The initiative aims to provide education, technical assistance, and mentorship to help aspiring farmers and ranchers establish and sustain successful agricultural operations across the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed over $46 million to support veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers across the country. This investment aims to assist new and aspiring producers by offering them resources to develop essential skills, gain knowledge, and secure the future of their farming operations.
The USDA’s initiative reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to promote equitable access to agricultural programs and ensure the sustainability of the nation’s food system.
As the farming population in the U.S. continues to age, this funding comes at a critical time. Data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture, published by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, revealed that the average age of U.S. farm producers has risen to 58.1 years, with more than one-third of producers now 65 or older. This trend underscores the importance of encouraging a new generation of farmers and ranchers to step into the industry.
The USDA’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the 2501 Program are key components of this effort. These programs provide education, mentoring, and technical assistance to help underserved groups, including veterans, immigrant farmers, and those new to the industry, to successfully establish and operate their farms. By offering this support, the USDA aims to foster equitable participation in its programs and market opportunities.
According to a press release, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), managed by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will allocate $23.7 million to 46 projects across the country.
For example, the Washington Farmland Trust will recruit and assist 50 new farmers by offering personalized technical assistance and helping connect them with landowners who are transitioning their farms. In Detroit, Michigan, Nirvana Tea, Inc. will focus on hydroponic farming, offering underserved farmers education and financial literacy training. Meanwhile, Augusta Locally Grown, Inc. in Georgia will provide mentorship, climate-smart agricultural training, and business plan development to aid new farmers in improving their operations.
In addition to the BFRDP, the 2501 Program, administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), awarded $22.6 million to 31 grantees for Fiscal Year 2024. These funds are designed to provide tailored support to underserved and veteran farmers.
For instance, the Tanka Fund in South Dakota will assist Native American buffalo producers in marketing and food distribution, while Florida International University’s Board of Trustees will focus on teaching veterans and youth from underserved areas in Broward and Miami-Dade counties about sustainable farming practices and financial management. In Washington State, Wakulima USA will work with immigrant and refugee farmers to help them access farmland, improve their production capabilities, and expand their market connections.
The USDA’s efforts to support beginning farmers and ranchers form part of a broader strategy to transform the nation’s food system. The Biden-Harris Administration aims to build more resilient local and regional food production systems, create fairer markets for all producers, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food in all communities.
Additionally, the USDA is making historic investments in rural infrastructure and clean energy, as well as committing to removing systemic barriers within the Department to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of America.
For more information on the USDA’s programs and the projects funded under the 2501 Program, interested parties can visit the official USDA website. This initiative represents a significant step toward securing the future of agriculture in the U.S. by empowering those who will become the next generation of producers.
