Government Programs That Can Help You Start a Vertical Farm
Starting a commercial vertical farm can be an expensive endeavor. There’s land to acquire, equipment to buy, people to hire, and so much more. Fortunately, vertical farmers can take advantage of farm subsidies—government programs designed to help with funding for agriculture.
What Are Farm Subsidies?
A farm subsidy, or agricultural incentive program, is designed to help fund farming and other agricultural enterprises. The programs have their roots in the days of the New Deal, FDR’s plan to restart the economy after the Great Depression. While the details of the programs have changed through the years, the basic concept is still the same: provide farmers with funding to help them start or improve their agricultural work.
Today’s farm subsidies come from both the federal government and state or local entities. They still include many basic funding concepts, but there is an increasing shift toward green farming practices and sustainable agriculture. This is excellent news for anyone who wants to get into vertical farming as it opens up even more funding opportunities.
Find Funding Through Subsidy Databases
Many farm subsidy databases are available online, each with its own list of grants for farmers big and small. There are a few main places to see where this funding is going and what may be available to you.
First, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is a federal program that runs local offices all over the country whose sole purpose is to provide access to funding for agriculture. The FSA offers federal government loans to farmers, often with very attractive repayment plans.
For those starting a sustainable operation like a vertical farm, the Environmental Working Group offers a conservation database that tracks billions of dollars in federal spending toward greener farming practices. It’s a great place to see which programs are funding farming in your area.
Of course, these databases primarily list federal funds, but there may be some state and local grants available to help you get started. It’s always a good idea to look for farm subsidy databases in your local area to make sure you’re not missing out on opportunities for this type of funding.
Another site, FarmRaise, offers a dedicated “farmer success team” whose sole purpose is to help farmers find funding for improving their operations. They offer free consultations but charge a fee for access to their full database.
Farmers.gov, a site also run by the USDA, offers a list of Urban Agriculture Grants for those looking to create a vertical farm in an urban setting. You’ll find lists of planning project grants and implementation project grants, so you can seek funding no matter where you are in the process.
Finally, Eden Green Technology has our own curated list of funding opportunities for hydroponic vertical farms. We offer information on government subsidies, but also venture capital funding, SBA loans, and more.
Looking for help beyond funding? Eden Green Technology’s vertical farming greenhouses are the easiest way to scale in the commercial vertical farming world. We help growers and shippers meet their demand for hyper local, safe and consistent produce year round. To learn more, contact our hydroponic growing experts today.