The season of renewal Spring 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Funding is upon us, and it comes with new opportunities for those interested in sustainable agriculture.
If you’re looking to start or expand a sustainable farming operation, now is the time to explore funding options. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the most promising funding sources for spring 2024, from government grants to private foundations. So, if you’re ready to plant the seeds of your future, keep reading!
Spring 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Funding
With spring approaching, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced many financing possibilities for sustainable agriculture.
This blog article describes the funding standards, application dates, and program requirements for a variety of food and agricultural system projects funded by the USDA that are presently accepting applications.
The funding possibilities listed below are separated into three categories:
- Climate, Conservation, and Power
- Educational and research endeavors
- Local Food (including urban and rural programs) and Nutrition
The Requests for Applications (RFA) on this page are categorized by category, followed by application date, from earliest deadline to farthest out. Many deadlines are quickly approaching in February and early March!
Research and Education Programs
Starting Farmer and Rancher Development Program
Deadline: April 4, 2024.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), was established in the 2018 Farm Bill as part of the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach.
(FOTO) The program is the only USDA program dedicated to funding projects that provide technical assistance, education, and training to the next generation of farmers in the United States.
The initiative promotes local, state, and regional collaborations that enable new farmers to acquire and grow business and agricultural production abilities. This year, BFRDP is expected to receive a total of $24 million in grants.
Eligible applicants include collaborative state, tribal, municipal, or regional networks or partnerships of qualifying public and private groups, click here to apply now.
Gus Schumacher’s Nutrition Incentive Program
Deadline: May 14, 2024.
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, or GusNIP, was established in the 2014 Farm Bill and later expanded in the 2018 Farm Bill.
It is a competitive grant program that funds nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients by offering incentives.
The Nutrition Incentive Program embodies the program’s original goals by prioritizing three program areas: pilot projects, standard projects, and large-scale initiatives. This year, NIFA revealed that the Nutrition Incentive Program will have access to roughly $36.3 million, to apply click here.
Nonprofit organizations and government entities are both eligible to apply. Eligible applicants are encouraged to collaborate with public or private, non-profit or for-profit institutions, and may award subgrants to a wide range of organizations.
The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program
Deadline: April 9, 2024.
The Urban Agricultural and Innovation Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program, was first launched and financed in fiscal year 2020.
Provided competitive grant financing for initiatives that promote the development and innovation of urban agriculture projects. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program, which offers two types of grants: planning project grants and implementation project grants.
Planning projects kick off or expand the efforts of farmers, people, governments, and schools in urban and suburban areas to create urban agriculture to address food availability challenges, business start-up expenses, and zoning policy development.
Implementation projects provide money to help expand existing urban or community agriculture areas and practices that promote local food access.
Competitive programs involve the participation of numerous partners to promote infrastructure, education, and policy implementation throughout farmer networks. NRCS reported that roughly $6 million will be available for UAIP projects this year.
County governments, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribes, special district governments, K-12 schools, soil and water conservation districts, and city or township governments are all eligible to apply, Click here to apply now.
Sustainable agriculture is an expanding sector with numerous opportunities for those who care about the environment and provide nutritious food.
There are numerous funding sources accessible, so don’t be afraid to investigate your alternatives and achieve your aspirations. Remember, the future of sustainable agriculture is in your hands, so start planting the seeds of change now!
