Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program
🏛 Rural Business-Cooperative Service (USDA-RBCS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for agriculture innovation centers serving agricultural producers. Applicants typically include nonprofits, cooperatives, and public institutions focused on agricultural value-added product development. The program supports centers that offer technical assistance for agricultural marketing and product innovation. Geographic scope is national, serving rural agricultural communities across the United States.
Eligible activities include establishing or expanding innovation centers. Centers must provide technical assistance to agricultural producers. Support covers value-added agricultural product marketing and development.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The primary objective of the program is to provide grants to Agriculture Innovation Centers that will provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to market value-added agricultural products.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Cooperative
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from agricultural producers or industry partners
Program contact
- 👤 Natalie Melton Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 Shamika.Johnson@usda.gov
- 📞 2026901371
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 10.377 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Agriculture innovation centers, agricultural cooperatives, nonprofits, and public institutions are typically eligible. Check USDA eligibility requirements for your specific organization type.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $600,000 to $1,000,000 per project. Total program funding is $2,500,000 across all awards.
What activities are supported?
Grants support technical assistance to agricultural producers for value-added product marketing. Innovation center operations and capacity building are eligible expenses.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Check the detailed program guidelines for the required match percentage.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is January 31, 2027. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your narrative on how your center serves agricultural producers in your region. Emphasize existing relationships and track record in technical assistance.
- Develop a strong partnership strategy. Show collaboration with local farms, extension services, and agricultural businesses to maximize impact.
- Include detailed operating budgets showing how grant funds will support core center operations and technical assistance delivery.
- Demonstrate market demand for your services by including letters of support from agricultural producers or industry partners you will serve.
- Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period. Show how your center will maintain services through fee-for-service, memberships, or additional funding sources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Unclear connection between center services and value-added agricultural product marketing. Weak or missing evidence of producer demand and market need for proposed services. Insufficient detail on how grant funds enable technical assistance delivery to farmers.
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