On Oct. 12, USDA announced $9.4 million in grants will be made available for programs seeking to provide training and outreach for veterans and underserved populations who are farmers and ranchers. The program is known as the 2501 Program.
“Helping those who served our country and assisting the disadvantaged is at the heart of our motto at USDA to ‘Do Right and Feed Everyone,’” said Secretary Sonny Perdue in the agency’s official announcement.
“The 2501 grants ensure veterans and underserved farmers and ranchers are well-positioned to start their careers in agriculture and continue to give back to the American people. These resources will help strengthen the American economy and provide assistance for those who need it most.”
The program was created via the 1990 Farm Bill and initially only addressed socially disadvantaged populations. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program to military veterans as well. In Fiscal Year 2018, the majority of grants went to universities, community programs, tribal efforts, and faith-based initiatives.
