The COVID-19 emergency caused Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) to issue temporary rules requiring increased field sanitation measures and more stringent labor housing and transportation regulations. The Food Security and Farmworker Safety Program provides financial assistance to comply with these increased measures during peak harvest. Producers faced with additional costs for housing, transporation, and field sanitation can apply for assistance in any or all of these categories, up to a total of $21,000. The program will accept applications until October 25, 2020.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Value-Added Grant Program. The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $1 million to for-profit businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and local governments for equipment purchases that help increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products—including efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in the Twin Cities following the murder of George Floyd. Grant funds reimburse up to 25% of the total project cost. The maximum equipment award is $150,000, and the minimum award is $1,000. Applications must be received by October 29, 2020.

The Safe on the Farm Direct Marketing Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to Minnesota U-Pick Operations, On-Farm Markets, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms to purchase supplies and equipment to prepare for safe sales on their farms and pick-up sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Department of Agriculture encourages pick-your-own berry farms, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, CSA farms, and on-site farm stands to apply. To be eligible, you must be a current or new Minnesota Grown member. With this program, you may purchase equipment or supplies that will help you follow the Guidance for Minnesota U-Pick Operations and On-Farm Markets. If you are a farm that meets the applicant eligibility criteria, you may be reimbursed up to $250 for eligible expenses. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2020, or until all funds are gone, whichever is first.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Livestock Management Facilities Grant Program, which consists of three financial assistance programs: Swine Depopulation Program, Agriculture Business Interruption Program, and Meat and Poultry Capacity Program. These three programs are intended to support the economic health of livestock owners and producers who experienced market disruptions due to the COVID-19 public health emergency and expand capacity for small meat and poultry processing and/or slaughter facilities. The application period closes October 31, 2020.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is accepting applications for up to $1 million in funding through the Capital Equipment Assistance Program. Financial assistance is available for new or innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters, improve water quality of state waters, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure or implement a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). Eligible recipients include farms, custom applicators, non-profit organizations, and other related businesses. Applications are due by November 1, 2020.

Public and private schools and nonprofit organizations can apply for school garden grants for edible gardens at schools in the United States. Schools can purchase any equipment appropriate for the garden with the grant funds, such as plants, seeds, raised beds, fencing, wheelbarrows, greenhouses, and drip irrigation systems. Applications are due by November 2, 2020.

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) is accepting applications for its small grants program for 2021-2022. Funds will support projects that focus on research, education, and technical assistance in support of the agricultural production sectors in the six-county Northern New York Region (Lewis, Jefferson, St.Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex Counties). Eligible projects must focus their activities at the Cornell E.V. Baker Research Farm, the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, other agriculture research farm facilities, and/or other operating farms across the NNY region. Approximately $300,000 in funding for the small grants program will be provided through a contract with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. A list of research ideas is available online. Applications are due by November 2, 2020.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is accepting applications for $100,000 in Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program funding for Farm to School programs. The application is open to schools and licensed or registered child care providers. Eligible applicants can apply for a maximum of $10,000. Applications are due by November 2, 2020.

The Rural Energy for America Program administered by USDA Rural Development provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable-energy systems or to make energy-efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations may apply. Grants are available for up to 25% of total eligible project costs, and combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs. Applications for grants of $20,000 or less and loan/grant combo applications of $20,000 or less are due by November 2, 2020

USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for federal funds to assist with expenses paid between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, for receiving and maintaining organic certification. Due to expected participation levels and the limited funds available, FSA revised the reimbursement amount available through fiscal year 2023. Certified producers and handlers are now eligible to receive reimbursement for a maximum of 50% of the certified organic operation's eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500. The changes to the payment calculation and maximum payment amount are applicable to all certified organic operations, regardless of whether they apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency. Applications are due by November 2, 2020.

Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their livestock operation are encouraged to apply for the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant program. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding up to $789,000 using a competitive review process. Livestock Improvement Grants encourage long-term industry development through investment in facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. Applicants may apply for up to 10% of their project's total cost. Grant awards can range in size from $400 to $25,000. Each livestock operation is eligible to receive a lifetime maximum of $50,000 from this grant program. Proposals must be received by November 4, 2020.

USDA is accepting applications from non-federal, not-for-profit partners for projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine as part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making $12 million available and will accept applications during its second round of project funding to carry out activities as part of the identified pilot projects in select areas of Alabama, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Projects can be one to three years in duration. Applications are due by November 5, 2020.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is accepting applications for the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program for farmers markets. Up to $140,000 available in grants to farmers markets with less than $10,000 in annual gross sales. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $2,000. Applications are due by November 6, 2020.

North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE) is accepting applications for grants up to $4,000 through its Youth Educator Grant program. This program provides opportunities for youth in the 12-state North Central Region to learn about sustainable agriculture (farming and ranching that is ecologically sound, profitable, and socially responsible). These grants support projects by youth educators that encourage youth to try sustainable practices and explore sustainable agriculture as a viable career option. Proposals are due by November 12, 2020.

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) is accepting applications for Producer Grants. This competitive research grants program is intended to help farmers and ranchers in the Southern Region develop sustainable production and marketing practices. The goal of the grant program is for farmers/ranchers to conduct projects to solve challenges and problems they face, and develop information on what works and doesn't work so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same problems can benefit from the results of the funded project. Producer Grants are open to individual full-time or part-time farmers (grants up to $15,000 for an individual farmer or rancher) and ranchers or farmer organizations such as cooperatives (maximum grant of $20,000). Proposals are due by November 13, 2020.

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) offers Farmer Grants for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique. Projects should seek results other farmers can use, and all projects must have the potential to add to our knowledge about effective sustainable practices. Grants are capped at $15,000 and projects can run up to two years. Farmers in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., are welcome to apply. Proposals are due by November 17, 2020.

Minnesota's Good Food Access Program Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant (GFAP) increases the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food (including produce) for underserved communities in low and moderate income areas. Grants help grocery store and small food retailers make physical improvements and purchase equipment to stimulate sales of such foods. GFAP funding can be used to purchase equipment (such as coolers and freezers) and to make physical improvements. Projects must serve census-designated Food Deserts, or low- or moderate-income areas that have substantial subpopulations (such as the elderly or disabled) who have low supermarket access. Grants from $2,500 to $50,000 are offered. Applications must be received by November 19, 2020.

The regional Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Centers (Northeast, North Central, Southern, and Western) are accepting applications for two funding opportunities. The ERME funding opportunity focuses on educational projects designed to help agricultural producers improve their economic viability through targeted risk management strategies. Proposed programs should address any of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal, or human. The maximum amount of requested funding is $50,000. Meanwhile, the second Request for Applications is specifically designated for the delivery of risk management education to agricultural producers underserved by the Federal crop insurance program, with proposed educational programming that aligns with one or more of the five areas of risk: production, marketing, financial, legal, or human. The maximum amount of requested funding for this program is $100,000 for 18-month projects. Applications for both programs are due November 19, 2020.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting grant applications for applied crop research that improves agricultural product quality, quantity, or value in Minnesota. Minnesota-based organizations with agricultural research capabilities may apply for a total of $1 million, with a maximum award of $250,000 per project. Research projects with an outreach plan that addresses inequities and/or disparities experienced by diverse racial and ethnic communities including Native American tribal communities, and rural communities with limited economic opportunities will receive bonus points. In addition, preference will also be given to applicants researching crops that have limited access to other research funds. Applications are due by November 24, 2020.

The CCOF Foundation offers grants to help middle and high school students cover the expenses of conducting FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects using organic production methods. Applicants must be students in grades 7-12 who are current FFA members planning to do a SAE project. Proposed SAE project must follow USDA organic production standards. Applicants' financial need is considered as part of the grant decision process. The application deadline is November 27, 2020.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is inviting potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Partners from private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts and universities, among others, may request between $250,000 and $10 million in RCPP funding. The proposal deadline has been extended until November 30, 2020.

The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat. Through WREP, state agencies, county and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and American Indian tribes are encouraged to submit proposals for priority project areas to collaborate with NRCS through program and partnership agreements. Once a proposal is accepted for funding, the partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their properties. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices with the help of funding from NRCS. The deadline for proposals is November 30, 2020.

Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) awards competitive grants up to $2,500 to working, independent family farmers located in the United States who raise beef cattle, bison, broiler chickens, dairy cows, goats, laying hens, pigs, sheep and/or turkeys. Grants are offered for farmers who are pursuing animal welfare certification, for welfare-certified farmers, and for farmers to improve or expand pasture for their animals. Applications must be submitted online by December 1, 2020.

Each year, Northeast agricultural credit associations and CoBank award AgEnhancement Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to help organizations promote awareness and strengthen agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products industries in the six New England states, New York, and New Jersey. Applicants that clearly demonstrate how a program, project, activity or event will have a long-term positive effect on the agriculture, forest products, or the commercial fishing industries in the eight-state Northeast region are encouraged to seek funding. Application materials must be received by December 1, 2020.

North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE)'s Farmer Rancher Grant Program is a competitive grants program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects. Farmer Rancher grants are offered as individual ($9,000 maximum), team of two ($18,000 maximum), or group ($27,000 maximum) grants for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers in the 12-state North Central Region. Grants support producers who are protecting natural resources, enhancing communities, and boosting profitability. Proposals are due December 3, 2020.

The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program is accepting proposals for On-Farm Research Grants up to $20,000. These grants are intended for agricultural professionals in the Southern region who regularly work with farmers/ranchers. Agriculture professionals in Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, universities, and NGOs, as well as government and non-government organizations who regularly work with farmers and ranchers, are invited to apply for a grant which provides funding opportunities to conduct on-farm research in sustainable agriculture. Applicants must work with at least one farmer or rancher to conduct the research. The proposal submission deadline is December 4, 2020.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant, and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. A 1:1 match is required. Maximum funding is $150,000, made up of a maximum of $50,000 in the form of grant funding and up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding. Applications are due by December 7, 2020.

Minnesota's AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, and personally satisfying. Applications from Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofits and educational organizations that meaningfully involve Minnesota farmers in projects. Projects must last two to three years and grantees must be willing to share what they learn with others. A total of $200,000 is available in Fiscal Year 2021. Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project. For requests between $25,000 and $50,000, applicants must provide a dollar for dollar match on amounts above $25,000. Applications are due by December 10, 2020.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2), will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many more commodities are eligible for CFAP 2 than were eligible for CFAP 1. Online tools help farmers determine eligibility and potential payments. CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities: Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops, and Sales Commodities. Sales commodities include specialty crops, aquaculture, nursery crops and floriculture, and other commodities not included in the price trigger and flat-rate categories. Payment calculations will use a sales-based approach, where producers are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Nearly $14 million is available. The deadline to sign up is December 11, 2020.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for another round of the Safe at the Farmers' Market Cost-Share program. Winter markets that meet at least four times between November and March and have five or more locally grown and/or cottage food vendors may be reimbursed up to $300 on the purchase a variety of equipment that will help markets comply with the Guidance for Minnesota Farmers Markets and Vendors. Approximately $10,000 in total will be available through this program. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through December 15, 2020, or until all funds are depleted.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state's or territory's Governor, SBA will issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. This makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Note that eligible businesses include small agricultural cooperatives and producer cooperatives, but not agricultural enterprises. SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. A list of areas eligible for these disaster loans is available online.

Farmer-owned cooperative Tillamook is partnering with American Farmland Trust to raise awareness and dollars to help farmers survive today and thrive in the future. The Brighter Future Microgrant Program will assist farmers in successfully launching, growing and sustaining farms in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing markets, severe weather and climate change and other forces impacting the food and agricultural system. Grants are intended to leverage other resources and make a real difference for farmers to improve farm viability, access land, improve land security, facilitate farm transfers and increase resilience to climate change. Grants can be used for farm equipment, infrastructure, and/or professional services to help participating farmers achieve program goals. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $5,000 per project. Eligible applicants and proposed projects must be located within specified counties around the following cities: Los Angeles, Portland (OR), Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Columbus, Nashville, Washington DC, New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Hartford/Springfield, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, and Orlando. Applications will be reviewed and awarded in the order the applications were received, based on eligibility and other criteria.

USDA will award up to $10 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through the Farm to School Grant Program in FY 2021. Each grant helps implement farm to school programs that increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for better health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. The RFA includes three tracks: Implementation, State Agency, and a new Turnkey track. Funding is available in amounts up to $50,000 for three Turnkey projects: (1) farm to school action plan development; (2) agricultural education curriculum development and delivery; (3) edible gardening. State agencies may receive awards of up to $25,000 for the fourth Turnkey project type, the USDA farm to school producer training project. Implementation grant awards range from $50,000 to $100,000. State Agency grant awards range from $50,000-$100,000 to help State agencies seeking to improve access to local food served in eligible Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) by incorporating local procurement and agricultural education activities. Applications must be submitted by January 8, 2021.

Minnesota's AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program has adapted to help farms or food or beverage companies meet the challenges and opportunities of COVID-impacted food supply chains and changing consumer behavior. Two types of cost-shares are offered: E-Commerce Cost-Share and Cost-Share for Wholesale Food Businesses. Up to $250,000 is available for reimbursements for expenses from August 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, with a $4,000 maximum reimbursement. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the application deadline or funds are gone, whichever is first. The application deadline is January 10, 2021.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has grant funding for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects for small business owners and farmers available through the Small Business Advantage Grant program. Pennsylvania farmers and other small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects are exempt from the minimums; however, the projects must be able to quantify sediment and nutrient reductions into nearby waterways. Businesses can apply for 50% matching funds for equipment or materials, up to $7,000, when adopting energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2020-21 funds are exhausted, or April 12, 2021, whichever occurs first.