Farm Finance Digest | December 2024
(An excerpt from ‘Farm Finance Digest’: SCI’s Monthly Newsletter)
UPDATES FROM THE REGENERATIVE FINANCE HUB
As I've shared with many of you who I've supported in accessing grant funds, it truly is an honor to work alongside farmers – the unsung rock stars, heroes, and celebrities who deserve far more accolades and support. As we step into the new year, the Regenerative Finance Hub is excited to bring you the latest funding news and insights reshaping transition finance.
From state procurement initiatives to NRCS EQIP funding and critical grant windows, we're unpacking financial resources to support farmers. Whether you're a farmer looking to explore new funding avenues, a food business or processor, or an advocate for sustainable agriculture, this month's newsletter delivers the latest transition finance and funding insights.
⛄ Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and I look forward to working with you in the New Year!
- Julie Davenson, Farm Finance Specialist
INDUSTRY NEWS
Kentucky Tree-Farming Family Fights Invasives and Aids Woodland Recovery
Herb Loyd and his family received two Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to promote forest growth and rebalance the mix of species with native trees on 100 acres of forest and implement brush management to eliminate non-natives on another 34 acres.
Local Procurement As a Strategy
Local retailer and institutional procurement programs, boosted by federal funding and growing state incentives, are increasing in number creating new market opportunities for farms. Some of these state and federal-level sourcing policies are prioritizing sourcing from organic and regenerative farms.
The Federal Food as Medicine Program Act if passed, would authorize funding for state programs sourcing from organic and regenerative farms. The USDA's $1.13 billion investment will support states, territories, and Tribes in purchasing and distributing wholesome, locally produced food for food banks, schools, and child care facilities.
Inflation Reduction Act Funding in Action
This January 15th virtual meeting will provide information about how USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs work and how they can benefit organic and transitioning producers. Meeting participants will also gain insights into how they can assist organic producers to access NRCS conservation support.
While applications for NRCS EQIP program are accepted year-round, there are annual ranking dates that vary by state. Missing the ranking date means waiting until the next year. States with ranking dates in 1st Qtr. of 2025 for NRCS EQIP applications include AZ, CO, CA, CT, DE, ID, and IL.
To find your state's ranking date click here.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
37th Annual California Small Farm Conference
February 23-28, 2025 (Virtual & In-Person)
This week-long event features over 40 online workshops as well as a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. The week will be full of hands-on learning, insightful programs, and invaluable networking - all focused on empowering small-scale farmers, ranchers, and local food advocates across California.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Place”, honors the vital relationship between farmers, communities and the land they steward.
AgPlan Tool
University of Minnesota, Center for Farm and Finance Management
Check out this free online tool to help farmers develop a business plan, which is crucial for securing funding and managing farm operations effectively.
AgPlan is designed to provide customized assistance to different types of rural businesses. You’ll be able to select your business type from the following choices: Ag – Commodity, Ag – Value-Added, Organic Transition, Personal Plan, and Small Business.
UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
December 2024 Deadlines
🌾 Practical Farmers of Iowa: Empower Farmers Program
(Deadline: December 31, 2024)
January 2025 Deadlines
🌾 Climate Smart Sheep Project: Offers up to $7,000 for sheep producers to develop and implement climate-smart management practices
(Deadline: January 1, 2025)
🌾 Minnesota Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grants: Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grants
(Deadline: January 3, 2025)
🌾 Farm to School Grant Implementation Program: Farm to School Grants
(Deadline: January 10, 2025)
🌾 UC SAREP Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Small Grants Program: Funds projects that support sustainable farming and food systems in CA
(Deadline: January 14, 2025)
🌾 Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock Project: Missouri Climate-Smart Fieldscapes
(Deadline: January 17, 2025)
🌾 USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center: Business Builder Award Program to support small & mid-sized farm and food business in NV, UT, AZ and CA
(Deadlines: January 24 & February 15, 2025)
🌾 Agricultural Leadership Development Initiative (ALDI): This program supports underserved farmers with grant writing assistance, advocacy training, and leadership development
(Deadline: January 25, 2025)
🌾 People’s Garden Initiative: People’s Garden Initiative
(Deadline: January 30, 2025)
February 2025 Deadlines
🌾 Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program: Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program
(Deadline: February 13, 2025)