Program Overview
The Empower Farmers Program offers up-front payments to support the success of historically underserved farmers and ranchers by helping to reduce financial barriers. These payments may be used for a range of eligible expenses related to farming. Applicants may request between $500 and $2,000 in funding.
Eligibility
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:
- Are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- 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 organization.
- 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 farmer commitment
- Strong project planning and feasibility
- High expected economic or community impact
- High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability
How to Apply
The enrollment period for this program is closed and will reopen in fall 2026.
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.
Written or video responses will be accepted. Video submissions cannot exceed 10 minutes (or 20 minutes with interpretation). Contact Natasha for help providing written responses, or call us at (515) 232-5661.
