Description: This presentation provides an overview of key federal funding opportunities for agricultural producers, with a focus on programs offered through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and other supporting agencies. Participants will learn about available grants, eligibility requirements, application strategies, and how these programs can help strengthen market access, expand value-added production, and support the growth of small and emerging farm businesses.
Funding and Resources
Explore a curated collection of presentations focused on funding opportunities, financial tools, and essential business resources designed to support agricultural operations.
AgrAbility (2021)
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This presentation introduces the AgrAbility program, which supports farmers and ranchers facing limitations due to injury, illness, disability, or aging. Viewers will learn how AgrAbility helps individuals remain active and productive in agriculture by connecting them with disability resources, practical solutions, and on-farm assessments. The session also explains who is eligible, what services are available at no cost, and how AgrAbility works alongside other programs to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life in rural communities.
USDA Rural Development (2021)
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USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in Rural America. Through our programs we help rural Americans by offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services.
Utah's Own (2021)
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Utah’s Own is a Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) program dedicated to the promotion of locally produced products of agriculture. For nearly two decades it has connected consumers with Utah farmers, ranchers, artisans and more, helping them to discover and support the best of what our backyard has to offer.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (2021)
Utah: NRCS Utah is an agency that helps local producers implement conservation solutions that sustain and improve Utah's natural resources through planning, programs, and partnerships. Their main website can be accessed here. The three most common programs we have where we work with producers are the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
CSP rewards farmers and ranchers who address natural resource concerns in a comprehensive manner and offers compensation for undertaking additional enhancements. For agricultural producers who have already adopted conservation strategies on their farm:Â
EQIP provides financial assistance to install permanent measures, adopt new management strategies, or develop activity plans for a wide range of natural resource concerns. For agricultural producers who want to plan and install measures to protect the soil, water, air, and other natural resources on their working land:Â
AMA provides financial assistance to reduce the economic risk of adopting new conservation measures that address water management, water quality, and erosion control. For agricultural producers with priority for limited resource, beginning, or full-time farmers:
NRCS Programs for Small Farmers (2022)
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Description:Â NRCS technical and financial assistance is available for farming operations of any size. In the last couple of years NRCS has improved technical and financial tools to better serve small and urban farming operations
Local Food Microgrant Program (2022)
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Description:Â Â The Local Food Microgrant Program offers awards of $500 - $5000 to produce growers in the state of Utah. The program is open to growers of all sizes, and is meant to help increase the availability of fruits and vegetables for SNAP customers.Â
Farm Service Loans (2022)
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Description: This presentation will discuss what options FSA has to obtain a farm loan, such as Microloans, Operating Loans, and Farm Ownership loans.
Local and Regional Foods: Opportunities for Local, Regional, & Urban Farm Business Development (2023)
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USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will share information about how the Local and Regional Foods Division is working to explore and share common challenges that local and regional food system stakeholders face.  The presentation will highlight upcoming AMS Grant opportunities as well as training and technical assistance resources that can be leveraged to help urban farmers grow their businesses. Â
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) (2023)
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This session will focus on microloans
Rural Development Funding Opportunities for Ag Producers and Small Businesses (2023)
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This presentation provides an overview of key rural development funding programs available to agricultural producers and small businesses. Viewers will learn about grants, loans, and loan guarantee options, eligibility requirements, and the types of projects these programs support. The session also covers application basics, common pitfalls, and practical tips for identifying the right funding opportunities to grow, diversify, or strengthen rural operations.
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) (2023)
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NRCS Technical and Financial Assistance – A discussion of the technical assistance NRCS can provide, followed by the funding programs available within the next couple years.
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Updates (2023)
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Updates from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food including information on open and upcoming grants, the Utah's Own program, and the new Ag Stress Assistance Program offering mental healthcare reimbursement and stress management resources for Utah producers.Â
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) Resources and Grants (2023)
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Learn about the plethora of information, including books and fact sheets, available to farmers on the Western SARE website, as well as a grant opportunity for farmers and ranchers.
The "Win" Depends on Where You Begin: Grants Readiness (2023)
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Learn how to be prepared and qualified for grant funding opportunities, and project planning with grants in mind.
Other Programs: AgrAbility of Utah (2023)
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The goal of AgrAbility is to help farmers and ranchers with disabilities continue to farm and ranch by providing assistive technology. Utah is just one of 21 states that have AgrAbility. Our services are free and confidential. AgrAbility provides on-site assessments, technology recommendations and safety recommendations.
Grants Available Through Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) (2024)
Jim Bowcutt, Director, Conservation Division
Brian Christensen, Assistant Water Optimization Program Manager
Caroline Hargraves, Director, Marketing and Economic Development Division
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Description: UDAF has various grants for agriculture producers. This session will go over the various programs, the application process and timing. The funding is for research on production, funds for improving things like supply chain resilience and pollinator habitats, and water optimization. Other programs may also be highlighted.
Agricultural Marketing Service and other federal grant programs (2024)
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Producers talking about their own experiences having received grants (2024)
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Description: This presentation features producers sharing firsthand experiences with securing and managing agricultural grants, offering practical insights into the application process, challenges faced, lessons learned, and how grant funding has supported the growth and success of their operations.
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Western Ag Credit (2024)
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Description: This presentation will include information about Western AgCredit loan programs, financing tips, how they can help bridge and matching financing for grants, and more.
Utah Food Business Program (2024)
Caroline Hargraves, UDAF
Kynda Curtis, Professor and Extension Economist, Utah State University
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Description: The USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program was recently created to provide local assistance to farm and food businesses. The Utah Food Business Program, part of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center, is a cooperation between Utah State University and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This session will provide an overview of the structure of the Utah Food Business Program, and will introduce you to resources that will be available to farm and food businesses (both through the Utah Food Business Program and the Southwest Regional Food Business Center). Information on accessing programs and resources, and where to find upcoming opportunities, will be provided.
Empowering Small Farms Through Conservation Planning (2024)
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Description: Considering assistance from NRCS? Let’s dive into the project planning process within NRCS programs and explore how conservation-focused planning benefits small farms! Learn how NRCS identifies, plans, and resolves issues impacting farmers, promoting resilience, and boosting agricultural activity.
Utah State Farm Service Agency Programs for Farmers (2024)
Tyra Jackman, FSA
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Description: This presentation provides an overview of the Utah State Farm Service Agency’s key programs for farmers, including financial assistance, disaster relief, conservation initiatives, and loan opportunities. Participants will gain a practical understanding of available support and how to access FSA resources to strengthen and sustain their agricultural operations.
Grant Basics (2024)
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Description: This session will provide an overview of what grants are, how to find them, and how to apply. It will also go over some resources available.
Business Builder Award Program, Southwest Regional Food Business Center (2025)
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This presentation provides an overview of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center’s (SWRFBC) Business Builder Award Program, which aims to strengthen regional food supply chains by providing direct financial support to small and mid-sized food businesses. Covering eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and the application process, the presentation highlights how the program fosters supply chain resiliency, market expansion, and value-added production. Attendees will gain insights into allowable costs, reporting requirements, and key timelines to successfully apply for and manage awarded funds.
UDAF Updates- Programs and Grants (2025)
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This presentation provides an overview of current programs and grant opportunities offered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Viewers will learn about available funding options, eligibility requirements, and priority focus areas, as well as recent updates to existing programs.
Unlocking Farmers Market Opportunities: A Guide for Utah Farmers (2025)
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This presentation by the Utah Farmers Market Network will provide farmers with essential insights on how to access and succeed at farmers markets. Topics include finding the right market, navigating applications and regulations, setting up for success, and utilizing programs like SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks. Attendees will also learn about available resources and support to grow their market presence.
CISA Cybersecurity Resources for Agriculture Infrastructure (2025)
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A presentation of cybersecurity training and resources available to Urban and Small Farms through CISA.
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