USDA Financing
USDA Farm Service Agency has a selection of loan programs, including loans for operating expenses and equipment. FSA’s Microloan Program may be of particular use for start-up capital, inputs, and infrastructure. Farm Storage Facility Loans provide low-interest financing for producers to store, handle, and/or transport eligible commodities. This includes walk-in coolers, refrigerated trucks, bulk tanks, washing and handling equipment, structural improvements such as concrete pads or aprons, and many more.
USDA Rural Development offers Value-Added Producer Grants to help agricultural producers enter into activities that add value to their products (e.g. feasibility studies, and business plans).
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers financial and technical assistance to address conservation improvements, including the installation of high tunnel systems, energy efficiency systems, soil health practices, livestock practices, nutrient management systems, and water-conserving irrigation systems. Program payment rates can reach 90% for Beginning, Limited Resource, and Socially Disadvantaged farmers. For more information on EQIP, contact your local service center here.
CT Department of Agriculture Financing
The Farmland Restoration Program administered by the CT Dept. of Agriculture provides funding for qualifying projects that reclaim farmland through the removal of invasive species, clearing of trees and stumps, exclusion fencing, pond renovation, erosion control, and more.
The CT Dept. of Agriculture’s competitive Farm Transition Grant provides matching funds to Connecticut farms and agricultural cooperatives to expand, diversify, and improve existing operations in conjunction with a sound business plan. Recently the grant added an additional category for New and Beginning Farmer's Microloans. Eligible applicants need to have a production history of at least one full year up to three years.
The Organic Cost Share Program, administered by the CT Dept. of Agriculture, can reimburse USDA Certified Organic farms and processors 75%, up to $750, of annual certification costs.
For more information on financing opportunities from the agency please view this page.
Farm Credit East Financing
The FarmStart Program of Farm Credit East offers seed capital (up to $75,000 line of credit) to farmers in their startup years.
Other Financing Opportunities
American Farmland Trust - New England Microgrant Program - Launched in 2020, the New England Farmer Microgrants Program (NEFMP) provides direct financial support to farmers across New England. The program seeks to address some of the key barriers faced by farmers in the region: access to farmland, farm succession/transfer planning, and the adoption of regenerative farming practices.
Northeast SARE (Sustainable Agriculture & Research Education) Farmer Grants are available to commercial farmers who want to test a new idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other techniques.
New England Dairy Business Innovation Center hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, provides support to dairy businesses through projects that promote the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. Additionally, they offer many grants to dairy producers in many different categories.