Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program

The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, or the 2501 Program, helps underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2501 Program demonstrates USDA’s commitment to ensuring that underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters can equitably participate in USDA programs.

Due to differences in demographics, culture, economics, language, and other factors, there is no one single approach to identifying solutions that can benefit underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters. 2501 Program partners are based in local communities and rural areas, where they serve a critical role in maximizing USDA’s outreach efforts, by identifying systemic barriers that need to be removed and working to increase equitable participation in USDA’s programs and services. Example projects funded under the 2501 Program are conferences, workshops, and demonstrations on various farming techniques, and connecting underserved farmers and ranchers to USDA local officials to help communities increase their awareness of USDA’s programs and services.

Eligibility

Grants are awarded to community-based and non-profit organizations, higher education institutions, and eligible Tribal entities with at least 3 years of experience in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers. Individual farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply for 2501 Program grants.

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