Crop Farmers

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Crop Farmers

Row crops and specialty crops. Each card shows who runs it, the money type and how to apply. Updated Oct. 26, 2026.

On this page: Row Crops | Specialty Crops

See Finance and Grants for all 49 programs.

  1. Dec. 11, 2026
    ARC/PLC 2026 enrollment ends (FSA). Open now Official page
  2. Dec. 18, 2026
    Dairy Margin Coverage 2027 enrollment ends (FSA). Open now Official page
  3. Dec. 31, 2026
    Organic Certification Cost Share ends (2025 and 2026) (FSA). Open now Official page
  4. Jan. 2027
    Senior FMNP: MDAC says check back (exact date NOT CONFIRMED) (MDAC). Status NOT CONFIRMED Official page
  5. March 1, 2027
    ELAP, LIP and LFP due for 2026 losses (FSA). Open now Official page
  6. March 15, 2027
    ARC/PLC 2027 enrollment ends (FSA). Open now Official page

🌾 Row Crops

For cotton, soybeans, corn, rice, peanuts, wheat and other field crops.

Good to know
  • ARC and PLC sign-up for 2026 is open now. See the timeline above.
  • Crop insurance is sold by private agents. Use the RMA agent locator.

How to read the cards

GRANTLOANCOST-SHAREPAYMENTINSURANCETAX CREDITTAX BREAKMARKET ACCESSLEGAL PROTECTIONTECHNICAL HELP
Open nowOpen, sales closing dates applyRolling / any timeAfter a disasterClosedStatus NOT CONFIRMED
Repay? NoRepay? YesGive up ownership? NoSee contract

Open each card’s The strings attached to see ownership, repayment, match, taxes and reporting. Every card links to the official page and shows the date we checked it.

PAYMENTOpen now

ARC and PLC

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Payments when crop revenue (ARC) or price (PLC) falls below set levels, on base acres.
Amount
Set by formula.
Who qualifies
Producers with a share in a covered crop on a farm with base acres. 22 covered commodities.
Deadline or status
2026: Sept. 16 to Dec. 11, 2026. 2027: Nov. 2, 2026 to March 15, 2027.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: None.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: You must sign an enrollment contract every year.
How to apply
  1. Call your FSA office.
  2. Pick ARC-County, PLC or ARC-Individual.
  3. Sign the contract by Dec. 11, 2026.

ARC/PLC (FSA)USDA deadlines

Source: FSA ARC/PLC; USDA program deadlines; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL)

Run by USDA FSA / Commodity Credit Corporation

Pays for
Cash at harvest so you do not have to sell at a low price.
Amount
Set per crop. Program extended through 2031.
Who qualifies
Producers of eligible stored commodities.
Deadline or status
By the final loan date for your crop.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No. The stored crop is the collateral.
  • Repayment: Yes, under program rules
  • Match: None.
  • Taxes: IRS has special rules for these CCC loans and for market gain (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Keep the crop in good condition.
How to apply
  1. Store the eligible crop.
  2. Apply at FSA before the final loan date.
  3. Repay under program rules when you sell.

MAL (FSA)

Source: FSA MAL; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Grain bins, cold storage, drying and handling equipment, storage trucks.
Amount
Up to $500,000. Microloan option up to $50,000 with 5% down. October 2026 rates 4.500% to 5.000%.
Who qualifies
Producers of eligible commodities who need storage.
Deadline or status
Apply before you buy or build (form CCC-0185).
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: A down payment is required (5% for the microloan option).
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: Per loan terms.
How to apply
  1. Talk to FSA before you buy anything.
  2. Fill out form CCC-0185.
  3. Get approval, then buy or build.

FSFL (FSA)

Source: FSA FSFL. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

INSURANCEOpen, sales closing dates apply

Federal Crop Insurance

Run by USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), sold by agents

Pays for
Yield or revenue losses on insured crops.
Amount
Depends on plan. Government pays part of the premium.
Who qualifies
Producers of insurable crops.
Deadline or status
Sales closing date depends on crop and county.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay your share of the premium.
  • Taxes: Crop insurance and crop disaster payments count as income (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Report acres and production.
How to apply
  1. Find a crop insurance agent.
  2. Pick a plan before the sales closing date.
  3. Report acres and file claims on time.

Find an agent (RMA)

Source: RMA; RMA Beginner's Guide to Crop Insurance; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

INSURANCERolling / any time

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Losses on crops with no federal crop insurance.
Amount
Basic: 50% of yield at 55% of price. Buy-up to 65% yield at 100% price. Fee $325 per crop, max $825 per county or $1,950 total.
Who qualifies
Producers of crops without crop insurance.
Deadline or status
Each crop has its own sign-up deadline. Ask FSA.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay the fee and any buy-up premium.
  • Taxes: Crop insurance and crop disaster payments count as income (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Report acreage and production.
How to apply
  1. Ask FSA for your crop's sign-up deadline.
  2. Pay the fee and pick coverage.
  3. Report acres and any loss on time.

NAP (FSA)

Source: FSA NAP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

PAYMENTClosed

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Yearly rent to keep sensitive land in grass or trees, plus cost-share to set up cover.
Amount
Yearly rent per contract. Cost-share up to 50%.
Who qualifies
Owners and operators with eligible land.
Deadline or status
FY2026 sign-ups closed (General April 17, Continuous May 1, Grassland May 29, 2026). Next: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? See contractGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No, but the land is tied up 10 to 15 years.
  • Repayment: See contract
  • Match: You pay the rest of the setup cost.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Keep the cover for the full contract.
How to apply
  1. Ask FSA when the next sign-up opens.
  2. Submit an offer.
  3. If accepted, sign a 10 to 15 year contract.

CRP (FSA)

Refund rule if you break the contract: NOT CONFIRMED.

Farm press says no new CRP enrollment while the farm bill is lapsed: NOT CONFIRMED by USDA.

Source: FSA CRP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHARERolling / any time

EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program)

Run by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Pays for
Conservation practices: fencing, water lines, cover crops, high tunnels, forestry and soil work.
Amount
Set per practice. Mississippi proposes up to 90% rates for some practices. Historically underserved producers can get an advance of at least 50%.
Who qualifies
Farmers, ranchers and private forest owners.
Deadline or status
Apply any time. Ranked at Mississippi cut-off dates. Next cut-off: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay the part the practice rate does not cover.
  • Taxes: Usually counts as income. Some conservation cost-share can be left out of income if it passes IRS tests (IRS Pub. 225, Cost-Sharing Exclusion).
  • Reporting: Forms AD-1026 and CPA-1200. NRCS checks the work before paying.
How to apply
  1. Visit your USDA Service Center with tax ID, deed or lease, and farm number.
  2. Make a conservation plan. File AD-1026 and CPA-1200.
  3. If funded, sign the contract, do the work, get paid after inspection.

EQIP Mississippi (NRCS)Get started with NRCS

Source: NRCS EQIP Mississippi; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

PAYMENTRolling / any time

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Run by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Pays for
Yearly payments to keep and add conservation on working land.
Amount
5-year contracts. Most participants can get a $4,000 minimum payment in any year their contract pays less.
Who qualifies
Producers already doing conservation who will do more.
Deadline or status
Apply any time. Ranked at cut-off dates.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: None stated.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Do contract activities each year.
How to apply
  1. Visit your USDA Service Center.
  2. Apply and get ranked.
  3. Sign a 5-year contract.

CSP (NRCS)

Source: NRCS CSP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHAREAfter a disaster

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Debris removal, fence repair, land leveling, water structures after a disaster.
Amount
Up to 75%. Up to 90% for limited resource producers.
Who qualifies
Farmers whose land was badly damaged by a natural disaster.
Deadline or status
Sign-up opens after a disaster.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay at least 25% (at least 10% for limited resource producers).
  • Taxes: Usually counts as income. Some conservation cost-share can be left out of income if it passes IRS tests (IRS Pub. 225, Cost-Sharing Exclusion).
  • Reporting: Proof of damage and costs.
How to apply
  1. Report damage to FSA.
  2. Apply during the sign-up.
  3. Do approved work and turn in costs.

ECP (FSA)

Source: FSA ECP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Direct Farm Operating Loan

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Livestock, equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, family living costs, minor repairs, some debt refinancing.
Amount
Up to $400,000. Rate 5.375% (FSA rates effective Oct. 1, 2026). Usually 1 to 7 years.
Who qualifies
Family farmers with good credit history who can repay and cannot get credit elsewhere at reasonable terms.
Deadline or status
Apply any time at your FSA office.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No. You keep your farm. You pledge collateral.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: None stated.
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: Keep records and a farm business plan. FSA gives loan supervision and credit counseling.
How to apply
  1. Get a farm number at your USDA Service Center.
  2. Fill out the loan application with records and a farm business plan.
  3. Turn it in to your local FSA office.

Farm Operating Loans (FSA)FSA loan ratesFind your FSA office

Source: FSA Farm Operating Loans; FSA loan rates. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Guaranteed Farm Loans

Run by USDA FSA through your bank or Farm Credit lender

Pays for
Operating and ownership needs, made by a regular lender.
Amount
Up to $2,558,000. FSA guarantees up to 95% to the lender. Rate set by you and the lender.
Who qualifies
Farmers whose lender agrees to make the loan with an FSA guarantee.
Deadline or status
Apply any time through a lender.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No. You keep your farm.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: None stated.
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: The lender services the loan.
How to apply
  1. Talk to your bank or Farm Credit lender.
  2. The lender applies to FSA for the guarantee.
  3. You sign the loan with the lender.

Guaranteed Farm Loans (FSA)

Source: FSA Guaranteed Farm Loans. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Emergency Farm Loans

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Restore or replace property and cover production losses after a declared disaster.
Amount
Up to $500,000. Rate 3.750% (Oct. 1, 2026).
Who qualifies
Farmers in a designated county with qualifying losses.
Deadline or status
Within 8 months after your county gets a disaster designation.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: None stated.
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: Proof of losses.
How to apply
  1. Ask FSA if your county has a disaster designation.
  2. Gather proof of your losses.
  3. Apply within 8 months of the designation.

Emergency Farm Loans (FSA)

Source: FSA Emergency Farm Loans; FSA loan rates. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANOpen now

REAP Guaranteed Loans (Energy)

Run by USDA Rural Development

Pays for
Solar and other renewable energy, and energy-saving upgrades.
Amount
Guaranteed loan can cover up to 75% of eligible project cost. Fees 1% up front, 0.25% yearly.
Who qualifies
Farmers (at least 50% of gross income from farming) and rural small businesses. No delinquent federal taxes or debt.
Deadline or status
Guaranteed loan applications accepted now.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: You cover at least 25%.
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: Through your lender.
How to apply
  1. Call your state Rural Development energy coordinator.
  2. Get an energy quote and talk to a lender.
  3. The lender applies to RD.

REAP (RD)SAM.gov (needed for REAP grants)

Source: RD REAP. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

TAX BREAKRolling / any time

Mississippi Farm Sales Tax Exemptions

Run by Mississippi Department of Revenue

Pays for
No sales tax on seed, feed, fertilizer, farm chemicals and baby chicks used to grow products for market, on livestock, and on farm products (not ornamental plants) sold by the grower (not from an established place of business). Food products grown, made or processed in Mississippi and sold from MDAC-certified farmers markets are exempt.
Amount
Saves the 7% state sales tax on listed items.
Who qualifies
Farmers buying or selling listed items.
Deadline or status
Always in effect.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: None.
  • Taxes: This lowers or removes sales tax when you buy or sell. It is not a payment.
  • Reporting: Keep receipts.
How to apply
  1. Read the DOR exemption list.
  2. Tell the seller the item is for farm use.
  3. Keep records.

MS DOR sales tax exemptions

Source: MS DOR exemptions (Miss. Code 27-65-103). Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

TAX BREAKRolling / any time

1.5% Sales Tax Rate on Farm Equipment

Run by Mississippi Department of Revenue

Pays for
Farm tractors and farm implements. DOR also lists logging equipment at 1.5%. HB 4060 (2026) also lowers the rate on gates and fencing that commercial farmers buy, and exempts agricultural lime.
Amount
1.5% instead of 7%.
Who qualifies
Buyers of farm tractors and implements. Fencing: commercial farmers.
Deadline or status
Always in effect.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: None.
  • Taxes: This lowers or removes sales tax when you buy or sell. It is not a payment.
  • Reporting: Keep receipts.
How to apply
  1. Read the DOR rate list.
  2. Ask the dealer for the 1.5% rate.
  3. Keep the receipt.

MS DOR ratesMS DOR 2026 legislation

HB 4060 new fencing rate and start date: NOT CONFIRMED.

Source: MS DOR rates; MS DOR 2026 Legislation. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

TAX CREDITRolling / any time

Federal Fuel Tax Credit (Form 4136)

Run by IRS

Pays for
Federal fuel tax on fuel used for nontaxable uses, such as on the farm.
Amount
Depends on gallons.
Who qualifies
Farmers who used taxed fuel for nontaxable farm use.
Deadline or status
With your federal return.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: None.
  • Taxes: See IRS Pub. 225 and Form 4136 instructions.
  • Reporting: Keep fuel records.
How to apply
  1. Keep fuel receipts and logs.
  2. Fill out Form 4136.
  3. File it with your return.

IRS Form 4136IRS Pub. 225

Source: IRS Form 4136; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

🍅 Specialty Crops

For fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruit, nursery and flowers.

Good to know
  • If your crop has no crop insurance, look at NAP before the sign-up date for that crop.
  • Whole Farm Revenue Protection can cover many crops on one policy.

How to read the cards

GRANTLOANCOST-SHAREPAYMENTINSURANCETAX CREDITTAX BREAKMARKET ACCESSLEGAL PROTECTIONTECHNICAL HELP
Open nowOpen, sales closing dates applyRolling / any timeAfter a disasterClosedStatus NOT CONFIRMED
Repay? NoRepay? YesGive up ownership? NoSee contract

Open each card’s The strings attached to see ownership, repayment, match, taxes and reporting. Every card links to the official page and shows the date we checked it.

GRANTClosed

Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBGP), Mississippi

Run by MDAC with USDA AMS money

Pays for
Projects that help fruits, vegetables, tree nuts (like pecans), dried fruit, nursery and flowers.
Amount
Per project. FY2025: MDAC listed $422,993.37 for 8 projects.
Who qualifies
Groups and individuals apply to MDAC, not USDA. Projects must help the specialty crop industry.
Deadline or status
FY2026 applications were due April 1, 2026, 5 p.m. CST. Next: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Taxes: Ask a tax preparer.
  • Reporting: Grant reports to MDAC.
How to apply
  1. Read the next MDAC request for proposals.
  2. Call Michael Lasseter, (601) 359-1120, MichaelL@mdac.ms.gov.
  3. Submit to MDAC by the deadline.

MDAC SCBGPUSDA AMS SCBGP

Source: MDAC SCBGP; USDA AMS SCBGP; MDAC Annual Report FY2025. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHAREClosed

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Part of the cost of getting or renewing a food safety certificate.
Amount
2025 rates: 75% of eligible costs, with caps ($675 plan upkeep, $2,000 certification, $375 upload fees, up to 5 tests), and 100% of training up to $500. 2026 rates: NOT CONFIRMED.
Who qualifies
Small (sales up to $500,000) and medium ($500,001 to $1,000,000) specialty crop operations.
Deadline or status
2025 window ended Jan. 31, 2026. 2026 window: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay the part not covered.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Proof of certificate and paid costs.
How to apply
  1. Keep your certificate and paid receipts.
  2. Watch farmers.gov and your FSA office for any new window. Next window NOT CONFIRMED.
  3. Apply at your USDA Service Center.

FSCSC (farmers.gov, archived page)

The FSA page now goes to an archived farmers.gov page. The 2025 rates are shown. 2026 program and rates: NOT CONFIRMED.

Source: FSCSC (farmers.gov, archived page); IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHAREOpen now

Organic Certification Cost Share (OCCSP)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Organic certification and inspection fees.
Amount
75% of costs, up to $750 per scope.
Who qualifies
Certified organic producers and handlers.
Deadline or status
Dec. 31, 2026 for program years 2025 and 2026.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay 25% and anything over $750.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Proof of certificate and paid fees.
How to apply
  1. Get your organic certificate and paid receipts.
  2. Fill out the OCCSP application.
  3. Turn it in at your USDA Service Center by Dec. 31, 2026.

OCCSP (FSA)

Source: FSA OCCSP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHAREStatus NOT CONFIRMED

GAP/GHP Audit Cost-Share

Run by MDAC

Pays for
Food safety (GAP/GHP) audit costs.
Amount
75% of cost, up to $750 (FY2025 report).
Who qualifies
Mississippi specialty crop growers.
Deadline or status
Current status: NOT CONFIRMED. Ask MDAC.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay 25% and anything over $750.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Proof of audit and payment.
How to apply
  1. Call MDAC Market Development.
  2. Get your audit. Keep receipts.
  3. Send the reimbursement request to MDAC.

MDAC

Source: MDAC Annual Report FY2025; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Report downloaded Sept. 27, 2026. Read again Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHAREStatus NOT CONFIRMED

MDAC Organic Certification Cost-Share

Run by MDAC

Pays for
Organic certification costs.
Amount
75%, up to $750 (FY2025 report).
Who qualifies
Mississippi certified organic operations.
Deadline or status
Status NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay 25% and anything over $750.
  • Taxes: Counts as income in most cases. IRS says most government farm payments go on Schedule F (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Proof of certification and payment.
How to apply
  1. Call MDAC to ask if it is open.
  2. Or use FSA OCCSP (open to Dec. 31, 2026).
  3. Do not claim the same cost twice.

MDACFSA OCCSP

"Do not claim twice" is our plain advice, not quoted from MDAC.

Source: MDAC Annual Report FY2025; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Report downloaded Sept. 27, 2026. Read again Oct. 26, 2026.

INSURANCEOpen, sales closing dates apply

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm

Run by USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Pays for
Insures total farm revenue under one policy. Fits mixed, specialty, organic and direct-market farms.
Amount
WFRP up to $17 million insured revenue. Micro Farm up to $350,000 (first year) or $400,000 (carryover). Micro Farm subsidy 80% at 50% to 75% coverage.
Who qualifies
Any farm, any county. Micro Farm does not cover timber or forest products.
Deadline or status
Sales closing date follows your tax year.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay your share of the premium.
  • Taxes: Crop insurance and crop disaster payments count as income (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Farm tax records set coverage.
How to apply
  1. Gather your farm tax records (Schedule F).
  2. Find a crop insurance agent.
  3. Apply before the sales closing date.

WFRP (RMA)Micro Farm Q and A (RMA)Find an agent

Source: RMA WFRP; RMA Specialty Crops; RMA Micro Farm Q and A; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

INSURANCERolling / any time

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP)

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Losses on crops with no federal crop insurance.
Amount
Basic: 50% of yield at 55% of price. Buy-up to 65% yield at 100% price. Fee $325 per crop, max $825 per county or $1,950 total.
Who qualifies
Producers of crops without crop insurance.
Deadline or status
Each crop has its own sign-up deadline. Ask FSA.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay the fee and any buy-up premium.
  • Taxes: Crop insurance and crop disaster payments count as income (IRS Pub. 225).
  • Reporting: Report acreage and production.
How to apply
  1. Ask FSA for your crop's sign-up deadline.
  2. Pay the fee and pick coverage.
  3. Report acres and any loss on time.

NAP (FSA)

Source: FSA NAP; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

LOANRolling / any time

Operating Microloan

Run by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Pays for
Startup and operating costs for small, beginning and niche farms.
Amount
Up to $50,000. Rate 5.375% (Oct. 1, 2026). 1 to 7 years.
Who qualifies
Beginning, small family and niche farms with good credit history.
Deadline or status
Apply any time at your FSA office.
Repay? YesGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No. You keep your farm.
  • Repayment: Yes
  • Match: None stated.
  • Taxes: A loan is borrowed money you pay back with interest. How the loan and interest affect your taxes: ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED on this page.
  • Reporting: Simpler paperwork than regular loans. Keep a farm plan.
How to apply
  1. Get a farm number at your USDA Service Center.
  2. Fill out the microloan application with your farm plan.
  3. Turn it in to your local FSA office.

Microloans (FSA)FSA loan rates

Source: FSA Microloans; FSA loan rates. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

GRANTClosed

Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

Run by USDA Rural Development

Pays for
Planning or working capital to make and sell value-added products.
Amount
Planning up to $50,000. Working capital up to $200,000.
Who qualifies
Independent producers and producer groups. SAM.gov registration needed.
Deadline or status
Last window Feb. 17 to April 22, 2026. Next: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: 1 to 1 match.
  • Taxes: Grants usually count as income. Ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Reporting: Grant reports.
How to apply
  1. Register on SAM.gov.
  2. Call MS Rural Development (LaCari Mosley, 601-965-5457).
  3. Apply when the next window opens.

VAPG (RD)RD Mississippi

Source: RD VAPG. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

GRANTStatus NOT CONFIRMED

Southern SARE Producer Grant

Run by Southern SARE (USDA funded)

Pays for
On-farm research projects testing sustainable practices. Not for equipment, buildings or running the farm.
Amount
Up to $20,000 (individual) or $25,000 (farmer organization).
Who qualifies
Farmers and ranchers with at least $1,000 of annual farm income. At least one cooperator. Meant for established farms, not beginning farmers.
Deadline or status
Call opens each September, proposals due in November (Southern SARE). Check the current call for the exact date.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Taxes: Grants usually count as income. Ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Reporting: Reimbursement: you pay first, then submit receipts. Annual and final reports.
How to apply
  1. Read the Call for Proposals when released.
  2. Apply in the SARE Grant Management System (not Grants.gov).
  3. Wait for review.

Southern SARE Producer Grants

Exact 2026 due date NOT CONFIRMED.

Source: Southern SARE Producer Grants. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

GRANTStatus NOT CONFIRMED

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

Run by USDA NIFA

Pays for
Training and support for beginning farmers.
Amount
See the notice.
Who qualifies
Organizations and partnerships, not single farmers.
Deadline or status
Next deadline NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: See the notice.
  • Taxes: Grants usually count as income. Ask a tax preparer. NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Reporting: Grant reports.
How to apply
  1. Find a group that runs BFRDP training.
  2. Or partner to apply.
  3. Read the NIFA notice.

NIFA BFRDP

Source: NIFA BFRDP. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

MARKET ACCESSRolling / any time

Genuine MS

Run by MDAC

Pays for
State brand for products grown, raised, crafted or made in Mississippi. 320 members (FY2025).
Amount
Not a cash program.
Who qualifies
Mississippi producers and makers.
Deadline or status
Membership rules and fees NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: NOT CONFIRMED.
  • Taxes: Not a payment.
  • Reporting: Per MDAC.
How to apply
  1. Go to GenuineMS.com.
  2. Read member rules.
  3. Apply as MDAC directs.

GenuineMS.com

Source: MDAC Annual Report FY2025. Checked Report downloaded Sept. 27, 2026. Read again Oct. 26, 2026.

COST-SHARERolling / any time

EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program)

Run by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Pays for
Conservation practices: fencing, water lines, cover crops, high tunnels, forestry and soil work.
Amount
Set per practice. Mississippi proposes up to 90% rates for some practices. Historically underserved producers can get an advance of at least 50%.
Who qualifies
Farmers, ranchers and private forest owners.
Deadline or status
Apply any time. Ranked at Mississippi cut-off dates. Next cut-off: NOT CONFIRMED.
Repay? NoGive up ownership? No
The strings attached
  • Ownership: No.
  • Repayment: No
  • Match: You pay the part the practice rate does not cover.
  • Taxes: Usually counts as income. Some conservation cost-share can be left out of income if it passes IRS tests (IRS Pub. 225, Cost-Sharing Exclusion).
  • Reporting: Forms AD-1026 and CPA-1200. NRCS checks the work before paying.
How to apply
  1. Visit your USDA Service Center with tax ID, deed or lease, and farm number.
  2. Make a conservation plan. File AD-1026 and CPA-1200.
  3. If funded, sign the contract, do the work, get paid after inspection.

EQIP Mississippi (NRCS)Get started with NRCS

Source: NRCS EQIP Mississippi; IRS Pub. 225. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.

Nothing on this page is legal, tax or financial advice. Check every deadline and condition with the agency before you rely on it. See our Corrections Policy. Got a fix or a record? Send a tip.

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