs.

When: Intent to Apply deadline is November 16, 2011. Applicants should contact their county Cooperative Extension Agent to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Postmark deadline for applications is December 1, 2011.

How much: The size of the grant is dependent upon the expenses associated with the project. The maximum amount awarded per applicant group is $10,000.

Web: www.wncagoptions.org

Contact:  WNC Ag Options Project Manager at 828-649-2411 x 305.

Individual Farm Businesses Grant

Who: Applicants are farmers who demonstrate the economic viability of farms in Western North Carolina. Support is provided to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations to increase farm income and ensure the sustainability of the farm business. WNC AgOptions gives awards to a variety of farm operations, including: fruits and vegetables, livestock, nurseries, agri-tourism, beekeeping and value-added processing.

What: WNC Ag Options builds sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations. Funded projects offer demonstration of alternative farm income to transitioning tobacco growers.

When: Intent to Apply deadline is November 16, 2011. Applicants should contact their county Cooperative Extension Agent to set up an appointment to discuss their projects. Postmark deadline for applications is December 1, 2011.

How much:  $3,000 and $6,000.

Web: www.wncagoptions.org

Contact:  WNC Ag Options Project Manager at 828-333-4277.


NORTH CAROLINA FARM ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (FEEP)
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Grant Programs

Who: Any farmer or production farming operation in one of North Carolina's 100 counties.

What: The project's goal is to provide educational and technical support for farmers regarding agricultural energy use and efficiency. Farmers may also apply for low-cost energy audits that will evaluate ways to save farm energy costs. The funds will provide technical support needed to analyze proposals, perform energy audits, and prepare competitive applications for REAP loans and grants.

When:  The deadline for the cost-share and renewable energy grant applications is December 31, 2011. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until all funds are allocated. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

How much: FEEP Energy Efficiency Grant Program, up to $10,000. FEEP Renewable Energy Grant Program, up to $20,000.

Web: www.ncfarmenergy.org/applications.cfm

Contact: Lendy Johnson at 919-782-1705 ext. 8209.  


NORTH CAROLINA VALUE-ADDED COST SHARE PROGRAM (NCVACS)

Who: Individual N.C. producers who grow/raise more than 50 percent of their value-added product, producer groups and farmer cooperatives based in N.C., and/or agricultural processors who utilize more than 50 percent of N.C.-grown inputs. Priority will be given to the following: Applicants who have either received or applied for a USDA-VAPG since 2008; Applicants who demonstrate their value-added activity has been in operation less than two years at the time of application; Applicants who are former tobacco growers or quota holders; Applicants who are not currently receiving financial assistance from any other project funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

What: The program, funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, provides up to $50,000 to agricultural producers and processors seeking to purchase specialized equipment (new or used) directly related to the processing, packaging, handling and production of value-added agricultural products made with N.C.-grown agricultural crops.

When:Deadline for Cost-Share applications due March 1, 2012. Cost share award recipients will be announced May 1, 2012.

How much: In the fall of 2009 and the summer of 2010, NCVACS provided up to $3,500 for a professional grant writer to prepare a Planning VAPG or Working Capital VAPG, up to $20,000 for a professional feasibility assessment to be developed by an approved third party, and up to $10,000 for USDA matching funds assistance.

Web: plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu/

Contact: VAPG Questions Neal Sherrod: 919-873-2043  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   NCVACS Questions Brittany Whitmire: 919-830-9557  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

RURAL ADVANCEMENT FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL (RAFI)
Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund

What: The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund will make cost-share demonstration grants to farmers, farm organizations, and community groups in:

Central Region of North Carolina, which includes Alamance, Bladen, Caswell, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, and Wilson counties.

Western Piedmont Region of North Carolina, which includes Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Ireell, Lincoln, Mecklinburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wilkes, Yadkin, Davie, Rockingham.

The purpose of the Reinvestment Fund is to help farmers to develop enterprises that allow them to earn more for their products through innovative production, processing, or marketing approaches.

When: Central region deadline for application is November 19, 2010. Western Piedmont region deadline for application is December 20, 2010.
 
How much: Cost-share support of up to $10,000 will be awarded to individual producers and support of up to $30,000 will be awarded to collaborative farmer efforts.

Web: www.rafiusa.org

Contact: Central region: Julius Tillery, 919-259-4101, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information about WNC counties - Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Cherokee Reservation, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey - farmers should contact Megan Riley of AgOptions at 828-333-4151.


SOUTHERN REGION SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (SARE)

On-Farm Research Grants

Who: Extension, Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) and/or non-governmental organization (NGO) personnel who work with farmers/ranchers. Farmers are not eligible, but are eligible for Producer Grants. Applicants must complete a proposal describing their project and explaining how it will help producers understand and adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

What: Awardees will conduct on-farm research with at least one farmer/rancher cooperator and are interested in conducting on-farm research or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture.

When: November 15, 2010.
 
How much: Project maximum is $15,000 for up to two years.

Web: www.southernsare.uga.edu/callpage.htm

Contact: John C. Mayne, Ph.D. - Assistant Director, Southern SARE Program - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Resources: Common Ground Newsletter and other publications - www.southernsare.uga.edu; Resources from the Sustainable Agriculture Network - www.sare.org/htdocs/pubs.

Producer Grant Program

Who: Any farmer or rancher or farmer/rancher organization in the Southern Region is eligible to apply for a Producer Grant.

What: A competitive grants program funded by USDA and EPA to promote research and education about sustainable agriculture. The Southern Region SARE Program recognizes the value and importance of on-farm, producer experience in developing solutions to agricultural production problems. In order to capture this producer experience, the Southern Region SARE Producer Grant program is requesting grant proposals from producers or producer organizations interested in conducting research or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture.

When: November 15, 2010.

How much: Projects may be funded up to two years for a project maximum of $10,000 for an individual producer or $15,000 for a producer organization.

Web: www.southernsare.uga.edu/callpage.htm

Contact: John C. Mayne, Ph.D. - Assistant Director, Southern SARE Program - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Resources: Common Ground Newsletter and other publications - www.southernsare.uga.edu; Resources from the Sustainable Agriculture Network - www.sare.org/htdocs/pubs

Sustainable Communities Innovations Grant (SCIG) Program

Who: Any individuals, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, governmental organizations and/or educational organizations located in the Southern region.

What: The Southern SARE Program and the Southern Rural Development Center, the sponsors of this competitive SCIG program, are seeking to invest in projects/programs that promote a stronger alignment between sustainable agriculture and community development strategies in the South.

When: Deadline was October 1, 2010.

How much: Maximum $10,000 per project.

Web: www.southernsare.uga.edu. Online proposal submissions at www.ciids.org/sare/scig.


TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (TDA)

Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program (TAEP)

Who: Eligibility requirements fully detailed on TDA website. Requirements include: Eligible applicant must be an individual Tennessee resident operating a farm located in Tennessee, be at least 18 years old, own land where permanent structures will be built.

What: Cost-share funds for long-term investments in livestock and farming operations.

When: 2010 deadline was June 7, 2010. Check TDA website (below) for next year's information.

Web: www.TN.gov/agriculture/enhancement

Tennessee Agricultural Producer Association Grant Program

Who: Grants will be issued to legally organized associations (501C3, city or county government, university, etc.) capable of receiving and managing state grant funds.

What: Grant funds are available to statewide agricultural producers associations for the purpose of increasing education, training, marketing and other approved activities. A local match is not required, but will be a positive factor in proposal evaluation. Emphasis is placed on activities that directly impact the greatest number of producers and increase agricultural economic opportunity. Projects should be innovative and must not substitute for existing programs. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
1.    Education, demonstration, and training
2.    Expert speakers, training materials, and related educational items
3.    Food safety issues
4.    Identifying and utilizing new marketing opportunities for agricultural products

When: Information for the 2010 grant cycle available online.

How much: $5,000

Web: www.TN.gov/agriculture/enhancement or www.PickTnProducts.org

Contact: Jan Keyser, Ag Growth Marketing Specialist, (615) 837-5346, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .


UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Who: Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program.

What: The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.

How much: EQIP cost-shares 50 to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. However, limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90 percent. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance. An individual or entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments that, in the aggregate, exceed $300,000 for all EQIP contracts entered during the term of the Farm Bill.

Web: www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/EQIP

Contact: Your county's Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL)

Who: Full eligibility requirements are listed on the program's Web site (see link below.) Borrower is any person who is a landowner, landlord, leaseholder, tenant or sharecropper.

What: Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

How much: The maximum per loan amount is $500,000. Participants are required to provide a down payment of 15%, with CCC providing a loan for the remaining 85% of the net cost.

Web: www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=prsu&topic=flp-fp

Contact: Applications for FSFL must be submitted to the FSA county office that maintains the farm's records.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Who: The program is open to agricultural producers and rural small businesses, including most rural electric cooperatives. To be eligible, you must be actively involved in the business and the proposed project.

What: Guaranteed loans and grants for the development/construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy feasibility studies.

When: Deadline was June 30, 2010. Check webite for future information.

How much: A total of $87 million is available for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, leaving $9.9 million for energy technical assistance and $2.4 million for feasibility studies.

Web: http://farmenergy.org/news/usda-issues-2010-reap-funding-notice

Contact: North Carolina contact: David Thigpen, USDA Rural Development, 4405 Bland Rd. Suite 260, Raleigh, NC 27609, 919-873-2065, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Who: Eligibility is extensive. See www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/sbir/sbir_eligibility.html for all requirements.

What:  The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes competitively awarded grants that are to qualified small businesses to support high quality, advanced concepts research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if successful.

When: Phase I closing date: September 2, 2010. Phase II closing date was February 4, 2010.

How much: An estimated $19 million and is allocated over 12 broad topic areas in proportion to the number of proposals received. SBIR Phase I grants are limited to $80,000 and duration of 8 months and are open to any small business concern that meets the SBIR eligibility requirements. SBIR Phase II grants are limited to $350,000 and duration of 24 months and are only open to previous Phase I awardees.

Web: www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/sbir/sbir.html

Contact: Telephone: 202-401-4002. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Small, Limited Resource, and Beginning Farmers/Ranchers

What: The purpose of this program is to ensure that NRCS programs are administered in a way that enables small, limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers maintain and develop economic viability in farm operations; to ensure NRCS technical assistance programs and activities reach small, limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers; and that technical practices and information are relevant to the needs of these farmers and ranchers.

When: Varies.

How Much: Varies, usually cost-share.

Web: Online Limited Resource Self-Determination Tool

Contact: Your county's Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
 
Who: Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vapgea/step1.htm to determine if you are eligible.

What: Grants may be used for planning activities and for working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy. For more information about the program, contact your State Rural Development Office to obtain additional information and assistance. (See link below.)

How much:  Information for the 2010 grant cycle is not available. Check website (listed below) or contact your area Rural Development Office.

Web: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

Contact:  Click this link for a list of North Carolina area contacts: www.rurdev.usda.gov/nc/do-list.htm.

RESOURCES:

Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities
This is a guide to federal programs that provide financial and technical support for sustainable agriculture and forestry.
www.sare.org/publications/ruralplaces.htm

Note: ASAP staff can offer limited assistance and consultation to farmers.