Resources for Beginning Farmers

USDA defines beginning farmers and ranchers as those who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less either as a sole operator or with others who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less.

• Education and training
  • University of Florida: Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program
    • The University of Florida IFAS Extension offers a Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program that offers beginning farmers with resources supporting funding, education, direct marketing, and business planning
  • FAMU : Brooksville Agricultural Environmental Research Station (BAERS)
    • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) offers beginning farmer and rancher trainings, while also focusing on offering resources for underserved African American farming populations.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
    • The U.S Small Business Administration offers funding resources, marketing and business development assistance, training for employers and employees, and more for those seeking to start a small business or are already operating one.
  • Beginning Farmers and Ranchers | Farmers.gov
  • Work Ready Florida
    • Agricultural certifications for youth and adults.

• Financial assistance
  • Next Generation Farmers | Farm Credit of Florida (farmcreditfl.com)
    • Farm Credit of Florida offers next generation farmers special loan programs, mentorship, and long-term support throughout their farming journey.
  • Farm Loan Programs (usda.gov)
    • Farm Loan Eligibility Self-Assessment Tool
      • This tool helps aspiring farmers determine if they are eligible for a FSA Farm Loan.
    • Farm Loan Discovery Tool
      • The Farm Loan Discovery Tool helps beginning farmers discover which FSA loan best suits their operational needs.
  • USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) works to improve domestic and international opportunities for U.S. growers and producers. AMS works with a variety of organizations to support rural America and the Nation’s agricultural sector by providing grant programs and other resources.
  • Farm Plus Financial: FarmLoans.com
    • Farm Plus Financial offers competitive loan rates, lending specialists, a nationwide appraisal network, and a variety of different agriculture loans.
  • Financing American Agriculture: Farm Loans | AgAmerica
    • AgAmerica Lending provides custom land and farm loans that are uniquely tailored to your operational needs and long-term financial goals.
  • Florida State Programs (usda.gov)
    • This site provides a list of FSA Administered Programs available for Florida Farmers.