Texas Agricultural Finance Authority
The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) was created in 1987 as a Public Authority within the Texas Department of Agriculture. TAFA provides Young Farmer Grants financial assistance and through eligible lending institutions to creditworthy individuals and businesses.
TAFA assistance is for eligible applicants who wish to establish or enhance their farm and/or ranch operation or establish an agriculture-related business. Young Farmer Grant
The purpose of the Young Farmer Grant program is to provide financial assistance in the form of dollar-for-dollar matching grant funds between $5,000 and $10,000, to those persons 18 years or older but younger than 46 years of age that are engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding an agricultural business in Texas. Eligibility
Grant applications will be accepted from any person 18 years or older but younger than 46 years of age that is engaged or will be engaged in creating or expanding agriculture in Texas. The applicant must be able to make dollar-for-dollar matching expenditures to sustain, create or expand the proposed project.
Use of Funds
Financing received under this program may be used to provide operating expenses such as seed, fertilizer and fuel. It can also be used to purchase livestock, feed, and associated costs which may include lease of land and any other costs associated with an agriculture operation. Capital purchases that exceed $5,000 will not be eligible. Grant Applications
TAFA shall accept grant applications during two application periods each year. The application for the current round of Young Farmer Grants is posted here. The deadline for submitting an application is September 30, 2010. No electronic, incomplete or late applications will be considered. Selection of Grant Recipients
The TAFA Young Farmer Grant is a competitive grant. Recipients will be selected by the TAFA Board of Directors after a review of all applications. The decision of the TAFA Board is final. In July 2010, the TAFA Board announced the award of a total of $100,000 in Young Farmer Grants to 16 Young Texans from around the state. The Board increased the funding from $100,000 to $150,000 for each of the two rounds of awards over the coming year. Grant Limits
Grants will be awarded between $5,000 and $10,000. Annual Funding
Annual funding is determined by the TAFA board and may vary from year to year. Current funding will be $150,000 per grant period or $300,000 annually.
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