Next Generation Growers Programs Get $8.8 Million From USDA

USDA announced the allocation of $8.4 million to support the work of 54 partner organizations in 35 states to provide training, outreach, and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged people, Native Americans d, and veterans. An additional $400,000 will help establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS.

The Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University will provide a national hub for analysis and development of policy recommendations to improve engagement and promote the interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

“Agriculture is just like any other business – it needs people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels in order to reach its full potential and meet the challenges of tomorrow. Identifying, recruiting and training a vibrant next generation of American farmers and ranchers has never been more exciting or more urgent than it is right now,” Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary said.

Among the recipients, 31 partner organizations serve persistent poverty counties that are part of USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative. Twenty-five of the partnerships include resources for veterans interested in farming and 12 focus on tribal communities.

Recipients include:

Alabama

• Alabama A&M University, $180,791
• Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, $200,000
• Tuskegee University,  $200,000
• The United Christian Community Association, $114,300

Alaska

• Alaska Tribal Conservation Alliance, $86,286
• University of Alaska Fairbanks, $75,134

Arizona

• Developing Innovation in Navajo Education, $199,348

Arkansas

• University of Arkansas System, $200,000

California

• National Hmong American Farmers,  $105,847

Colorado

• Adams State University, $127,387
• First Nations Development Institute, $158,175

Delaware

• Delaware State University, $199,988

Florida

• Florida Wealth Watchers, $176,131
• Florida International University, $174,759
• Florida North South Institute, $141,664

Georgia

• Georgia Organics, $59,392
• Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council, $106,417
• Quarterman, James dba FMG Farm, $125,981
• The Kohala Center, $171,465

Idaho

• Mountain States Group, $94,052

Kentucky

• Kentucky State University, $199,982

Louisiana

• Southern University and A&M College, $200,000

Maryland

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore, $181,605

Michigan

• Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems, $101,105

Minnesota

• Hmong National Development, $195,926
• Latino Economic Development CE, $200,000

Mississippi

• Alcorn State University Education Building Corporation, $200,000
• Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, $150,000
• Tugaloo College, $199,983
• Tri-County Agricultural Cooperative, $150,992
• Winston County Self Help, $200,000

Missouri

• Lincoln University, $199,965

Montana

• NACDC Financial Services, $131,859
• National Center for Appropriate Technology, $99,095

New Mexico

• New Mexico State University, $199,767

New York

• International Rescue Committee, $200,000

North Carolina

• North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, $197,871

Ohio

• Central State University, $199,999

Oklahoma

• Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative, $132,799

Oregon

• Adelante Mujeres, $62,712

Pennsylvania

•  Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, $199,950

Rhode Island

• Souths Side Community Land Trust, $114,968

South Carolina

• United Farmers USA, Inc., $147,722

Tennessee

• Tennessee State University, $155,133

Texas

• Gleaning Network of Texas, $139,513
• Prairie View A&M University, $200,000
• University of Texas, Pan American, $199,995

Vermont

•  University of Vermont & State Agricultural College, $41,602

Virginia

• Virginia State University, $200,000

Washington

• Washington State University, $40,770

West Virginia

• West Virginia State University, $199,793

Wisconsin

• Linda & Gene Farley Center for Peace Justice and Sustainability, $197,816
• Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, $88,816
• Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, $199,645