Priority loan scoring, enhanced cost-share rates, and competitive grant advantages — your service earns you priority access to USDA farm programs.
USDA recognizes veteran farmers as a priority group across most major programs. If you served in the military and now farm or want to start farming, you get the same enhanced benefits as beginning farmers — plus veteran-specific priority scoring on loan applications and competitive grants. FSA loan programs have dedicated veteran set-asides. EQIP and CSP give priority ranking to veteran applications. VAPG awards additional points to veteran-owned operations. Many veterans also qualify as beginning farmers (first 10 years), which stacks additional benefits.
Veterans receive additional points on FSA direct loan applications. Combined with beginning farmer status, you're ranked above most other applicants in your county.
Veterans who also qualify as beginning farmers get 90% EQIP cost-share. Even without beginning farmer status, veteran designation improves your application ranking.
VAPG and other competitive grants award additional points to veteran-owned operations. This can be the difference between funded and waitlisted.
The nonprofit Farmer Veteran Coalition offers the Homegrown By Heroes label, business mentoring, equipment grants (up to $5K), and a nationwide veteran farmer network.
Cost-share payments (typically 50-75%) for conservation practices: cover crops, fencing, water systems, nutrient management, erosion control, and more.
Annual payments for maintaining and improving existing conservation practices. If you're already doing cover crops, no-till, or rotational grazing — you may already qualify.
Operating loans for farmers who can't get commercial credit. Covers feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, equipment, and other farm expenses.
Simplified small loans up to $50K. Streamlined application, less paperwork than regular FSA loans. Great for small and beginning operations.
Loans to buy farmland, build structures, or make improvements. For farmers who can't get a conventional mortgage on farmland.
Grants for farmers creating value-added products — farm-to-table, artisan cheese, craft meats, specialty jams, agritourism, etc.
Use our free Subsidy Finder to see which programs you may qualify for based on your operation.
Check NowFSA and NRCS offices are in every county. Our Visit Prep tool builds your personalized checklist.
Prep Your VisitMost applications are simple forms filed at your local office. Staff will walk you through the process.
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