Outreach and Assistance for Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting veteran farmers and ranchers. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations with 3 years of documented work serving veteran farmers, 1890/1994 land-grant institutions, tribal colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other higher education institutions with agricultural experience serving veterans.
Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and demonstrate agricultural education or related services to the veteran farming community. Applicants provide outreach, technical assistance, and education in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, and agricultural services.
The program helps veterans access USDA programs through local service centers (FSA, NRCS, Rural Development). Recipients build knowledge and participation among veteran farmers in the full range of USDA offerings.
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Program description
The purpose of the OAVFR program, under assistance listing number 10.443, is to assist Veterans in owning and operating farms and ranches and to ensure they are knowledgeable and participating in full range of USDA programs. With OAVFR funding, recipient organizations can provide outreach, technical assistance, and education in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, and agricultural-related services. The program encourages technical assistance with accessing USDA programs, which includes working with local USDA Service Centers (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development).
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/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of 3-year history serving veteran farmers (documentation)
- Organizational capacity and experience documentation
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Work plan with measurable outcomes
Program contact
- 👤 Joseph Perez Lead Policy Analyst
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 202-445-5402
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 10.443 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?
Community-based organizations with 3+ years serving veteran farmers, land-grant institutions, tribal colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other higher education institutions with agriculture experience. All applicants must be 501(c)(3) compliant.
What activities does this grant fund?
Outreach, technical assistance, and education in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, and agricultural services. The program emphasizes connecting veterans to USDA programs and local service centers.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $250,000 to $1,500,000 per grant. Competition is substantial with $23.8 million in total annual funding.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline is September 10, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document your organization's 3-year history of work with veteran farmers before applying. Provide specific examples and dates of past outreach and services.
- Connect your activities to USDA programs and local service centers early. Show how you'll facilitate veteran access to FSA, NRCS, and Rural Development resources.
- Clearly define your veteran farmer audience and service area. Specify numbers, demographics, and geographic scope in your proposal.
- Include letters of support from veteran farmers or agricultural partners. This strengthens credibility and shows community buy-in.
- Budget for both direct services and evaluation. Demonstrate how you'll measure veteran participation and outcomes in USDA programs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lacking documented evidence of 3+ years serving veteran farmers. Many applicants cannot prove sufficient past experience. Failing to clearly connect activities to USDA program access and support. Applications should explicitly show how outreach helps veterans navigate FSA, NRCS, and Rural Development resources. Not addressing the specific needs or barriers facing veteran farmers in your service area.
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