USDA Announces Support for Veterans and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Earlier this week, USDA announced up to $8.4 million in available funding for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers.  The funding through USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement was originally authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990.  USDA said the grants "seek to enhance the equitable participation" of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA resources and programs, such as Farm Service Agency loans or grants through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

Projects may focus on conferences, training sessions, educational materials, or new programs to help those farmers and ranchers thrive and succeed. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, networks, or coalitions of community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and others.

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