The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would be providing $35 million to community organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers run successful businesses, in a March 9 news release.
The funding is made available through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also referred to as the 2501 Program. The program is administered through the USDA's Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. The 2501 Program's funds will allow organizations to conduct training, farming demonstrations and conferences. It will also give the organizations more access to USDA funding.
“It has always been hard for the beginning farmer, the young farmer, the specialty crop grower to access and make use of USDA programs — and even more so for farmers of color who were denied access because of historical discrimination in farm programs,” said Liza Ramirez, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement director.
The 2501 Program has been used to help underserved farmers and ranchers for more than 30 years, circumventing the racial and ethnic barriers that barred them from opportunities. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program's reach to veteran farmers and ranchers, while the 2018 Farm Bill increased the allotted funding. Since 2010, the 2501 Program has awarded 563 grants, with its awards totaling more than $158 million.
