Government Grants & Cost-Share Programs Category Guide

What Are Government Agricultural Programs?

Federal, state, and local governments offer various programs to support agricultural operations through grants, cost-share payments, subsidized loans, and technical assistance. These programs help farmers implement conservation practices, upgrade equipment, improve facilities, and adopt new technologies that might otherwise be unaffordable.

Major Federal Programs

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

NRCS administers several major cost-share programs for conservation practices:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Cost-shares for conservation practices including nutrient management, waste storage, and grazing improvements
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Payments for maintaining and enhancing existing conservation systems
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Protects farmland and wetlands through easements

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

• Emergency Loans: Assistance after natural disasters or economic emergencies
• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): Rental payments for removing environmentally sensitive land from production
• Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC): Safety net program for dairy operations

USDA Rural Development

• Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG): Support for on-farm processing and direct marketing
• Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency

State and Local Programs

Many states offer additional programs for:

• Farmland preservation
• Beginning farmer assistance
• Organic transition support
• Agricultural economic development
• Environmental compliance assistance

How to Find and Apply

Start with your local USDA Service Center, which houses FSA, NRCS, and other agencies. Application processes typically involve:

• Meeting with agency staff to discuss needs
• Completing applications during sign-up periods
• Developing conservation or business plans
• Ranking against other applicants (competitive programs)
• Implementing practices according to specifications
• Documenting completion for payment

Tips for Success

• Build relationships with local agency staff before you need help
• Plan ahead—most programs have annual sign-up periods
• Maintain accurate records of current practices
• Consider hiring a consultant for complex applications
• Don't start projects before approval—cost-share requires prior authorization

Cost Considerations

Most cost-share programs cover 50-75% of practice costs. Some programs offer higher rates for beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, or priority practices. Application assistance from agency staff is free. Private consultants for complex applications may charge $500-2,000.