A person on a field pulling a large tractor by hand.

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.