Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

Objective

The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs offered by USDA. In partnership with the OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, agriculturally related services, and USDA programs, and to conduct outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. This partnership includes working closely with OPPE, attend OPPE-led events in your proposed service territory, and collaborate with USDA Service Centers located in your state (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development).

Who Can Apply

• Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals
• Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)
• Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments
• U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)
• Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals)
• Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations)

Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of community-based organizations with documented evidence of working with and on behalf of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers during the 3-year period preceding this application cycle and does not or has not engaged in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; an 1890 or 1994 institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. § 7601); a Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education (as defined in 7 U.S.C. § 3103); American Indian tribal community colleges and universities and Alaska Native cooperatives colleges; other institutions of higher education with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; Indian tribes or national tribal organizations with documented experience in providing agricultural education or services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers; organizations or institutions that received funding under 7 U.S.C. § 2279(a) with respect to projects that the Secretary considers similar to projects previously carried out by the organization or institution under this subsection.

Who Benefits

• Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments
• Native American Organizations
• Farmer/Rancher/Agriculture Producer
• Minority group
• Black
• American Indian
• Spanish Origin
• Asian
• Refugee/Alien
• Veteran/Service person/Reservist (including dependents

A farmer or rancher who is a member of one or more of the following groups whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities: African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. Beneficiaries also include military veterans. The Secretary of Agriculture will determine on a case-by-case basis whether additional groups qualify under this definition.

Assistance Types

• Project Grants

Program Contact

Jaime.Wood@usda.gov
202-720-6350