Betsy Dorton, Grants Coordinator
bdorton@scda.sc.gov
803-734-0467

Brittany Jeffcoat, Specialty Crop Block Grant Coordinator
bjeffcoat@scda.sc.gov
803-734-0467

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) administers numerous federal grants and cooperative agreements internally through the initiatives of its various departments. Many inquiries are received by the SCDA Grants Administration office from individual farmers, growers, and producers looking for ways to fund their farm needs. Please keep in mind that government grants typically fund projects and research, not people or small businesses (including farms). Simply stated, State and Federal agricultural grants are not for individuals looking to begin, save, maintain or expand a farm business. Federal grants are paid for by taxpayers, so there are very strict eligibility, application, selection and reporting requirements. Generally, an entity must be an IRS-designated-non-profit 501(c)3, cooperative, commission, university, or unit of local government to qualify for a federal/state grant. People and/or private businesses very rarely qualify for these grants.

That said, this page includes some resources that may be helpful in your search for assistance. The information included here is not all-inclusive, but provides a starting point for agriculture-related grant/loan research. As you study the opportunities provided here, remember to pay close attention to eligibility guidelines before applying for a grant or loan.

If you are interested in Starting or Expanding a Farm, click here.

If you are a military veteran with an agricultural business, click Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund to learn more about grants of up to $5,000 to help start or manage a farm.