Grant Myth Monday is a weekly series that addresses common misconceptions about farm grants and offers practical guidance to help producers navigate the funding process with confidence.

Grant Myth: “Only large farms get grants.”

Beginning producers sometimes assume that most agricultural grants are designed for larger operations with more output, more acres, or more administrative capacity. 

This belief can cause smaller or beginning farmers to count themselves out before ever exploring the options available to them.

Reality: Grants are designed for farms of all sizes, and smaller operations often qualify for more programs than they expect.

As mentioned in the last post of this series (link when posted), the grant landscape is much broader than one could expect.

Instead of assuming your operation is too small, the key is matching your project to the program with the right goals.

Understanding why farm size is not the deciding factor

Grant programs are created to advance specific goals, and farm size is often not the primary consideration. Many programs focus on outcomes, community benefit, long term viability, or producer characteristics rather than acreage or revenue. 

This means that both small and large farms can be strong candidates if their project aligns with the program’s priorities.

Several grants specifically prioritize producers who are beginning, underserved, or operating smaller-scale businesses. 

Others simply care about the quality and impact of the proposed project. Taking time to explore each program’s intent can open opportunities you may have assumed were out of reach.

Small farms secure funding every year

Across federal, state, and private programs, small farms receive awards every funding cycle. 

Many programs do not mention size at all in their eligibility criteria. Instead, they look for projects that solve a specific problem, strengthen local food systems, or introduce improvements with clear, measurable benefits.

This is why checking eligibility criteria is essential. A farm that assumes it is too small to qualify may overlook grants that are actually well aligned with its goals and capacity. 

Reading the fine print can reveal opportunities that match both your scale and your needs.

Evaluating your own fit before ruling yourself out

If you are unsure whether a program fits your operation, start by comparing your goals with the program’s priorities. 

Look for requirements related to experience level, geography, production type, or impact areas. These details usually matter far more than how big or small your operation is.

Understanding your eligibility helps you focus on grants that make sense for your farm and prevents you from missing out on programs designed for producers exactly like you!

Are you interested in finding grants tailored to your farm’s size, goals, and project needs? Lasso finds only eligible grants, so you don’t have to worry if your farm is too small for a program. Learn more at app.joinlasso.com.

Do you want to stay updated on practical grant tips, funding opportunities, and ways to strengthen your farm’s competitiveness in the application process? Follow us on our Lasso social media pages.

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