USDA Funding
Overview of USDA Funding Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers a wide range of funding programs and technical assistance resources that support projects across renewable energy, the bioeconomy, agriculture, and energy efficiency.
These programs span early-stage research, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment, and are often used in combination with other federal and state funding sources.
Key USDA programs relevant to bioeconomy and clean manufacturing projects include the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) programs supporting advanced bioenergy and bioproducts, and funding administered through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
USDA also supports project deployment and commercialization through programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), the Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program for commercially proven technologies, and the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (Section 9003).
Additional resources include the USDA Community Facilities Program and technology transfer support through the ARS Office of Technology Transfer (OTT).
In many cases, USDA funding is complemented by programs administered by other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, the National Science Foundation I-Corps Program, and select initiatives supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
LEC Partners supports clients in evaluating and navigating these funding pathways, including grants, loans, loan guarantees, and related assistance programs. Our work focuses on program fit, technical feasibility, market readiness, and risk assessment, helping clients determine how federal funding aligns with project objectives and implementation constraints.
How LEC Partners Supports USDA Funding Applicants
LEC Partners helps clients evaluate, pursue, and structure USDA funding opportunities across the bioeconomy, agriculture, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Our role is to provide independent, technically grounded guidance that improves program fit and reduces execution risk.
We support clients across the full funding lifecycle, including:
- Assessing alignment between project objectives and USDA program requirements
- Evaluating technical feasibility, market readiness, and commercialization pathways
- Supporting grant, loan, and loan guarantee application strategy and packaging
- Developing technical narratives, work plans, and risk mitigation strategies
- Advising on cost share structure, budgets, and implementation timelines
With access to more than 150 subject-matter experts across feedstocks, biofuels, bioproducts, agriculture, and emerging technologies, LEC Partners provides clients with
a single point of coordination and practical insight grounded in real-world project experience.
Further Reading
LEC Insights
Current Federal Funding Opportunities
An overview of active federal funding programs supporting bioeconomy, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing projects.
USDA Funding Programs Overview
A closer look at USDA grant, loan, and loan guarantee programs relevant to agriculture, bioenergy, and biobased products.
USDA Regenerative Pilot Program
How USDA pilot programs support regenerative agriculture practices and market development.
Other Trusted Industry Sources
USDA Official Website
Official program announcements, eligibility guidance, and application resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA Rural Development
Information on USDA Rural Development programs supporting infrastructure, energy, and rural business investment.
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