Organic Farming Foundation Research Grants

Research grants for organic farming support on-site projects that work toward developing new methods for organic farming, according to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Projects that impact the political and economic challenges facing the industry also fall within the research area. The Organic Farming Research Foundation offers farmers and ranchers grant awards for innovative project designs and on-site implementation of a proposed design. This means eligible applicants must be actively engaged within the organic farming industry and obtain the majority of their gross yearly income from organic farming. The Organic Farming Research Foundation is open to businesses within the North America region.

Organic Farming Foundation Education & Outreach Grants

According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, education and outreach grants provide active farmers and those looking to transition into organic farming the educational resources needed to start and run successful businesses. The Organic Farming Research Foundation offers grants for informative projects that address organic farming systems, policy-related issues regarding certification requirements and start-up plans for developing an organic farm. Other eligible projects include proposals that seek to develop mentoring programs and support groups for organic farming communities. Projects that promote communication and information sharing between researchers and farmers also are eligible for grant awards.

EQIP Organic Initiative Grants

Organic initiative grants are designed for people who wish to start an organic farm or farmers who want to transition into organic farming or expand their existing organic operations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awards grants through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative, or EQIP Organic Initiative. Through the EQIP, farmers can receive financial assistance and technical support to develop the systems and processes needed to run an organic farming operation. Technical assistance involves showing farmers how to implement soil conservation practices and pest management methods without the use of chemicals. Grant awards offered by EQIP cover up to 75 percent of the cost of a proposed project.

Organic Cost Share Program

The USDA provides financial assistance to certified organic farmers through the Organic Cost Share Program. Farmers can only market and sell their products under an "organic-grown" label after meeting certain regulatory requirements put in place by the USDA. For some farmers, the high costs involved with certification can prevent them from entering into the organic farming industry. Through the Organic Cost Share Program, the government pays 75 percent or up to $750 a year for annual certification costs.