FSA Outreach Focus

Reaching Out to Keep Farmers, Ranchers & Partners Informed

July 7, 2016

Deadline to Submit Cooperative Agreement Application is Monday

Applications for the Request for Applications (RFA) for Outreach, Education, Financial Literacy and Technical Assistance will continue to be accepted through Monday, July 11, 2016. FSA has allocated $2.5 million to fund between 25 and 125 awards to partner with non-government organizations with a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and public and state-controlled institutions of higher education that will provide training and information on FSA programs. For more information, view a recording of the informational webinar or visit the Outreach and Education website.

FSA Needs Your Input to Help Farmers & Ranchers Join representatives from USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Agricultural Marketing Service and Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food, for a webinar on county committees. Nominations are now being accepted for county committees that provide farmers and ranchers the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on federal farm programs. During this webinar, you will hear first-hand experience from current committee members and why they believe it’s important for all eligible farmers and ranchers across the spectrum of American agriculture to get involved. Pre-registration for this webinar is requested, but not required. For audio, dial 866-740-1260 and enter the code 7206000 when prompted. People with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this webinar should call 202-690-4727 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

USDA Announces $8.4 Million to Support a Diverse Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of $8.4 million in competitive grants to support the work of partner organizations that provide training, outreach and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged, tribal and veteran farmers and ranchers. USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program, is designed to provide funding to partner organizations to provide a range of services and technical assistance based on local needs. Proposals for these competitive grants must be received by July 29, 2016. A series of teleconferences will be held July 7, 19 and 28 at 2 p.m. EDT. This is an open forum for public interaction with USDA program officials. Teleconference number is 888-455-1685, Passcode: 4725205. Learn more.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

• Understanding Receipt for Service Webinar — July 19 @ 2 p.m. EDT. To ensure that all USDA customers and potential customers are being served properly in local offices, the 2014 Farm Bill requires that a receipt be provided. Learn more about Receipt for Service, how it affects you and what you can expect when you visit a local Farm Service Agency county office. Register.
• Applications for the AgrAbility program are being accepted through August 2, 2016. The program increases the likelihood that farmers, ranchers, farm workers and farm family members with disabilities will experience success in agricultural production. AgrAbility supports projects between State Cooperative Extension System and private non-profit disability organizations that work in partnership to provide agricultural education and assistance directed at accommodating disability in farm operations for individuals with disabilities, and their families, who engage in farming and farm-related occupations.
• Registration is open for the 7th National Small Farm Conference hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. The conference will be held Sept. 20-22. Multiple short courses will be available along with oral and poster paper presentations, exhibits and educational tours in and around Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more or register today.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).