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