Resource Details

Agriculture, Forestry & Paper, Veterans

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.

Related Resources

  • Agriculture, Housing

    Multifamily Housing Rental Assistance Program

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    This program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.

  • Agriculture, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Veterans

    Transition Incentives Program (TIP)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    The Transition Incentives Program provides land owners or operators with two additional annual rental payments on land enrolled in expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, on the condition they sell or rent this land to a beginning farmer or rancher or to a socially disadvantaged group.

  • Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Broadband & Internet, Business, Economic Development, Energy, Housing, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Technology, Veterans, Workforce

    Resource Guide for Rural Entrepreneurs

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    This multimedia guide provides resources for start-ups and already-established rural businesses.