The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment exceeding $46 million to support veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers across the United States. This initiative aims to assist new producers in entering the agriculture business while enhancing their skills and knowledge for long-term sustainability.
"Starting or taking over a farm takes courage, and USDA wants to make sure our next generation of farmers have the resources and support they deserve to take that leap," stated Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. She further emphasized that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing technical assistance and mentoring to these groups through local partnerships, ensuring equitable access to USDA programs and market opportunities.
Data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service highlights an aging farming population in the U.S., with an average producer age of 58.1 years—an increase from previous years—and more than one-third aged 65 or older.
The USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) alongside the 2501 Program are central components of this funding effort. These programs focus on education, mentoring, and technical assistance for aspiring farmers.
Under BFRDP, $23.7 million will fund 46 projects such as Washington Farmland Trust's initiative to connect beginning producers with landowners ready for transition, Nirvana Tea Inc.'s focus on hydroponic farming education in Detroit, Michigan, and Augusta Locally Grown Inc.'s mentorship program in Georgia.
The 2501 Program allocated $22.6 million across 31 grantees for Fiscal Year 2024. Notable projects include Tanka Fund's support for Native American buffalo producers in South Dakota, Florida International University's educational initiatives for veterans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and Wakulima USA's training program for immigrant farmers in Washington State.
Further details about these projects can be accessed via the USDA 2501 Program website.
In line with its broader goals under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is focused on transforming America’s food system towards resilience, fairness in markets, access to nutritious food across communities, climate-smart practices, infrastructure investments in rural areas, and equity within its workforce.
For additional information about USDA's initiatives visit www.usda.gov.
