Limited Resource and Beginner Farmers

Local work groups will allocate a minimum of $5,000.00 for Limited Resource Farmers.

Limited Resource Farmers must meet two criteria:

1. Have direct and indirect gross farm sales not more than $106,400 in each of the previous two years.
2. Have a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of the county median household income in each of the previous two years. (To be determined annually using Commerce Department Data).

Limited Resource Farmers can refer to the Limited Resource Program Determination Tool for self-certification.

Local work groups may allocate funds for Beginner Farmers by an amount to be determined by the local work group.

Beginner Farmers Criteria

Beginner Farmers are individuals or entities who:

1. Have not operated a farm or ranch, or who have operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years. This requirement applies to all members of an entity, and
2. Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch.