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
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Department/Organization | Office/Agency | Program | Description | CEA Relevance | Type | Eligability Criteria | Current Status | Application Cycle |
2 | Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) | N/A | Food Systems Finance Resource Center | The 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. | Low | Technical Assistance | N/A | | N/A |
3 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) | Local Agriculture Marketing Program (LAMP) | 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: Local Food Promotion Program Regional Food System Partnerships Program Value-Added Producer Grants | High | Grant | You 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. | | Value-Added Producer Grants Application Window: TBA Program Application Period: The FY 2025 application period is delayed. Check Grants.gov and this website for updates on the new application period. |
4 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) | Regional Food System Partnerships | supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems RFSP offers three types of projects, 24-month Planning and Design, 3-year Implementation and Expansion Projects, and Farm to Institution. The funding for each project ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000. | High | Grant | Eligable entities include: - Producer - Farmer or Rancher Cooperative - Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture - Food Council - Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Network or Association - Local Governments - Nonprofit Corporations - Public Benefit Corporations - Economic Development Corporations - Regional Farmers Market Authorities - Tribal Governments - State Agencies or Regional Authorities - Philanthropic Corporations - Private Corporations - Institutions of Higher Education - Commercial, Federal or Farm Credit System Lending Institutions | | The FY 2024 grant application period is closed. Applications received after the due date will be subject to the AMS’ Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures (pdfhttps://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsidera…) For any questions related to RFSP, contact [email protected] |
5 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) | Specialty Crop Block Grant Program | Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” | High | Grant | The 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. | | The FY 2024 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]. |
6 | 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. | High | Technical Assistance, Financial Assistance | Available 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. | | The 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. See payment schedules for your state. See application. To learn more about EQIP, contact your local NRCS office. |
7 | 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. | High | Financial Assistance | Available 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. Who is Eligible? 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 | | Applications 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. |
8 | 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. | Medium | Grant | CIG Classic: All non-federal entities, including individuals. This may include: - Colleges/universities - Nonprofits - For-profit entities - Agricultural Producers - 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 the FY25 competition opens, information on the competition and instructions for how to apply will be posted on grants.gov . |
9 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Agricultural Research Service (ARS) | USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency | Low | Technical Assistance | | |||
10 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Various | The 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) | High | Grant | Various | | NIFA 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. |
11 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture | 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. | High | Grant | Applications 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. | Closed | Closed as of September 22, 2022 |
12 | 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. | High | Grant | - 1862 Land-grant Institutions - 1890 Land-grant Institutions - 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. | Closed | Closed as of April 4, 2024 |
13 | 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. | High | Grant, Technical Assistance | Who Can Apply? - 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. | Open | Rolling application How Do I Apply? Visit Your Region for More Information Grants are administered by SARE's four regional offices. Visit the appropriate region to learn which grant type is right for you and to access application instructions. North Central | Northeast | South | West |
14 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) | 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. | High | Technical Assistance, Grant | Pre-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. | Closed | Closed as of November 8, 2024 The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2025 funding opportunity will be scheduled soon. Please visit again for more information. |
15 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program | AFRI-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. | High | Grant | - 1862 Land-grant Institutions - 1890 Land-grant Institutions - 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 | Open | Posted Date: January 2, 2025 Closing Date: December 31, 2025 |
16 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) | Supports the development of projects with a one-time infusion of federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. CFPs should be designed to create community-based food projects with objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with CFPCGP primary goals. | Medium | Grant | Public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities, including gleaners (see Definitions in Part VIII, D of the RFA) are eligible to apply. Please refer to the CFP RFA for more information on eligibility. | Closed | Closed as of November 7, 2024 The technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2025 funding opportunity is now scheduled. Please see details about the webinar, including the registration link, date, and time, via the technical assistance webinar button below. The recording and supporting documents will also be posted to this page after the event. |
17 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) | Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) | The purpose of this program 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. | High | Grant | - 1862 Land-grant Institutions - 1890 Land-grant Institutions - 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). | Open | Posted Date: December 11, 2024 Closing Date: February 13, 2025 |
18 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production | Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants (UAIP) | Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) competitive grants initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. | Medium | Grant | - 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) | Closed | FY2023 |
19 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Rural Development (RD) | Rural Business Development Grants | 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 revenues | High | Grant, Technical Assistance | Rural Business Development Grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Check eligible areas. | Open | Closing Date: February 28, 2025 |
20 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Rural Development (RD) | Federal Funding Opportunities | Rural Development publishes funding opportunities, Notices of Solicitation of Applications (NOSAs) or Notices of Funding Availability in the Federal Register. | High | Grant | Varies | Open | Varies |
21 | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Rural Development (RD) | Value-Added Producer Grants | The 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. | High | Grant | You 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. | | The 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 Program | This program promotes economic development and creates job and wealth opportunities by supporting the equity capital investment needs of smaller enterprises located in rural areas. | High | Equity Captal Investment | This 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 | Open | Rolling application |
23 | US Department of Energy (DOE) | Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office (IEDO) | Onsite Energy TAPs | Provides technical assistance, market analysis, and best practices to help industrial facilities and other large energy users increase the adoption of onsite clean energy technologies. | Medium | Technical Assistance | US-based facility | Open | N/A |
24 | US Department of Energy (DOE) | Industrial Efficiency & Decarbonization Office (IEDO) | 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 | Medium | Technical Assistance | US-based facility | Open | N/A |
25 | US Department of Energy (DOE) | Office of Manufacturiong and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) | Industrial Training and Assessment Center Implementation Grants | The 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. | Medium | Grant | Small- and medium-sized manufacturers. | Open | Rolling (available until expended) |
26 | US Department of Energy (DOE) | Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) | Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs (C-PACE) | The property assessed clean energy (PACE) model is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on private property. | Medium | Financial Assistance | | ||
27 | US Department of Energy (DOE) | Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) | Revolving Loan Funds | Revolving loan funds (RLFs) are pools of capital from which loans can be made for clean energy projects—as loans are repaid, the capital is then reloaned for other projects. | Medium | Loan | | ||
28 | US Department of the Treasury | N/A | 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. | Medium | Credit | | ||
29 | US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Other | TBD | | TBD |
30 | US Small Business Administration (SBA) | N/A | Small 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. | High | Technical Assistance | | ||
31 | US Small Business Administration (SBA) | N/A | Grants for Community Organizations | TBD | Medium | Grant | TBD | | TBD |
32 | US Small Business Administration (SBA) | N/A | Community Navigator Pilot Program | Through 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. | Medium | Grant | TBD | | TBD |
33 | US Small Business Administration (SBA) | N/A | LenderMatch | TBD | TBD | Other | TBD | | TBD |