Support for Farmers and Animal Industry Workers

If you’re in animal agriculture or another industry that uses animals as resources and are looking for ways to transition toward ethical, yet sustainable practices in line with vegan values, you’re not alone. And there is help available. There are real, practical options—and support networks—to help you evolve your land, skills, and livelihood.

Support in the UK

• 🌱 Vegan Society – Farmers & Growers
  Guidance, resources, and case studies for UK farmers exploring plant-based and veganic options.
• 🌿 Grow Green (Vegan Society)
  Campaigns and policy proposals for a transition to sustainable, plant-based UK farming.
• 🌾 Viva! Farming
  Interviews and stories from British farmers who’ve left animal farming behind.
• 🤝 Vegans Supporting Farmers
  Grassroots UK initiative offering direct support to animal farmers interested in change.

Support in the US

• 🌍 Transfarmation (Mercy For Animals)
  A transition program helping US farmers leave animal agriculture and shift to plant-based models.
• 🌻 Refarm’d
  Offers US and international support to convert animal farms into plant milk production or sanctuaries.
• 🐄 Rancher Advocacy Program
  Founded by a former cattle rancher, this program guides animal farmers through structural transition and economic rethinking.
• 🛠️ Farmer Toolkit
  A practical resource hub offering tools, funding advice, and peer guidance for plant-based transition.

Thinking Beyond Farming

Transitioning away from animal use doesn’t mean you have to grow crops—especially if your land isn’t suited to it. The most valuable asset isn’t the animals—it’s your land, your knowledge, and your ability to adapt. There are many alternative, ethical, and sustainable ways to generate income and purpose from your property.

• 🛖 Eco‑Tourism & Retreats
  Set up glamping spots, camping areas, eco-pods, Airbnbs, or wellness retreats. Host guided walks, stargazing, or nature education experiences.
• 🧭 Recreation & Events
  Rent out your land for hiking groups, forest schools, mindfulness workshops, paintballing, airsoft, obstacle runs, or metal detecting meets.
• 🔧 Repurposed Resources
  Offer space for timber or off-cut drop‑offs. Turn waste wood into firewood, carved goods, or reconditioned furniture. Rent sheds for local makers or DIYers.
• 🌱 Community & Cooperative Use
  Lease part of your land to community gardens, rewilding projects, or allotment groups. Share tools or workspace in a tool library or maker hub.
• 🎥 Creative Use & Media
  Use your location for photography, filmmaking, podcasting, drone footage, or even as a base for wildlife documentation or small creative residencies.
• 🛠️ Rural Skills Training & Workshops
  Host sustainable living workshops—e.g. composting, foraging, hedge-laying, natural building, woodworking, or off-grid systems.
• 🚛 Storage or Local Services
  Use barns or outbuildings for van/boat storage, self-storage rental, or to support local delivery networks or refill hubs.

When you shift your thinking from animal use to land use, new ideas emerge. The equity is the land—not the livestock.

Grants & Financial Support for Transition

Whether you’re exploring plant-based crops, repurposing land, or transforming your business entirely, there are funding programs available to support your transition. Below are some UK and US grants that may apply.

UK-Based Grants

• 💷 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
  Government scheme in England paying farmers to implement environmental practices.
  gov.uk/sustainable-farming-incentive
• 🌾 Countryside Stewardship (CS)
  Targeted grants for habitat creation, land conservation, and soil improvement.
  gov.uk/countryside-stewardship
• 💧 Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF)
  Free advice and funding for water/soil management via DEFRA and Natural England.
  gov.uk/catchment-sensitive-farming
• 🏞️ Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)
  Funding for diversification projects like plant-based processing, eco-tourism, and rewilding.
  gov.uk/rural-england-prosperity-fund

US-Based Grants

• 💊 Physicians Committee Crop Conversion Grants
  Up to $15,000 for farmers transitioning from animal agriculture to plant production.
  pcrm.org/plant-based-farming
• 🌿 SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
  Grants (often up to $20,000) for pilot projects, regenerative farming trials, and training.
  sare.org/grants
• 📦 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)
  USDA program offering up to $250,000 for new plant-based product development or marketing.
  usda.gov/value-added-producer
• 💧 Local Conservation District & Watershed Grants
  Small grants ($2,500–$25,000) for soil health, water conservation, or land repurposing.
  Check with your local conservation district or nacdnet.org.
• 🍊 FruitGuys Community Fund & Certification Mini-Grants
  Microgrants for infrastructure, soil certification, and sustainability upgrades.
  fruitguyscommunityfund.org
• ☀️ Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs
  Includes USDA and state-level incentives for climate-friendly practices.
  climatehubs.usda.gov

Change takes courage. Your knowledge, experience, and connection to the land can be transformed into something kinder and more sustainable. A better future is possible—and there are people ready to walk that path with you.