Beginning Grower Support Program
KSCGA is made up of over 250 growers across the state—from some of the largest producers in the region to backyard growers with hopes of building production and sales. All of us understand the issues new growers face in putting their ideas and vision to practice. In that, KSCGA is working in collaboration with K-State Extension and Growing Growers under a three-year USDA Beginning Farmer/Rancher Development Program grant (BFRDP) in building networking, training, and support for new growers across the state. In KSCGA’s role, we’ll be:
working to outreach and build awareness and networking for new growers
coordinating to put all the many training opportunities available across the state into a single accessible calendar system
sharing stories from beginning growers across the state
Administering a stipend reimbursement program for networking and training activities for new growers…
Networking Stipend Reimbursement Program for New Growers
Through the BFRDP grant, KSCGA is managing a new grower networking support program—offering new growers stipends for registration and travel associated with participation in networking and direct (in-person and live interactive online) training experiences that can enhance your opportunities for success. Eligible recipients can receive up to $250.00 reimbursement for:
Registration costs
Mileage (at current $0.70/mile federal mileage reimbursement rate)
Lodging (up to $110.00/night—per federal 2025 reimbursement rates).
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be currently growing specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs, ornamentals, or other crops listed as specialty crops by the USDA)…
and/or having an intention, base plan and vision, and resources to initiate or expand your cultivation and sales/distribution;
Priority will be for people who have been growing less than three (3) years—but those growing ten (10) years or less are eligible.
To apply for new grower training reimbursement, please read and understand the information provided and complete and submit the application form below—
Reimbursement payments are just that—reimbursement for costs incurred in your networking/training experience. Successful applicants will be reimbursed after completion of networking/training activity, and must:
Provide documentation of mileage and receipts and/or payment confirmation for registration and lodging
Complete a follow-up survey including demographic information and summary of your training/networking experience highlighting knowledge gained, insights, and potential applications in your cultivation and sales/distribution operations
We will strive to mail payment to you within 30 days after submission of activity completion documentation.
New growers are eligible for one (1) training reimbursement per grant fiscal year (Sept-Aug). Growers who have not received reimbursements under this program will have priority in years 2 and 3 of the grant program.
New grower reimbursements will be available as funding allows. A competitive application process may be implemented later if demand for reimbursement funds exceeds funding available.