Agriculture Grants

This Annual Program Statement (APS) offers USAID Operating Units a mechanism to facilitate assistance awards to local and non-traditional partners for innovative, adaptive, and locally led development approaches. OUs may issue addenda under this umbrella to solicit, co-create, and fund a wide range of flexible and innovative approaches to locally led development related to their specific priorities, objectives, and programs. The APS aims to advance USAIDs capability to work with local partners, to learn from these engagements, and to share this learning broadly. INTERESTED APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ: This Locally Led Development APS is not a Request for Applications or a Request for Proposals, and this APS does not serve as a general request for locally led development concepts. Do not email concepts to LLD-APS@usaid.gov or submit concepts via grants.gov, as they will not be accepted. Interested Applicants must respond to specific documents that share USAID priorities in a specific country(ies) called addenda that may be issued throughout the year on grants.gov. These addenda, when added, can be found under Related Documents on this page. Please visit this page periodically for opportunities that may be relevant to your country and focus areas. Please see the attachment for further detailed information. This APS was last updated April 26, 2024, with Amendment 1 - 7200AA19APS00007 Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (APS) 2024-4-26

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to encourage collaboration with partners in providing strategic conservation delivery assistance and/or provide tools or data that enhance the ability of the agency to support conservation activities. The overall intent of this solicitation is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined in this announcement. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for projects located in New Jersey. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be up to $75,000.00 For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 7th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Programs, announces this funding opportunity to support the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program by issuing new awards. This opportunity is available to nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations and is intended to create, expand, and maintain longterm export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. The Cooperator program is designed to maintain and develop foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and products through cost–share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein and in the Cooperator program regulations. Applicants should refer to and have a common understanding of the Cooperator program regulations, 7 CFR Part 1484, and the 2 definitions contained within to fully understand this opportunity. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

This program provides funding to U.S. organizations to supply agricultural product samples to foreign buyers, helping to showcase the quality of U.S. goods and boost export sales.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Programs, announces this funding opportunity to support the Market Access Program by issuing new awards. This opportunity is available to nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, nonprofit state regional trade groups (SRTGs), U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and state agencies and is intended to foster expanded exports and market diversification by encouraging the development, maintenance, and expansion of diverse commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products.

This grant provides funding to U.S. organizations to help overcome barriers that hinder the export of specialty crops like fruits and vegetables, ensuring better market access for American farmers.

This program provides funding to U.S. agricultural organizations and businesses to help them develop and expand export markets for American agricultural products in emerging markets.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to encourage collaboration with partners in conducting outreach and providing strategic conservation delivery assistance that enhances the ability of the agency to support conservation. The overall intent of this solicitation is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined in this announcement. Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for outreach and technical assistance in Maine. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be approximately $500,000. Proposals are requested from eligible entities for competitive consideration of agreement awards and projects between For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on April 19, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by May 10, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 6, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Rural program is dedicated to enhancing surface transportation infrastructure within rural communities, with $780 million allocated for this purpose. It supports highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that improve freight, safety, and access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities critical to a rural area's economy. This program recognizes the unique challenges faced by smaller communities in accessing funding and aims to support projects that address these needs directly. The submission deadline is May 6, 2024.

USAID/Central Asia envisions an upcoming activity in the area of cattle productivity and meat and dairy value chain strengthening in Turkmenistan. The upcoming activity will focus on improving cattle productivity through one or more of the following approaches: (1) improving small and medium-size farms access to genetic material for more productive cattle breeds; (2) improving small and medium farms access to quality feed; (3) improving farmers knowledge and skills in proper cattle care; and (4) other activities to strengthen the local dairy and meat value chains. USAID is exploring the landscape of actors with capacity and experience in Turkmenistan, in the areas of grant and contract administration, and/or in the livestock sector. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks information on the availability, interest, and diverse capacities of entities to support a prospective USAID livestock activity in Turkmenistan.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual opening/closing deadline: November 1st to November 30th

Administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, this grant focuses on utility improvements necessary for the support of value-added agriculture businesses. It offers financial assistance for water and wastewater line improvements, as well as electrical and gas supply enhancements to accommodate the unique needs of agriculture businesses aiming for development or expansion. Grants are available up to $350,000 or 80% of the utility project cost, with a commitment to supporting projects that bolster the infrastructure required for sustainable agriculture growth and efficiency. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

This grant program, overseen by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture in consultation with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), is dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements for roadways and bridges. It aims to facilitate the development or expansion of new or existing value-added agriculture businesses by enhancing access and transportation infrastructure. Political subdivisions are invited to apply for funding to undertake corridor improvements on county and township roadways and improvements to bridges that provide access to value-added agriculture businesses. The program commits to awarding grants up to $1,250,000 or 80% of the project cost, prioritizing projects that demonstrate significant potential for economic impact on the agriculture sector. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

This program provides financial assistance to Michigan's food and agriculture businesses to help them meet wastewater regulations and improve their infrastructure.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Missouri. A total of up to $500,000.00 is available for the Missouri CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $250,000.00. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 25th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. A webinar for CIG applicants is scheduled for March 27th, 2024 at 9 a.m. CT Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the webinar will be posted to the Missouri NRCS CIG website along with a link below. Applicants are encouraged to visit the MO State CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. Link to webinar Teams meeting: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWE5MTdiYWQtYjM3Yi00ZmVjLThhNzMtZjdjNzBlZjQ5ZTNi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22cd47cf8d-9f96-4309-87f4-c21c3a497296%22%7d The agency anticipates making selections by July 1st and expects to execute awards by September 30th. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Conservation Technical Assistance: Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Cooperative AgreementsNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-ST-24-NOFO0001313Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.902, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/homeSAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) delivers conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world. NRCS provides leadership and funding to ensure that all programs and services are made accessible to all customers, fairly and equitably, with emphasis on reaching historically underserved farmers and ranchers and Native American tribal governments and organizations. NRCS is committed to advancing equity, justice, and equal opportunity to ensure equitable access to programs and services available on private agricultural and forest lands.The goal of this funding opportunity is for NRCS, in collaboration with a diverse set of partners, including historically underserved farmers and ranchers and their organizations, to expand the delivery of conservation technical assistance to support grazing planning and conservation practice implementation and monitoring, conferences and other education, demonstrations, producer networks, workforce training, research and outreach projects to improve agricultural resilience. The anticipated amount for cooperative agreements under this NFO is approximately $22 million in fiscal year (FY) 2024. FY 2024 GLCI funding supports the Conservation Technical Assistance: Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Cooperative Agreements. GLCI also supports NRCS technical assistance for grazing, as well as the National Grazing Lands Coalition to help state grazing coalitions form and persist with participation from historically underserved producers and Native American tribal governments and organizations. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time May 26, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.govApplicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 25, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change. Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling AmountsA total of $14,000,000 will be made available with a funding ceiling of $1,000,000 and a funding floor of $350,000 for three or four-year agreements.A total of $8,000,000 will be made available with a funding ceiling of $300,000 and a funding floor of $100,000 for one or two-year agreements. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period.Applicants may apply for either of the two types of agreements.Federal Financial Assistance TrainingThe funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/.It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Connecticut. A total of up to $500,000 is available for the Connecticut CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $250,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 24, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 31, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Idaho for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas, meeting specific criteria. The program supports a range of projects, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar energy systems, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers the Section 319(h) Grant Program to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution affecting Illinois’ water resources. This program, funded through the Clean Water Act, supports projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments caused by NPS pollution. Prioritized projects include those implementing approved watershed-based plans or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans, with activities ranging from BMP implementation to monitoring and outreach efforts. The program encourages applications that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to NPS pollution control and offer sustainable environmental benefits. Grant renewed every year.