USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

The USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice: Applications may only be submitted by a collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally based network or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities. These collaborations may include the following entities: State Cooperative Extension Services; federal, state, municipal or tribal agencies; community-based organizations (CBOs); non-governmental organizations (NGOs); junior and four-year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a college or university; and private for-profit organizations. Collaboratives led by State Cooperative Extension Services; federal, state, municipal or tribal agencies will be given funding priority. Applications submitted by individuals, or by organizations that do not involve other entities in a network or partnership, are not eligible for consideration under any category applicable to the BFRDP and will be excluded from review.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.

How to apply: step by step

1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
5. Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Frequently asked questions