The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $27.6 million in grants to support underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters in their farming and forest operations. The funding is part of the USDA’s 2501 Program, which aims to improve the livelihoods of these communities by providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge.
The program, administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, is funded through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The program has provided over $221 million in funding to over 657 projects since 2010, focusing on resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets, access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food, climate-smart food and forestry practices, infrastructure investments, and a workforce more representative of America.
