Grants and Funding for your Market or Market Organization
CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES (updated March, 2022)
Microgrant Program, Urban Food Connections of Utah, For agricultural producers selling at SNAP-authorized retailers. Usually due in October and March of every year. Due March 20, 2022
Specialty Crop Block Grant - Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) in which funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is awarded to eligible applicants to support Utah’s specialty crop industry. This grant is open to producers, schools, trade associations, non-profits, farmers markets, farming and ranching co-ops, etc. headquartered in Utah. Potential projects may include a broad range of focus such as improving marketing, research, training, certifications, food safety, pest control, plant health and beyond for specialty crops. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to enhance the competitiveness of Utah grown specialty crops and benefit more than one producer or organization. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Due April 1, 2022.
National/Federal
Good Food Funding Guide - This is not a great program, but a list of government grants, foundation grants, loans and equity put together by New Venture Advisors.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - The USDA has resources available to support local and regional foods, some of which are applicable to farmers markets. The USDA Programs in the Local Food Supply Chain chart highlights over 30 USDA grants, programs, and services in support of local food economies.
Healthy Food Financing Organization - Targeted Small Grants Program and Technical Assistance for healthy food retailers and food enterprises.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, usually due in May. For programs aimed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables of low-income shoppers. Grant will fund pilot programs, large-scale programs, and produce prescription programs.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Local Food, Local Places, no information has been released about funding in 2021. This not a grant program, but provides planning assistance to communities.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative - Focused on underserved rural and urban areas. See information about the 2021 funding cycle under Current Funding Opportunities above.
