July 28, 2021
Historically, farmers of color have been unable to participate in or benefit from USDA programs to the same extent as their white neighbors. This presents an enormous challenge for farmers of color when they are looking to start or maintain viable and resilient careers in farming. Rising costs and limited availability of farmland, access to […]
December 11, 2020
Historic discrimination and inadequate assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs have contributed to the exceptional challenges that farmers of color and military veteran farmers face in the industry. For three decades, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the “Section 2501” program) has […]
July 24, 2020
Farmers of color and military veterans have historically struggled to access critical farm assistance and aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), largely a consequence of deliberate discrimination against them and insufficient outreach to their communities. Last week, USDA announced the availability of $15 million to support organizations working with these underserved […]
October 22, 2019
For three decades, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the “Section 2501” program) has served as the only farm bill program dedicated to addressing the specific needs of farmers of color. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 projects will expand upon these efforts to ensure socially disadvantaged (SDA) […]
July 16, 2019
Historically, farmers of color and military veterans have struggled to access vital farm programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These disparities have existed for a number of reasons, including inadequate outreach to these communities by USDA, as well as institutional discrimination. In order to better serve farmers of color and veteran farmers, […]
February 19, 2019
Editor’s Note: This is the final post in a multi-part blog series digging deeper into some of the new programs and policies of the 2018 Farm Bill. These posts detail how the new farm bill is likely to impact core sustainable agriculture programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Previous posts focused on: working lands conservation, local and regional food systems, and nutrition incentive and anti-hunger programs. […]
October 19, 2018
For decades, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the “Section 2501” program) has served as the only farm bill program dedicated to addressing the specific needs of farmers of color. In the 2014 Farm Bill Congress expanded Section 2501 to include military veteran farmers; unfortunately, […]
May 15, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Reana Kovalcik National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 202-547-5754, rkovalcik@sustainableagriculture.net Bicameral Bill Prioritizes Support for Nation’s Underserved Farmers National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition praises bill introduction Washington, DC, May 15, 2018 – For the last 30 years, the farm bill’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as “Section […]
April 30, 2018
1. Helps the big get bigger and rich get richer Over the last three decades, American agriculture has become increasingly consolidated. As of 2015, a majority of our food (51 percent) came from farms with over $1 million in annual sales – up 20 percent since 1991. Federal policy has historically contributed to this consolidation […]
March 20, 2018
Historically, farmers of color and military veterans have had inadequate access to and less than average rates of participation in programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These disparities have existed for a number of reasons, including inadequate outreach to these communities by USDA, and institutional discrimination. In order to better serve farmers […]