Empowering Women in Agriculture: 8 Grants for Female Farmers
Almost
half of the world’s farmers are women. Despite their active role, most women
managing the farm face obstacles like lack of education, biased land ownership
and lack of finances to help them adopt sustainable agriculture practices. Agricultural experts argue that women's
agricultural productivity can increase by at least 20% if they receive
resources necessary for successful small scale farming. Intensive agricultural
education and access to agricultural resources are some of the ways we can
empower women in agriculture.
Just
like any business, agricultural entrepreneurs need financial support to start a
farming project. Grants are one of the ways that beginning and socially
disadvantaged farmers can finance their project. In this article, we discuss
some of the grants available for female entrepreneurs and beginning farmers.
![]() |
8 Grants for Female Farmers
1. ACDI/VOCA Grants
ACDI/VOCA
is a not-for-profit organization that promotes economic growth by supporting
women in the agricultural sector helping them to solicit and negotiate for
grants. The organization works in the United States and 146 other countries
where they help women adopt climate-friendly farming, strategic marketing and
collaborating with institutions to foster agricultural development.
2. Value-added Agricultural Product market Development Grants
Unlike
most organizations which empower women on sustainable agricultural practices,
Value- Added Grants program empowers women on processing and marketing
activities that increase the market value of agricultural products. Some of the
activities include the development of new products and good marketing practices
targeted at potential buyers.
Value-added
Producer Program gives priority to beginning farmers, economically
disadvantaged farmers, and those with a family farm project. Grants are opened
once a year. Successful applicants receive a grant plus business and marketing
plan that helps to attract more customers to the product.
3. Small and Mid- sized farm Grants
Small
and Mid-Sized farm grants are provided by the USDA. The grant focuses on Small
and medium scale farmers with new agricultural ideas that center on select farm
products. The grant is open to beginners and female farmers who are already
farming.
Besides
the financial help, farmers are empowered on using natural resources to improve
agricultural productivity, educated on management practices that increase
productivity, innovative marketing skills amongst other skills that promote
sustainable farming.
4. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Grants
Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Grants provide grants ranging from $10,000-
$200,000. The grants are open to starting and already established female
farmers. Primarily, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grants
support agricultural demonstrations, agricultural research, and marketing
programs.
Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Grants program funds 8-12 projects given
depending on regions.
5. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development
Beginning
Farmer and Rancher program provides grants to support agricultural production,
produce marketing, and land development projects. 25% of the grant aims at
financing disadvantaged farmers by providing them with the limited agricultural
resources. The program also provides training that aims at uplifting the living
standards of laborers who want to start farming projects.
Besides
the grant, the program provides education to farmers who wish to start farming
or ranching. The education helps the farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture
practices that are profitable and productive. This helps the farming community
to stay abreast with matters related to sustainable production methods. The
maximum amount granted is $250,000.
6. USDA Rural development grants
USDA
Rural development grants are given to people who want to develop housing
facilities for farm laborers. The grants are open to non-profit organizations,
individuals, associations and government offices.
7. USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
The
USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program gives grants to farmers who wish
to start organic farming and those whose farming projects focus on organic
agricultural practices. Organic farmers who qualify for the grant receive a
maximum of $20,000 a year. Farmers who need more money can apply for the
six-year grant of $80,000.
8. Young Farmer Grant Program
Apart
from the grants provided by USDA, some states also offer specialized grants to
farmers. For instance, the state of Texas runs the Young Farmer Grant Program
where young farmers between 18yrs and 46yrs can apply for a grant to help them
keep livestock. Successful applicants for the Texas program receive grants
ranging from $5000 - $10,000.
If
lack of funds is what has kept your agricultural projects lagging behind, then
you should consider applying for a grant to finance your project. You can
receive grants from the U.S Department of Agriculture or from not-for-profit
organizations which empower women economically.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment