Great things start small.
Origin Farms is a consulting company that supports farmers and their rural communities. We have a diverse client base, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural communities. We provide a wide range of services, including grant writing and business plan development. We write feasibility studies for small to medium-sized projects. Since our inception in 1999, we have worked with producers in 39 different States.
support for farmers
Origin Farms writes other grants that support farmers. These grants include:
The Rural Energy for America Partnership Grants (REAP), that help offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements.
The Dairy Business Innovation Grants for dairy farmers, including the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Grants (SDBII).
The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG), which provides funding for organic dairy processors to expand their operations.
In addition to grants, Origin Farms provides loan packaging services to help farmers secure financing through USDA programs and independent financial institutions. Services include completing all required forms and compiling with required documentation. We work closely with borrowers to ensure applications are accurate and meet lender requirements.
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program assists agricultural producers with value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.
Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product.
Examples of of working capital expenses include: Processing costs; Marketing and advertising expenses; Some inventory and salary expenses.
support for small-scale food processors
Origin Farms writes grants that support food processing business. These grants include:
The Dairy Business Innovation Grants for dairy farmers, including the SDBII (Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative Grants), the DBIA (Dairy Business Innovation Alliance in the Upper Midwest), and the NEDBI (Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center).
The Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG), which provides funding for organic dairy processors to expand their operations.
Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Grants (SBIR) offered through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
We assist niche meat processors with grants to expand their processing capacity, including the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program (MCAP) and the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
lender services
Origin Farms develops third-party feasibility studies for projects with a capitalization of less than $10 million. Typically, these projects are completed for clients seeking grants or loan guarantees from USDA.
We have worked across the food and beverage industries, including the dairy, meat, distilling, and specialty food industries.
support for Rural Communities
Origin Farms develops business plans, feasibility studies, and writes grants that support rural communities. These projects have included:
Developing a Feasibility Study for a community-led food processing center in Eastern North Carolina to support local vegetable growers.
Developing a Feasibility Study for a community recreational facility in Missouri. The project goal was to expand the operation’s kitchen to provide additional meals for children and families.
Grant writing for a small town in Colorado to make improvements to their historic community center. This project was funded through the State’s historical society.
Origin Farms has experience with USDA, State, and Nonprofit grants to support local communities.
rAIL AND tRANSPORTATION GRANTS
Origin Farms has worked alongside agricultural producers, local communities, and grain handlers to secure funding for freight rail infrastructure projects. We are familiar with freight-related grant programs, including NYSDOT’s Passenger Rail and Freight Assistance Program (PFRAP) and the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program.
Most recently, we partnered with an agricultural producer and their community to develop a successful NYSDOT PFRAP application. The award funded a rail spur connecting a new grain handling and transload facility to a local short-line railroad. This project will ultimately lead to regional agricultural growth and a more sustainable transportation network.
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