Deadline Extended Until December 31!

The Farmers Assistance and Relief Measures (FARM) Fund application is now live. Loudoun Farms are encouraged to apply today for a $500 drought relief grant.

Apply for the $500 FARM Fund
see a sample application to prepare for your submission

Loudoun County Launches FARM Fund to Support Drought-Affected Farms 

In response to the severe drought and Loudoun County’s inclusion in the USDA primary disaster area list, the Department of Economic Development is proud to announce the launch of the Farmers Assistance and Relief Measures (FARM) Fund. 

This initiative, developed through the leadership of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and County Administration, provides a $500 grant to farms struggling due to the drought. The grant aims to bridge the gap until further assistance from the USDA is available later this year. The FARM Fund represents Loudoun County’s commitment to its agricultural community, acknowledging the critical role that farms play in the local economy and the enduring issues created by the 2024 drought.  

Phyllis Randall, Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It is our duty to take care of those who tend the breadbasket of Loudoun. Our farmers work tirelessly to provide for us, and now it’s our turn to support them. The FARM Fund is an expression of our gratitude and recognition of the essential role they play in our community.” 

Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun Economic Development, added, “Farms are the backbone of Loudoun County’s local economy. They provide not only food but also jobs and a way of life for many of our residents. The FARM Fund is a crucial step in supporting our farmers during these difficult times and ensuring that they can continue to thrive.” 

The Department of Economic Development is administering the funds, and eligible farms can apply for the grant starting on September 4, 2024. The application period will be open until December 31, 2024, or until funds are expended. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit biz.loudoun.com/farmfund or contact the Department of Economic Development at loudounbiz@loudoun.gov. 

Apply for the $500 FARM Fund
Frequently Asked Questions

When does the application open?

The application is now open and will remain open until December 31, 2024 or until funds are expended. You can find the application here.

What are the submission requirements?

Criteria:

1. Eligible businesses must be a farm as defined by the USDA operating within the last 12 months in Loudoun County who have experienced a negative impact because of the ongoing draught conditions.

2. Farms must prove their eligibility with any of the following documents:

  • FSA Number
  • IRS Schedule F
  • Proof of current enrollment in Agricultural Land Use Program
  • Loudoun County Business License
  • Other: Loudoun County will review alternative documents but reserves the right to approve or deny based on the information provided on the form as meeting the definition of a farm as defined herein.

3. All applicants must be in good standing with Loudoun County and must agree to program criteria and all County policies and procedures.
4. Provide a duly executed and signed W9 and required financial documents to facilitate an electronic payment
5. Provide written verification of having experienced an impact from the ongoing drought conditions.

Additional Terms and Conditions

  • All materials submitted to The FARM Fund will be treated as public records and subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules and regulations. If you have questions or concerns about this requirement, please contact the Department of Economic Development at 1-800-LOUDOUN before submitting your application.
  • An application for The FARM Fund constitutes an unconditional agreement to and acceptance of the Terms and Conditions. The Applicant is responsible for ensuring his or her familiarity with the Terms and Conditions.
  • By submitting an application, the Applicant certifies that it is not under any agreement or restriction that prohibits or restricts its ability to disclose or submit the materials included in the application or otherwise to apply for The FARM Fund.
  • Applicant grants Loudoun County and the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority permission to display, publish, distribute, use, modify, print and reprint any images, marks or video content in any manner related to the The FARM Fund or the work of Loudoun County and the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority including without limitation, publications, advertisements, brochures, web site, videos, digital media, or other electronic displays and transmissions. Applicant further waives any right to inspect or approve the use of the image prior to its use. Applicant forever releases and holds Loudoun County and the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority harmless from any and all liability arising out of the use of the images in any manner or media whatsoever, and waives any and all claims and causes of action relating to use of the images, including without limitation, claims for invasion of privacy rights or publicity.
  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, by submitting an application for The FARM Fund, the Applicant voluntarily releases the Loudoun County and the Loudoun County Economic Development Authority from any and all claims, actions, damages, costs or liabilities of any kind relating to or arising from or in connection with The FARM Fund, including but not limited to the awarding, advertising, receipt, and/or use or misuse of award funds or participation in any activities related to The FARM Fund.

I'm not in Loudoun County - can I still apply?

The FARM Fund is reserved specifically for Loudoun County farmers. If you farm in a neighboring jurisdiction, you may find assistance by reaching out to one of the following contacts:

Will I have to pay taxes on this grant?

Yes. The IRS considers business grants as revenue for tax purposes. The money from the grant should be included when calculating the business’s taxable income. If your business receives funding and still operates at a loss this year, then it will not have a taxable income because it operated at a loss. 

I’m having technical trouble applying. What should I do?

This is a web-based form only. It is strongly encouraged that you use the latest browser version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox in order to apply. Applicants using Safari may have difficulty signing up. 

Although the application can be completed on mobile devices, we recommend using a desktop computer for the best experience. 

If you do not have access to high-speed internet, please visit the parking lots of the Middleburg, Purcellville or Lovettsville libraries for access to free, high-speed internet. 

For all other technical questions, please reach out to the Department of Economic Development by phone at 703-777-0426 or send an email to LoudounBiz@loudoun.gov  

How will my submitted information be used?

Submitted information will be used to determine the eligibility of the business applicant. Additional communication with Loudoun County Government staff will be to verify the information provided. 

Information submitted for this grant becomes public record and subject to requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. We cannot exclude anyone’s submitted information from that process. 

What are the next steps?

Once successfully submitted, applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility on a rolling basis. 

Loudoun Economic Development staff will contact you by phone or email if there are any clarifications needed during the review process. 

After your application has been fully certified, it will be transferred to the Economic Development Authority for payment. At that time your submitted W-9, ACH form and banking document (such as a voided check or bank letter) to complete the payment process will be reviewed and verified before payment can be made.  

What type of business is eligible?

Farms located in Loudoun County may apply. You will be asked to supply documentation sufficient to prove that you are an active farm by choosing from any of the following operations and providing any of the following documents.  

Operations:  

  • Commodity Crops 
  • Dairy 
  • Eggs 
  • Equine 
  • Fiber 
  • Flowers 
  • Grapes 
  • Hay 
  • Livestock 
  • Poultry 
  • Small Grains 
  • Tree Fruits 
  • Vegetables 
  • OTHER (Example: lavender, tea, hemp, Christmas Trees) 

Documents:  

  • FSA Number 
  • IRS Schedule F 
  • Proof of current enrollment in Agricultural Land Use Program 
  • Loudoun County Business License 
  • Other: Loudoun County will review alternative documents but reserves the right to approve or deny based on the information provided on the form as meeting the definition of a farm as defined herein. 

What does the application look like?

Access a sample application here to prepare for the September 4 application date.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in the farm tour, please contact Katie Fleger at 703-737-8612 (TTY 711). Three business days advance notice is requested.