FAQs

Office of Small Farm Policy

Before you get started

Starting production

I've got a crop. Now what?

Market resources

Resources for small and minority farms

FAQs What is the definition of a farm? How do I become a certified organic grower? Is there seed money available to get me started? Where can I look to get a Grant? What is land use tax & how does it affect me as a landowner?

Before you get started

• Talk to a cooperative extension agent or a regional agronomist for expert advice.
• Check out the Agricultural Review newspaper for used equipment and supplies.
• Apply for a specialty crop grant.
• Do I need a business license?

Starting production

• The Fresh Produce Audit Verification program
• Good Agricultural Practices are a must. Get GAP certified | Cost share program
• The Fresh Produce Audit Verification program
• Meat and Poultry regulations for processing and slaughterhouses

I've got a crop. What now?

• Sell your produce at a state-owned farmers market or find a farmers market near you.
• Create a free Web page to promote your products on the NCDA&CS Web site.
• Sign-up to be listed on the N.C. Farm Fresh directory.
• N.C. Farm to School Program offers the chance to sell directly to schools.
• Become a Certified Roadside Farmers Market.

NCDA&CS Services

• Marketing Services
• Small Farm Agricultural Policy, Mediation and Marketing services
• Agronomic Services (Soil Samples, etc.)
• Farmland Preservation
• Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories

Other resources

• N.C. State University
• Cooperative Extension at NCSU
• N.C. State A & T University
• Cooperative Extension at NC A&T University
• How to start a food business
• How to start a pet food business
• Community Supported Agriculture, Farmers Markets and Organic Certification
• N.C. Farm Transition Network

Outreach and Grant Information

• Farm Service Agency (Loans and Farm programs)
• Natural Resource and Conservation Service (Conservation and environmental programs)
• Rural Development Agency (Resources for rural communities)
• Risk Management Agency (Insurance and Grants)
• Landloss Prevention Project (estate planning and Heirship concerns)
• N.C. Institute of Minority economic development (Business development)
• Tobacco Trust Fund (Grant information)
• Golden Leaf Foundation (Grant information)
• Rafi USA – Rural Advancement Fund International (Grant information)
• SARE – Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education