Farmer to Farmer 2025
🏛 Environmental Protection Agency
Can you apply?
This grant is for farmers and agricultural organizations working to improve sustainable farming practices. Beginning farmers, established farmers, and farmer-led nonprofits may apply. The program supports projects in rural communities across the United States. Activities include peer learning networks, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer between experienced and beginning farmers. Funding typically supports capacity-building and training for sustainable agriculture and conservation practices.
Program description
The Gulf of America Division (“GAD”), located in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Region 4, is part of the EPA Great Water Body program that collaborates to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of America consistent with the economic well-being of the region. EPA’s actions are designed to support improved water quality; to enhance, restore and/or protect natural habitats; and to improve the region’s ability to withstand storm events. This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications to improve water quality and/or habitat through collaboration with America’s farmers. Applications must align with the Administration’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative and align with EPA statutory authorities. Activities must take place in the Gulf of America watershed and/or within the United States contiguous zone in the Gulf of America. This opportunity is targeted to organizations described in Section 2.A. that are committed to supporting American farmers and preventing, reducing, or eliminating nutrient pollution while remaining good stewards of tax dollars.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Narrative
- Work Plan with timeline
- Letters of Support from farmers and partners
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Environmental impact statement or sustainability goals
Program contact
- 👤 Dannell Brown Grants Specialist
- 📧 GAD-NOFO@epa.gov
- 📞 202-250-8872
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 66.475 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,499,999
-
$2,499,998
-
$2,499,912
-
$2,499,800
-
$2,499,616
-
$2,000,000
-
$2,000,000
-
$1,999,986
-
$1,987,728
-
$1,889,339
Top States by Funding
- MS 19 awards $17.3M
- LA 18 awards $15.6M
- AL 18 awards $14.2M
- FL 14 awards $8.9M
- TX 10 awards $8.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 66.475). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $14,058,495 | |
| 2025 | $16,229,474 | |
| 2026 est. | $32,399,499 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Beginning farmers, established farmers, farmer-led nonprofits, and agricultural organizations typically qualify. Some grants require nonprofit status or farmer cooperative structure.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 19, 2026. Applications open May 5, 2026. Plan to submit at least 2-3 weeks before deadline.
What activities does the grant fund?
The program funds peer learning networks, mentoring programs, and knowledge sharing between farmers. Technical assistance and training on sustainable practices are supported.
How competitive is this grant?
This is moderately competitive. Strong applications focus on farmer-to-farmer learning outcomes and measurable impact on sustainable practice adoption.
What is the typical funding range?
Grants typically range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on project scope. Check the NOFO for specific award information.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Lead with farmer outcomes. Show how your program will help farmers adopt sustainable practices and increase knowledge.
- Include letters of support from participating farmers and local agricultural organizations to strengthen credibility.
- Use clear metrics. Document how you'll measure farmer learning, behavior change, and environmental outcomes.
- Emphasize farmer-led solutions. Peer networks and farmer instructors are stronger than outside experts alone.
- Budget conservatively for on-farm demonstrations and training materials. Reviewers want to see funds reaching farmers directly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak farmer participation. Reviewers reject applications without clear farmer involvement in program design and delivery. Vague sustainability outcomes. Applications fail when environmental or conservation benefits are undefined or unmeasurable. Insufficient peer learning design. Proposals lacking farmer-to-farmer mentoring or knowledge-sharing components score poorly.
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