$50 Million in USDA Funds Allocated to Support Beginning Farmers

USDA announced Wednesday the investment of over $50 million to 140 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) says the investment will support curriculum creation, informational materials, professional development and support on topics important to new farmers and ranchers. Organizations and institutions already receiving funds this year include the Arkansas Land and Community Development Corporation, First National Development Institution in Colorado and Kansas State University’s Center for Farm and Ranch Transition. The $50 million allocation comes off the heels of 2020’s contribution, which was just under $17 million, with the enhanced funding coming from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. Read more on USDA’s announcement here.