Grants - Agriculture Focus

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

International Trade and Domestic Market Development

Tel: (208) 332-8530 ~ Fax: (208) 334-2879

Website: www.idahoag.us

 

Table of Contents

 

General Federal Grant/Funding Resources ……………………………………………………. 2

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Open Federal Funding Opportunities

First Gov

GovBenefits.gov

General Resources

Building Better Rural Places Catalogue

Community Development ……..…………………………..…………………………….………. 4

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

Conservation & Resource Management …………………………………………….………….. 4

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Financing Businesses and New Enterprises ………………………………………………….……… 4

Small Business Development Center Program (SBDC)

Quality Samples Program (QSP)

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG)

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program

Marketing & Development ………………………………………….………………..…………..….. 8

Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)

Foreign Market Development Program (FMD)

Emerging Markets Program (EMP)

Market Access Program (MAP)

Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP)

Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grants (VAPG)

Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program (W&AM)

Research ………………………………………………………………………………..…..…… 11

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program

National Research Initiative Integrated Program (NRII)

National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRIC)

Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP)

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)

Technical Assistance …………………………….…………………………………………..…….. 13

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC)

Technical Issues Resolution Fund (TIRF)

Quick Response Marketing Fund (QRMF)

Section 108 Foreign Currency Program

The Cochran Fellowship Program

Professional Development Program

Trade and Investment Program (TIP)

Research and Scientific Exchanges Division (RSED)

General

Federal Grant/Funding Programs

 

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

This website gives access to a database of all Federal assistance programs. 

 

Assistance programs are available for:

·        State and local governments

·        Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments

·        Territories (and possessions) of the United States

·        Domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions

·        Specialized groups

·        Individuals

Under “Find Assistance Programs”, the database is searchable by agency, functional area, deadline dates, eligibility, beneficiary, type of assistance and by keyword.  Example search: Agriculture (many programs listed under multiple functional areas)

Website also provides:

·        Name of program, agency, purpose of grant, application process and link to application, contact information, and sample grants awarded in the past

·        Several aids for writing grant proposals.

·        Website:  www.cfda.gov/default.htm

 

Open Federal Funding Opportunities

 

Website:  http://fedgrants.gov/Applicants/

 

First Gov

 

This website provides a comprehensive listing of all types of information, services and resources.

 

This website is the official U.S. gateway to all government information.  Sources include federal and state governments, U.S. territories and foreign nations.  Gateway searches more than 51 million web pages.

 

Gateways for information:  Citizens, Business & Government. 

Website:  www.firstgov.gov/

 

GovBenefits.gov

This website provides a personalized screening tool for individual assistance.

 

The online screening tool is free, easy-to-use, and confidential as it does not require a name, phone number, Social Security number, or any other information that could be used for identification.

 

The following link lists agencies and organizations that provide benefits programs: 

www.govbenefits.gov/jsp/AgencyBenefitList.jsp

 

General Resources

This University of Michigan website lists various federal government resources, specifically grants, contracts and auctions.

 

Website:  http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/fedgt.html#grant

 

Building Better Rural Places Catalogue

A USDA publication and website focusing on federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry, conservation and community development (Published 2001).

·        USDA agencies and programs providing major support for this publication:

·        Resource Conservation and Development

·        Natural Resources Conservation Service

·        U.S. Forest Service

·        Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)

·        Website:  http://attra.ncat.org/guide/

 

 


Community Development

 

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

Grants to Develop Community Food Projects for Low-Income Residents

National Program Office
Dr. Mark R. Bailey, (202) 401-6488
Dr. Elizabeth Tuckermanty, (202) 205-0241
Program Co-Directors
USDA-CSREES, Stop 2241
Washington, DC 20250-2241
E-mail: mbailey@reeusda.gov or etuckermanty@reeusda.gov

 

 

Conservation & Resource Management

FSA Drought Assistance Programs

 

Livestock Assistance Program (LAP)

 

Crop Disaster Program (CDP)

 

American Indian Livestock Feed Program

 

State Contact:

Becky Rios, Outreach Coordinator

(208) 378-5667, Ext. 1

 

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment

 

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill):  Provided for conservation funding and for focusing on environmental issues in order to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting environmental challenges on their land. This legislation simplifies existing programs and creates new programs to address high priority environmental and production goals.

ΰ        Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)

ΰ        Conservation of Private Grazing Land Program (CPGL)

ΰ        Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

ΰ        Conservation Security Program (CSP)

ΰ        Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

ΰ        Farm & Ranch Land Protection Program (FPP)

ΰ        Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

ΰ        National Natural Resources Conservation Foundation (NNRCF)

ΰ        Resource Conservation and Development Program (RCDP)

ΰ        The NRCS has partnerships on many conservation programs with a wide variety of organizations.  Links to these organizations can be found at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/partners/other_partners.html

 

Financing Businesses and New Enterprises

 

Small Business Development Center Program (SBDC)

To provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners.

 

The SBDC Program is designed to deliver up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies. Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development.

 

James Hogge, State Director
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1655
Office: 1021 Manitou Ave.
Tel:  208-426-3799
Fax:  208-426-3877
Email:  jhogge@boisestate.edu

Website:  http://www.idahosbdc.org/

 

Quality Samples Program (QSP)

Assists U.S. agricultural trade organizations provide small samples of their agricultural products to potential importers in emerging markets overseas.

 

Program Information:

·        Focusing on industry and manufacturing, as opposed to end-use consumers, it permits potential customers to discover U.S. quality. It also allows manufacturers overseas to do test runs to assess how U.S. food and fiber products can best meet their production needs. In 2002, USDA is providing initial allocations totaling $1.34 million to trade associations and state agricultural organizations under this program.

·        Trade organizations and private firms can submit QSP proposals to USDA as part of the Unified Export Strategy (UES).

·        Participants who are approved for QSP funding obtain commodity samples, export them and provide the importer the technical assistance necessary to use the sample properly. When a project is finished, USDA reimburses the participants for the costs of procuring and exporting the samples. The technical assistance component is not covered by the program.

·        USDA-FAS Marketing Operations Staff

AG Box 1042

1400 Independence Ave.

Washington, DC 20250-1042

Tel: (202) 720-4327

Fax: (202) 720-9361

E-mail: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov

 

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG)

Grants for Assisting Small and Emerging Rural Businesses to Nonprofits and Public Bodies

 

·        Finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging private business enterprises located in rural areas through grants to public bodies, nonprofits, and federally recognized Indian Tribal groups.

·        This includes starting and operating revolving loan funds, business incubators, and industrial parks. In addition, costs that may be paid from grant funds include the acquisition and development of land and the construction of buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, and utility and service extensions; refinancing; fees for professional services; technical assistance and training associated with technical assistance; startup operating costs and working capital, providing financial assistance to a third party; production of television programs to provide information to rural residents; and creating, expanding, and operating rural distance learning networks.

9173 West Barnes, Ste A1                               Carole Boyko
Boise, ID 83709                                               USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Tel: (208) 378-5600                                         Room 6868 South Building, Stop 3225
Fax: (208) 378-5643                                        Washington, D.C. 20250
Website: www.rurdev.usda.gov/id/stateofc.htm       Tel: (202) 720-1400

                                                                        Fax: (202) 720-2213   

Website: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/bprogs.htm

 

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG)

Grants to Nonprofits and Public Bodies for Community Planning, Technical Assistance and Training for Rural Businesses

 

The Rural Business Opportunity Grants program (RBOG) was created by the 1996 Farm Bill to assist in the economic development of rural areas by providing grants to assist business and community development. Grant funds may be used to:

·        Identify and analyze business opportunities, including export markets, that will use local natural and human resources;

·        Identify, train, and provide technical assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers;

·        Establish business support centers and otherwise assist in the creation of new rural businesses;

·        Conduct local community or multi-county economic development planning;

·        Establish centers for training, technology, and trade that will provide training to rural businesses in the utilization of interactive communications technologies to develop international trade opportunities and markets;

·        Conduct leadership development training of existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers; and

·        Pay reasonable fees and charges for professional services necessary to conduct the technical assistance, training or planning functions.

 

National Program Office

Wayne Stansbery
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Specialty Lenders Division
1400 Independence Ave, SW, Stop 3225
Washington, D.C. 20250-1521
Tel: (202) 720-6819

Fax: (202) 720-2213

Email: wstansbe@rus.usda.gov            

Website: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm

 

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

Grants for Feasibility Studies and Product Research and Development to Small Businesses

 

Ten federal agencies grant SBIR funds. The USDA's SBIR program makes grants that are competitively awarded for feasibility studies and product research and development to qualified small businesses. SBIR funds support high quality research proposals containing advanced concepts related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if the research is successful.

 

Objectives:  To stimulate technological innovations in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation by women-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovations.

 

Research categories: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection; Animal Production and Protection; Air, Water and Soils; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; and Marketing and Trade.

 

The SBIR grant program is divided into two phases.

·        Phase I grants support technical feasibility studies.

·        Phase II grants provide financial assistance for Phase I projects to enter the development stage to the point of commercialization.

·        Businesses are encouraged to pursue Phase III—commercialization—through other sources, as SBIR does not provide funding for expansion, marketing, and application of the developed technology.

 

National Program Office
Charles Cleland, Director SBIR Program
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA,

Ag Box 2243
Washington, D.C. 20250-2243
Tel: (202) 401-4002 or (202) 401-1839 - Ruth Lange
Fax: (202) 401-6070
Email: ccleland@reeusda.gov

 

 

State Contact

Rick Ritter

SBIR Boise Office

Tel:  (208) 426-3870

Email: rritter@boisestate.edu

 

 


Marketing & Development

Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)

Matching Grants for Marketing Agricultural Products through State Departments of Agriculture

 

FSMIP funds can be requested for a wide range of marketing projects, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

National Program Office          

Janise Zygmont, Staff officer

P.O. Box 96456, Room 4006-S
Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
Tel: (202) 720-8043
Fax: (202) 690-4948
Email: janise.zygmont@usda.gov

Website: www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm

 

State Program Office

Laura Johnson, Bureau Chief

PO Box 790

Boise, ID 83712

Tel: (208) 332-8533
Fax: (208) 334-2479
Email: ljohnson@idahoag.us

Website: www.idahoag.us

 

 

Foreign Market Development Program (FMD)

Aids U.S. farmers, processors, and exporters in the creation, expansion, and maintenance of long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products.

 

The overseas promotions focus on generic U.S. commodities (rather than individual brand-name products) and are targeted toward long-term development. A Cooperator program which enlists private sector involvement and resources in coordinated efforts to promote U.S. products to foreign importers and consumers around the world. In 2002, Cooperators and U.S. industry resource contributions totaled 121 percent of the funds provided by FAS.   Preference is given to nonprofit U.S. agricultural and trade groups that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope.

 

USDA-FAS Marketing Operations Staff

AG Box 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20250-1042

Tel: (202) 720-4327

Website: www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmd.html

 

Emerging Markets Program (EMP)

To improve market access by developing, maintaining, or enhancing the exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to low- and middle-income countries which have or are developing market-oriented economies, and which can be viable markets for these U.S. products.

 

The program funds technical assistance activities:  Example are feasibility studies, market research, sectoral assessments, orientation visits, specialized training, business workshops, etc.

 

The EMP is a generic program, not a branded program.  It generally works with national cooperators although technical assistance can be targeted toward specific issues for particular commodities.

 

USDA-FAS Marketing Operations Staff

AG Box 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20250-1042

Tel: (202) 720-4327

Website:  http://ffas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/info&guide.html

 

Market Access Program (MAP)

To create, maintain and expand long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products through cost-share assistance and the opportunity to work closely with FAS and its overseas offices f or Export Market Development Activities such as Consumer Promotions, Market Research, Technical Assistance and Trade Servicing

 

Cooperator funds are authorized through program agreements with nonprofit U.S. trade associations called Cooperators such as WUSATA (below).  The most highly funded export market program, the direct payments have been FY 01 $27,500,000; FY 02 est. $27,500,000; and FY 03 est. 27,500,000. MAP 2003 Award Announcement: www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/mapprog.html

Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA)
2500 Main Street, Suite 110
Vancouver, WA 98660-2697
Tel: (360) 639-3373
Fax: (360) 693-3464
Website: http://www.wusata.org/

 

Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP)

A competitive matching grants program which helps to underwrite the start up costs of new export marketing ventures for groups that are particularly effective in reaching small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

 

The program is administered through the International Trade Administration.  Generally, private enterprises are not eligible. The following are usually found to be eligible:

·        Non-profit industry organizations

 

Idaho Office

James Hellwig, USEAC Director

U. S. Commercial Service
Boise U.S. Export Assistance Center

700 West State Street, 2nd floor

Boise, ID 83720

Tel: 208-489-2112

Fax: 208-334-2783

Email: james.hellwig@mail.doc.gov

Website: www.ita.doc.gov/td/mdcp/

Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grants (VAPG)

Also known as the Value Added Producers Grant (VAPG), this grant is to help producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives and majority owned producer based business ventures develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities and develop new strategies to create marketing opportunities in emerging markets

Idaho Office
Dale Lish
USDA Rural Development
9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite A1
Boise, ID 83709
Tel: (208) 785-5840, ext. 118
Email: dale.lish@id.usda.gov 

Website: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm

 

Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program (W&AM)

USDA provides technical assistance, information and data to assist in developing feasibility studies for wholesale, collection, farmers and direct markets. 

 

Program Information:

·        Designed to increase overall food marketing efficiency, thereby lowering the cost of marketing food through technical assistance to States and municipalities interested in creating or upgrading markets and marketing facilities.

·        Applicant must be other government agencies and private industry. State, trade associations, universities, and other nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for cooperative agreements.

·        Market’s focus: Wholesale, Collection, Farmers, and Direct.

·        Assistance:  Advisory services, counseling and training

ΰ        AMS Marketing Services Branch (MSB) analyzes marketing facilities, processes, and methods

ΰ        This is not a grant program

National Office

Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator

Marketing Services Branch - USDA 
Room 2646 - S, Stop 0269 
1400 Independence Ave., SW.
Washington, DC  20250-0269 
Tel: (202) 720-8317
Fax: (202) 690-0031

Email: Errol.Bragg@usda.gov

 

 

Research

 

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program

Grants to Improve the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Farming and Ranching to Educational Institutions, Nonprofits and Producer.

   

Proposal guidelines for each of the grants programs are available from the regional SARE offices or the national program office. Each region solicits proposals and awards grants independently; contact the regional office for applications and deadlines.

Western Region                                                National Program Office
Utah State University                                        Director, Sustainable Agriculture Programs
Ag Science Bldg., Rm. 322                               1400 Independence Ave. SW
4865 Old Main Hill Road                                 USDA Mail Stop 2223
Logan, UT 84322-4865                                   Washington, DC 20250-2223
Tel: (801) 797-2257                                         Tel: (202) 720-6527  (6071 fax)

Email: wsare@mendel.usu.edu              Email: ehauhn@reeusda.gov

Website:  http://wsare.usu.edu/              Website: http://www.sare.org/

 

National Research Initiative Integrated Program (NRII)

The 2003 supplemental funding targets five new programs: functional genomics, human nutrition and obesity, air quality, animal and plant biosecurity, and training for agricultural homeland security. 

 

Program Information:

·        Priority given to projects that are multi-state, multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary, or to projects that integrate research, extension, and education.

·        Programs build on a foundation of ongoing research addressing key issues of national and regional importance to agriculture, forestry, human nutrition, and related sciences.

·        Supports a spectrum of research that bridges the basic and applied sciences and results in practical outcomes.

·        Competition for grants is open to scientists at all academic institutions, Federal research agencies, and private and industrial organizations.

Contacting the NRI

Tel: (202) 401-5022

Fax: (202) 401-6488

Email: nricgp@reeusda.gov

National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRIC)

Research on key problems of national and regional importance in biological, environmental, physical, and social sciences relevant to agriculture, food, and the environment on a peer-reviewed, competitive basis. 

 

Program Information:

·         Funding is managed by the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). 

·         Supports a spectrum of research that bridges the basic and applied sciences and results in practical outcomes.

·         Competition is open to scientists at all academic institutions, Federal research agencies, private and industrial organizations.

·         2003 applications identified 25 research programs in eight major research areas:

*  Natural Resources and the Environment        *  Animals

*  Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health                *  Markets, Trade and Rural Development

*  Biology and Management of Pest and            *  Enhancing Value and Use of Agricultural

Beneficial Organisms                                         and Forest Products

*  Agricultural Systems Research                      *  Plants

Tel: (202) 401-5022                      

Fax: (202) 401-6488                     

Email: nricgp@reeusda.gov

Pest Management Alternatives Program (PMAP)

Competitive Grants Supporting the Development and Implementation of Pest Management Alternatives When Regulatory Action by EPA or Voluntary Cancellation by the Registrant Results in the Unavailability of Certain Agricultural Pesticides or Pesticide Uses

National Program Office
Dennis Kopp
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2220
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250-2220
Tel: (202) 401-6437
Fax: (202) 401-4888
Email: dkopp@reeusda.gov

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP)

Grants to be matched by States for Projects Aimed at Reducing the Risks and Uses of Pesticides in Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Settings

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- PESP
401 M St. SW (7511C)
Washington, DC 20460
Tel: (703) 308-8712 or (800) 972-7717
Fax: (703) 308-7026

 

Technical Assistance

 

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC)

Assists U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops.

 

Program Information:

·        Specialty crops including all cultivated plants and their products produced in the United States except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar and tobacco. 

·        Examples of activities these grants may cover include seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, pest and disease research, and pre-clearance programs. 

·        U.S. organizations, including, but not limited to: U.S. government agencies, state government agencies, non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, and private companies.

·        USDA-FAS Marketing Operations Staff

AG Box 1042

1400 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington, DC 20250-1042

Tel: (202) 720-4327

 

Technical Issues Resolution Fund (TIRF)

Addresses technical barriers to trade in emerging markets worldwide by providing technical assistance, training, and exchange of expertise. Projects include plant quarantine, animal health, food safety, and other technical barriers to U.S. exports based on unsound or incomplete scientific information. 

 

Implementation of activities under TIRF is a joint effort between the Emerging Markets Program and the Research and Scientific Exchanges Division/ International Cooperation and Development (ICD).  Two types of activities will be considered under TIRF:

·        High priority or time-sensitive issues

·        Strategic areas of long term interest

 

Limited to countries which meet emerging market requirements (population greater than 1 million and per capita income of less than $9,265).  Proposals may be submitted at any time during the year since the review panel meets on a monthly basis. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture -- Foreign Agricultural Service

Michelle Sharrow  (SharrowM@fas.usda.gov) or  Micah Rosenblum (Rude@fas.usda.gov)

Tel:  (202) 690-3996 or (202) 720-5876

Website:  www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/tirfmain.html

 

Quick Response Marketing Fund (QRMF)