Rural and Tribal Micro-Grant FAQ

Question: For producers that operate on multiple leases, does the on farm infrastructure have to be permanent or can it be mobile like, stock trailers or temporary corrals?
Answer: The equipment can be permanent or mobile, but the project must be focused on conservation and climate-smart agriculture and that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate that advance regenerative agriculture in Rural and Tribal communities.

Question: Does “farm” include orchards?
Answer: Yes, orchards are included, but the project must be focused on conservation and climate-smart agriculture and that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate that advance regenerative agriculture in Rural and Tribal communities.

Question: If I use a microscope for soil, compost and inoculant testing can I apply for equipment related to the microscope testing? Like a hemocytometer?
Answer: Yes, if the equipment is directly related to the project and the farm’s agricultural production and the project is focused on conservation and climate smart agriculture and that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate that advance regenerative agriculture in Rural and Tribal communities.

Question: Can the funds be used for farm rent?
Answer: No, funds cannot be used for farm rent, and must be used for a project directly related to agricultural production.

Question: How about contract labor expenses to build farm infrastructure?
Answer: Contract labor for farm improvements directly related to an agricultural production project is allowed. The project must be focused on conservation and climate-smart agriculture and that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate that advance regenerative agriculture in Rural and Tribal communities.

Question: Can applications include items for several ongoing projects?
Answer: No, the application must be for a specific farm project that has a beginning and end date and that is directly related to agricultural production. The project must be complete within one year of agreement signing.

Question: Are we allowed to receive funds through a fiscal sponsor?
Answer: If the fiscal sponsor is completing the application. The applicant is the person responsible for the taxes and the grant agreement. Producers with gross cash farm income under $250,000 are eligible (commercial and noncommercial farms). If you have applied individually, the $250K applies to grants and all income. If the non profit is the applicant then the $250K applies to the applicant. If the non profit is a fiscal sponsor, then the $250K applies to the farm or the farm program. and or the program.

Question: Since these are reimbursements, how do they address the needs of individuals, new programs, or startups in urban and underserved communities that are historically undercapitalized?
Answer: In certain circumstances a request for an advance for funding can be submitted to NMFIP.

Question: Would there need to be visible food production in the project of the grant or can it be only future fruit trees or improved canning and processing entities?
Answer: The project must have a beginning and an end date within the allowed term.

Question: If I am an individual in the process of forming an LLC, could I include my prospective LLC name as the applying entity as well?
Answer: Yes, but the application and grant agreement will need to be the same for the tax documents submitted.

Question: Can seeds and starts qualify under the supplies category?
Answer: Yes, but, the project must be focused on conservation and climate-smart agriculture and that are working to provide solutions for our changing climate that advance regenerative agriculture in Rural and Tribal communities.

Question: Is it a requirement that they are part of the ASP program?
Answer: This is not a requirement, but is a score bonus.

Question: What proof of land occupancy is required?
Answer: This can be a lease, ownership or other written agreement that clearly gives the producer access to land for agricultural use for the project period.

Question: Would this support for food deliveries in rural communities?
Answer: No this does not.

Question: Are perennial plants for a food forest eligible?
Answer: Yes.

Question: Is an FSA # required?
Answer: No it is not required, but we encourage you to obtain one through your grant term and will assist you in obtaining one.