The USDA is accepting applications for the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program. PRS was developed to support agricultural stakeholders who haven’t yet received substantial federal financial assistance to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Approximately $650 billion is available to fund applications. (See Video at the bottom of this page.)
Application Period Opens: October 6, 2021
Application Period Closes: November 22, 2021
Am I Eligible for the PRS Grant Program?
The program helps small businesses in certain commodity areas including small specialty crop producers, food processors, aquaculture, manufacturers, distributors, and farmers markets. For the purposes of PRS, all Farmers Markets are considered “small”. Double-check your eligibility here.
How Much Could I Receive?
The minimum funding request amount is $1,500. The maximum funding request amount is $20,000. PRS includes no cost-sharing or matching fund requirements.
What Does PRS Funding Cover?
Grant funds to small businesses and non-profits will cover costs incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2021 for activities associated with:
- Workplace safety – Implementing workplace safety measures to protect workers against COVID-19
- Market Pivots – Implementing market pivots to protect workers against COVID–19
- Retrofitting Facilities – Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19
- Transportation – Providing additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19
- Worker Housing – Providing worker housing that protects workers against COVID-19
- Medical – Providing health services to protect workers against COVID-19
How Do I Apply?
The application opened October 6th and closes November 22, 2021. Follow the three-step process.
1) Verify Your Eligibility
Eligible applicants include small specialty crop producers, food processors, manufacturers, distributors and farmers markets who are small businesses according to the Small Business Association standards.
- Verify your eligibility by visiting USDA’s website here.
2) DUNS Registration
The second step in the application process is to register for a DUNS number. The 9-digit unique DUNS number will be assigned, free of charge, to a valid business entity based on their Legal Business Name and physical location. It can take up to five (5) business days for applications to be processed.
- Don’t know if you already have a DUNS number? Look it up here.
- Need a new DUNS number? Apply here
- Quick Start Guide for applying for DUNS Number
3) Apply Online
USDA simplified the application for the Pandemic Safety and Response Grant Program. The application takes 10 minutes. To apply, visit here.
Refer to the following USDA resources for further information and assistance:
USDA Website for PRS Grant Program – here
Quick Start Guide – New DUNS Number Request – here
PRS Fact Sheet – here
USDA Helpdesk for PRS: [email protected] or call 301.238.5550 between 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
USDA AMS Educational Videos: Eligibility Requirements, DUNS Number Registration, How to Apply
