New Producer Grant

Creating opportunities for new producers.

At AgWest Farm Credit, we recognize that a lack of start-up funds can be challenging for many new producers. This grant opportunity celebrates the ingenuity and passion of new producers and helps them bring dreams to fruition. This program was developed for those who have a vision for their operation but lack the funds to put their plans into action.

      PROGRAM INFORMATION

      ELIGIBILITY

The New Producer Grant is open to individual producers only; non-profit organizations are not eligible. Non-profits are encouraged to explore AgWest's Rural Community Grant program. Eligible applicants need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a full or part-time agriculturalist who has two years or less of operational experience (i.e. crop cycle) or has plans to start their operation within two years of the grant application date.
• Have an operation located within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory.
• Not be a current AgWest lending customer.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a foreign national lawfully admitted for permanent residency or pursuant to certain visas.

      APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, the applicant must complete the following:

1. Review the Strategic Business Planning guide.
2. View three recorded webinars covering Financial Statement Basics posted in the Preparing Financials section of AgWestfc.com. 
   • Income Statement
   • Cash Flow Budget
   • Balance Sheet Basics
3. Submit a business plan and cash flow budget Use templates, if needed. 
   • Business Plan (template) 
   • Cash Flow Budget (Excel template) 
4. Answer short essay questions sharing the applicant’s approach to deepening knowledge of their industry, how funds received through this grant will be used to achieve their business plan goals and how their operation will benefit their local community or help others

For persons of limited English proficiency that need additional assistance, please email AgVision@AgWestFC.com.