Grants available to VSBA members

Current Programs

FARMER MICROLOAN INCREASED TO $15,000

We are pleased to announce that the Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers will be accepting prequalified applications through February 26th, 2010 for loans of $15,000 or less. Applicants must live in one of the four counties of Western Massachusetts or in Vermont, and must prequalify.

For more information, please go to www.thecarrotproject.org/farm_financing or contact Dorothy Suput at 617-666-9637 or at dsuput@thecarrotproject.org.

Ongoing Programs

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) anticipates a new funding opportunity called the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). To support the nation's beginning farmers and ranchers, the BFRDP will make competitive grants to new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers. Please see http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/bfrdp.html for more information about the BFRDP.

USDA Rural Development
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Grant funding available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. Nationally, $23 million in competitive grants funds are available to fund the purchase of RE systems and installation of energy efficiency improvements. 25% grants up to $500,000 for eligible projects. Renewable sources can include energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal sources; or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using those same sources. For efficiency projects, a minimum 15% energy conservation is required.
Contact: Lyn Millhiser, Business and Cooperative Programs Specialist,
USDA Rural Development - VT and NH, Third Floor City Center
89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
802-828-6069
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

Renewable energy grants are available for farmers.

You can find details on applying at

http://www.vermontagriculture.com/energy/grants.html

Northeast Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, (SARE)
Offer farmer/grower grants; research and education grants; professional development grants, and sustainable farmer educator grants
www.uvm.edu/~nesare

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Agriculture categories include: