Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program

USDA is offering a grant program focused on addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through expansion of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers in order to improve the resiliency of our food an

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $65,000,000 available for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program. This program will provide support for agricultural employers in implementing robust health and safety standards to promote a safe, healthy work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired from Northern Central American countries under the seasonal H-2A visa program.

Farmer/rancher/Agriculture Producer/agricultural employer

Except as otherwise indicated in specific Notices of Funding Opportunities under the program, assistance funds may be used for project costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles. Pre-award costs incurred dating back to March 15, 2024 (2 CFR § 200.458) may be allowable. In such instances, grant recipients must notify FLSP staff in writing that they plan to use funds for such expenses. Costs related to the hiring and onboarding of U.S. and H-2A workers including, for example but not limited to recruitment, applications, attorneys, and other consulting fees, etc. Costs related to the operations related to labor costs, such as but not limited to wages, business and administrative costs related to compliance with the program commitments, etc. Housing maintenance plan costs Allowable for rental costs of land and building space. However, lease agreements to own (i.e., lease-to-own or rent-to-own) are not allowable. The lease or rental agreement must terminate at the end of the grant FLSP period of performance. Rearrangement and reconversion costs are allowable, including those incurred in restoring or rehabilitating the awardee's facilities to approximately the same condition existing before the start of the grant agreement, less costs related to normal wear and tear (2 CFR § 200.462). Any alterations to housing, or reconversion must ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - 7 CFR § 1(b). Contractor/consultant employee costs/rates that do not exceed the salary of a GS-15 step 10 Federal employee in the area (for more information, visit the OPM website) and travel that is reasonable and necessary. This does not include fringe benefits, indirect costs, or other expenses. If rates exceed this amount, the awardee is required to justify the allowability of the cost aligning with 2 CFR §§ 200.317-327.

Funding for this program is not cyclical. Funding opportunities will be announced as funding is available and as agency priorities dictate. Funds are primarily available through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Information will be provided in the NOFO.

As stated in the NOFO.

The agency will conduct merit and risk reviews for all applications submitted in accordance with the NFO and will provide recommendations to the selection official. The selection official will make final award determinations. The agency reserves the option to negotiate with applicants tentatively selected for award but may issue awards without negotiations. The agency will provide award documents to selected applicants for execution, including a Notice of Grant and Agreement Award (ADS-093). When fully executed, the ADS-93 and attachments will constitute the final award.

NOFO will provide information about appeals.