Programs:

As funding announcements are made and as we compile information on grant programs, we will provide this information here. Join our email list to receive updates automatically.

For producers:

• USDA Value Added Producer Grant: For producers adding value to their agricultural product. We are waiting for news of the funding deadline for 2013. The 2012 deadline was in October.
• Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Producer Grants: For producers looking to conduct research or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture on their farm for the purposes of solving problems and helping other producers in the process. The deadline for 2013 has not yet been announced, but the 2012 deadline was in November.
• Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation: Provides loan opportunities for agricultural processing, beginning farmers, and other initiatives.
• Kentucky Export Initiative: Provides up to $6,000 through the State Trade and Export Promotion program for small businesses to help with covering costs associated with export activities, including market research, trade shows, translation services, export technical assistance and other items.
• Kentucky On-Farm Energy Incentives Program: For producers interested in upgrading their energy systems, improving their energy efficiency and looking for assistance in covering their costs to do so. The next deadline is April 26.
• Kentucky Sheep and Goat Council: The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Council is offering short term, zero-interest operating loans to individuals looking to begin sheep or goat production or who have been in sheep or goat production for less than 5 years. Funds may be used to purchase sheep and/or goats for breeding purposes as well as livestock guardian animals. The Council is also looking to fund special projects that would either increase the supply of sheep and goats in the state or increase consumption of Kentucky-raised goat and sheep products.
• Southern United States Trade Association: For small business applicants looking to launch new branded exports through the Market Access Program. The program can cover up to 50% of international marketing and promotion expenses, including tradeshow expenses, in-store displays and label changes.
• USDA Rural Energy for America Program: For producers looking to make changes to reduce energy costs and energy consumption. The deadline for applications this year is April 30.
• USDA Farm Service Agency Loans: For farmers unable to obtain credit elsewhere or for individuals from socially disadvantaged groups to buy and operate family-size farms. For the purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups have been defined as women, Blacks or African Americans, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders. You can contact your local FSA office for more information.
• USDA Farm to School Grants: Producers already engaged in farm to school activities may be able to partner with local school districts for grants to further their farm to school activities. The deadline this year is April 24.
• USDA Conservation Stewardship Program: For producers whose operations provide environmental benefits and are willing to enroll in the program.
• USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program: For producers looking to transition to organic production, build high tunnels, conduct on-farm energy audits, or conduct other conservation practices. The next deadline is April 19.
• USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Program: Funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. The deadline is April 26.

For producer cooperatives:

• USDA Value Added Producer Grant: For producers adding value to their agricultural product. Deadline is October 15.
• USDA Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Program (NEW): For cooperatives or cooperative development centers that serve socially-disadvantaged groups and where a majority of their governing board is comprised of members of socially-disadvantaged groups or at least 75 percent of their membership is comprised of socially-disadvantaged producers. Deadline is July 24, 2012.
• USDA Value Added Producer Grant: For producer cooperatives adding value to their agricultural product
• USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program: For producer cooperatives engaging in producer-to-consumer direct marketing
• USDA Farm to School Grants: Producers already engaged in farm to school activities may be able to partner with local school districts for grants to further their farm to school activities. Letters of interest are requested by May 18, and applications are due June 15.

For rural small businesses:

• Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation: Provides loan opportunities for agricultural processing, beginning farmers, and other initiatives.
• Kentucky Export Initiative: Provides up to $6,000 through the State Trade and Export Promotion program for small businesses to help with covering costs associated with export activities, including market research, trade shows, translation services, export technical assistance and other items.
• Southern United States Trade Association: For small business applicants looking to launch new branded exports through the Market Access Program. The program can cover up to 50% of international marketing and promotion expenses, including tradeshow expenses, in-store displays and label changes.
• USDA Rural Energy for America Program: For producers looking to make changes to reduce energy costs and energy consumption

For nonprofits:

• Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Sustainable Community Innovation Grants: For organizations working to blend community development with sustainable agricultural strategies.
• USDA Farm to School Grants: Groups working to advance farm to school activities. Letters of interest are requested by May 18, and applications are due June 15.
• USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program : For projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses. While applications are accepted throughout the year, the deadline is February 29 for consideration this funding cycle.
• USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program: For producer cooperatives engaging in producer-to-consumer direct marketing
• Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Grant Funds: For nonprofits, schools, communities, and other organizations to receive funds for specific energy conservation and renewable energy projects.

For communities:

• USDA Farm to School Grants: Schools looking for planning or implementation funds to further farm to school activities. Letters of interest are requested by May 18, and applications are due June 15.
• USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program: For projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses. While applications are accepted throughout the year, the deadline is February 29 for consideration this funding cycle.
• USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program: For farmers' markets or other venues engaging in producer-to-consumer direct marketing
• Kentucky Farmers' Markets Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program:
For local farmers' markets to construct permanent facilities for their markets or expand existing markets. The deadline for applications for the program is June 29, 2012.
• Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Grant Funds: For nonprofits, schools, communities, and other organizations to receive funds for specific energy conservation and renewable energy projects.