Federal Funding Freeze Resources
Resources Related to the USDA Federal Funding Freeze
We'll be adding resources related to the ongoing funding freeze including funding opportunities, key organizations, ways to take action, and others as we find or develop them. This is an evolving situation and we are working hard to respond accordingly and support those in the food and farming system through this challenging and uncertain time!
Call for Stories: Join the Conversation
Have you been impacted by the USDA federal funding freeze?
We want to hear from you! PIFF is joining the growing number of organizations who are collecting stories and documenting the real-world effects of the funding freeze as a first step towards amplifying our voices and pushing for the resources our communities deserve
How can these stories make an impact?
Lot's of ways! Attracting news coverage, educating the broader public, and presenting directly to legislators to name a few. For one example, check out this powerful farmer testimony given at a recent IL House Ag Committee Hearing and the news that followed.
Please send an email to news@indianafarming.org to schedule a meeting to share your story or attach a written or recorded explanation of how you've been impacted. Note: we will not share materials you provide publicly without your informed consent.
Emergency & Non-Federal Funding Options
Emergency Funding Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF): The Healing Soils Foundation is offering critical financial relief to organic and regenerative farmers facing delays in public funding. With federal reimbursement programs frozen or slowed, farmers who depend on these funds for conservation, soil health, and infrastructure improvements are now at serious financial risk. (Applications are rolling but funds distributed as available.
SHOT Fund Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Bridge Loan Program: These bridge loans aim to fill gaps in conservation funding. They have no fees, penalties, or interest. (Note: Indiana is one of their priority states)
Sky High Farm Grant Cycle (Applications reviewed through 2025): These micro-grants support projects led by farmers and food justice advocates whose initiatives are rooted in their communities and aligned with our shared values.
Resource Round-Ups
Farm Commons offers collection of print guides and webinar recordings, with a focus on legal action steps.
Taking Action
Tips for calling your representatives & Example of a letter to your representative.
Share your Story: How has the funding freeze impacted you? Email news@indianafarming.org or visit NYFC's page here.
Organizations to Know
Here are a few nonprofit organizations who are stepping up during this critical time to mobilize support for farmers and call attention to the funding freeze:
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC): This organization is actively advocating for farmers under the current circumstances and gathering stories to push for unhindered access to USDA resources. Watch their powerful testimony at a recent IL House Ag Committee Hearing on USDA Funding Freezes.
Farm Aid: Known for supporting family farmers, Farm Aid is raising awareness about the implications of the funding freeze and urging farmers to reach out for assistance.
National Young Farmers Coalition: NYFC has a long history of amplifying farmer voices and effectively advocating for impactful policy change. Read their piece on the next steps for those impacted by the federal funding freeze here.
Policy Tracking Resources
Here are some resources to track legislative changes at the state and federal level.
Know your Rights
Notable News & Articles
Funding Freeze Impacts: Farmers and Organizations Speak Out, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition