Underserved, Veteran Farmers and Ranchers of the United States can get $27.6 Million in support through the 2501 USDA program.
To promote farms, ranches, and forest lands owned by underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters, on 4th October 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture announced US $27.6 million in grants. This money will be used to provide training, outreach and technical assistance to help them become updated and successful in agriculture.
Funding for this program will be sourced from USDA’s 2501 Program which is managed by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). It is going to support 41 organizations across 27 states of the United States. These funds, provided under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, are dedicated to facilitating outreach & technical assistance programs for underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers.
The 2501 program by USDA is dedicated to helping underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters. Moreover, due to the 2014 Farm Bill, veterans also got included in the 2501 program by USDA. It is a special program as it assists those who have historically experienced limited access to programs and services conducted by USDA such as loans, grants, training and technical assistance.
However, under the 2501 program grants are not directly awarded to individual farmers but they are given to community-based and non-profit organizations, institutions and tribal communities with at least 3 years of experience in the field of helping and training underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers.
Conferences, workshops, and demonstrations on various farming techniques will be organized by the funded organizations to make underserved, veteran farmers and ranchers aware of modern farming techniques such as precision agriculture, vertical farming, sustainable practices, etc. The 2501 Program has allocated over $221 million to support a total of 657 projects since 2010.
This grant will help the USDA to extend its reach to farmers of the United States to promote a healthy agri-ecosystem and extend services that were previously not easily accessible to underserved, veteran farmers and ranchers. It aims to provide these individuals with essential resources, knowledge, and tools, empowering them for success,” stated Lisa Ramirez, Director of the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).
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