The Arkansas Department of Agriculture works to administer grants for various agricultural industries and audiences. Grant applications and details will be provided for you at this page. We look forward to working with you to strengthen and grow the agriculture industry in Arkansas.
Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program
The Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers Pilot Program is now closed.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced a second round of funding for the Arkansas Grown Grant for Northwest Arkansas Farmers pilot program directly benefiting Northwest Arkansas farmers residing and farming in Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties. This pilot program is created with support from the Walton Family Foundation and offers grant funding to eligible farmers who are committed to increasing capacity for wholesale fruit and vegetable production, resulting in more local food.
Grants up to a maximum of $15,000 will be awarded for eligible expenses to farmers in the four counties listed above. Assistance in completing this application is offered for free through the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center in Fayetteville (ASBTDC).
Funds will be awarded to approved applicants on an equitable basis. Funds will be awarded until funds are no longer available. Applications are reviewed by a committee based on dedication to growing local food for sale to wholesale and commercial buyers, demonstrated interest in increasing capacity to sell to wholesale buyers and distributors, the ability to provide performance metrics on reports, demonstrated need, and sustainability. Grant is subject to state and federal taxes.
Program Contact: Amy Lyman
Email: [email protected]
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is now closed.
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve food supply chain operations and strengthen local food systems throughout the state. The Department offered two grant types under the RFSI program: infrastructure grants and simplified equipment-only grants.
Infrastructure Grant funding will support projects focused on the processing, aggregation, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products as part of the RFSI program. Eligible entities include agricultural producers, processors, nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal governments, and institutions.
Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are dedicated to benefitting producers directly for on-farm middle-of-the-supply-chain equipment. The Equipment-Only Grant will provide a walk-in cooler to awarded producers for on-farm use as part of the RFSI program.
Information on Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program can be found here.
Program Contact: Amy Lyman
Email: [email protected]
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now closed.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of the Arkansas specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, and tree nuts. Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry.
Proposals for funding may be submitted by universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry, or community-based organizations.
Additional information and resources are available at How do I Apply for the SCBGP Grant? | Agricultural Marketing Service.
Program Contact: Amy Lyman
Email: [email protected]
Arkansas Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Urban and Community Forestry Grants exist to fund community projects that develop, improve, and/or promote urban and community trees and forests. Urban & Community Forestry grants, administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, are made available through federal grant funds from the U.S. Forest Service
The maximum federal cost share of annual Urban & Community Forestry Assistance grant projects is 50% of the total expenditures for the project. The non-federal match may be cash, services, or in-kind contributions.
For more information about both grants or to apply for Urban & Community Forestry grants, click here.
Program Contact: Krissy Kimbro
Email: [email protected]