The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program awarded money to a variety of organizations and programs to promote entrepreneur training, mentoring and apprenticeships in the agriculture industry.
The money comes from the 2008 Farm Bill and is distributed through the USDA’s national Institute of Food and Agriculture.
“These beginning farmer project awards are an important first step toward realizing the goal of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack of expanding farming opportunities by increasing the number of new farmers by at least 100,000 in the coming few years,” said NSAC Policy Director Ferd Hoefner. “Beginning farmers face a range of challenges to successful start up including access to credit, access to land, access to markets and technical assistance.”
Hoefner added that the farming population is aging and it is important to find innovated ways to keep young people interested in the industry.
This year’s recipients include Dakota Rural Action, Just Food and the National Center for Appropriate Technology.
For more information on ag financing or The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development or agriculture funding, contact Farm Plus today at 866-929-5585.