USDA offers funding to educate, train next generation of ranchers

April 11, 2014

"USDA is committed to the next generation of America's farmers and ranchers because they represent the future of agriculture and are the backbone of our rural economy,” Vilsack said. “As the average age of farmers continues to rise, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established.

"Reauthorizing and expanding the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program is one of the many resources the 2014 farm bill gave us to build America's agricultural future. Through this program, we can build a diverse next generation of farmers and ranchers."

BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help farmers, ranchers and managers of non-industrial private forest land – specifically those aiming to start farming and those who have been farming or ranching for 10 or fewer years. It is managed by the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

NIFA will competitively award grants to organizations conducting programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply (applications are due June 12).

Priority will be given to projects that are partnerships and collaborations led by or including non-governmental, community-based, or school-based agricultural educational organizations. All applicants are required to provide funds or in-kind support from non-federal sources in an amount that is at least equal to 25 percent of the federal funds requested.

By law, at least five percent of available funding will be allocated to programs and services for limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers and farmworkers. Additionally, another five percent of available funding will be allocated for programming and services for military veteran farmers and ranchers.

BFRDP was authorized by the 2014 farm bill, receiving $100 million to be awarded over the next five years. The program was originally funded through the 2008 Farm Bill. Since then, NIFA has awarded more than $66 million through 136 grants to organizations that have developed education and training programs. More than 50,000 beginning farmers and ranchers have participated in projects funded by BRFDP.

NIFA is hosting two upcoming webinars for interested applicants at 2 p.m. EST April 30 and May 6. The first webinar will focus on general guidelines for the program, while the second will focus on the funding allocations for socially-disadvantaged and military veteran farmers and ranchers.

—From USDA news release

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