USDA Announces Support for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue $9.4 million in grants to provide enhanced training, outreach, and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers. The funding is available through USDA's Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program managed by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Perdue says the grants “ensure veterans and underserved farmers and ranchers are well positioned to start their careers in agriculture and continue to give back to the American people.” The program was created through the 1990 farm bill to help socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA loans, grants, training, and technical assistance. Provisions were expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill to include outreach and technical assistance to military veterans.