Resources
USDA Grants & Loans:
The USDA offers a variety of grants and loans designed to support farmers and agricultural businesses. These programs provide critical resources for improving farm infrastructure, adopting sustainable practices, and expanding market opportunities. Grants can assist with funding for conservation projects, value-added production, and energy efficiency improvements, while loans are available for purchasing equipment, land, or livestock and covering operational costs.
For Skagit County farmers, these resources can help address unique challenges, enhance productivity, and foster long-term growth. By leveraging USDA programs, farmers can access financial support to invest in innovation, weather resilience, and expanding their agricultural operations to meet community needs.
Grants:
•Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG): Assists farmers in creating new products and expanding markets.
•Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Supports conservation projects to improve soil, water, and air quality.
•Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Funds renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
•Specialty Crop Block Grants: Promotes competitiveness and development of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
•Farm to School Grants: Encourages local food procurement and education in schools.
Loans:
•Farm Operating Loans: Provides funding for day-to-day operational expenses, equipment, and livestock.
•Farm Ownership Loans: Offers financing for purchasing farmland, expanding operations, or constructing buildings.
•Microloans: Tailored to small and beginning farmers for equipment, supplies, or land improvements.
•Emergency Loans: Helps farmers recover from natural disasters or financial emergencies.
•Guaranteed Farm Loans: Backed by the USDA, these loans are issued by approved lenders to help with larger financial needs.
By leveraging these programs, farmers in Skagit County can enhance sustainability, expand their operations, and adapt to the evolving agricultural landscape.
WSDA Grant Opportunities
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) offers a variety of grant programs designed to support farmers, ranchers, food processors, and agricultural organizations. These grants help fund projects related to food safety, market development, infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, and more.
Whether you’re looking for funding to expand your farm, enhance conservation efforts, or grow your local food business, WSDA grants provide valuable resources to support your goals. Explore available opportunities and learn how to apply by visiting the WSDA Grant Opportunities page
For assistance with applications or to learn more about how these grants can benefit your agricultural operation, contact Skagit County Farm Bureau.
2022 Skagit County USDA Census of Agriculture:
The 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture provides valuable insights into the state of agriculture in Skagit County, capturing data on farm operations, land use, crop production, livestock, and economic impact. This census highlights the importance of local agriculture, showcasing trends in farm size, market value, and sustainability efforts.
Key findings help shape agricultural policies, funding opportunities, and research initiatives that directly impact farmers and ranchers. Understanding this data is crucial for advocating for Skagit County’s agricultural community and ensuring resources are allocated where they are needed most.
USDA 2022 USA Census of Agriculture:
Economic Research Service
Discover historical trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment and rural America.
Farm Producers
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of U.S. producers held steady at 3.4 million, while the number of farms continued to decline. While the average age of farmers continued to rise, the number of beginning farmers - those who have farmed for 10 or fewer years - increased as well, with over 1 million beginning producers counted in the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
Hired Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines:
The Hired Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines booklet (HAYWG) is designed to help farm employers and supervisors of hired youth reduce the risk of injury for young workers. Training adolescents can be difficult as youth often take risks, are inexperienced and/or inattentive, and may be reluctant to ask questions. This resource includes guidance for training and supervising young workers, information on federal child labor regulations and accessing state child labor laws, and information for supervising some common tasks such as tractor operation and harvesting fruits and vegetables. This resource can be used for in-person training and/or as posters to remind employers, supervisors, and workers of the importance of staying safe. Supervisors can use this resource in tandem with the Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines (AYWG), which are designed to help adults assign age and ability appropriate tasks to youth working in agriculture. HAWYG and AWYG booklets and individual guidelines