Farm Financial Management
Agricultural Funding Opportunities
There are many opportunities for existing and beginning farmers to access loans and grant programs, both locally and at the federal level. Below are some of these funding opportunities.
CURRENT
The USDA launched the Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of these weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk during calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. The MLP is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Signup for MLP begins September 11 and runs through October 16, 2023. Learn more here or contact your local FSA office.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program. Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.
Learn more and the application deadline is October 31, 2023.
The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) - Section 22007 provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in USDA's farm lending prior to 2021. There are regional hubs to support those interested in the program, the CCE Sullivan County office in Liberty, NY is the location of one of those regional hubs and is managed by the Windsor Group LLC. For assistance with the application or to learn more you can contact info@22007apply.gov or 1-800-721-0970.
Learn more and apply by January 13, 2024.
LOCAL
Sullivan County Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund
The Sullivan County Revolving Loan Funds provide seed capital and early-stage loans to eligible entrepreneurial companies who want to establish or expand within the county. Special consideration shall be given to assisting businesses owned and operated by persons of low-to-moderate income, as required by the specific program. For more information call the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Community Development at 845-807-0527 or visit their website.
Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund
The IDA administers a revolving loan fund for agri-businesses. For more information on the loan program and an application, contact the County of Sullivan IDA office at 845-295-2603 or visit their website.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development
Through the Sullivan Investments Revolving Loan Program and the Incubator Without Walls Revolving Loan Program, the Partnership provides financing along with technical assistance to businesses. For more information on the loan program and an application contact the SC Partnership office at 845-794-1110 or Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.
STATE
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The Department offers various funding opportunities to ensure the growth of New York’s agricultural communities. These opportunities touch many parts of the diverse agricultural sector: connecting farmers with new markets; supporting marketing efforts for producers and retailers; getting local, healthy foods into schools; improving infrastructure on fairgrounds and in companion animal shelters statewide; ensuring climate-resilient farming practices; and more.
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program
Marketing and Advertising of NYS Grown and Certified Specialty Products
visit: https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities to explore relevant opportunities.
NORTHEAST
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center Funding Opportunities
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grants
FEDERAL
USDA National Agricultural Library: Grants & Loans for Farmers
Although limited, financial support for small farms and farm-related businesses is available from a variety of federal, state, and local agencies, and from non-governmental organizations. Grants & Loans for Farmers
USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loans
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
PRIVATE
National Young Farmers Coalition Grant Program
Brighter Future Fund - American Farmland Trust
Growing Spaces Urban Farming Grant
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
ENERGY
Rural Energy for America Program (Loan & Grant)
NYSERDA offers financial assistance to identify electric and natural gas energy efficiency measures for eligible farms and on-farm producers, including but not limited to: dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. Farms must be customers of a New York State investor-owned utility and contribute to the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Please check your farm’s current utility bills.
Last updated September 29, 2023
Sullivan County Revolving Loans
Ag Business Planning & Development Resources
- Investing in Your Farm: Accessing Grants and Loans for Growing Your Business (all workshops are recorded and available on the website)
- Funding for Farms and Food Businesses
- Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses
- Starting an Ag-Business? A Pre-Planning Guide
- Starting a Business: Brochure from the NYS Office for Technology
- Business Planning for the Agriculture Sector: A Guide to Business Plan Development for Start-up to Mid-Size Operations
- A Practical Guide to Preparing Your Business Plan
- Incubator Without Walls Program: A Brochure from the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation
- What is Your Agricultural Commodity Really Worth?
- Tax Guide for Owners and Operators of Small and Medium Size Farms