USDA — U.S. Department of Agriculture

Yes. USDA has several programs specifically for small and beginning farmers including Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG), Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), and various NIFA competitive grants. Eligibility varies by program.

REAP provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs for renewable energy systems (solar, wind, biogas) and energy efficiency improvements at agricultural operations and rural small businesses. Grants range from $2,500 to $1 million. Applications are submitted through the USDA Rural Development State Office in the applicant's state.

NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) is USDA's competitive grants arm for agricultural research, education, and extension. Key programs include the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) — NIFA's flagship competitive grant program — Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Specialty Crop Research Initiative, and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Land-grant universities, agricultural experiment stations, nonprofits, and private companies are eligible applicants.