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Grants and programs for small farms and food makers

The federal and state programs worth knowing about and what each one funds. We do not write grants, but we do set up the books and records these programs ask for.

Get a plan and a priceSee the picks

The short answer

Start with the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant if you turn raw farm product into something processed, the Local Food and Farmers Market Promotion Programs for direct-to-consumer projects, and your state department of agriculture for block grants and marketing programs.

The programs

  1. USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)

    For farmers turning raw product into something processed or marketed differently. Planning and working capital grants.

  2. USDA Local Food Promotion Program and Farmers Market Promotion Program

    For direct-to-consumer and local supply chain projects.

  3. USDA Rural Business Development Grants and SBA microloans

    Small amounts, through local lenders and development councils.

  4. State programs and Extension offices

    State specialty crop block grants, state departments of agriculture marketing programs, and local Extension offices, which also run free food business courses.

  5. State 'Made in' and 'Grown in' programs

    Many states have one, with logo use, trade show space and buyer introductions for a small annual fee.

Where to go next

  • Have the books set up for you

    We do not write grants, but we do set up the books and records these programs ask for.

    See the solution

  • USDA Agricultural Marketing Service grants

    The source for the federal local food and marketing programs.

    Open usda.gov

Want one of these set up for you?

Tell us what you make. We send back a short plan and a price.

Get a plan and a price

How it works

  1. Tell us what you make

    What you make and what you use now. A spreadsheet and a Square account is a fine answer.

  2. Get a short plan

    Keep this, replace that, connect these, and the cost.

  3. We set it up

    Setup and migration done for you. You approve before anything goes live.

  4. Run it or hand it off

    Take it from there yourself or keep us on for the upkeep.

Questions

What grants are available for small farms and food makers?

The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant, the Local Food Promotion Program and Farmers Market Promotion Program, Rural Business Development Grants, SBA microloans, and state specialty crop block grants and marketing programs.

What is the Value-Added Producer Grant?

A USDA grant for farmers turning raw product into something processed or marketed differently. It offers planning and working capital grants.

Where do I find state programs for food businesses?

Your state department of agriculture, state specialty crop block grants, and your local Extension office, which also runs free food business courses.

Does Madeline's write grants?

No. We set up the books and records these programs ask for.

Get a plan and a price

Tell us what you make and what you use today. A spreadsheet and a Square account is a fine answer. We reply by email with what we would keep, what we would change and what it costs.

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