Arkansas Agriculture Grants
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the federal government allots agricultural grants to several states, including Arkansas. This includes the Livestock Assistance Grant Program, which disburses funds specifically when disasters strike. It also includes Beginning Farmer Loan Program to help first-time farmers; rural energy assistance to promote renewable energy sources; and specialty crop grants to increase competitiveness among producers. Eligibility for both lenders and borrowers vary depending on the type of program.
Other People Are Reading
-
Livestock Assistance Grant
-
In 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a series of government grants to the state of Arkansas to compensate for the livestock losses that Arkansas farmers incurred. The loss occurred due to the drought that plagued the country in 2006. The State of Arkansas received $2,000,000,000 under this program, which continues to provide help to Arkansas farmers. Under the program, each eligible producer receives up to $10,000.
Beginning Farmer Grants
-
The Arkansas Development Finance Authority offers loans with reduced interest rates for first-time farmers. One of the requirements for eligibility to borrow money includes being a first-time farmer. A first-time farmer is an individual who has any ownership, direct or indirect, of a piece of farmland that he has not previously operated. The loan amount that an eligible farmer may borrow must not exceed $250,000.
-
Rural Energy for America
-
The Rural Energy for America Program provides financial aid to small businesses and agricultural producers to motivate them to use renewable and clean energy systems. According to the Farm Bureau of Arkansas, energy systems include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydrogen-based sources. A report done in 2011 concluded that $500,000 should be distributed in Arkansas for renewable energy grants. Lenders are also welcome to apply for the loan. In this case, farmer lenders must receive classification under Farm Credit System banks, savings and loan associations to be eligible to receive the grant.
Specialty Crops Grant
-
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded an amount of $49 million for specialty crops projects in 2009 for all the states, including Arkansas. These grants had an objective to enhance crop competitiveness among small producers in Arkansas and all other states. Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture are all specialty crops. It also aimed to increase nutrition and wellness among citizens. The USDA first reviewed state plans and approved projects that support agricultural interests. The state of Arkansas received $220,060.79 for this specific grant, which it distributed among its farmers and producers of specialty crops.
-
