Free Webinar Explores Funding for Small Farmers, Food Producers

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free webinar to explore grant, loan and cost-share opportunities for small farm and food business operators. The webinar is 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.

MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay says the workshop is timely. “In the past several years, we have seen a variety of new federally supported programs developed targeting small farms and food producers. This is a good opportunity to learn about these programs while funding is available,” Keay says.

The webinar covers grants through the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Heartland Regional Food Business Center, loans from the Farm Service Agency and cost-share programs from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“This will be a great webinar bringing together partners who support small farms and food businesses,” he says. As a bonus, one attendee will win a free registration to the 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference (www.GreatPlainsGrowersConference.org) in St. Joseph, which Keay says is the premier fruit and vegetable growers conference in the region for learning, networking and growing your farm.

MU Extension is the link between the University of Missouri’s proven research, knowledge and resources and Missouri’s 6.2 million citizens. With state and local partners, we deliver real-world solutions to address our state’s grand challenges around agriculture, economic opportunity, educational access and health and well-being. Faculty and staff in 114 counties and the city of St. Louis work to empower people, strengthen communities and develop leaders. True to our land-grant mission, we serve Missouri and deliver Mizzou as we improve lives and opportunities.

–University of Missouri Extension