Empower Farmers Program

Practical Farmers of Iowa will accept applications for the 2025-2026 Empower Farmers Program beginning Nov. 3. This program offers up-front payments to support the success of historically underserved farmers and ranchers by helping to reduce financial barriers to start and scale farm operations. These payments may be used for a range of eligible expenses related to farming. Applicants may request between $500 and $2,000 in funding.

Who Can Apply?

This program is for you if you are a farmer or rancher seeking a career that financially supports you through agriculture or feeds your broader community. You are eligible if you:

Qualify as limited resource farmer or rancher, beginning farmer, socially disadvantaged farmer or veteran farmer.
Own or co-own the farming operation or plan to launch your own farm business; only one co-owner of a collective farm operation may apply on behalf of their group.*
Produce table-food crops including fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms and meat.
Farm in Iowa, Nebraska or Kansas.

Please note: Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Funding priority will be given to farmers who have experienced barriers to farming and whose applications demonstrate the following:

A clear farming commitment
Strong project planning and feasibility
High expected economic or community impact
High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability

Timeline

Applications will be accepted Nov. 3-Dec. 15, 2026.
Enrollees will be notified in January 2026.
Kickoff meetings and one-on-one consultations will take place in February 2026.
Receipts for eligible purchases must be submitted by May 15, 2026.
Evaluation surveys will be completed in October 2026.

Eligible Expenses

If you are admitted to the Empower Farmers Program, you will receive funding up-front and are responsible for collecting and submitting receipts within the timeline provided. Any purchases or investments you make with these funds must boost your ability to farm – for instance, by improving your farm infrastructure, processes, education and more.

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:

Farm assets and equipment
Farm operating expenses such as feed or supplies
Software such as QuickBooks or online sales platform fees
Contractor services such as fence, water line, infrastructure installation or website development
Professional services or consultants to support farm development
Professional development such as conferences, workshops, trainings or classes
Childcare expenses to support time on farm enterprises

Examples of ineligible expenses (this is not an exhaustive list) include:

Compensation for farm labor (you may not use these funds to pay yourself or employees for regular tasks)
Ornamental or tropical plants for hobby-growing

Please note: Eligible expenses must be made during the contract period for this project – approximately February-May 2026.

How To Apply

Please be prepared to include the following with your enrollment application:

Basic budget for your project (proposals may range from $500-$2,000) and an estimated timeline for completing the purchases.
Brief description of your long-term vision for your farm and how the funds will help you achieve your goals.
Examples of the following: prior professional development or other education you have taken to improve your farm; volunteer activities or community involvement.
An example of a project or program you have successfully completed. Examples may include, but are not limited to, prior participation in grant program, cost-share program, federal assistance program, healthcare reimbursement, completion of an improvement project on your farm, etc.
Description of the impact your agricultural operation has on your local community and economy, including the customers you serve.
Description of the barriers you’ve faced as a historically underserved farmer or rancher and how these funds will help overcome these barriers.

*Applying as a Group

If you are applying on behalf of a group of farmers, you may be eligible for additional funding. Please provide:

The names of all farmers in your group
The total number of farmers

Funding is available at up to $500 per farmer, or a maximum of $4,000 per group, whichever is lower.

Need help with your application?

PFI staff are happy to support you! You can book time during our available office hours to get guidance or ask questions.

Schedule a meeting with PFI staff