Outreach and Assistance for Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program
Limited submission
This grant supports organizations helping veterans start and run farms or ranches by providing outreach, education, and assistance to access USDA programs and services.
Funder: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: July 20, 2026 (Policy Research Center) | September 10, 2026 (Outreach and Technical Assistance)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$1,500,000 per award; up to $23.8 million total program funding; project period up to 36 months.
Summary: Supports outreach, technical assistance, and policy research to help veterans own/operate farms and access USDA agricultural programs.
Description
This program funds projects that assist veterans in owning and operating farms and ranches, aiming to increase their participation in USDA programs. The program supports two main areas: (1) Outreach and Technical Assistance, which funds organizations to provide direct support, education, and technical assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers; and (2) the Policy Research Center, which supports a research center developing policy recommendations to benefit veteran and beginning farmers and ranchers. Projects may include education, technical assistance, building relationships with USDA service centers, and research on policy barriers and opportunities.
