Government Resources for Farms & Business
Find the state and fedral resources and information you need to grow your farm or food business.
United States Department of Agriculture
USDA is empowering people and improving lives. USDA has set four cross-cutting strategic priorities as part of its work on behalf of producers, families, and rural communities: Addressing Climate Change via Climate Smart Agriculture, Forestry, and Clean Energy; Advancing Racial Justice, Equity, Opportunity, and Rural Prosperity; Creating More and Better Market Opportunities; and Tackling Food and Nutrition Insecurity.
farmers.gov
Farmers.gov is a one-stop shop for USDA resources for farmers and farm care, management, and development.
NCDA&S Marketing, Grower, & Consumer Programs
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' divisions have a variety of responsibilities in regulatory and service programs supporting farmers and food businesses including, plant and animal health, marketing, consumer safety,, and outreach, including the state fairs and farmers' markets.
Find your local USDA Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices.
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services
NRCS's natural resources conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. NRCS provides funding opportunities for agricultural producers and other landowners through these programs.
N.C. Secretary of state
This agency's mission is to support economic growth, promote the public trust and fulfill statutory mandates by providing initial infrastructure for corporate organizations and transactions, protecting citizens and businesses from misrepresentation and fraud by providing public access to accurate and timely information, through law enforcement and through the issuance of professional credentials. The department fosters a well informed citizenry, business community and government, by promoting a responsive, transparent, competitive, and ethical business climate.
N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
This agency's mission is to support economic growth, promote the public trust and fulfill statutory mandates by providing initial infrastructure for corporate organizations and transactions, protecting citizens and businesses from misrepresentation and fraud by providing public access to accurate and timely information, through law enforcement and through the issuance of professional credentials. The department fosters a well informed citizenry, business community and government, by promoting a responsive, transparent, competitive, and ethical business climate.
USDA Business Programs
Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community-based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and grow a business. Business Programs also support creating and preserving quality jobs in rural areas.
USDA NASS - Census of Agriculture
he USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts hundreds of surveys every year and prepares reports covering virtually every aspect of U.S. agriculture. Production and supplies of food and fiber, prices paid and received by farmers, farm labor and wages, farm finances, chemical use, and changes in the demographics of U.S. producers are only a few examples! NASS is committed to providing timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.
USDA Farm Financing
Answer a few short questions to learn about USDA farm loans that might be right for you. USDA also offers other funding opportunities to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners finance their business.
Food safety Modernization Act
About 48 million people in the U.S. (1 in 6) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a significant public health burden that is largely preventable. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is transforming the nation’s food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it.
FDA - FoodSafety.gov
Your Gateway to Food Safety Information Get the latest news, alerts, and tips on safely handling and storing food to prevent food poisoning.
USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service
Do your farm products need to be inspected? The Food Safety and Inspection Serviceensuresg that meat, poultry, Siluriformes, and eggs are safe, properly labeled, and packaged. Learn more about our inspection services and process.
USDA National Organic Program
NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces consistent national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States. NOP accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards. These certifiers and USDA work together to enforce the standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers and protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.
USDA GAP & GHP Audit Progtam
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits are voluntary audits that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. GAP audits verify adherence to the recommendations made in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (pdf) and industry recognized food safety practices. In 2021, USDA performed GAP audits in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, covering over 90 commodities.
USDA Local food Directories
USDA AMS’s new and improved Local Food Directories are up and running! Visit the page to find farmers' markets and other operations offering locally grown products. An API is available for developers to integrate this data into other applications.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and around the world..