Government Resources

Government Resources

While CEA facilities have the potential to alleviate food insecurity and stimulate economic growth, construction and operating costs can be a significant barrier to development, particularly for less established growers. However, many government resources are available to aid in the sustainable growth of this industry. To help connect producers with technical and financial assistance, we compiled information on government resources relevant to CEA below. (Last update: March 2025)

*Note that government programs, funding availability, and application cycles are dynamic by nature and should be monitored frequently for the latest information. Grants.gov is the centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities.

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Department/Organization

 

CEA Relevance

 

Type

 
 ABCDEFGHI
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Department/OrganizationOffice/AgencyProgramDescriptionCEA RelevanceTypeEligibility CriteriaCurrent StatusApplication Cycle
          
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Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA)N/AFood Systems Finance Resource CenterThe CDFA Food Systems Finance Resource Center outlines development finance tools that can be used to support local food systems, such as bonds, tax increment finance, tax credits, revolving loan funds, and other tools.LowTechnical AssistanceN/AN/A
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)Local Agriculture Marketing Program (LAMP)The LAMP program supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products.

LAMP Funding Opportunities include:
- Local Food Promotion Program 
- Regional Food System Partnerships Program 
- Value-Added Producer Grants
HighGrantVariesOpenVaries
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)The LFPP offers four types of projects, 24-month Planning, 36-month Implementation, 24-month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and 24-month Turnkey Recruitment and Training. Planning projects range from $25,000 to $100,000, while implementation projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. Each of the turnkey project options is available for a defined set of activities, with funding amounts ranging from $50,000 and $100,000.HighGrantEligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations
- Food councils
- Economic development corporations
- Local governments
- Nonprofit and public benefit corporations
- Producer networks or associations
- Regional farmers’ market authorities
- Tribal governments
OpenApplications for the FY 2025 grants were due on June 27, 2025. Applications received after the due date will be subject to the AMS' - Policy on Late Applications. For any questions related to LFPP, contact [email protected].
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems.

RFSP offers two types of projects: 24-month Planning and Design and 36-month Implementation and Expansion Projects. Planning and Design projects range from $100,000 to $250,000, while Implementation and Expansion projects range from $250,000 to $1,000,000.
HighGrantEligible entities include producers, farmer or rancher cooperatives, producer networks or associations, majority-controlled producer-based business venture, community supported agriculture networks or associations, food councils, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and tribal governments.

Eligible partners include state agencies or regional authorities, philanthropic corporations, institutions of higher education, private corporations, and commercial, federal or farm credit system lending institutions.
OpenApplications for the FY 2025 grants were due on June 27, 2025. For any questions related to RFSP, contact [email protected].
 
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)Specialty Crop Block Grant ProgramThe purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)."HighGrantThe agency, commission, or department responsible for agriculture within any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is eligible to apply directly to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for grant funds. Organizations or individuals interested in the SCBGP should contact their state department of agriculture for more information.ClosedThe FY 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) application period is closed. Only state departments of agriculture may apply for funding to AMS. For any questions related to SCBGP, contact [email protected].
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Environmental Quality Innovation Program (EQIP)NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.HighTechnical Assistance, Financial AssistanceAvailable practices and practice standards vary by state (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state). Contact your local NRCS office to get started.OpenThe first step is to contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservation planner will schedule a visit to your property. They will walk the land with you to discuss your goals and review any resource concerns. Following the site visit, the conservation planner will develop a conservation plan that includes a variety of conservation practices or activities to address the resource concerns and management goals discussed.

Applications for NRCS conservation programs are accepted on a continuous basis; however, customers should apply by state-specific ranking dates to be considered for the current funding cycle.

Find application ranking dates for your state, payment schedules for your state. and the application on the website. To learn more about EQIP, contact your local NRCS office.
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.HighFinancial AssistanceAvailable practices and practice standards vary by state (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state). Contact your local NRCS office to get started.

Applicants must own or control the land within an identified AMA State and comply with adjusted gross income limitation provisions. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland, non-industrial forestland, and other private land that produces crops or livestock where risk may be mitigated through operation diversification or change in resource conservation practices.
OpenApplications may be obtained and filed at any
time with your local USDA Service Center,
which you can find at farmers.gov/servicelocator, or a conservation district office.
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.MediumGrantCIG Classic:
All non-federal entities, including individuals. This may include: Colleges/universities, Nonprofits, For-profit entities, Agricultural Producers, and Tribal entities

On-Farm Trials:
- Private entities, except individuals, whose primary business is related to agriculture
- Non-governmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers
- Non-federal government agencies
When competition opens, information on the competition and instructions for how to apply will be posted on grants.gov.
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Agricultural Research Service (ARS)N/AUSDA’s chief scientific in-house research agencyLowTechnical AssistanceN/AN/A
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)VariousThe National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agriculture-related sciences. Its purpose is to consolidate all federally funded agricultural research (clearing house of grant opportunities)HighGrantVariesNIFA announces funding opportunities through Grants.gov. Through funding opportunity announcements on Grants.gov, applicants can find Requests for Applications (RFAs), which are documents that provide comprehensive information for interested applicants regarding:
- eligibility requirements
- program specifics
- how to submit a complete application to an open - funding opportunity.
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Urban, Indoor, and Emerging AgricultureThe Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education, and Extension Initiative (UIE) is a NIFA competitive grant program implemented in 2022 to support research, education, and extension activities that facilitate development of urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production systems.HighGrantApplications may only be submitted by entities such as State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations, foundations, or corporations; individuals; or any group consisting of two or more of the above entities.ClosedClosed as of September 22, 2022
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides grants to organizations for education, mentoring and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers.HighGrant- 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions
- Other junior and four-year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a college or university.
- State Cooperative Extension Services
- Federal, State, Municipal or Tribal agencies
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Private For-Profit Organizations

The applicant must be a collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally based network or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities. 
 
ClosedClosed as of April 4, 2024
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is a decentralized competitive grants and education program operating in every state and island protectorate. SARE is divided into four different regions that operate as separate entities and run grant programs for their states.HighGrant, Technical Assistance- Farmers and ranchers
- Researchers
- Extension agents and other educators
- Graduate students
Grants are available for projects within the United States and U.S. protectorates only.
OpenRolling application
Grants are administered by SARE's four regional offices (North Central, Northwast, South, and West). Refer to the appropriate region to learn which grant type is right for you and to access application instructions.
 
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program works to solve the needs of the various specialty crop industries through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, exchange of information, and development of resources that accelerate the application of scientific discovery and technology. SCRI supports the integration of research and extension activities that use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches within five focus areas.HighTechnical Assistance, GrantPre-applications may only be submitted by Federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, research institutions and organizations, private organizations, foundations, or corporations, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, Cooperative Extension Services, individuals, or groups consisting of two or more of these entities.ClosedClosed as of November 8, 2024

A technical assistance webinar related to this funding opportunity may be scheduled soon. Please check the website for more information.
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)AFRI Foundational and Applied Science ProgramAFRI-Foundational Knowledge of Agricultural Production Systems (A1102): The program was launched in 2016 and supports integrated research/education/extension projects and conference projects in all production systems, including Urban Agriculture. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.

AFRI-Foundational Knowledge of Agricultural Systems and Technology (A1521): The program supports integrated research/education/extension projects and conference projects in Engineering for Agricultural Production Systems. Applications must have a significant engineering component. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.

AFRI-AERC Small and Medium-Sized Farms (A1601): The Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities program area of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI-AERC) program on Small and Medium-Sized Farms (A1601) funds integrated research/education/extension projects that benefit small and medium-sized farms and ranches.
HighGrant- 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions
- For-profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions
- Individuals
- Native American Tribal Orgs, not Federally recognized Tribal Governments
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed
- Other or Additional Information (See below)
- Small Business
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations
- State Controlled Institutions of Higher Ed
OpenFor FY 2025:
Posted Date: January 2, 2025
Closing Date: December 31, 2025
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP)The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is intended to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems. Understanding that people with low incomes experience disproportionate access to healthy foods, projects should address food and nutrition security, particularly among our nation’s historically ignored communities. CFPCGP projects are to include food insecure community members in the planning, designing, development, implementation and evaluation of activities, services, programs, and policies to combat food and nutrition insecurity; and to address underlying causes and factors related to hunger.

The CFPCGP projects are to be designed to require a one-time contribution of Federal assistance to become self-sustaining and meet short- and long-term goals. Applicants are required to address two or more of the CFPCGP goals that best fit the plan or project being proposed to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to resolving food and nutrition security and hunger.
MediumGrantPublic food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities, including gleaners, are eligible to apply. See Definitions and additional eligibility information in the Request for Applications (RFA).ClosedClosed as of November 7, 2024

This funding opportunity is closed. At the beginning of each fiscal year, NIFA publishes the for the Upcoming RFA Calendar for all NIFA funding opportunities. This calendar is regularly updated.
18
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA)Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI)The purpose of the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics.HighGrant- 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Institutions
- For-profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses
- Other or Additional Information (See below)
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations
- State Controlled Institutions of Higher Ed

The following entities are eligible: 1. State agricultural experiment stations; 2. colleges and universities; 3. university research foundations; 4. other research institutions and organizations; 5. Federal agencies; 6. national laboratories; 7. private organizations or corporations; 8. individuals who are United States citizens or nationals; or 9. any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (1) through (8).
OpenFor FY 2025:
Posted Date: December 11, 2024
Closing Date: February 13, 2025
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative ProductionUrban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants (UAIP)The Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) offers competitive grants to support the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs.MediumGrant- A nonprofit organization: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)

- A unit of local government, including: City, township, county, or regional governments, any school serving grades Kindergarten through grade 12, Soil and Water Conservation districts (regional organization)

-A Tribal Government, including: Native American Tribal Governments (federally recognized), Native American Tribal organizations (including organizations that are not federally recognized Tribal Governments)
ClosedUncertain
20
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Rural Development (RD)Rural Business Development GrantsThe Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenuesLowGrant, Technical AssistanceThis program is only open to a Public Body/Government Entity, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe or a Nonprofit entity serving rural areas. For profit entities, individuals and individual businesses are not eligible to receive grants under this program.ClosedFor FY 2025, Closing Date: April 7, 2025
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Rural Development (RD)Value-Added Producer GrantsThe Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program assists agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.HighGrantYou may receive priority if you are:
- Beginning farmer or rancher.
- Veteran farmer or rancher.
- Socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher.
- Small or medium-sized farm.
- Ranch structured as a family farm.
- Farmer or rancher cooperative.
- Proposing a mid-tier value chain.
ClosedThe FY 2025 application period is delayed. Check Grants.gov and this website for updates on the new application period.
22
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)Rural Development (RD)Rural Business Investment ProgramThe Rural Business Investment Program promotes economic development and creates job and wealth opportunities by supporting the equity capital investment needs of smaller enterprises located in rural areas.HighEquity Capital InvestmentThis program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed developmental capital organizations to help meet the equity capital investment needs in rural communities.

Eligible applicants for the RBIC license include newly formed for-profit entities, or subsidiary of an entity

All applicants:
- Must have relevant experience in venture capital or community development financing
- Must raise a minimum of $10 million in private equity capital
- May be structured as limited partnerships, limited liability companies or corporations
OpenRolling application
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US Department of Energy (DOE)Industrial Technologies Office (ITO)Onsite Energy ProgramThe U.S. Department of Energy's Onsite Energy Program provides regionally tailored technical assistance support for industrial sites, and other large energy users, installing electricity generation and storage technologies at their facilities. Increasing the adoption of onsite electricity sources like combined heat and power or thermal storage at industrial sites can enable electricity growth and support a resilient grid.MediumTechnical AssistanceUS-based facilityOpenN/A
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US Department of Energy (DOE)Industrial Technologies Office (ITO)50001 ReadyThe U.S. Department of Energy's 50001 Ready program recognizes facilities and organizations that attest to the implementation of an ISO 50001-based energy management system. The program is a self-paced, no-cost way for organizations to build a culture of structured energy improvement that leads to deeper and sustained savings that does not require any external audits or certifications.MediumTechnical AssistanceUS-based facilityOpenN/A
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US Department of Energy (DOE)Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC)Industrial Training and Assessment Center Implementation GrantsThe U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Training and Assessment Centers Implementation Grant Program is designed to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) implement recommendations made in Industrial Training and Assessment Center or Onsite Energy CHP-TAP assessments since 2018, and recommendations made in assessments that DOE has deemed equivalent may be eligible.

Grant awards are up to $300,000 per manufacturer (covering one or multiple projects), at a 50% cost share.
MediumGrantSmall- and medium-sized manufacturersOpenRolling (available until expended)
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US Department of the TreasuryN/AState Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) provide $10 billion to support small businesses and empower them to access the capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities as the country emerges from the pandemic.MediumCreditUncertainUncertain
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US Small Business Administration (SBA)N/ASmall Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization.HighTechnical AssistanceVariesVaries
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US Small Business Administration (SBA)N/AGrants for Community OrganizationsThe SBA offers grants for community organizations and cooperative agreements that support small business growth and development.MediumGrantVariesVaries
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US Small Business Administration (SBA)N/ACommunity Navigator Pilot ProgramThrough the Community Navigator Pilot Program, SBA is engaging with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved communities. The program offers funding to nonprofits, state and local governments, universities, and tribal entities to partner with SBA at the center of a hub and spoke network.MediumGrantVariesVaries
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US Small Business Administration (SBA)N/ALenderMatchLender Match matches applicants with potential lenders funding with competitive rates and fees.MediumOtherVariesVaries