RAFI to accept 2024 RAFI grant applications

The Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA is accepting applications for its 2024 Infrastructure Grant program.

This year, grants will support the success of historically underserved farmers and ranchers as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The funds can be used for projects that will increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty efforts, preserve traditional and cultural farming practices and assist local food economies. Up to $10,000 in funding may be requested for individual farm projects or collaborative projects for cooperatives, collectives or groups of farms applying together.

The USDA NRCS defines historically underserved farmers as belonging to one of four groups: beginning farmers; socially disadvantaged farmers; veterans; and limited resource farmers. Special provisions—including specific incentives, waivers, priorities, set asides and other flexibilities—are available within USDA programs for producers who meet the definition for historically underserved producers.

Increased financial assistance for conservation practices, dedicated conservation funding and access to advance payments for conservation practice implementation are offered to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners that fit into any of the four historically underserved groups.

RAFI-USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been administering grant programs for small- to mid-scale farmers for many years, with its Infrastructure Grant program now in its fifth year. Since 2020, RAFI has distributed more than $865,000 in grants to farmers through its  infrastructure grants, beginning farmer stipends and U.S. Caribbean grants.

The criteria for applying for an infrastructure grant include the following:

■ You identify as a historically underserved farmer or rancher as USDA NRCS defines them

■ You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or a farm cooperative

■ You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location

■ Your farm is in one of the following locations: Alabama, Arkansas, Washington, D.D., Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia.

■ you have not previously received a RAFI Infrastructure Grant.

Funding priority will be given to proposals from farmers who have experienced barriers to accessing credit, loans or capital and who:

■ show a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability

■ demonstrate strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included

■ earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation

■ show financial need or location in an economically disadvantaged area

■ have a project that tangibly benefits the surrounding community

■ use agroecological or ancestral farming practices

All proposals are due by 5 p.m. ET, Aug. 9.

Funding announcements will be made in August, with funds expected to be available in September.

The next round of the RAFI Beginning Farmers Stipend program, for farmers who have been farming for three years or fewer, will be available in early 2025. Farmers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are eligible for RAFI’s Caribbean Infrastructure grants, which will be announced soon.

For any questions, contact Bianca Anthony at [email protected] or 984-351-0213.