Title: Identify federal, state, and local agencies that provide funding (loans and grants) and resources for agricultural enterprises.
Course: Operating the Farm Business (18301-III) > Section: Operating an Agricultural Business

Identification should include agencies such as

- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  - Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- agencies that provide training and grants (e.g., American Farmland Trust)
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR)
  - Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ)
- Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF)
- Farm Credit of the Virginias
  - Knowledge Center
- Virginia Farm Bureau
- private lenders, consultants, and non-profits.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between a loan and a grant?
- What are the requirements for certain funding?
- What are underserved populations, and what funding is available to them?
- How does the USDA define a small farm?