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AgWest Farm Credit supports new producers with $15,000 grants

Spokane, WA | March 08, 2024

AgWest Farm Credit is accepting applications for the New Producer Grant program. The grant provides $15,000 in start-up funds to successful applicants and the deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.

Spokane, Washington (March 8, 2024)  AgWest Farm Credit, a cooperative lending association dedicated to supporting agriculture, has launched the application window for the New Producer Grant program, designed to help motivated producers get started in agriculture. The grant provides $15,000 in start-up funds to successful applicants to support their agricultural ventures.

Mark Littlefield, President and CEO of AgWest, said, “We’re continually inspired by the producers we get to know through the New Producer Grant program. Helping new producers start or grow their operations is allowing us to invest in the future of agriculture and build relationships with people we haven’t previously been able to serve. This program is an important component of our commitment to meet the credit needs of farmers and ranchers and the rural communities we serve.”

Program details

Benefits:

  • One-time grant of $15,000
  • Educational support and mentoring

Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a full- or part-time agriculturalist with two years or less of operational experience or have plans to start an operation within two years of the grant application date.
  • Have an operation located within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory.
  • Not be a current AgWest lending customer.
  • Must be 18 years of age and either a U.S. citizen or a foreign national lawfully admitted for permanent residency or pursuant to certain visas.

Application requirements:

  • Prepare a business plan, cash flow budget, application and a one-page essay describing how the grant will help achieve operational goals.
  • View three recorded webinars covering Financial Statement Basics at AgWestFC.com
  • English and Spanish resources are available to assist with completing the application components.

Application deadline: May 31, 2024

Application link: Submit applications online at AgWestFC.com/new-producer-grant


For questions about the program, contact AgVision@AgWestFC.com.


About AgWest Farm Credit

AgWest Farm Credit is a financial cooperative with approximately $35 billion in total assets as of 2025. It provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers in seven Western states. AgWest is part of the 109-year-old Farm Credit System, the nation's leading provider of credit to agriculture. With 59 locations across the West, AgWest is committed to serving its customers and supporting local communities.  

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Contact:
Cori Draper
Vice President, Marketing Communications
Cori.Draper@AgWestFC.com

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