Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

Funding Cycle

Application deadline was April 27. 2023. Unknown when application will re-open

Description

- Help beginning farmers and ranchers enter and/or improve their successes in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands, through support for projects
- Provide education, mentoring, and technical assistance to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability

BFRDP grants may fund programs or services relating to these priorities:
1. Basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices
2. Innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer and
succession strategies
3. Entrepreneurship and business training
4. Technical assistance to help beginning farmers or ranchers acquire land from
retiring farmers and ranchers
5. Financial and risk management training, including the acquisition and
management of agricultural credit
6. Natural resource management and planning
7. Diversification and marketing strategies
8. Curriculum development
9. Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships
10.Resources and referral
11.Farm financial benchmarking
12.Agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veteran farmers and ranchers
13.Farm safety and awareness
14.Food safety and recordkeeping
15.Other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers such as: projects that
address climate change with climate smart agriculture, food, and forestry solutions;
improved nutritional security; and economic revitalization, particularly in socially
disadvantaged communities

Who Can Apply

Applications may only be submitted by a collaborative state, tribal, local or regionally based network or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities. These collaborations may include the following entities: State Cooperative Extension Services; Federal, State, municipal or tribal agencies; community-based organizations (CBOs); nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); junior and four-year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a college or university; and private for-profit organizations

Additional Eligibility Requirements