Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Assistance Program

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Assistance Program is sponsored by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. A cost-share/reimbursement program designed to assist the specialty crop industry with the cost of an operation's first GAP food safety audit. Reimbursement may include the cost of food safety training, water tests, consultants, and on-site visits.

Cornell Cooperative Extension | Grants and Loans Cornell Cooperative Extension Cornell Cooperative Extension Grants and Loans for Agriculture Ag Economic Development > Website: https://www. kickstarter. com/ Description: Raise funds for any project by attracting online Matching requirement: None Application period: Anytime Website: https://www.

kiva. org/ funds for a 0% interest loan by attracting online lenders. Kiva Headquarters at 828-479-5482 or https://www.

kiva. org/help? contactus=1 Agency: Farmer Veteran Coalition Website: http://www.

farmvetco. org/about-us/our-programs/farming-fellowship/ Description: This fund is for veterans who are getting started in farming or ranching. The monies of this fund are not given directly to the farmers, but instead to third parties for the purchase of items essential for getting started in farming and ranching such as equipment.

Matching requirement: None Special requirements: 1) Applicants must have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, 2) for veterans, applicant must have had a honorable discharge, 3) for active service members, must have letter of command support, 4) all applicants must have must have a farm plan, 5) all applicants must be willing to participate fully in the fellowship program activities such as reporting progress, mentoring other aspiring veteran farmers, and representing the Farmer Veteran Coalition at events, 5) all applicants must have a desire to make a positive impact on the veteran community involved in farming.

Application period: Opens February 3 rd , 2020 Contact: Farmer Veteran Coalition at 530-756-1395 Website: http://www. nesare. org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Farmer-Grant Description: Provides funding to "commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique."

Funds can be used to compensate a farmer for his time invested in researching the new idea. Matching requirement: None Special requirements: Producers must have a technical advisor that is an extension agent, crop adviser, or another professional. Application period: Fall 2020 Contact: Carol Delaney at 802-229-2096 (Mon, Fri), 802-656-0697 (Tues, Wed, Thurs), or Carol.

Delaney@uvm. edu . New York State Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Website: https://agriculture.

ny.

gov/food-safety/good-agricultural-practices Description: Reimburses fees for certification of good agricultural practice (GAP, GHP) that are needed by producers to sell to certain wholesale Matching requirement: None Special requirements: GAP/GHP audit and water testing costs only Application period: See grant website Contact: NYS Department of Ag and Markets: Division of Food Saftey & Inspection (Farm Product Unit), GAP & GHP Certification Assistance Program at 518-457-2090 or nysgapinfo@agriculture.

ny. gov Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Website: https://agriculture. ny.

gov/farming/specialty-crop-block-grant-program Description: Provides funding to farms who produce specialty crops which are interested in value added products, food hubs, food safety training, and Application period: See grant website Contact: Mark MacMullen at 518-457-4383 or mark. mcmullen@agriculture. ny.

gov Value Added Producer Grants Agency: USDA Rural Development Website: https://www. rd. usda.

gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants Description: "The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program.

You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national competition.

Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Amount: Up to $75,000 for planning grants and $250,000 for working Matching requirement: 50% of total project cost Special requirements: Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) need to be set up before applying.

Application period: See grant website Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director at 315-477-6400 Agency: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Website: https://foodanimalconcernstrust. org/grants/ Description: Funds grants for raising animals humanely. Two types of projects are eligible, (1) Animal Welfare Certification Projects; (2) Pasture Matching requirement: none Special requirements: Farms must be animal welfare-oriented.

Application period: See grant website Contact: Lisa Isenhart, FACT’s Humane Farming Program Manager at 773-525-4952 or grants@foodanimalconcerns. org Website: https://nifa. usda.

gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-program Description: The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFP) awards grants to eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations and food program service providers to promote self-sufficiency and food security, address specific needs and provide comprehensive, community-based solutions in Amount: $35,000 - $400,000 Matching requirement: 100% match required Application period: April 2020 – June 2020 Emergency Conservation Program Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: Fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/emergency-conservation/index Emergency grant funding to help farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disaster, including water conservation in the time of a Amount: 50,000 while $50,001 to $100,000 requires state committee approval.

Amounts over $100,000 require the approval of the national FSA Matching requirement: 25% of project costs Emergency Forest Restoration Website: https://www. fsa. usda.

gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-forest-restoration/ Emergency grant funding for the owners of non-industrial private forests. Helps restore forest health in areas that have been affected by natural disaster Amount: $50,000. While $50,000 to $100,000 requires state committee approval.

Amounts over $100,000 require the approval of the national FSA Matching requirement: 25% of project cost Special requirements: Nonindustrial private forest Farmers Market Promotion Program USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Website: https://www. ams. usda.

gov/services/grants/fmpp Description: to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products Matching requirement: None Special requirements: Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) need to be set up before applying. Application period: June 2020 Contact: E-mail: USDAFMPPQuestions@ams. usda.

gov Farm to School Grant Program Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: http://www. fns. usda.

gov/farmtoschool/farm-school-grant-program Description: Provides funding to groups that initiate or implement farm to Matching requirement: 25% match Special requirements: Schools eligible for planning & implementation grants. Producers, producer networks, and agencies eligible for support service Application period: See website Contact: USDA Farm to School Grant Program at farmtoschool@fns. usda.

gov Local Food Promotion Program Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Website: https://www. ams. usda.

gov/services/grants/lfpp Description: Helps fund the planning stages of a "local or regional food business enterprise" Amount: $25,000 - $100,000 Matching requirement: 25% match Special requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.

Application period: June 2020 Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-2731 or any of the following grant specialists: Kim Harmon at Kim. Harmon@ams. usda.

gov ,Velma Lakins at Velma. Lakins@ams. usda.

gov , Zoemi Santiago at Zoemi. Santiago@ams. usda.

gov . Local Food Promotion Program Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Website: https://www. ams.

usda. gov/services/grants/lfpp Description: Helps to fund the establishment or expansion of a "local or regional food business enterprise." Amount: $100,000 - $500,000 Matching requirement: 25% match Special requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.

Application period: June 2020 Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-2731 or any of the following grant writing specialist: Kim Harmon at Kim. Harmon@ams. usda.

gov , Velma Lakins at Velma. Lakins@ams. usda.

gov , Zoemi Santiago at Zoemi. Santiago@ams. usda.

gov . Rural Business Development Grants Website: https://www. rd.

usda. gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants Description: Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) are competitive grants made to rural public entities 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 Jess than $1 million in gross revenues.

Amount: There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are Application period: Due by March 31, 2020 Climate Resilient Farming Grants Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Website: https://agriculture. ny.

gov/soil-and-water/climate-resilient-farming Description: Provides funding to farmers for projects the mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change Special requirements: Farms MUST apply by contacting the county Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Only SWCDs are directly Application period: See grant website Contact: Madison County Soil and Water Conservation Innovation Grants Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Website: https://www. nrcs. usda.

gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig/ Description: The Conservation Innovation Grants are aimed to help encourage the development and implementation of innovative conservation practices on agricultural land. About 10% of the funding for these grants is designated towards historically under-served and veteran farmers. Matching requirement: 50% or more of total cost of the project.

Special requirements: Must be eligible for Environmental Quality Incentive Application period: See website Contact: NRCS Service Center Office in Hamilton at (315) 824-9076 New England Grassroots Grants New England Grassroots Environmental Fund Website: https://grassrootsfund.

org/dollars The Grassroots Fund interprets the word 'environment ' broadly and will provide funding for a wide range of community-based environmental projects, including those involving agriculture and food systems. Grow grants are geared to established groups who are ready to expand the scope of their work. Grow groups often have 1+ year experience running community projects.

Seed grants are geared to groups launching new projects and/or evolving the scale of an Amount: $250-$1,000 for Seed Grants and $1,000-$3,500 for Grow Grants Matching requirement: None Application period: Revolving for Seed Grants and March 15 th and September 15 th for Grow Grants Contact: Audrey Irvine-Broque, 603 905 9915 or audrey@grassrootsfund.

org Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants Agency: USDA Rural Development Website: http://www. rd. usda.

gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency Description: The Rural Energy for America Program "provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency Matching requirement: Loans up to 75% of total project costs, grants up to 25% of total project cost, loans and grants require at least 25% matching Special requirements: 50% of gross income must come from the agricultural Application period: March 15 th , 2020 for Unrestricted Grants and January 31, 2020 for Energy Audit and Energy Development Assistant Grants Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development Certification Cost Share Programs Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Website: https://www.

ams. usda. gov/services/grants/occsp Description: Helps fund part of the cost of organic certification Amount: Up to 75% of certification cost, not to exceed $750 Matching requirement: 25% match Application period: See grant website Contact: Rita Meade, OCCSP Coordinator at 202-260-8636 or Rita.

Meade@ams. usda. gov Certification Reimbursement Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Website: https://apps.

agriculture. ny. gov/AP/Organic/reimbursement.

html Description: Organic producers and processors are eligible for a reimbursement of 75% of annual certification costs. Matching requirement: 25% match Application period: See grant website Contact: Anne St. Cyr, NYS Department of Ag and Markets, Organic Reimbursement Program at 518-485-9974 or anne.

st. cyr@agriculture. ny.

gov Agency: Organic Crop Improvement Association Website: https://ocia. org/research-education/micro-grants/ Description: OCIA Research and Education is a charitable organization, created in 2003, by OCIA International, an organic certification organization.

OCIA's research arm's mission is to support organic research; facilitate connections between farmers, researchers, consumers and decision­ makers; and educate producers and communities regarding organic farming and foods. Application period: See grant website Simply Organic 1% Fund Grant Website: https://www. simplyorganic.

com/community/about/giving-back/grant-application Description: The Simply Organic 1% Fund supports and promotes the growth of organic and sustainable agriculture through the funding of projects that research, develop, teach or promote organic agriculture.

Funds will go to support promoting access to organic food options, utilization and distribution of organic food/meals, and to provide nutrition counselling and food Application period: July – September 2020 Contact: Alicia Simmons, Sustainability Manager Simply Organic, Giving Fund Grant Program Coordinator. Email: sogrants@frontiercoop.

com Research, Education and Promotion Small Business Innovation Research Agency: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Website: https://nifa. usda. gov/program/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir Description: Awards grants to small businesses to partake in research which could be of benefit to the public.

American-owned, independently operated, for-profit businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Looking for "innovative ideas and technology, resulting in more jobs and long-term Amount: Phase I: up to $100,000 Application period: See grant website Contact: Scott Dockum, USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Coordinator 202-720-6346 at sdockum@ny. usda.

gov Farmers and Ranchers Loans Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: http://www. fsa. usda.

gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-loans/index Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans for Beginner Farmers and Ranchers are aimed to help those who have not been operating for less than 10 years and owns an operation that is 30% of the typical size in America. The "Farm Ownership loans can provide access to land and capital.

Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in become prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so much more.

Through the Microloan programs, beginning farmers and ranchers have an important source of financial assistance during the start-up Amount: Ownership and operating loans: $300,000; Microloans: $50,000 Special requirements: Depends on type of loan. You will need to refer to the website or speak with your local FSA representative.

The ownership loans should not exceed 45% of the purchase price or appraisal value of the ranch or Application period: Ongoing Contact: Madison County Farm Service Agency – Donna Purdy – donna. purdy@usda. gov Website: https://www.

farmcrediteast. com/products-and-services/new-farmer-programs/FarmStart Description: This program makes working capital investments of up to $75,000 to northeast agricultural ventures showing promise of success. The innovative program targets startup farmers and ag businesses with limited financial resources and who are not generally eligible for conventional lending Application period: Ongoing Contact: FarmStart@FarmCreditEast.

com Agency: USDA Small Business Administration Website: https://www. sba. gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/microloan-program Description: The SBA Microloan program provides loans to help small businesses cover start-up and expansion fees.

These loans can be used as working capital and for things like equipment, fixtures, inventory, and supplies. Application period: Ongoing Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722 Website: http://www. fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/index Description: The USDA FSA Microloan program is aimed at helping new, nontraditional, and small farms with participating in direct and wholesale marketing. In terms of the Direct Farm Ownership microloans can help with down payments on a farm, improving farm facilities, and SWCD projects.

Direct Farm Operating microloans can be used towards the cost of things like beekeeping equipment, fencing, fertilizer, GAP certification, irrigation, land rent, livestock, maple syrup equipment, milking equipment, organic certification, OSHA compliance, and seeds.

Special requirements: 1) Must have no criminal record, 2) must have ability to obtain legal counsel, 3) have a good credit record, 4) be a US citizen, 5) have no forgiveness of previous debt, 6) owe no taxes to the IRS, or 7) have a previous violation to any FSA crop insurance. Application period: Ongoing Contact: Tioga County Farm Service Agency at 607-565-2514 Website: https://www. nbtbank.

com/Business/Products-and-Services/Agricultural-Banking/Lending Description: NBT Banks have various financial services available such as loans available to those in the agricultural community. Application period: Ongoing Agriculture Business Loans Website: https://www. mtb.

com/business/business-banking/industry-solutions/agriculture-businesses Description: M&T offers a full suite of agriculture bank accounts and specialized lending solutions, including farm real estate loans, farm equipment loans, working capital lines of credit and more. Application period: Ongoing Website: https://www. communitybankna.

com/ Description: Community Bank has loans and financial services for various Application period: Ongoing Business and Agricultural Loans Agency: First Citizens Bank Website: https://www. firstcitizensbank. com/agriculture-banking/message-from-the-president.

html Description: First Citizens Bank offers an array of loans for businesses and farms. These loans can be used to cover the cost of a variety of things such as purchasing property, livestock, equipment, and many other things. Special requirements: Farm or Business Plan Application period: Ongoing Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: http://www.

fsa. usda. gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-ownership-loans/index Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans "help farmers and ranchers become owner-operators of family farms, improve and expand current operations, increase agricultural productivity, and assist with land tenure to save farmland for future generations."

No previous ownership of farm or ranch Special requirements: Loan will not exceed 45% of the farm or ranch purchase price or appraisal value. Also, financing from FSA and other sources must not exceed 95% of the purchase price. Application period : Ongoing Farm Storage Facility Loan Program Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: https://www.

fsa. usda. gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/index Description: The FSA Farm Storage and Facility loans are geared towards producers looking to build or upgrade any facilities that would be used for storage of commodities as well as portable units and trucks used in the handling of the commodities in storage.

Application period: Ongoing Agency: USDA Small Business Administration Website: https://www. sba. gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/general-small-business-loans-7a Description: Primarily, SBA is a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions.

These loans are geared towards helping businesses out and are determine on things such as ownership, place of operation, and Amount: up to $5 million. Special requirements: 1) Must be for profit, 2) be a small business as defined by SBA, 3) do business in the USA, 4) have invested equity, 5) have a demonstrated need for a loan, 6) must the funds solely for the business, and 7) don't owe any money to the US government.

Application period: Ongoing Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722 Website: https://borrow. kiva. org/borrow Description: Raise funds for a 0% interest loan by attracting online Application period: Ongoing Contact: Kiva Headquarters at 828-479-5482 or https://www.

kiva. org/help? contactus=1 Loans for Agriculture, Commercial Fishing, and Website: https://www.

farmcrediteast. com/products-and-services/Loans Description: Farm Credit is a network of independently owned and operated credit and financial institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses of every size and income range across the country as well as those that desire country living. They are focused expressly on agriculture and are committed to helping you achieve your unique financial goals.

Application period: Ongoing Disaster Loans Agency: USDA Small Business Administration Website: https://www. sba.

gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/disaster-loans Description: SBA Disaster Loan program is open to businesses, homeowners, nonprofit organizations, and renters for the use towards things like repair and replacement of things such as business assets, equipment, inventory, machinery, personal property, and real estate in a declared disaster event. Special requirements: Must be in regards to a declared disaster.

Application period: Ongoing Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722, Disaster Loans PH: 800-659-2955, or answerdesk@sba. gov Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: http://www. fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index Description: "The Emergency loan program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act.

These loans help producers who suffer qualifying farm related losses directly caused by the disaster in a county declared or designated as a primary disaster or quarantine area. Also, farmers located in counties that are contiguous to the declared, designated, or quarantined area may qualify for Emergency loans. For production losses, a 30% reduction in a primary crop in a designated or contiguous county is required.

Losses to quality, such as receiving a 30% reduced price for flood damaged crops, may be eligible for assistance, Amount: Up to $500,000 but depends on actual production or physical Special requirements: Declaration of a natural disaster or emergency such as in the case after a tornado, flood, drought, or quarantine.

Must be repaid Application period: After a declaration of a natural disaster or Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants Agency: USDA Rural Development Website: http://www. rd. usda.

gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency Description: The Rural Energy for America program provides loans and grants to help agricultural producers and small businesses of rural areas invest to purchase and install renewable energy systems and/or improve their Amount: Loans: greater than $5,000. Grants up to $500, 000. Matching requirement: Loans: at least 25% of total cost.

Grants: 75% of total project costs. Loan and Grant Combined: at least 25% of total project Special requirements: 1) Agricultural producers must have at least 50% of gross income coming from their agricultural operation. 2) Small business must be in one of the define eligible regions.

3) Applicants must not owe any money to the federal government. Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director at 315-477-6400 Research, Education and Promotion Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: http://www. fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index Description: The FSA Youth Loans are directed towards youth who are involved in 4-H, FFA, and other agricultural youth groups. These loans provide funds which allow youth to start and operate projects aimed at producing income.

All projects require an adult adviser with appropriate experience to oversee the youth projects and give help whenever needed.

Special requirements: 1) An adult adviser with appropriate experience to oversee the project, 2) involvement in 4-H, FFA, or another agricultural youth group, 3) Parental consent for the loan closing, 4) project must contain an agricultural and educational component, 5) project must make enough to repay Application period: Ongoing We made every effort to be comprehensive, but just case, here are some other grant and loan directories to check out.

Small Farms Funding Resources https://cals. cornell. edu/outreach-extension Bill Programs and Grants - Overview http://sustainableagriculture.

net/publications/grassrootsguide/farm-bill-programs-and-grants/ and Incentives for Northeast Agricultural Producers https://www. farmcrediteast. com/-/media/farm-credit-east/knowledge-exchange/Reports/2016/available-grants_final.

ashx? la=en Fund a Farmer Scholarships Agency: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Website: https://foodanimalconcernstrust. org/scholarships/ Description: Provides scholarships for producers to attend sustainable agriculture and human livestock raising conferences.

Special requirements: Funds can only be used towards events geared towards sustainable and humane farming practices. Application period: Ongoing Contact: Lisa Isenhart, FACT’s Humane Farming Program Manager at 773-525-4952 or grants@foodanimalconcerns. org Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Agency: USDA Rural Development Website: https://www.

rd. usda. gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants Description: provides financing to develop housing for year-round and migrant or seasonal domestic farm laborers.

Loans and grants are provided to buy, build, improve or repair housing for farm labor, including persons whose income is earned in aquaculture and on-farm processing. Loans to finance affordable, off farm rental housing to low-wage farm workers are used in conjunction with grant funds. Application period: Due by August 30th Energy For America Program Agency: USDA Rural Development Website: https://www.

rd. usda. gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency provides grants and loans to farmers and businesses for energy efficiency improvements and purchase of wind, solar or other renewable energy systems, and also provides grants to help farmers with energy audits.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Website: https://www. fsa. usda.

gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planning occur due to natural disasters. Farmable Wetlands Programs (FWP) Website: https://www. fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/farmable-wetlands/index Program designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. On a voluntary basis, participants agree to restore wetlands, establish plant cover, and not use the land for commercial purposes.

In return, land owners will receive an annual rental payment for enrolled acreage. Agricultural Management Assistance Natural Resource Conservation Service Website: https://www. nrcs.

usda. gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama/ Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations. per participant for any fiscal year Conservation Reserve Enhancement Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: https://www.

fsa. usda. gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-enhancement/index high-priority conservation concerns identified by a state, providing federal funds which are supplemented with non-federal funds to address those concerns.

In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent resource conserving plant species, farmers are paid an annual rental rate along with other federal and state incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10-15 Conservation Reserve Program Source: Farm Service Agency Website: https://www. fsa.

usda. gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/index Description: In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.

Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are 10-15 Conservation Stewardship Program Agency: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Website: https://www. nrcs. usda.

gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/ Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority concerns. Transition Incentive Program Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency Website: https://www. fsa.

usda.

gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/transition-incentives/index CRP Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP) offers a special incentive of two years of extra CRP rental payments to owners of land that is currently enrolled in CRP but returning to production, who rent or sell their land to beginning, socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers who will use sustainable grazing practices, resource-conserving cropping systems, or transition to Watershed Protection Program Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Website: https://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/ The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) was established by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters.

The EWP is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, drought, windstorms and other Al Quality Incentives Program Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Website: https://www. nrcs. usda.

gov//wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/ The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland regulations.

High Tunnel System Initiative Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Website: https://www. nrcs. usda.

gov//wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/? &cid=stelprdb1046250 A part of the EQIP program, the NRCS High Tunnel System Initiative is a conservation program that helps individuals and legal entities engaged in agricultural production install high tunnel ("hoop house") greenhouses to extend their growing season. Agency: USDA National Resources Conservation Service Website: https://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?

cid=nrcs143_008224 Description: Part of EQIP, this initiative provides technical and financial assistance to organic farmers/ranchers, and those looking to transition to organic. Funding can be used to improve operations, help producers transition, or to develop conservation plans.

Last updated November 2, 2023 Ag Services at Madison County Madison County Local Foods Map CNYDLFC and Farm Business Team Farmland Access and Protection Professional Marketing Series for Farmers Cornell Cooperative Extension CCE Madison Office & Ag Center Morrisville, New York 13408 If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information on this website or need materials in an alternate format, contact madison@cornell.

edu for assistance.