New 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/KDA 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
monitoring the many training opportunities available—and working to consolidate them into a single calendar system.
sharing stories from beginning growers across the state
Administering a stipend reimbursement program for training and networking activities for new growers…
Stipend Program for New Growers
Through the BFRDP grant, KSCGA is also managing a new grower training support program—offering new growers stipends for registration and travel associated with participation in training and networking 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 should:
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, complete and submit the application form (link below) that includes:
Contact information
Information on your current cultivation and sales/distribution efforts and operations
Summary of your vision and plan for your cultivation and sales/distribution operations
Details on the training/networking activity for which reimbursement funds will be used
Summary of how your proposed training/networking activity can enhance your efforts in cultivation and sales.
(‘Sorry—our website form system does not allow for you to save an application in-progress and come back to it—so prepare to respond to these items before you start an application.)
Reimbursement payments are just that—reimbursement for costs incurred in your training and networking. Successful applicants will be reimbursed after completion of training/networking activity, and must:
Provide documentation of mileage and receipts for registration and lodging
Submit a summary of your training/networking experience highlighting knowledge gained, insights, and potential applications in your cultivation and sales/distribution operations.
Payments should be mailed to you 5-10 business days after receipt of activity completion documentation noted above.
New growers are eligible for one (1) training reimbursement per calendar year. 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.