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In 2019, women were the principal operators of 14% of US farms, yet their operations earned 40% less farm income than male-operated farms, according to the American Farmland Trust and the Census of Agriculture. The USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program supported 46% women beneficiaries in 2011, and the National Young Farmers Coalition allocates 50% of its $5,000 Young Farmer Grants to female-identifying farmers.
The best farm grants for women are awarded by government agencies and private organizations to support women in agriculture — enabling them to purchase land, farm tools, crops, and livestock to build and sustain their businesses.
Why You Need a Woman Farmer Grant
About 40% of the farming sector consists of female farmers, many of whom have strong ideas and genuine passion for agriculture. Yet financial barriers remain a significant obstacle — only a few can raise startup capital independently, while the rest must source funding to get started.
Beyond finances, many female farmers face discouragement and gender barriers when seeking loans or support. A farm grant helps overcome these challenges in two key ways.
1. Purchase farmland — There is no farm without land. Purchasing land is the first bridge to cross, and a female farmer grant provides the support needed to acquire it and move to the next stage of building a farming operation.
2. Enhance business ideas — Some female farmers have strong growth ideas but lack the resources to bring them to fruition. A grant doesn’t just enable those ideas — it can expand them and generate a broader impact on the local and national economy. For example, a grant that funds the development of an improved soil fertilizer can increase farm yields across an entire region, contributing to greater food supply and income for many.
List of Female Farmer Grants
1. Direct Farm Ownership Down Payment Loan — Powered by the USDA, this loan helps female farmers purchase farmland. The applicant pays 5% of the farmland price, and the USDA finances up to 45%, with a loan limit of $30,000. Eligibility requires documentation of age, ethnicity, gender, and race.
2. Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) — First introduced in 2001 and administered by the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this grant allows farmers and producers to add value to their goods and increase market opportunities. Eligible applicants must be independent operators. Two funding cycles are available: Planning Grants (up to $75,000) for developing business and sales plans, and Working Capital Grants (up to $250,000) for equipment, tools, wages, and brand development. Visit vapg.org or your state’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service for more information.
3. Socially Disadvantaged Applicant (SDA) Funding — This USDA program funds female farmers and minority agricultural operators to advance their farming plans. Total funding is approximately $3,000,000 with a maximum grant of $175,000 per recipient. Applications are open to cooperative firms and development centers within a 60-day application window. Funds are commonly used for occupation planning, leadership training, and expanded study of agricultural practices — particularly in rural areas.
4. Mayer Boyer Sustainable Agriculture and Food Grant — Underwritten by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, this grant is available to female farmers in select North Carolina counties including Watauga, Yancey, Avery, and Mitchell. Two recipients are awarded $2,000 grants each. Applicants must submit a detailed plan explaining how the funds will be used on their farm.
5. Farmer Ranch Grant — Established by NCR-SARE in 1992, this program helps farmers identify and solve problems in their operations through research-based approaches. Individual grants of up to $15,000 are awarded, and team grants for groups of farmers can reach $30,000. Approximately 40 projects are funded per year, with some taking up to 12 months to complete. Female farmers can apply in areas including pest control, animal production, food processing, sales, and soil quality.
6. FACT Fund-a-Farmer Grant — Launched in 2012 by the Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) with $500,000 in initial funding, this program offers three types of grants: an Animal Welfare Certification Grant (assists with GAP, Certified Humane, and AWA certification), a Pasture Improvement Grant (awards $2,500 to qualifying farmers with evidence of active farm management and current livestock conditions), and a Capacity Building Grant (for certified farmers needing funds for sales and business expansion).
7. Vermont Farm Women’s Fund — Female farmers interested in expanding their agricultural knowledge can apply for scholarships of up to 70% of program costs (approximately $150 after qualifying assessments). Applicants submit a form covering their background, experience, goals, and farm plans.
8. Rural Energy for America Programme (REAP) — This USDA program provides loans and grants to small-scale agricultural businesses for energy-related investments. Applicants must have no outstanding debts. Funding covers up to 75% of qualified project costs, with grants available for up to 25% of total project costs. The highest loan guarantee is 80%, with a maximum loan term of 40 years.
Best Grants for First-Time Female Farmers
If you are a first-time female farmer, the following programs are a strong starting point:
- Small and middle-scale farm grants for females
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants
- ACDI/VOCA Grants
- Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program
- Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grants
How to Apply for Farm Grants for Females
All farm grants vary in their application process. To find grants in your area, visit your local rural development center for guidance. For online applications, check the program’s official website, complete the required form, and submit all documentation before the deadline.
Before applying, make sure you meet at least 90% of the stated eligibility requirements to avoid disappointment. Read the program overview carefully and submit a thorough, detailed application well before the closing date.
Small Farm Grants
Grants are also available for small-scale farms, though they can be competitive. Programs in this category support funding, business planning, sales expansion, growth strategies, and research opportunities. The following programs are worth exploring:
- New Farmer Grant Fund
- Small-Sized Farm Grants
- Sustainable Farmer Grant
- USDA FSA Rural Youth Loan
- USDA Farm-to-School Grants
- USDA Grants for Farm Solutions
- Farm Bill Grants
Farm Grants for Veterans
The USDA also supports veteran farmers through dedicated programs designed to help them generate income and share their expertise with less experienced farmers. The Veteran Farmers Fellowship Fund is specifically aimed at assisting veterans in ranching and farming projects. Visit the USDA website for more information on veteran farm grant eligibility and application details.
Conclusion
Female farmers are a vital pillar of the agricultural sector and deserve the funding and support to grow their businesses. From USDA-backed loans to private foundation grants, a wide range of options exists to help women at every stage of farming — whether starting out, expanding, or investing in sustainable practices. Review your eligibility carefully, prepare a strong application, and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a farm grant application?
Begin with a formal introduction of yourself and your goals. Then outline your strategies for achieving those goals and provide a clear reason why you are eligible for the grant. A detailed, well-structured application submitted before the deadline significantly improves your chances.
Are farm grants easy to get for female farmers?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Some female farm grants — such as those offered by AlabamaAGCredit and Young Agrarians — are relatively accessible for qualifying applicants.
What percentage of farmers in the world are female?
Research shows that over 40% of farmers worldwide are female, and the number continues to grow as more women enter the agricultural sector each year.
What is the maximum grant available under the Value-Added Producer Grant program?
The VAPG program offers up to $75,000 for Planning Grants and up to $250,000 for Working Capital Grants to eligible female farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.