Ag Economic Development

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) – Find resources about sustainable food systems and practices
ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service – Learn about sustainable agriculture practices
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program – Grants and education to advance innovation in sustainable agriculture
UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) – Programs, publications, and training in sustainability

AgPlan – The Agriculture, Fisheries and Small Business Planning website (U of M – Center for Farm Financial Management) – A free program to help rural businesses develop a business plan
Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses – A SARE publication outlining the business planning process for agriculture entrepreneur
Starting an Ag-Business: A Pre-Planning Guide (pdf), Steve Richards, Cornell University
University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management – Software and educational programs focusing on farming situations and solutions
USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) – Risk management solutions that benefit the agriculture producers
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – An informative website to help small business owners overcome problems and improve their business
Extension Agriculture Farm Management Program – Farm business management information, resources, and tools for farmers and agribusinesses to improve profitability through informed decision-making.
Extension Community Food Systems Team – Posts about Food System information and events
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center – A website that explains how the University can help your business through informative posts, consultants and much more!

Sale of Farm Products & Homemade Foods in WI (pdf) – Quick Tips for following the rules that govern preparation and sale of foods to help ensure public health and protect your brand
Farm to School program information – Strengthening farm to community connections starting with school systems
Extension Dane County Community Food Systems – The Dane County Food Systems page provides information regarding local food systems and how they are improving economically, environmentally, and socially
Extension Food Business Innovation Network – Resources and contact information for various food businesses throughout the state
Extension Safe Food Preservation – A page that provides the latest information about safe and healthy food preservation
UW-Madison Food Health and Safety – Information regarding food and produce safety as well as personal health tips and resources
WI DATCP Starting a Food Business website – The necessary information and regulations for starting a food business

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grant Programs – Information and links regarding SARE grants
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – A grant to help with specialty crop production
USDA AMS Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) – A program to increase consumption of local products and to help the operations that support local markets
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan programs – Programs aimed to help family farmers
USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs – Information regarding various conservation programs and initiatives
USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) – Grants to support small and emerging private businesses (<50 employees and < $1 million in gross revenue) by supporting technical training, assistance, etc.
USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) – Grants to promote value added activities and products by helping to generate new products, increase producer income, create and expand marketing, etc.
USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) – Grants for small businesses to support and promote research related to public benefit
Wisconsin DATCP Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants – Grants for projects that increase demand and supply of local produce
Wisconsin Focus on Energy Agribusiness and Renewable Energy Incentives – Incentives to encourage a more “green” and energy efficient production and operation

University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability – Education and research about dairy production and industry for dairy farms and industry service providers to encourage better decisions
Wisconsin Farm Center – Information, help lines, and other resources

Cornell University Entrepreneurship Network – A calendar of entrepreneurial events hosted by the Cornell University Entrepreneurship Network
Iowa State University Value Added Agriculture Program – News, events, and information on value added agriculture
Iowa State University Extension – Ag Marketing Resource Center (MRC) – National information on value added agriculture
Purdue University Ag Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Information on starting a business and all the steps after
SCORE “For the Life of Your Business” – A mentorship program to help new business owners and entrepreneurs
University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center – Start, manage, and grow your business
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) – Business and financial information focusing on women, low-income, and minorities