USDA Invests $2.2 Million to Help Underserved Producers, Small Farms
The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced a $2.2 million award to 16 organizations to educate historically underserved producers, small-scale farmers and others. The award from USDA’s Risk Management Agency funds farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices. USDA says the funding provides the resources for organizations, such as nonprofits and universities, to develop training and resources for producers on risk management options. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says, “This funding and these partnerships help us reach communities that have historically lacked access to training and resources.” This $2.2 million investment for 2022 builds on a nearly $1 million investment in 2021. RMA advertised available funding in January 2022, and more than 50 organizations applied. Successful applicants provided comprehensive summary of work statements and budgets, and proposals that demonstrated an ability to partner with other entities to deliver training. Organizations receiving funding this year include nonprofits, historically black colleges and universities, and university extensions, among others.
USDA to Invest $15 Million in Innovative Projects for Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture this week announced a $15 million investment for the Conservation Innovation Grants Classic program. Through the program, grantees work to address water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species and conservation in urban agricultural systems. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Cosby says, “We’re eager to help our nation’s farmers and ranchers address these challenges and opportunities, and science and innovation will help get us there.†For the fiscal 2022 award process, at least ten percent of the total funds available are set aside for proposals that entirely benefit historically underserved producers. Applications are being accepted now through October 11, 2022. Private entities whose primary business is related to agriculture, nongovernmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers and non-federal government agencies are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov
USDA Awards $74 Million to Improve Rural Health Care
The Biden administration Thursday announced a $74 million effort to improve health care facilities in rural communities. The USDA Rural Development grants will help 143 rural health care organizations expand critical services for 3 million people in 37 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. The investments include $32 million for 67 rural health care organizations to help more than one million people living in socially vulnerable communities. The Biden administration made the funds available in the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants Programs through its historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act. The investments will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies. They also will help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care problems and build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system in response to the pandemic.