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USDA invests $46 million in veteran, underserved and beginning farmers

The investment addresses the aging farmer population and aims to build a more inclusive, resilient food system.

Plant Growing From Money

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $46 million in funding to support programs that aid veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement today, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to empowering aspiring farmers and helping them build successful, long-term agricultural operations.

“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,” said Deputy Secretary Torres Small. “These partnerships with local experts help ensure all farmers and ranchers have fair access to USDA's programs and market opportunities.”

The USDA’s investment will be distributed through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the 2501 Program, both of which provide education, mentoring, and technical assistance to underserved, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers. These programs aim to foster equitable participation in USDA programs and expand access to market opportunities.

Highlights of the investment:

  • Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP):The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded $23.7 million to 46 projects under this program, focusing on personalized technical assistance, mentorship, and land transition support.

    • Washington Farmland Trust will provide 50 beginning producers with personalized technical assistance and connect them with landowners looking to transition farmland to new operations.

    • Nirvana Tea, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan, will support underserved beginning farmers with education, financial literacy, technical assistance, and mentoring, emphasizing hydroponic farming.

    • Augusta Locally Grown, Inc. in Georgia will offer mentorship, business plan development, and climate-smart agricultural training to help beginning farmers improve their operations.

  • 2501 Program Grants: The USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) awarded $22.6 million to 31 organizations in Fiscal Year 2024, targeting underserved communities with technical assistance and business development resources.

    • Tanka Fund in South Dakota will assist Native American and Native veteran buffalo producers in marketing, food distribution, and value-added product development.

    • Florida International University will train veterans and youth in Broward and Miami-Dade counties on sustainable farming, incubator farms, and financial management.

    • Wakulima USA in Washington State will support immigrant and refugee farmers in South King County with training, market connections, and land access.

Addressing the Aging Farmer Population:

The funding is particularly crucial as the average age of U.S. farm producers continues to rise, reaching 58.1 years, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. More than one-third of U.S. farmers are now 65 or older, underscoring the need to attract and support new entrants into agriculture.

The investments are part of a broader USDA initiative to build a more equitable, resilient food system by removing barriers for underserved communities, promoting climate-smart practices, and ensuring new generations of farmers can succeed.

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