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USDA Supports Beginning Farmer and Rancher Training at Land for Good
WASHINGTON, Oct. x, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced $547,307 in funding for Land for Good to help beginning farmers and ranchers address land access challenges.
“Beginning farmers and ranchers are an important part of American agriculture, as they play a big role in feeding people in their local communities and throughout the world,” said Roger Beachy, director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). “However, they face unique challenges, and this grant will provide the training needed to ensure these producers become profitable and sustainable.”
The grant is awarded to Land for Good in Keene, N.H., to help beginning farmers make sound land acquisition choices; increase the number of exiting farm families prepared to transfer land to the next generation; make land held by non-farmers more available and affordable; connect farmers and property holders; and develop and promote innovative land acquisitions and transfer methods, models and contracts.
USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded the grant through its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or fewer. Under the program, which was established through the 2008 Farm Bill, NIFA will make grants to organizations that will implement programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers.
BFRDP will provide up to $18 million in funding this year. This is the second year of the program, and $18 million will be made available in fiscal years 2011 and 2012. In FY 2009, BFRDP made 29 awards for approximately $17 million. For more information on the BFRDP program, visit:
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/bfrdp/bfrdp.html.
For more information on this specific project, contact Kathryn Ruhf at (603) 357-1600, info@landforgood.org or visit the organization’s website at www.landforgood.org.
Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is at: www.nifa.usda.gov.
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