Current Grant Opportunities for Specialty Producers
Below is a list of grant or other opportunities that support specialty producers financially. Visit these sites to learn more about the specifics of these funding opportunities, the current status, and the timelines.
EQIP- Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS
Because of the government shutdown, the South Dakota USDA NRCS has extended the EQIP application deadline from October 3rd to Jan. 15, 2026. Be sure to check with your local county office for exact dates and details. NRCS partners directly with organic and transitioning producers to create conservation plans tailored to the unique needs and challenges of organic farming. While the 2026 program has not yet been officially announced, the organic certification cost share program is anticipated to be resumed, with sign-ups handled through your local USDA FSA office.
EQIP supports producers who improve and sustain natural resources on their operation by implementing structural, vegetative, and management practices. (Includes cover crops, high tunnels, low tunnels, micro irrigation, & raised beds).
- Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026
North Central Region- SARE Grants
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Farmer Rancher Grant– Grants for farmers and ranchers to explore sustainable solutions to problems
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Deadline: Dec. 4, 2025, 4 PM
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Research & Education Grant– Grants for farmers and ranchers to explore sustainable solutions to problems
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Deadline: Dec. 4, 2025, 4 PM
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- 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, USDARequests for applications are now open. This grant is designed to improve access to local foods in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites through comprehensive farm to CNP programming that includes local sourcing and agricultural education efforts. These grants are expected to improve child health and nutrition and reinvigorate American agriculture by better connecting American farmers and producers with USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs.
- Deadline: Dec. 5, 2025
- Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program, USDAFSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. Producers can apply for assistance:
- For program year 2025, the application period: Jan. 1, 2025, – Jan. 31, 2026.