USDA Advancing Markets for Producers
Sonoma-Marin Agriculture Support Program
A USDA grant program to fund regional agriculture producers to implement and market healthy soils and climate-smart practices.
Marketing support application open 9/11-10/11/26.
The Sonoma-Marin Agriculture Support Program (Ag-SP) assists producers in implementing regenerative practices and marketing for their products.
AIM will support producers with their climate-smart marketing efforts. This grant allows us to connect producers with funding for one-on-one support with independent marketing experts. Producers will also have access to a “Healthy Soils, Healthy You” marketing badge and decal to differentiate their brand and products. The goal is to increase both producer marketing knowledge as well as consumer awareness and demand for climate-smart products.
The program is open to all Sonoma and Marin producers wanting to implement climate-smart practices—whether you’ve been planting cover crops and monitoring soil health for years or you are just getting started. Local resource conservation districts will assist in implementing NRCS conservation practices to promote healthy soils and waters. Marin RCD | Sonoma RCD | Gold Ridge RCD
How it works
Apply for marketing support between 9/11-10/11/26.
Applications, which may include a scheduled interview, will be reviewed 10/12-11/12/26.
Producers will be offered a package, enroll, and review a selection of marketing contractors through the end of 2026.
Producers will begin work with their selected contractor once stipends are distributed in early 2027.
The application process will reopen for a new cohort in 2027.
Project Goals
Enhance Climate-Smart
Agricultural Production
Educate Consumers About Soil Health
Develop Markets and Promote
Climate-Smart Producers
Marketing Tiers
Producers can apply to receive grant funds to develop and implement customized marketing strategies that highlight their soil stewardship practices and educate consumers. Producers will work directly with marketing experts to facilitate their visibility and participation in local and regional markets.
Option 1: Direct-to-Consumer Marketing
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Options could include projects such as:
Create a logo for your small business
Marketing workshop with an industry expert
Print informational signage, banners, brochures, and display items
Educational handouts for consumers about on-farm practices
Branded merchandise (T-shirts, hats, tote bags)
Paid promotion and digital advertising
Low-cost DIY web site through Shopify or Square online
$2,500 value
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One-on-one consultation to review current social/digital communication accounts
Review all existing accounts for consistency in branding, bio, links, and tone
Determine content pillars, tone, manner, for consistent voice.
Seek opportunities for growth such as creating brand guideline and resources
Help create a framework of an annual editorial calendar
Share best practices on how to take photos for social media
A follow up check in 3 months later
$2,500 value
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Custom website development by a freelance designer. Most appropriate for e-Commerce features and CSA ordering. Options could include:
Domain name
Custom design
Basic branding (colors, logo use)
E-commerce integration (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
Hosting or subscription plan
$5,000 value
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One-on-one sales development plan for marketing their farm products, emphasizing value-added products, and selling packaged goods. Producers will learn about entering new market channels, including grocery stores and connecting with buyers.
$6,500 value
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On-farm videography and photography services, designed for storytelling. Photos and videos created will be customized for social media and YouTube.
$6,500 value
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The “Healthy Soils, Healthy You” badge will recognize that healthy soils are essential element of local food systems. All producers enrolled in Ag-SP will be eligible to receive the badge to proudly display across direct-to-consumer channels, retail, institutions, and intermediated markets.
Marketing FAQs
Are there out of pocket costs?
The costs of this program are covered with the award amount. Stipends will be awarded prior to beginning contracted work.
Producers may continue working with marketing contractors at their own expense as desired.
I struggle with marketing.
Is this grant a good fit for me?
This grant is a great fit for you. We have different support available for producers at different levels of their marketing journey.
Can I receive both Ag-SP
implementation & marketing support?
Yes! This program is designed to provide two-pronged support.
What is the “Healthy Soils, Healthy You” badge?
The badge is designed for program recipients to be able to differentiate their climate-smart products.
Who are the marketing contractors?
The marketing professional are all local, with direct experience in the farm and food world. You will be able to choose from a selection and determine the best fit for you.
How do I know which option to apply for?
You don’t need to know to apply. The application asks for your preference and background information about any marketing you have in place. We’ll work with you to determine what is a best fit.
Project Partners
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Agricultural Institute of Marin
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Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
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Marin Resource Conservation District
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Sonoma County
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Sonoma Resource Conservation District
This work is supported by a subaward from a federal grant, led by the County of Sonoma.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G065.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.