State-specific Funding

Wisconsin Funding

Wisconsin Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Organic farmers are eligible for reimbursement of 75% of their annual costs up to $750. Learn more and download an application packet on the DATCP website. Applications for fiscal year 2010 certifications (October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2010) are being accepted through October 29, 2010.

Producers First Grant Program - Technical Assistance for Farmers
Small to midsized producers and farmers in need of technical assistance are encouraged to apply to the Producers First Program. To participate, producers identify a need for technical assistance and can receive up to $3,000 to hire a consultant to help address that need. Examples of technical assistance include but are not limited to: market development, business and whole farm planning, accounting and financial organization, packaging and label development, facility planning, data management, legal services, grant writing, and food safety. Preference may be given to producers selling at least 75% of their products to be consumed within 300 miles of the farm. Applicants are encouraged to propose joint projects in cooperation with other producers in need of similar technical assistance. Participants are required to provide a minimum 10% cost-share toward the technical assistance. The producer may identify a consultant with the experience and expertise needed to provide the assistance. A list of consultants is available upon request. Applicants with a project that may benefit the local food market sector as well as an individual farm are encouraged to apply. Applications to Producers First will be accepted through December 31, 2010. Funded projects generally begin 6-8 weeks after an application is submitted. Application materials are available on the DATCP http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/directmktg/blbw/pro ducers_first.jsp. Contact Keefe Keeley at 608-224-5095 or via email at keefe.keeley@wi.gov for more information.

WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection Ag Development and Diversification (ADD)
The ADD Grant Program invites proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy through the development and exploration of new value-added products, new markets, or new technologies in agriculture. ADD grants are awarded competitively each year, with deadlines generally in mid-March. For more information, contact Mike Bandli: (608) 224-5136, mike.bandli@datcp.state.wi.us or visit the WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection website.

The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant Program (GLCI)
The GLCI is a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and private sector agricultural and conservation groups, working together to promote best management practices on Wisconsin private grazing lands. There are three types of grants offered under this program. Grazing grants for education, for research, and for technical assistance. For more information go the GLCI website or contact Laura Paine, Division of Agricultural Development, (608) 224-5120 or laura.paine@wi.gov.

Buy Local Buy Wisconsin (BLBW)
The BLBW grant program invites pre-proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food by local food buyers. Pre-proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, agritourism, food retailing, processing, distribution or warehousing. The 2010 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Manual and pre-proposal template are available online at http://lists.wi.gov/t/460326/558531/1226/0/. The deadline is August 23, 2010 at 4pm. To learn more contact Teresa Cuperus at 608-224-5101; datcpBLBW@wi.gov.

Minnesota Funding

Ag. Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
AURI provides expertise and assistance to increase value, demand and market opportunities for agriculturally-based products. AURI is helping to add value to Minnesota agriculture. Applicants are required to match contributions and work with AURI personnel in developing the value added project. For more information call (800) 279-5010 or visit the AURI website.

MN Dept of Ag. Sustainable Ag. Demonstration Grant Program (MDA)
This program funds research/demonstration of farming practices that will promote environmental stewardship/conservation of resources and that improve profitability and quality of life on farms and in rural areas. The grant program has up to $30,000 available. In this round of funding, only proposals that specifically target on-farm research and demonstration projects for cropping systems, soil fertility and energy related projects will be considered. We strongly encourage applicants to work closely with technical advisors (Extension, SWCD, NRCS, consultants, etc.) to design and carry out the project. Deadline for receiving completed applications at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture was March 29, 2010. The application packet is available at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/en/grants/grants/demogrant.aspx or contact the grant program coordinator Jeanne Ciborowski at 651-201-6217 or Jeanne.Ciborowski@state.mn.us with additional questions.

Minnesota Department of Ag. Conservation Funding Guide
Minnesota is a top state for privately owned farmland set aside or managed to meet conservation goals. Conservation practices on farms can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and more. Conservation practices cost money. Fortunately, there are programs that help many farmers pay for conservation. The MN Dept. of Ag. Conservation Funding Guide helps farmers learn about these ever-changing programs - some offered by the MDA but most by other agencies or organizations.

Iowa Funding

Leopold Center
The Leopold Center offers competitive and renewable grants for those in the state of Iowa. Check their website for upcoming grants or contact them with your ideas. Grants are agriculture focused and cover a wide range of topics including: research, buy local, and policy. For more information, email leocenter@iastate.edu, or call (515) 294-3711.

Illinois Funding

Illinois State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Ivan Dozier announced Illinois farmers can apply at NRCS offices to have their eligibility verified by November 16 and be considered for the first round of funding selections for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP).  While EQIP and WHIP are offered through a continuous signup, NRCS makes periodic funding selections and has scheduled all fiscal year 2013 batching periods.

Through EQIP, NRCS offers financial assistance to install conservation practices. Statewide EQIP practices include, but are not limited to, nutrient management, cover crops, terraces, grassed waterways, manure management facilities, and pasture management. Through WHIP, NRCS offers financial assistance for landowners and operators who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private lands and nonindustrial private forest land.

Paula Hingson, NRCS acting assistant state conservationist for programs, says it benefits the producer to complete applications early. “They should have conservation plans developed for the area included in an EQIP contract,” she said. “That’s why it’s important for farmers to get their applications completed early.”

In addition to the November 16th signup date, NRCS established three more signup dates to batch and review applications. The dates are January 18, March 15 and May 17, 2013.  Illinois producers interested in either the EQIP or WHIP programs should visit their local USDA office prior to the signup dates and submit an application and have their eligibility verified.

Through EQIP, eligible farmers address soil, water and related natural resource concerns on private agricultural lands. Five percent of EQIP financial assistance dollars are set aside for beginning farmers, and another five percent is reserved for socially disadvantaged farmers. For more information or to apply for an EQIP or WHIP contract, contact your local USDA Service Center or go online to www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.