USDA Urban Farm Assistance Information
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Disclaimer: This customized information is not intended to be comprehensive of all USDA can offer a new and beginning farmer; it is merely a guide to help focus your initial review of resources. We encourage new farmers and ranchers to come to a USDA office near you to learn more.
California
University of California System, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension
The Cooperative Extension System, in partnership with NIFA, is a nationwide, non-credit educational network that addresses public needs by providing non-formal higher education and learning activities to farmers, ranchers, communities, youth, and families throughout the nation.
State Department of Agriculture Directory
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Directory provides information and resources on your State's department of agriculture, with contact information and a link to the State's official web site. Each State Department of Agriculture will be able to provide information specific to your state.
BusinessUSA's State Resources Portal
Use the BusinessUSA's State Resources Portal map to find resources, events, and local business assistance centers in your area.
Bridges to Opportunity
Recently Farm Service Agency launched a new service called Bridges to Opportunity in 196 of our local offices, with plans to expand in the coming months. Through Bridges, FSA has partnered with thousands of local, state, regional, and national agricultural organizations that offer programs, nongovernmental grants, technical assistance, financial advice and other information vital to today's farmers. We invite you to visit your local Service Center so we can not only point you to the right resources, but also leverage our partnerships to get you connected to where you need to go in your farming operation.
Disabled
AgrAbility
AgrAbility provides vital education, assistance, and support to farmers and ranchers with disabilities.
AgrAbility Toolbox
The AgrAbility Toolbox contains assistive technology solutions for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.
Asian/ Pacific Islander
Credit Access for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
FSA targets a portion of its loan funds to historically underserved persons and women farmers and ranchers. We encourage you to contact your local office or USDA Service Center to learn more about our programs and the information you will need for a complete application.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/Farm-Loan-Programs/pdfs...
Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Veteran Farmers
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2014 continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and services.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/outreach/slbfr/
Outreach Directory for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
The USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach maintains a directory of programs that provide outreach and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through the 2501 Program. Program service summaries and contacts are listed by state.
Asian and Pacific Islander Organization
The purpose of the Asian Pacific Islander Organization is to provide a forum for employees to exchange ideas, network, mentor, train, and add value to theUSDA by being a linguistic, cultural and ethnic bridge to our communities and other employee organizations.
Overview of Additional Set Asides
Special set asides and/or provisions may be available for historically underserved producers in the following programs, in addition to broad programmatic opportunities.
Conservation Reserve Program
Biomass Crop Assistance Program
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
Loans – Ownership
Loans – Operating
Please see your local USDA office for more details.
African American
Credit Access for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
FSA targets a portion of its loan funds to small and beginning farmers and ranchers. Historically underserved persons also qualify for incentives that make it easier to acquire capital for a farm operation. We encourage you to contact your local office or USDA Service Center to learn more about our programs and the information you will need for a complete application.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/Farm-Loan-Programs/pdfs...
Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers, Veteran Farmers
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2014 continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and services.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/outreach/slbfr/
Outreach Directory for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
The USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach maintains a directory of programs that provide outreach and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through the 2501 Program. Program service summaries and contacts are listed by state.
Overview of Additional Set Asides
Special set asides and/or provisions may be available for historically underserved producers in the following programs, in addition to broad programmatic opportunities.
Conservation Reserve Program
Biomass Crop Assistance Program
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
Loans – Ownership
Loans – Operating
Please see your local USDA office for more details.
Women
Women in Ag
Check out New Farmers' Women in Ag section for information about opportunities for women to grow, learn from one another, and lead within their industries.
Office of Women's Business Ownership
The Office of Women's Business Ownership oversees a network of Women's Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States and its territories. Through the management and technical assistance provided by the WBCs, entrepreneurs, especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged, are offered comprehensive training and counseling on a vast array of topics in many languages to help them start and grow their own businesses.
Overview of program set asides for Women producers
Special set asides and/or provisions may be available for women producers in the following programs, in addition to broad programmatic opportunities.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
Loans – Ownership
Loans – Operating
Please see your local USDA office for more details.
Fiber
Cotton Market News
Market News reports assist industry members in making informed marketing decisions.
Row/Field Crops
Crop Production
USDA strives to sustain and enhance economical crop production by developing and transferring sound, research-derived, knowledge to agricultural producers that results in food and fiber crops that are safe for consumption.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=CROP_PRODUCTION
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
FSA provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-...
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) trigger financial protections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index
Cover Crops and Soil Health
Cover crops have the potential to provide multiple benefits in a cropping system.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/climatechange/?cid=stel...
Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News
Market News reports assist industry members in making informed marketing decisions.
Crop Commodity Programs
Crop Commodity Programs provides benefits based on price or revenue targets for producers of corn and other feed grains, wheat, rice, soybeans and other oilseeds, peanuts, and pulses and other agricultural products per special conditions.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/agricultural-act-of-2014-highlights-and-implications/cro...
Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX)
The Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) is a new crop insurance product for upland cotton that provides coverage for a portion of the expected revenue for your area.
http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/staxsco/staxfactsheet.pdf
Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)
The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) is a crop insurance option that provides additional coverage for a portion of a producer's underlying crop insurance policy deductible. Producers must buy it as an endorsement to either the Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, or Revenue Protection with the Harvest Price Exclusion policies.
Grains and Oilseeds
An overview of marketing focused information for grain and oilseed crops from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
http://www.agmrc.org/commodities__products/grains__oilseeds/
Eggs
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
FSA provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-...
Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News
Market News reports assist industry members in making informed marketing decisions.
Poultry and Eggs
The Economic Research Service provides monthly reports on poultry and egg industry outlook and data covering supply, use, prices, and trade.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/animal-products/poultry-eggs.aspx
Eggs
An overview of marketing focused information for eggs from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
http://www.agmrc.org/commodities__products/livestock/poultry/eggs/
Pastured Poultry Topic Room
This topic room includes a collection of educational materials developed out of decades of Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)-funded pastured poultry research.
http://www.southernsare.org/Educational-Resources/Topic-Rooms/Pastured-Poultry
Poultry, Small Livestock and Agroforestry Operations
ATTRA presents this modular learning program that provides information on poultry, small livestock and agroforestry operations, as well as information on business development and farm safety.
Fruit and Vegetable
Local Food Sector
USDA has responded to the growing interest in local and regional foods through the Local and Regional Food Working Group. Our mission is to support the critical connection between farmers and consumers and to strengthen USDA's support for local and regional food systems.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-sector
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
FSA provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-...
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevent crop planting.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/nonins...
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative System For Crops
The Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops is a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This practice assists agricultural producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices Audits
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are voluntary audits that focus on best agricultural practices to verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.
Fruits and Vegetables Market News
Market News reports assist industry members in making informed marketing decisions.
Produce Safety Alliance
The Produce Safety Alliance is developing a nationwide curriculum to increase understanding of the principles of Good Agricultural Practices and to facilitate the implementation of food safety regulations that will be part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Fruits
An overview of marketing focused information for fruits from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
Vegetables
An overview of marketing focused information for vegetables from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
Nursery and Flowers
Plant Health
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Plant Protection and Quarantine program safeguards U.S. agriculture and natural resources against the entry, establishment, and spread of economically and environmentally significant pests, and facilitates the safe trade of agricultural products.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
FSA provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-...
Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
The Tree Assistance Program provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes and, vines damaged by natural disasters.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/tree-a...
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevent crop planting.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/nonins...
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative System For Crops
The Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops is a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This practice assists agricultural producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Fruits and Vegetables Market Dashboard
Market News reports assist industry members in making informed marketing decisions.
Floriculture
An overview of marketing focused information for flowers and ornamental plants from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
http://www.agmrc.org/commodities__products/specialty_crops/floriculture/
Hydroponics/Aquaponics
Business and Industry Loan Program
The Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of loans for rural businesses, allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to. Funds may be used for business development; to purchase and develop land, buildings, or facilities; or to purchase equipment, machinery, supplies, or inventory.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-industry-loan-guarantees
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
FSA provides low-interest financing for producers to build or upgrade farm storage and handling facilities.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-...
Value Added Producer Grants
The Value-Added Producer Grant program can help farmers and ranchers develop new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through the creation of value-added products.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Direct Emergency Loans
FSA provides Emergency loans to help producers who own or operate located in a county declared by the President or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a primary disaster area or quarantine area.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-...
Hydroponics
The National Agricultural Library's selected list of fact sheets, websites and other information sources on hydroponic production.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems.
http://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/specialty-crop-research-initiative-scri
Small Business Administration Microloan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses start up and expand.
Aquaculture Operations- Laws, Regulations, Guidance, and Policies
EPA provided information about environmental laws and regulations that affect aquaculture operations.
Aquaponics
An overview of marketing focused information for aquaponics from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
Local and Regional Food
Local Food Sector
USDA has responded to the growing interest in local and regional foods through the Local and Regional Food Working Group. Our mission is to support the critical connection between farmers and consumers and to strengthen USDA's support for local and regional food systems.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-sector
USDA Local Food Directories
USDA's Local Food Directories help you locate and list farmers markets, on-farm markets, CSAs, and food hubs to better connect farmers and buyers, and enhance awareness of available local food sources.
Local Food Promotion Program
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grant funds with a 25% match to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets.
Farmers Market Promotion Program
The Farmers Market Promotion Program helps improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.
Business and Industry Loan Program
The Business and Industry Loan Guarantee program bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of loans for rural businesses, allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to. Funds may be used for business development; to purchase and develop land, buildings, or facilities; or to purchase equipment, machinery, supplies, or inventory.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-industry-loan-guarantees
Value Added Producer Grants
The Value-Added Producer Grant program can help farmers and ranchers develop new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through the creation of value-added products.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative System For Crops
The Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops is a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This practice assists agricultural producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Local Food Compass Map
The Local Food Compass Map shows USDA and other federal investments in local and regional food systems, along with data such as farmers markets, food hubs, and meat processors. Explore the map to see what's happening in your own community or learn how others are using federal support to build local food systems.
Small Business Administration Microloan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses start up and expand.
Farm to Table Topic Room
From crop production to business management to marketing, farmers wear many hats. In addition to having the tools to grow crops, they need the tools to build a strong business that capitalizes on local sales opportunities. This topic room has such tools and resources produced by farmers, ranchers, educators and other community members who are working to make local food more accessible to consumers.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Topic-Rooms/Farm-to-Table-Building-Local-and...
Season Extension Topic Room
This topic room was created to provide information for producers and educators interested in generating more income by extending the growing season from a collection of educational materials developed from Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)-funded research on high tunnels, greenhouses and other season extension techniques.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Topic-Rooms/High-Tunnels-and-Other-Season-Ex...
Organic
Organic Agriculture
USDA's centralized portal of information about organic agriculture, standards and certification.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=organic-agriculture
Organic Certification and Accreditation
Information about organic certification which allows a farm or processing facility to sell, label, and represent their products as organic.
Is Organic an Option for Me?
This page provides an overview of the USDA organic regulations and how USDA supports organic agriculture. It includes information on getting certified, funding opportunities, and educational resources.
http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/is-it-an-option
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Organic producers and handlers can be reimbursed for as much as 75 percent of the costs for their organic certification, up to a maximum of $750 annually.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative
The Natural Resource Conservation Service's Organic Initiative provides financial assistance to implement a broad set of conservation practices to assist organic producers in addressing resource concerns.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Risk Management Tools for Organic Crops
Information about crop insurance and other risk manamagement tools for organic crop producers.
Organic Production Resources
The National Agricultural Library's selected list of publications, fact sheets, websites and other information sources on organic agriculture.
Organic Transition: A Business Planner for Farmers, Ranchers and Food Entrepreneurs
The Organic Transition Planner will walk you through the development of an actionable business transition plan that is suitable for yourself, your management team or a lender. While not a comprehensive guide to meeting certification requirements, the Organic Transition Planner will help you explore organic transition strategies and decide whether going organic makes sense for your farm or business.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Organic-Transition
Organic Farming
ATTRA offers guidance in preparing for organic certification and in production methods for a range of organic crops and livestock.
Organic Food Trends
An overview of organic food trends as part of the overall food market from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
http://www.agmrc.org/markets__industries/food/organic-food-trends/
Process Verified
Process Verified Program
The USDA Process Verified Program provides companies that supply agricultural products or services the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services.
http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/process-verified-programs
Auditing and Accreditation
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service provides audit and accreditation programs based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards and/or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Principles and Guidelines. These programs provide producers and suppliers of agricultural products the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services.
Grass Fed Small and Very Small Producer Program
The Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small (SVS) Producers was designed as a verification tool for small and very small producers to certify that animals meet the requirements of the AMS Grass (Forage) Fed Marketing Claim Standard. It targets producers that market 49 cattle or less each year and lambs produced from 99 ewes or less.
Quality Grading and Inspections
Consumers, as well as those involved in the marketing of agricultural products, benefit from the greater efficiency permitted by the availability and application of grade standards. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service currently grades cotton, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and vegetables, poultry, eggs, livestock and meat, dairy products, and tobacco.
Value added
Value Added Producer Grants
The Value-Added Producer Grant program can help farmers and ranchers develop new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through the creation of value-added products.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Direct Emergency Loans
FSA provides Emergency loans to help producers who own or operate located in a county declared by the President or designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as a primary disaster area or quarantine area.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-...
Small Business Administration Microloan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses start up and expand.
Small Business Administration Office Locator
Find U.S. Small Business Administration's local offices and partners that counsel, mentor, and train small businesses.
Value-added Directories
Contacts for information specific to states, agricultural innovation centers, value-added agriculture consultants, and value-added agriculture businesses from the Ag Marketing Resource Center.
http://www.agmrc.org/directories__state_resources/agmrc_directories/
Urban Farming
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative System For Crops
The Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops is a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This practice assists agricultural producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Urban Farm Business Plan
The Urban Farm Business Plan Handbook provides guidance for developing a business plan for the startup and operation of an urban farm.
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/urbanag/pdf/urban_farm_business_plan.pdf
Urban Soils
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical assistance for soil in urban environments.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/urban/
Local Food Compass Map
The Local Food Compass Map shows USDA and other federal investments in local and regional food systems, along with data such as farmers markets, food hubs, and meat processors. Explore the map to see what's happening in your own community or learn how others are using federal support to build local food systems.
Local Food Promotion Program
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grant funds with a 25% match to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets.
Farmers Market Promotion Program
The Farmers Market Promotion Program helps improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.
Brownfields
The Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program is designed to empower states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
Season Extension Topic Room
This topic room was created to provide information for producers and educators interested in generating more income by extending the growing season from a collection of educational materials developed from Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)-funded research on high tunnels, greenhouses and other season extension techniques.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Topic-Rooms/High-Tunnels-and-Other-Season-Ex...
Urban and Community Agriculture
ATTRA provides publications and web resources about urban agriculture involving land use decisions, nutritious meals at schools, employment and job training, food processing and delivery, the creation of clean green working spaces in urban areas, citywide systems of composting waste, and much more.
Access to Land and Capital
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
The USDA Farm Service Agency targets a portion of its loan funds to small and beginning farmers and ranchers.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farme...
Microloans
Microloans are direct farm operating loans with a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional, and beginning operations.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/inde...
Business Planning
Make A Farm Business Plan
Nothing is more critical to a new farm business than a good farm business plan. Find out how USDA and our partners can help with planning your business.
Education and Assistance
Local Food Sector Tools and Resources
USDA and our federal partners offer a wide range of tools that can help farmers, ranchers, other businesses, communities, and individuals looking to build or take advantage of local and regional food systems.
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/food-sector/tools
eXtension
Crowd-source research-proven and science-based knowledge via eXtension, the Extension system's national online interactive learning environment.
State Cooperative Extension Contacts
USDA and agricultural colleges around the country work together to support an extensive network of state, regional, and county Cooperative Extension offices, which can help answer questions from new farmers and ranchers about their operations and common issues that they face. These offices also conduct workshops and educational events for the agricultural community.
Census of Agriculture
The Census of Agriculture is the leading source of facts and figures about American agriculture and only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the United States.
USDA Ask the Expert Online Knowledgebase
Ask the Expert connects with pre-existing USDA knowledgebase systems, enabling consumers to visit one place and receive a range of answers.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=ASK_EXPERT2
National Agricultural Library
The National Agricultural Library is one of four national libraries of the United States and houses one of the world's largest collections devoted to agriculture and its related sciences. Find information across agricultural topics, explore digital publications, locate the latest researchm or ask a question of our subject experts.
SARE Learning Center
Books, bulletins, videos, curricula, fact sheets and much more! SARE's Learning Center is a treasure trove of sustainable agriculture information.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Managing-Alternative-Pollinators
ATTRA
ATTRA provides technical assistance through our toll-free helpline, website, publications and other media. Our publications address current topics in sustainable agriculture. Use the helpline for a tailored response from our sustainable agriculture experts.
Getting Started
Start to Farm
If you are considering a career in farming or just getting started, take a minute to think about your next steps. Review important considerations and first steps as you start to farm.
BusinessUSA Start a Business Wizard
BusinessUSA is a centralized, one-stop platform to allow businesses to access services to help them grow and hire, including critical business-planning tools.
Grow My Business
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I)
The Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program offers low-interest financing to producers who are interested in developing infrastructure such as processing facilities and food hubs.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-industry-loan-guarantees
Value Added Producer Grants
The Value-Added Producer Grant program can help farmers and ranchers develop new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income through the creation of value-added products.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative System For Crops
The Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops is a conservation practice available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This practice assists agricultural producers to extend the growing season for high value crops in an environmentally safe manner.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip...
Farmers Market Promotion Program
The Farmers Market Promotion Program helps improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.
Local Food Promotion Program
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grant funds with a 25% match to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets.
Season Extension Topic Room
This topic room was created to provide information for producers and educators interested in generating more income by extending the growing season from a collection of educational materials developed from Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)-funded research on high tunnels, greenhouses and other season extension techniques.
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Topic-Rooms/High-Tunnels-and-Other-Season-Ex...
Managing a Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) also makes available a wealth of information about starting, managing, and transitioning a business. Explore information and guidance that will help you manage and grow your business effectively.
https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/man...