USDA offering $18 million to support new ranchers and farmers

By Community Member | January 26, 2015 8:18 pm

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $18 million in funding to help educate, mentor, and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers.

“The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is critical for cultivating the next generation of farmers and ranchers who will be integral to sustaining America’s agricultural future,” said USDA deputy secretary Krysta Harden. “Leading community and service organizations are on the front lines when it comes to identifying and training new farmers and ranchers.”

BFDRP awards grants to organizations implementing programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers, including workshops, educational teams, training, and technical assistance throughout the United States.

Fiscal year applications for 2015 are available at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmersandranchers.cfm for BFRDP and are due on March 13. Eligible applicants are collaborative, state, tribal, local, or regionally-based network or partnership of public and private entities.

For more information on the program, visit www.usda.gov/newfarmers.