Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program is designed to strengthen the success and sustainability of new agricultural producers across the United States and its territories. It operates under statutory authority to provide competitive grants and cooperative agreements that support education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives. The program emphasizes improving access to knowledge, skills, and resources for individuals entering or establishing farm and ranch operations, including those managing nonindustrial private forest lands. The primary purpose of this program is to increase the number and success of beginning farmers and ranchers by funding projects that deliver training and support services. These services include business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, land acquisition assistance, and natural resource management. Projects must align with national priorities such as increasing farm profitability, expanding agricultural markets, promoting soil health, and improving food systems. The program also encourages initiatives that support veterans, limited resource farmers, and farmworkers seeking to transition into independent operations. Funding under this program supports multiple grant categories, including Standard Grants, Education Team Grants, and a Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse Grant. Awards vary significantly in size depending on the grant type, with simplified grants supporting smaller-scale or early-stage organizations, and larger grants supporting multi-year, multi-partner initiatives. Funding may be used for training delivery, curriculum development, outreach activities, and technical assistance, but may not be used for research activities or degree-granting coursework. Projects are expected to deliver measurable outcomes and demonstrate clear benefits to beginning farmers and ranchers. A key requirement of this program is a cost-sharing component. Applicants must provide a match equal to 25 percent of the federal funds requested, which can be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. However, the program allows for a waiver or reduction of this requirement in cases where projects are designed to serve underserved populations or regions. All matching funds must be secured and documented prior to award issuance, and applicants must clearly describe matching sources in their budget justification. Eligibility is limited to collaborative partnerships composed of public or private entities such as state agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and community-based organizations. Applications submitted by individuals or single entities without partnerships are not eligible. Priority is given to collaborations led by Cooperative Extension Services or government agencies that include nonprofit and educational partners with demonstrated experience in training new agricultural producers. Applicants must clearly define their target audience and demonstrate capacity to deliver effective programming. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the designated funding opportunity number. Required components include a project summary, narrative, logic model, data management plan, budget, and supporting documentation such as letters of commitment. The project narrative must address program priorities, target audience needs, proposed activities, expected outcomes, and evaluation methods. Applications undergo a two-step review process including administrative screening and peer review based on criteria such as technical merit, partnerships, feasibility, and impact. The application deadline for this funding cycle is June 16, 2026, with submissions required by 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Projects are expected to begin around mid-September 2026 and may last between one and three years depending on the grant type. Award decisions are typically made within approximately six months after the deadline. The program is offered annually, and applicants are encouraged to prepare early and engage partners to strengthen their proposals and improve competitiveness.

Strong partnerships and collaboration are prioritized; clearly define target audience and measurable outcomes; align closely with USDA priorities; demonstrate prior experience and capacity; include farmer input in project design