Farmers in ClassThe USDA announced a $2 million investment through its Risk Management Agency (RMA) to educate farmers and ranchers. The funding will help universities, country cooperative extension offices and nonprofit organizations to help producers learn how to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges.

Organizations can apply for funding through the RMA Notice of Funding Opportunity. Recipients will partner with RMA to deliver the training. A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on crop insurance options, record keeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools, and natural disaster preparedness. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems. Applications will be open through March 11, 2025.

“Agriculture is an inherently risky line of work, and we want to partner with organizations to provide valuable training, particularly in communities that have historically lacked access to resources, so that they learn how to best manage risks with their businesses,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger.

The RMA has funded in excess of $17.1 million in risk management training for more than 1.25 million producers since 2021. These efforts helped lead to new initiatives for better hurricane insurance products and expanded coverage of more commodities, including specialty crops.

Read more about the USDA investment in risk management training here.