Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program)

Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program) 

 This program may have additional incentives or benefits for those who are underserved. Learn more about our terminology.

 

What is this program?

The 2501 Program funds projects to support the following:

• Provide education, technical assistance, and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, agriculturally-related services, and USDA programs
• Conduct outreach designed to assist historically underserved farmers in participating in USDA programs

2501 Grantees work closely with USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement to execute funded activities.

 

How can I use this program?

Projects that have been funded in the past include:

• Adapting farming practices to changing climate and connecting underserved refugee farmers with USDA offices
• Assisting underserved and other producers with limited resources in owning and operating viable agricultural enterprises
• Providing training, technical assistance support, and networking opportunities to underserved farmers
• Supporting veterans from 45 states with hands-on and classroom learning opportunities on how to make a business plan and market their products, how to access USDA programs, set business goals, and develop mentorships with seasoned farmers.

See more examples of past and current projects.

 

Who or what is eligible and what are the eligibility requirements?

Eligible groups are groups that have at least three (3) years of documented experience working with underserved populations, such as:

• Community-based and nonprofit Organizations
• Tribal Governments and Colleges
• Higher Education Institutions with Agricultural Programs (e.g., 1890, 1994s and Hispanic-serving Institutions)
• Alaskan Native Cooperative Colleges
• Underserved populations are defined as: African Americans
• American Indians or Alaskan Natives
• Asians or Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians
• Hispanics
• Veterans (military)

Eligible projects must adhere to the following:

• Enhance coordination of the outreach, education, and training efforts with the goal of:
  1. Reaching current and prospective underserved and/or veteran farmers or ranchers in a linguistically appropriate manner; and
  2. Improving the participation of those farmers and ranchers in USDA programs.
• Address at least two (2) of the five (5) following programmatic mission areas:
  1. Assist underserved, veteran, or beginning farmers and ranchers in owning and operating successful farms and ranches
  2. Improve participation among underserved or veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA programs
  3. Build relationships between current and prospective underserved or veteran producers and USDA’s local, state, regional, and national offices
  4. Help reach current and prospective underserved farmers, ranchers, or forest landowners in a linguistically appropriate manner
  5. Assist with identifying problems and barriers to participation by current and prospective underserved farmers or ranchers

 

Are there any deadlines?

Requests for applications are released each fiscal year. Subscribe to updates on grants.gov to receive notices for the next round of applications.

 

Is there anything else I should know?

• The project period must be three (3) years.
• Recipients of a 2501 Grant with a Period of Performance that extends beyond 90 days of the current fiscal year are ineligible to apply.
•  A veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve components thereof, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and who has 1) not previously operated a farm or ranch or 2) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years. (See 7 U.S.C. 2279(e) for further details.).
•  Priority is given to community-based and nonprofit organizations with expertise in training and outreach to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers.
• Individuals are not eligible.

 

How do I apply?

Complete the Funding Opportunity Announcement on Grants.gov

 

 

 

Page last updated: January 29, 2024