Agriculture is the main source of income and employment for the 70 percent of the world's poor, who live in rural areas. Yet, only 10 percent of gross domestic produce (GDP) in low and middle income countries is generated by the agricultural sector....

Agricultural water suppliers in California have a long history of preparing agricultural water management plans (AWMPs) and in implementing efficient water management practices (EWMPs). However, water management planning is not static; changing...

This guide is aimed at helping farmers get ready to ask a lender for the financing needed in new and innovative ventures. When used as part of an overall enterprise development strategy, it can help farmers and lenders achieve mutually beneficial...

This Organic Resource Guide provides an overview of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services available to the public that either directly or indirectly support organic agriculture. Some programs have the specific...

As more and more people demand local and or ganic food, there are increasing opportunities for new farmers. The growing organic market can provide the opportunity, but it is challenging to start your own farm without proper planning.

Farmers’ markets are booming in popularity around the country. They are popular with consumers seeking fresh, local food. They are popular with farmers moving toward direct marketing of their products. And they are popular with beginning farmers and...

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is a grant-making and outreach program. Its mission is to advance—to the whole of American agriculture—innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in...

This guide provides agricultural finance institutions with strategies to address climate risks and capture climate opportunities. This guide aims to provide mid-level and senior-level agricultural finance professionals with an introductory...

Linking development finance and food systems can be a daunting undertaking for any community. Research on the current ecosystem of food systems finance has positioned CDFA to identify key strategies for the path ahead in this work. The Food Systems...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with farmer-serving organizations, such as the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and its members to better reach and serve an increasingly diverse farmer and rancher constituency for...

The Resilience in New Mexico Agriculture Strategic Plan provides broad recommendations are coupled with specific, actionable strategies. The implementation of this plan is critical to achieving greater agricultural and natural resource resiliency,...

USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and...

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help...

Established in the 1980s, the ‘‘Aggie Bond’’ program provides beginning and low-equity farmers with access to capital. The bonds, which pay tax-exempt interest, may be used by qualifying famers for purchases of farm real estate and equipment. The...

Urban communities like Milwaukee and Madison are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Wisconsin is filled with rural communities and small towns who are also in need of financing strategies. These areas face unique...

Mike Lufkin and Bea Covington discuss the local food systems in WA and how it's become a growing challenge. Mike and Bea discuss changes to the way food is reaching consumers and addressing social issues.

Joe Bute, with Hollymead Capital and PittBusiness discuss the importance of recognizing the challenges of the "critical middle" in the regional food system and facing the challenges of ownership change.

Barry Ryan discusses what The Rural Center is doing to support rural economic development in North Carolina.

Tammy Nebola from the Iowa Agricultural Development Division of the Iowa Finance Authority discusses farming in Iowa and what it takes to finance first time farmers around the state.

Debra Tropp from the USDA introduces a new publication from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and USDA entitled Harvesting Opportunities: The Power of Regional Food Systems Investments to...

Urban communities like Atlanta and Savannah are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Georgia is filled with rural communities and small towns that are also in need of financing strategies. These areas face unique...

Industry experts from around the state and from various federal agencies will discuss development finance programs and their potential to spur job creation and growth in the economic development industry.

Urban communities like Austin and Dallas are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Texas is filled with rural communities and small towns who are also in need of financing strategies. These areas face unique development...

Sara Hazzard with SCEDA and Tushar Chikhliker with Nexsen Pruet discuss the latest legislative updates in South Carolina. What development finance topics are being discussed in the statehouse? Is there recent legislation that will have an impact on...

Urban communities like Minneapolis and St. Paul are not the only places looking for help to fund economic development. Minnesota is filled with rural communities and small towns who are also in need of financing strategies. A number of creative and...

As a part of the USDA's commitment to strengthening rural economies, a state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report has been released for each state. Each state's factsheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing,...

Launched in 2008, the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) competitive grant program is designed to strengthen Wisconsin's agricultural and food industries. By reducing costs in marketing, distribution, and processing, Wisconsin's food products and local...

In this presentation, Gray Smith, President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, examines rural financing strategies. Aggie Bonds are explained in detail, including eligibility and the application process.

This publication explains why many small-scale farms succeed in Pennsylvania. It examines the steps a farmer should take to secure a loan, as well as the major lenders that serve the small-scale agricultural sector.

The third installment of the CDFA-Stifel Rural Community Development Finance Solutions Webcast Series focused on how food systems investments can be used to drive other markets, benefitting the economy of small and rural towns throughout America.

Tony Logan, State Director of Ohio Rural Development for the USDA, explains the importance of local and regionalized food systems, in addition to different finance mechanisms through the USDA that benefit local and regional stakeholders.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition begins this guide with a general overview of the USDA’s structure, followed by descriptions and details of 15 grants and programs that are relevant to local and regional food systems development. Each...

The 2013 USDA Rural Development Progress Report highlights how investments have helped rural communities and entrepreneurs finance homes, business expansions, and economic development over the past year.

USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) published this guide for people who need financial assistance starting, expanding, or maintaining a farm or ranch. FSA provides information on loan programs, requirements, and application process as well as links to...

Mark Brodziski with the U.S. Department of Agriculture presents various USDA Rural Development programs and financing mechanisms that can support local food sourcing, vending, and aggregation.

The Illinois Finance Authority provides expert, hands-on support to help Ag businesses get the capital they need for growth. IFA programs are targeted to address the most pressing capital needs in Illinois agribusiness. Use this document to find the...

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Farm Service Agency created this fact sheet to help beginning, niche and family farm operations understand the Microloan (ML) program. The fact sheet provides information on program overview, eligible uses, application...

The Illinois Finance Authority administers the Beginning Farmer Bond program increasing access to agricultural business for entrepreneurs and new farmers. The program summary provides essential program details.

This brochure provides a comprehensive overview of Ohio Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund which provides loans to all eligible applicants statewide to assist with the creation or expansion of agriculture ventures.

Report published by the U.S. Department of Commerce intended as a guide to Federal level resources available for investors in the United States. Summaries are provided for each program.

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture released this report on rural development programs. The report contains program backgrounds and case studies of projects that have had transcending impacts on rural communities across the nation.

Montgomery County Business Development Center's flyer for their revolving loan fund programs.

Oklahoma State Bond Advisor released their 2011 annual report with detailed information about bond rating, performance, and projects.

This brochure from the Illinois Finance Authority provides information on all of the bond and lending tools the state provides to support farmers and agribusinesses.

This brochure from Chester County Economic Development Council provides information on the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program for first-time farm buyers.

This chart from the Maryland Dept. of Business & Economic Development provides basic information for every loan-related program offered in the state.

VEDA's 2010 Annual Report provides a thorough review of the economic development activities of the organization. The report lists projects funded by each program and provides financial details for the organization as a whole.

In this document produced by the Office of Chief Counsel (Income Tax & Accounting) you will find the approved 2011 Aggie Bond Limit for first time farmers as well as various other 2011 adjusted revenue items.

This chart summarizes the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority's loan guarantee program for small business and agribusiness.