USDA Programs
Public Support
Government-supplied financial aid for organic and transitioning producers
1. Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Reimburses up to 50% of organic certification costs (max $500 per certification), covering application fees, inspections, user fees, etc. Available to producers and managers of agricultural products obtaining or renewing certification.
2. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Provides financial and technical assistance for conservation practices that improve water/air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Open to all producers, with the EQIP Organic Initiative focused specifically on certified organic and transitioning operations (e.g., crop rotation, grazing plans, buffer zones).
3. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Marketing Assistance Loans
Offers interim loans to organic producers to cover cash flow needs and avoid selling at low prices. Also includes loans for land ownership, operating costs, disaster recovery, and farm storage facility upgrades for eligible commodities.
4. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Pays farmers annually to remove environmentally sensitive land from production and plant beneficial species. Open to all; useful for organic producers during the 36-month transition to avoid restricted chemicals.
5. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants
Funds farmer-led projects (field trials, demonstrations, marketing) to test sustainable innovations promoting profitability, stewardship, and community quality of life. Grant amounts vary by region (e.g., up to ~$50,000 in the Northeast).
6. Organic Transition Initiative (NRCS)
Allocates $70 million nationwide for conservation practices required for organic certification, plus possible income support during production dips in transition. Includes Organic Management Standard 823 (OMS 823) contracts offering $75–$2,100 per acre (depending on crop type and farm size) for 3–5 year terms.
7. Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)
Pairs experienced certified organic farmers (mentors) with transitioning producers for free technical assistance on Organic System Plans, recordkeeping, and inspections. Mentors receive a $3,000+ annual stipend.
Private Funding
Corporate and nonprofit resources for farmers during and after the transition
1. Aggie Bonds
Federal-state partnership enabling tax-exempt loans for beginning farmers at 1–3% below commercial rates. Funds farmland, equipment, buildings, livestock. Available in 16 states (AR, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MS, MT, NE, ND, OK, PA, SD, WI); similar programs exist in other states.
2. Agriculture Capital
Invests in farmland and food infrastructure to support regenerative organic operations, currently focusing on California, Oregon, and Washington (over 20,000 acres).
3. Fair Food Fund
Impact investing for overlooked farmers and local food entrepreneurs emphasizing nourishment, economic opportunity, and stewardship. Has invested over $700,000 in Michigan and Northeast producers.
4. Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) Fund-a-Farmer Grants
Awards up to $3,000 grants to humane, pasture-based livestock/poultry farmers transitioning from confinement, improving pastures, and enhancing animal welfare (87 grants in 2024).
5. Foodshed Capital
Lends to underserved groups (low-income, BIPOC, female, immigrant, LGBTQ) and regenerative producers focused on soil health, biodiversity, and nutrient-dense food. Administers BIPOC Farmer Micro-Grant Program with Rodale Institute.
6. Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT
Offers farmer-friendly leases and mortgages to organic operations. Has directed $95 million to 65+ farmers managing 30,000 acres across 19 states since 2007.
7. Mad Capital
Provides loans for organic transition costs, operating expenses, land acquisition, and infrastructure. Its Perennial Fund has supported organic farmers on ~31,000 acres, mainly in the Midwest.
8. No Regrets Initiative
Finances regenerative organic farmers and ranchers across many U.S. states through a partnership between Cienega Capital and Globetrotter Foundation (launched 2016).
9. Potlikker Capital
Funds BIPOC-owned farming/ranching businesses with resources for regenerative organic practices and an internship program to train future BIPOC farmer entrepreneurs.
10. SLM Partners
Asset manager investing over $600 million in regenerative/organic farmland (U.S.), forestry/orchard crops (Europe), and carbon-farming projects (Australia) via partnerships with local operators.
Protection Plans
Crop insurance for organic and transitioning producers
Risk Management (USDA RMA Programs)
1. Revenue Protection (Crop Insurance)
Insures against yield losses (natural causes) and revenue losses (price declines). Coverage 50–85% of yield; indemnity based on the higher of projected or harvest price.
2. Contract Pricing Option
Allows certified organic producers to substitute their higher contracted sale price for RMA’s standard price, increasing coverage (often up to 1.5× the conventional/organic board price) without raising coverage levels.
3. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP)
Covers all commodities on a farm under one revenue-based policy (up to $17 million insured revenue). Ideal for organic, specialty, direct-market, or diversified operations; claims finalized after tax filing.
4. Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance (TOGA)
Adds up to 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for crop insurance on transitional or certified organic grain/feed crops.
Micro Farm Program
Simplified revenue-based policy like WFRP but for smaller farms (up to $350,000 approved revenue). Suited to organic/specialty/direct-market operations.
Written Agreements for Alternative Crops
Allows insurance for uncommon/organic crops not normally covered in a county via a written request with production history, planting schedule, and market details.