Best Grants for Farmers in Northern Mariana Islands

About the Healthy Soils Program Block Grant

Through the Block Grant model, CDFA's Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), partners with regional organizations to administer local grant programs that support farmers and ranchers implementing healthy soils practices.

Block Grant Recipients work directly with producers in their region by providing outreach, technical assistance, and support throughout project implementation. These organizations manage the local application process, recommend projects for funding to CDFA, establish agreements with producers who carry out soil-health practices on their operations, and manage funded on-farm projects.

By working through trusted regional partners, the Block Grant model helps ensure funding reaches producers along with locally informed support and technical expertise, thus expanding the adoption of soil-building practices across California.

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), provides urgent funding for research addressing unexpected threats to the food supply. This program supports diverse projects related to pest and pathogen outbreaks, facilitating quicker responses than traditional funding avenues. With grants up to $150,000, ROAR aims to enhance agricultural resilience by fostering collaborations among researchers, institutions, and organizations to combat emerging challenges in the food and agriculture sector.

The Rise for Education Grant Program offers funding for hydroponic classroom gardens that enhance STEM education and nutrition. This initiative encourages hands-on learning, integrating STEM and arts through practical gardening projects. Eligible applicants include schools, homeschooling families, and educational organizations. The program fosters community building and entrepreneurship via activities like Farmer's Markets, while boosting student engagement and developing essential skills. By implementing this program, educators can create an engaging and interactive learning environment year-round.

The Kubota Hometown Proud Grant is a community initiative that will award ten $50,000 grants in 2025, comprising $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in equipment vouchers. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for projects that enhance their communities, with applications opening April 3 and closing May 9, 2025. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2025, supporting impactful local initiatives across Kubota's operating districts.

About FFAR

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) advances food and agriculture science to develop tools, technologies and information that benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. We connect funders, researchers and farmers through public-private partnerships to support audacious research addressing the biggest food and agriculture challenges. Our unique public-private partnership model allows us to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify research opportunities that help farmers adapt to current challenges. 

H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has partnered with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Pork Checkoff to fund a $4 million research program to enhance prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response capabilities for H5N1 influenza in the U.S. swine herd.

As part of SHIC’s strategic mission to respond to emerging disease threats, SHIC monitors disease outbreaks nationally and internationally for their potential risks to the U.S. swine herd. H5N1 influenza is an emerging disease identified as a priority for U.S. pork industry prevention and preparedness due to the growing number of diverse mammalian species susceptible to infection and the unprecedented 2024 H5N1 outbreak impacting U.S. dairy herds.

Proposals should clearly state which of the below SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities will be addressed through the project. 

SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities

• Diagnostic Surveillance. 
• Introduction and Transmission Risks.
• Caretakers of Pigs.
• Biosecurity Practices
• Safety of Pork
• Mitigating Production Impact. 
• Business Continuity. 

The Generation Regen Challenge, presented by BMO, aims to promote regenerative agriculture in Canada and the U.S. by providing $200,000 to innovative social enterprises and non-profits. This initiative seeks to enhance local farming practices, soil health, animal welfare, and biodiversity, while ensuring food security for underserved communities. By supporting projects that restore ecosystems and sequester carbon, the challenge encourages a sustainable agricultural future. Applications are open to eligible organizations focused on impactful solutions in their communities.

The Mosaic Company Foundation Community Investment Grant aims to create a lasting impact in communities by supporting initiatives in three key areas: Food, Water, and Local Community. With an annual investment of approximately $12 million, the foundation addresses food security, promotes water conservation, and enhances community sustainability. Eligible applicants must be recognized charitable organizations, primarily in North America, committed to improving quality of life through innovative solutions and partnerships.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.