The Small Farms Institute (SFI) is part of the College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at Prairie View A&M University. CAFNR provides applied and basic research education through 5 agriculture systems (Animal, Food, Plant, Agriculture, Social Systems, and Natural Resources) approach. 

The SFI is committed to bringing research-based education that encourages, improves, and develops economic and land sustainability for limited-resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers landowners in Texas.

The Institute focuses on community engagement and outreach and provides technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve production management through innovative research and learning opportunities to improve landowners’ farm viability and sustainability.

The Small Farm Institute (SFI)’s mission is to serve as a premier outreach and agriculture educational leader for limited resource landowners and communities and provide quality research, education, service, and training to Texans.

Based on our heritage of more than 100 years, these are the core values that we strongly believe in:

  • Partners and Teams
  • Innovation and Adaptability
  • Relevant and Responsive
  • Integration and Excellence
  • Integrity, Credibility, and Honesty

  • To advocate for agriculture policies on behalf of limited resource producers with federal, state, and local government.
  • To improve the overall economic conditions of underserved, limited resource, and small farm producers in Texas.
  • To provide training and education programs on food systems, technology, and sustainable agricultural production to underserved and limited resource landowners.
  • To help Small Farm farmers and ranchers implement new research findings relevant to production and management issues through Education, Training, and Technical Assistance Program.
  • To promote and foster agricultural land growth and family wealth through land loss prevention, land transfer, estate planning, and heir property programs.

Mini-grants available to Minority Small Farmers and Producers

Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Agriculture Research Center (CARC) offers mini-grants for minority landowners.

The Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Cooperative Agriculture Research Center is providing financial assistance to minority landowners.

“We have a unique opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of so many landowners…” said Clarence Bunch, Ph.D., CARC Project Manager. Applications will be received, ranked, and funded on a first come, first served basis.

We realize the limited assets and challenges many minority landowners face. As a result, many have less access to emergency funding. his limited grant program will assist small farmers and producers by providing financial assistance to help overcome sustainability operation obstacles. “

The number of grants is limited, so we urge qualified applicants to apply immediately financial assistance application, below. These grants do not require repayment. For more information on the Financial Assistance grant, please contact Dr. Clarence Bunch.