Agritourism Grants by State: Where the Money Is in 2026 (All 50 States in One Table)

Oct 29

22 min read

Stressed farmer at a rustic table with grant papers and a laptop beside a busy red-barn pumpkin farm full of families at golden sunset, agritourism grants by state 2026

Last updated: 29 October 2026. We check every program and update this page once a year.

In May 2026, New Jersey approved about $5 million in grants for 72 agritourism businesses and organizations. It was one of the few state grants in America built just for agritourism. Each applicant could ask for up to $100,000.

Now picture a pumpkin grower two states away. Call him Dave. Dave is a composite, not a real person, but you may know someone like him. He reads that headline, opens his laptop and types "agritourism grants" into Google. Three hours later he has 14 tabs open, two expired PDFs and no answer.

Here is the answer Dave needed. Very few states have a grant built for agritourism. Most state programs are closed right now. As of 29 October 2026, only a handful are open to a farmer today, and several of those have strings attached.

Short answer: We found only 5 states with a grant built for agritourism (or an agritourism category): Missouri (a small sign cost-share), Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee. Of those, only North Dakota is confirmed to be taking applications now. Across all 50 states, 7 have a program a farm can apply to today, 3 are rolling, 2 are expected to open soon, 1 is on hold and 37 are closed. The full table is below.

This guide puts all 50 states in one table, then shows you how to read the fine print so you don't waste a month on a grant your farm can never win.

If you want the bigger picture of federal, state and private money, read our companion guide, Agritourism Grants and Funding in 2026. This page is the state-by-state map.

Tile grid map of the United States showing agritourism grant status by state on 29 October 2026, with open, rolling, opening soon, on hold and closed states coloured — Agritourism grants by state: most programs are closed as of 29 October 2026. Green states have a program a farm can apply to now.

The Truth About Agritourism Grants Most Websites Won't Tell You

Most "agritourism grant" lists are padded with programs that closed years ago, programs only a nonprofit can use, and loans dressed up as grants. So before the table, three hard truths.

Truth No. 1: Most states have no grant made for agritourism. In 45 of 50 states we found no dedicated agritourism grant. In those states, the closest money is usually a value-added grant, a tourism grant or the USDA-funded Specialty Crop Block Grant run by the state.

Truth No. 2: The Specialty Crop Block Grant is usually not for you. In state after state, the rules say the project must help the wider industry, not one farm. Georgia says individuals and businesses, including farms, are not eligible. West Virginia says it is "not intended as a source of start-up or scale-up funding for individual farms."

Truth No. 3: Timing beats talent. Most programs open once a year for a few weeks. Miss the window and you wait a year.

Reality Check: Kansas had a grant to help agritourism businesses convert historic barns, called BARN. Its official page now says it "is closed due to lack of funding for the program." Grant money can vanish. A business plan that needs a grant to survive is a business plan with a hole in it.

Open Right Now (as of 29 October 2026)

These are the programs a farm can still act on. Read the "who can apply" line twice.

Timeline chart of agritourism grant deadlines still open from 4 November 2026 to 1 January 2027, showing state programs and federal SARE regions — Open agritourism grant deadlines from November 2026 to January 2027, as of 29 October 2026.

Wisconsin: Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (deadline 4 November 2026)

Not an agritourism-only grant, but it names "agricultural tourism operations" as eligible applicants. Up to $50,000 per project. You must match at least 50% of the total project budget, in cash or in kind. The whole pot is up to $200,000, so expect stiff competition. DATCP names individuals, groups and businesses as eligible, for individual projects or collaborations. Deadline: 11:59 p.m., 4 November 2026. If you are reading this after that date, this round has closed; watch DATCP for the next one.

Montana: Growth Through Agriculture (pre-application due 9 November 2026)

Montana's dedicated Agritourism Grant (up to $50,000) closed on 22 October 2026. It has run each autumn since it launched in October 2024. The open door now is Growth Through Agriculture: grants up to $50,000 plus loans up to $100,000, with a $1-for-$1 match. Projects should mainly add value to Montana agricultural products and be able to create or keep jobs. Pre-applications are due 5 p.m., 9 November 2026. If invited, the full application is due 8 February 2027.

Illinois: Tourism Attraction Grant (due 13 November 2026)

Big money, big catch. About 20 awards of $15,000 to $200,000 from roughly $1.8 million. For-profit businesses must put up at least 75% of the total project cost. Agritourism is not named, so check with DCEO that your farm counts as a tourism attraction. You must be pre-qualified in the state grants portal (GATA) before you apply. Deadline: 5:00 p.m., 13 November 2026.

Vermont: Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant (due 10 December 2026)

$10,000 to $50,000, and no match required. You need at least one year of operating history and revenue in 2025, and some sectors are excluded. Agritourism is not named, but infrastructure and market development are eligible uses. Be warned: recently only about 18% of requested funds could be awarded. Deadline: 2:00 p.m., 10 December 2026.

North Carolina: AgVentures Farm Grant (due 15 December 2026)

Up to $10,000 for family farms in 46 listed counties that have earned revenue for at least a year. Your project budget must be at least 15% higher than your request. It can close early once 200 applications arrive. Deadline: 6 p.m., 15 December 2026, but apply early.

Missouri: Value-Added Agriculture Grant (due 15 December 2026)

Covers up to 90% of eligible costs, up to $200,000 per value-added concept, with a 10% cash match. There is a $300 or $500 application fee, and you must line up tax credit purchase commitments covering at least 50% of the request. Agritourism is not named. (Missouri also has a small Agritourism Sign Cost-Share for signs. The state asked FY2026 applicants to file by 1 May 2026, and no FY2027 round is posted.) Deadline: 3 p.m., 15 December 2026; MASBDA says the schedule may change.

Nebraska: Visit Nebraska Grant (due 16 December 2026)

Up to $100,000, with at least a 25% match, half of it in cash. For-profit businesses can apply. If you are not the local destination organization, you need its letter of support. Last cycle's 69 awardees included a farm-to-fork campaign, a winery and a regional wine trail. Deadline: 16 December 2026.

California: Farm to School Incubator, Track 3 (draft due date 31 December 2026)

$20,000 to $200,000 with no match, according to the draft RFA. Farm field trips and hands-on student food education are allowable costs. But you need a school food authority partner and at least $5,000 in past sales to schools (2024 to 2026). The final RFA had not been confirmed when we checked, so treat the date as a draft.

Rolling programs (apply any time or quarterly)

North Dakota APUC grants have a category called Nature Based Agri-Tourism. There is no set cap. You need a 25% match, and the activity must be fee-based. Next quarterly deadline: 1 January 2027.
Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Planning Grant pays up to $15,000, covering 75% of the cost of professional planning such as business plans and feasibility studies, and it lists diversification among supported projects. It does not pay for buildings or equipment. Open while funds last from a $500,000 pot.
Kentucky County Agricultural Investment Program offers cost-share through county councils. County notices cite up to $5,000, but confirm the cap with your county. Applications go to monthly board meetings; anything received after 30 October 2026 is held for January 2027 under the 2027 rules. Agritourism is not named as an investment area, so ask the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy first.

Open, but not for a single farm

These were open on 29 October 2026, but only for groups. Colorado's Tourism Management Grant (deadline 4 p.m. MST, 10 December 2026) is for destination marketing organizations and statewide associations. Washington's Specialty Crop Block Grant concept proposals (deadline noon PST, 2 November 2026) are for associations, producer groups, nonprofits, government and schools. Maine's Specialty Crop Block Grant application deadline is 12:00 noon ET on 30 October 2026, and individuals are not eligible. After those dates, these rounds are closed. A farm can join these only as a partner.

Field-Tested Play: If your state is on the open list, do not start with the application form. Start with three written quotes for what you want to buy. Every budget table, match figure and timeline in the form comes from those quotes. Farmers who skip this step write vague budgets, and vague budgets lose.

The 50-State Agritourism Grant Table

Here is every state, alphabetical within each region. Colour shows status: green is open or rolling, yellow is opening soon, orange is on hold, grey is closed. "Closest:" means the state has no grant built for agritourism, so we list the nearest real program. "Not verified" means we could not confirm the figure on an official page, so check with the state. Source numbers match the Sources list at the end.

Bar chart scorecard of 50 states showing how many agritourism grant programs are open, rolling, opening soon, on hold or closed as of 29 October 2026 — Scorecard: how many states have an agritourism grant open as of 29 October 2026.

What we counted (29 Oct 2026)	States
OPEN (a program a farm can apply to now)	7
ROLLING (apply any time or quarterly)	3
OPENING SOON (expected but not yet posted)	2
ON HOLD	1
CLOSED	37
Total	50
States with a grant built for agritourism (or an agritourism category)	5 (Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Tennessee)
States with no dedicated agritourism grant	45

Northeast

State	Program	Amount	Deadline / status
Connecticut Source [7]	Closest: Farm Transition Grant (single farms can win) Run by: Connecticut Dept. of Agriculture	Up to $5,000 to $49,999 by category; 25% to 50% match	CLOSED Last deadline 12 Jan 2026. Next round TBA.
Maine Source [20]	Closest: Farms for the Future (for-profit Maine farms with 2+ years of sales) Run by: Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry	Phase 1: $6,000 grant. Phase 2: loan up to $250,000; grant up to $25,000 if you protect 5+ acres	OPENING SOON Next RFA expected fall 2026; date not announced.
Massachusetts Source [22]	Closest: Farm Viability Enhancement Program (farmstands, barns) Run by: Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources	Up to $90,000, $130,000 or $175,000 by farm size; covenant required	CLOSED FY2027 deadline has passed. Next window not posted; ask MDAR to be notified.
New Hampshire Source [32]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (industry-wide) Run by: NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets and Food	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 15 May 2026 (USDA list). Check with the state.
New Jersey Source [33]	Agritourism grant: New Jersey Agritourism Grant Program Run by: NJ Division of Travel and Tourism with NJ Dept. of Agriculture	Up to $100,000; about $5M went to 72 businesses	CLOSED Main deadline 30 Jan 2026, then rolling while funds lasted. No new round announced.
New York Source [35]	Closest: Beginning Farmer Grant (10 years or less farming) Run by: NYS Agriculture and Markets; run by NY Farm Viability Institute	$5,000 to $200,000; 5% match	CLOSED Last deadline 14 Jun 2026. Another round expected in 2027.
Pennsylvania Source [41]	Closest: Farm Vitality Planning Grant (planning only) Run by: Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture	Up to $15,000; covers 75% of costs	ROLLING Open since 8 Aug 2026 until funds run out.
Rhode Island Source [42]	Closest: Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Run by: RI Dept. of Environmental Management	Up to $20,000; no direct match	CLOSED No open round posted. Last deadline Not verified - check with the agency.
Vermont Source [48]	Closest: Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant Run by: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets	$10,000 to $50,000; no match	OPEN Due 10 Dec 2026, 2:00 p.m.

Southeast

State	Program	Amount	Deadline / status
Delaware Source [8]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (must benefit the specialty crop industry) Run by: Delaware Dept. of Agriculture	$5,000 to $75,000	CLOSED Last deadline 18 May 2026. Next cycle TBA.
Florida Source [9] [32]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant Run by: Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 30 Jan 2026 (USDA list). Next cycle TBA.
Georgia Source [10]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (farms not eligible) Run by: Georgia Dept. of Agriculture	$20,000 to $100,000	CLOSED Last deadline 6 Mar 2026 (noon). 2027 RFA expected around 1 Feb 2027.
Kentucky Source [18]	Closest: County Agricultural Investment Program (agritourism not named; check with the agency) Run by: Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy, via county councils	Cost-share; per-producer cap Not verified - check with the agency	ROLLING Monthly by county. Applications after 30 Oct 2026 go to Jan 2027 under 2027 rules.
Maryland Source [21]	Closest: Value-Added Producer Matching Grant (tops up a federal VAPG match) Run by: MARBIDCO	Up to 15% of the VAPG match; 2026 details Not verified	CLOSED 2026 deadline 1 Apr 2026 (news report). Next round follows the USDA VAPG cycle.
North Carolina Source [36]	Closest: NC AgVentures Farm Grant (family farms in 46 listed counties) Run by: NC State Extension, funded by NC Tobacco Trust Fund	Up to $10,000; budget at least 15% above the award	OPEN Due 15 Dec 2026, 6 p.m. May close early at 200 applications.
South Carolina Source [43]	Closest: ACRE Advanced Entrepreneurship (has funded agritourism farms) Run by: SC Dept. of Agriculture	Up to $25,000 plus mentoring	CLOSED Last deadline 10 Mar 2026. Next round TBA.
Tennessee Source [45]	Agritourism grant: TAEP Producer Diversification: Agritourism Run by: Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture	50% reimbursement, up to $12,000	CLOSED 2026 window was 1 to 7 Oct 2026. Annual; 2027 dates not yet posted.
Virginia Source [49]	Closest: Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (small tourism businesses; farms not named, check with VTC) Run by: Virginia Tourism Corporation	Up to $5,000; 1:1 match	CLOSED Last deadline 30 Jul 2026. Next round not listed.
West Virginia Source [51]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture	Up to $100,000	CLOSED Last deadline 30 Jan 2026. No FY2027 RFA found.

Midwest

State	Program	Amount	Deadline / status
Illinois Source [13]	Closest: Tourism Attraction Grant (for-profits eligible; farm must qualify as a tourism attraction) Run by: Illinois DCEO, Office of Tourism	$15,000 to $200,000; for-profits fund at least 75% of cost	OPEN Due 13 Nov 2026, 5:00 p.m. GATA pre-qualification needed.
Indiana Source [14]	Closest: Destination Development Grant (any entity may apply) Run by: Indiana Destination Development Corp.	$50,000 to $250,000; 1:1 match	CLOSED Last deadline 7 Feb 2025. Next round TBA.
Iowa Source [15]	Closest: Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant (has funded farm stores) Run by: Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship	Up to $25,000; at least 1:1 cash match	CLOSED Last deadline 16 Jan 2026. Next window not announced.
Kansas Source [16] [17]	Agritourism grant: BARN agritourism barn grant closed for lack of funding. Closest: Attraction Development Grant Run by: Kansas Dept. of Commerce, Kansas Tourism	Grant covers up to 40% of cost; $1M round	CLOSED Last deadline 16 Oct 2026. Next round dates not posted.
Michigan Source [23]	Closest: Value Added / Regional Food Systems Grant Run by: Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development	Up to $100,000; 30% match (15% for underserved)	CLOSED Last deadline 15 Apr 2026. No 2027 cycle posted.
Minnesota Source [24]	Closest: AGRI Value-Added Grant Run by: Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture	$1,000 to $150,000; reimbursement, you pay 50% of first $50,000 and 75% above	CLOSED Last deadline 17 Jun 2026. No FY27 date posted.
Missouri Source [26] [27]	Agritourism grant: Agritourism Sign Cost-Share (signs only; FY2027 status Not verified). Main money: Value-Added Agriculture Grant Run by: MASBDA, Missouri Dept. of Agriculture	Up to 90% of costs, max $200,000 per concept; 10% cash match	OPEN Due 15 Dec 2026, 3 p.m. (schedule may change).
Nebraska Source [30]	Closest: Visit Nebraska Grant (for-profits may apply) Run by: Nebraska Tourism Commission	Up to $100,000; at least 25% match, half in cash	OPEN Due 16 Dec 2026. Awards 16 Feb 2027.
North Dakota Source [37]	Agritourism grant: APUC grants, Nature Based Agri-Tourism category (fee-based activities) Run by: North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture	No set cap; 25% match of the amount requested	ROLLING Quarterly. Next deadline 1 Jan 2027.
Ohio Source [38]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture	$25,000 to $150,000; 25% match	CLOSED Last deadline 1 May 2026. Next RFP not announced.
South Dakota Source [44]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: SD Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources	Past awards $5,000 to $150,000	CLOSED Last deadline 22 Mar 2026. No 2027 RFP yet.
Wisconsin Source [52]	Closest: Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (agritourism operations eligible) Run by: Wisconsin DATCP	Up to $50,000; match at least 50% of budget	OPEN Due 4 Nov 2026, 11:59 p.m.

South Central

State	Program	Amount	Deadline / status
Alabama Source [1]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (groups only) Run by: Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries	$5,000 to $25,000 (groups); up to $40,000 (colleges)	CLOSED Last deadline 26 Mar 2026. Next cycle TBA.
Arkansas Source [4]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (industry-wide) Run by: Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture	Minimum request $20,000; maximum not stated	CLOSED Last deadline 8 May 2026. Next period "posted when available."
Louisiana Source [19]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry	At least $350,000 total; no per-award cap stated	CLOSED Last deadline 30 Apr 2026. Next call TBA.
Mississippi Source [25]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (groups apply; organizations may join as partners) Run by: Mississippi Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 1 Apr 2026. Next cycle TBA.
Oklahoma Source [39]	Closest: Farm Diversification Grant (scope includes agritourism venues) Run by: Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry	Up to $10,000; match rises with size	ON HOLD On hold since 2 Apr 2026 except viticulture. Sign up for reopening notice.
Texas Source [46]	Closest: AgPro grant (production-focused; Young Farmer Grant status Not verified) Run by: Texas Dept. of Agriculture	$5,000 to $500,000; 10% to 30% match	CLOSED Last deadline 14 May 2026. No 2027 cycle announced.

West

State	Program	Amount	Deadline / status
Alaska Source [2]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Alaska DNR, Division of Agriculture	Up to $60,000; 25% match from FY2027	CLOSED Last deadline 20 May 2026. Next cycle TBA.
Arizona Source [3]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (industry-wide) Run by: Arizona Dept. of Agriculture	About $1.25M total; per-award cap Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 6 Mar 2026. Next round not announced; check with the state.
California Source [5]	Closest: Farm to School Incubator, Track 3 (producers selling to schools) Run by: CDFA Office of Farm to Fork	$20,000 to $200,000; no match (draft RFA)	OPENING SOON Draft RFA due date 31 Dec 2026. Final RFA not yet confirmed.
Colorado Source [6]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (industry-wide) Run by: Colorado Dept. of Agriculture	About $700,000 total (FFY2026)	CLOSED Last deadline 13 Feb 2026. Next applications (2028-29 projects) open Jan 2027.
Hawaii Source [11]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (individuals may apply) Run by: Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture	$618,260 state total; no per-award cap stated	CLOSED Last deadline 8 Jun 2026. Next cycle TBA.
Idaho Source [12]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture	Over $2M expected in 2026; no maximum stated	CLOSED Last deadline 8 Mar 2026. No 2027 call yet.
Montana Source [28] [29]	Agritourism grant: Agritourism Grant Program (closed 22 Oct 2026). Open now: Growth Through Agriculture Run by: Montana Dept. of Commerce; Montana Dept. of Agriculture (GTA)	Agritourism Grant: up to $50,000. GTA: grant up to $50,000, 1:1 match	OPEN GTA pre-application due 9 Nov 2026, 5 p.m. Agritourism Grant has run every autumn.
Nevada Source [31]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Nevada Dept. of Agriculture	Not verified - check with the agency	CLOSED Last deadline 31 Mar 2026. Next cycle TBA.
New Mexico Source [34]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (no projects that profit a single farm) Run by: New Mexico Dept. of Agriculture	Not verified - check with the agency	CLOSED Last deadline 14 Feb 2026. Next proposals due 14 Feb 2027; 2027 RFP not yet posted.
Oregon Source [40]	Closest: Specialty Crop Block Grant (not for one farm) Run by: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 30 Jan 2026. 2027 dates not posted; check with the state.
Utah Source [47]	Closest: Utah Food Security Grant Run by: Utah Dept. of Agriculture and Food	$10,000 to $1,000,000	CLOSED Last deadline 31 Aug 2026. Year 2 listed for Jan to Feb 2027.
Washington Source [50]	Closest: Local Food System Infrastructure Grant Run by: Washington State Dept. of Agriculture	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline Not verified - check with the agency. No open round posted.
Wyoming Source [53] [32]	Closest: Specialty Crop Grant Run by: Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture	Not verified	CLOSED Last deadline 9 Mar 2026 (USDA list). Next RFP opens Jan 2027.

Reality Check: "CLOSED" today does not mean "gone." Tennessee's agritourism grant took applications for just seven days in 2026, 1 to 7 October. Georgia expects its next call around 1 February 2027. Colorado says its next round opens in January 2027. If your state is closed, your job now is to be ready on day one of the next window.

How Big Is the Prize?

Agritourism grants are mostly small to medium. The biggest numbers come with the biggest strings: large matches, tax credits or tourism rules.

Horizontal bar chart of maximum award per applicant for agritourism-related grants a single farm can apply to, from $10,000 in North Carolina to $200,000 in Illinois, Missouri and the USDA VAPG — Maximum award per applicant for programs a single farm can apply to. Green bars were open or rolling on 29 October 2026.

Notice the pattern. The open programs that pay the most (Illinois and Missouri) also ask the most of you. The small ones are easier to win and manage.

If you are just starting, small is smart. Read how much it costs to start an agritourism business before you size your request. Some first activities cost far less than farmers expect, as we show in You Don't Need $100,000 to Start Agritourism.

Federal Agritourism Funding: What Washington Offers in 2026

Federal programs cover every state, but most are closed for 2026.

Table chart of federal programs for farm visitor businesses with amounts and status as of 29 October 2026: SARE open in three regions, VAPG, LAMP and RBDG closed, REAP paused, FSA and SBA loans ongoing — Federal grants and loans for farm visitor businesses, status as of 29 October 2026.

Program	Amount	Status (29 Oct 2026)
Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Run by: USDA Rural Development Source [54]	Planning up to $50,000; working capital up to $200,000; 1:1 match	CLOSED FY2026 window ended 22 Apr 2026. No FY2027 notice yet. Caps were cut from $75,000 / $250,000
Rural Business Development Grant Run by: USDA Rural Development Source [55]	No maximum; smaller requests get priority	CLOSED (30 Jun 2026). Individual businesses are not eligible
Rural Energy for America (REAP) Run by: USDA Rural Development Source [56]	Grants up to $500,000 (renewable) or $250,000 (efficiency)	ON HOLD Not accepting grant applications; guaranteed loans continue
SARE Farmer/Rancher grants Run by: SARE regions Source [57] [58] [60] [59]	North Central $15,000 (individual) / $30,000 (team); Southern $20,000 (individual) / $25,000 (organization); Northeast $5,000 to $50,000; Western: check the next Call	OPEN in North Central (3 Dec), Southern (6 Nov) and Northeast (8 Dec). Western CLOSED 28 Oct 2026
Local Agriculture Market Program (FMPP / LFPP) Run by: USDA AMS Source [62]	FMPP $50,000 to $500,000 by track; 25% match	CLOSED (5 Jun 2026). Suits groups and markets more than one farm
FSA farm loans (a loan, not a grant) Run by: USDA Farm Service Agency Source [61]	Direct operating up to $400,000; direct ownership up to $600,000; microloans also offered (check the cap with FSA)	ROLLING , year-round at local FSA offices
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans (loans, not grants) Run by: U.S. Small Business Administration Source [63] [64]	7(a) up to $5 million; 504 for land, buildings and equipment	ROLLING through lenders

The VAPG change that matters

For FY2026 the Value-Added Producer Grant caps fell to $50,000 for planning and $200,000 for working capital, down from $75,000 and $250,000. You still need a dollar-for-dollar match. The window closed on 22 April 2026, and no FY2027 notice was out when we checked.

VAPG pays for value-added products, not the corn maze itself. See Can the Value-Added Producer Grant Fund Your Agritourism Project?. In Maryland, a state program (MARBIDCO's matching grant) can cover up to 15% of the VAPG match, so check for top-ups like that in your own state.

SARE: the federal grant open right now

Three SARE regions are open as of 29 October 2026: North Central (3 December, noon CT), Southern (6 November, noon ET) and Northeast (8 December, 4 p.m. ET). SARE funds on-farm research and demonstration, so frame your idea as a test with results you will share.

Reality Check: REAP grants are on hold. USDA's page says it is "not accepting REAP grant applications at this time." USDA's 2 October 2026 announcement says the new rule requires projects to be "fully built, operational" before you apply. If a salesperson tells you a solar array for your farm shop "will be paid by a USDA grant," ask for the open notice in writing.

Which Grant Fits My Farm?

Use this flowchart before you spend a weekend on any application.

Flowchart titled Which agritourism grant fits my farm, asking whether a state program is open, whether one farm can apply, and whether the farmer can fund the match, leading to apply now, join a group, start smaller or prepare for the next round — Decision flowchart: which agritourism grant fits your farm.

How to Win an Agritourism Grant

Reviewers want the safest bet: a farm that will finish the project, spend the money right and still be open in three years.

The five eligibility traps

The "single farm" trap. Most Specialty Crop Block Grants bar projects that benefit only one farm. Read the eligibility page first, not last.
The match trap. Illinois wants 75% from for-profits. Wisconsin wants at least 50% of the total budget. Montana's GTA and Iowa's Choose Iowa want 1:1. Know where your share comes from before you apply.
The reimbursement trap. Many programs (Pennsylvania, Montana's agritourism grant, Tennessee) pay you back after you spend. You need the cash or a credit line first.
The "what's eligible" trap. Tennessee's agritourism grant pays for restrooms, parking and signage, but not livestock or storage barns, playgrounds or wedding pavilions. Pennsylvania pays for planning only.
The paperwork trap. Illinois needs GATA pre-qualification. Nebraska needs a federal ID number and a letter from your local destination organization. Tennessee needs required education courses. These steps take weeks.

What reviewers want to see

A clear problem and a clear fix. "Our farm stand loses sales because there's no parking" beats "we want to grow."
Numbers. Visitors expected, ticket price, extra sales. Our agritourism statistics guide gives you national figures to set your numbers against.
A written business plan. Use our free agritourism business plan template.
Proof you're legal and insured. Check your state's rules in Agritourism Laws by State and get quotes using what agritourism insurance covers and costs.

Field-Tested Play: Write one master application now, even if your state is closed. Put in your farm story, the problem, the project, three quotes, a budget, a timeline and your visitor numbers. When any program opens, you copy, trim and submit in days, not weeks. Most farmers lose grants because they start too late, not because their idea is weak.

Questions to ask a professional before you sign

A grant is a contract. Ask your accountant and lawyer:

Is this grant taxable income for my farm? (See our questions to ask your accountant.)
Does the grant put a covenant or restriction on my land? Massachusetts' Farm Viability program, for example, requires a 10- or 15-year agricultural covenant.
If my land is preserved farmland, does my easement allow the project? New Jersey told farms on preserved land to check their deed of easement first.
Does my building need a permit for visitors? Read Is Your Barn Legal for Visitors? before you pour concrete.
Does my insurance cover the new activity from day one?

These are questions to bring to your advisers, not legal, tax or insurance advice.

Your 90-Day Agritourism Grant Plan

When	What to do
Days 1 to 7	Find your state in the table. Check the official page for any change. Note every deadline in your calendar.
Days 8 to 21	Get three written quotes. Write your one-page project summary. Ask for letters of support.
Days 22 to 45	Finish your master application and budget. Register on any state portal (like Illinois GATA) or federal system you need.
Days 46 to 60	Submit to every open program you qualify for. Submit at least three days early.
Days 61 to 90	Prepare for spring rounds (Georgia around 1 February 2027, Colorado and Wyoming in January 2027, Utah Year 2 in January to February 2027). Keep earning from visitors meanwhile.

Your grant-ready checklist

My state's program is open, rolling or opening soon
One farm can apply (not only groups)
I can fund the match and wait to be reimbursed
My project is an eligible use under the rules
I have three written quotes
I have a written business plan
I have checked permits, zoning and insurance
I have asked my accountant how the grant is taxed

What Grants Can't Do for Your Farm (A Lesson From Bloopy Durians)

My farm, Bloopy Durians, is in Bentong, Malaysia. It is featured in Bloomberg News and Asahi Shimbun. It welcomes visitors from all over the world, and many companies send their staff and management to the farm.

The income that keeps the farm going comes from two places. First, visitors who find us because the farm ranks at the top of Google. Second, a WhatsApp list of loyal customers who buy durians whenever they are available.

Neither closes on a deadline, runs out of funding or needs a 75% match.

Grants are worth chasing when the fit is right. But 37 states on this page are closed as of 29 October 2026, and Kansas' agritourism barn grant ran out of money altogether. Visitor income and your own customer list are what keep a farm open when grant rounds close.

So use a grant to speed up a plan. Never make it the plan. We make the same point about subsidies in why smart farmers never let a government cheque be their business plan.

Field-Tested Play: Start a customer list this week, with phone numbers or emails, before you apply for anything. A grant reviewer who sees a real list of local customers asking for your new activity sees proof of demand. And if the grant never comes, that list still pays you.

Agritourism Grant FAQ

Are there federal agritourism grants?

There is no federal grant made just for agritourism. The closest are the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (closed for 2026), SARE Farmer/Rancher grants (open in three regions as of 29 October 2026) and the Local Agriculture Market Program (closed for 2026). FSA and SBA offer loans, not grants.

Can I get a grant to start a pumpkin patch?

Possibly, but rarely for the pumpkins themselves. Programs like Tennessee's agritourism grant pay for restrooms, parking and signs, while North Carolina's AgVentures funds farm diversification. Start with our guide on how to start a pumpkin patch so your costs are clear before you apply.

Do I need matching funds?

Usually, yes. Matches on this page range from none (Vermont Working Lands, California Farm to School draft) to 75% of total cost (Illinois, for-profits). Many programs also pay by reimbursement, so you spend first and get paid back later.

What if my state has no program?

Check federal SARE and USDA programs and the closest program in the table, or join a group application led by a producer association, nonprofit or tourism office.

Why are so many agritourism grant programs closed?

Most open once a year for a few weeks. Some run out of money (Kansas BARN) or pause (Oklahoma's Farm Diversification Grant, on hold since 2 April 2026 except viticulture).

How often do these programs change?

Every year. Amounts, deadlines and rules shift. USDA cut the VAPG caps for FY2026, and Alaska will require a 25% match from FY2027. Always confirm details on the official page before you apply. We update this page yearly.

Can I get a grant for a farm stand or event barn?

Sometimes. Connecticut's 2026 Farm Transition winners included a farm-stand and event-space upgrade. Massachusetts' Farm Viability program pays for farmstands and barns. Rhode Island's LASA program funded a new farmstand in 2026. Check zoning first with our guides on setting up a farm stand and farm wedding venue zoning.

Your Next Step

Find your state, check the deadline and decide this week: apply now, or prepare for the next round.

Then make sure your farm is ready for visitors, grant or no grant. Our free Farm Readiness Quiz takes a few minutes and shows you where your farm stands.

Take the Farm Readiness Quiz

Get the free 21-Point Agritourism Blueprint

P.S. Remember Dave and his 14 open tabs? The businesses that won New Jersey's $5 million didn't just find the grant. They were ready when it opened. Bookmark this page, take the quiz and be ready for your state's next window.

Stephen Loke of AgritourismSuccess.com, whose farm is featured in Bloomberg News and Asahi Shimbun. This guide is for information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.