Things You'll Need:
- Grant proposal
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Step 1
Conduct a general search of federal grants using the federal grants database. This database can be found on the Internet, and it is both free and easy to use (see Resources below). To find farm-related grants, you will need to enter keywords that relate to your farm project. For example, you can enter keywords like farm, ethanol, alternative fuel, agriculture and genetically engineered produce.
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Step 2
Work with the USDA Rural Development Agency to find grants for a variety of farm related expenses. Some of the grants that they offer include funding for labor housing, funding to preserve old farm houses and outbuildings, funding to cover energy costs and funding for developing a rural business.
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Step 3
Talk with the Agricultural Marketing Service to see what grant programs they have for farms. For example, they manage the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which is a part of a larger Farm Bill. You can apply for funds through this agency.
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Step 4
Try your state Department of Agriculture to see if they have grant programs available for local farmers. This is a great option since your competition for the grant funds will be limited to only farmers in your state.
