Summer 2021 Opportunities for Young Farmers to Build Political Power and a More Just Food System
Dear Young Farmer Advocates, Through policy advocacy and working with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff at the national level, Young Farmers staff, members, and partners have been pushing hard to make sure that USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans and programs truly serve the needs of all young farmers. There are several ways […]
Let’s honor the legacy of Juneteenth by delivering on our promise of debt relief to Black farmers
Yesterday, President Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Celebrating the perceived freedom of Black people as a nation is performative without actions that require accountability to the Black farming population. On the eve of Juneteenth, we are facing a moment to act in service to Black farmers in a meaningful way. We […]
2021 Climate Policy Recommendations
The following is an excerpt from the policy recommendations submitted to the USDA on April 29th, 2021 on tackling the climate crisis. In our 2020 survey of policy issues, our members identified climate action as their number one priority and selected climate change as one of five pillars in our federal policy platform. Young farmers […]
RELEASE: Young Farmers Congratulates Secretary Vilsack on His Confirmation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: https://www.youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-17-at-2.19.49-PM-2-1.png, National Young Farmers Coalition press@youngfarmers.org, 518-643-3564 ext. 722 Washington, D.C. (February 23, 2021) – The National Young Farmers Coalition sent a letter congratulating Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation to the position of Secretary of Agriculture, and looks forward to working with him and the rest of USDA leadership to tackle the serious challenges facing […]
RELEASE: Vilsack hearing expands on priorities for leading the USDA forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: https://www.youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-17-at-2.19.49-PM-2-1.png, National Young Farmers Coalition press@youngfarmers.org , 518-643-3564 ext. 722 Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2021) – Earlier this morning, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of USDA Secretary-designate Thomas J. Vilsack. Secretary-designate Vilsack shared his priorities for leading the USDA forward, including addressing the challenges of climate […]
Apply for the New USDA Urban Agriculture Advisory Committees
“Urban agriculture dates back centuries, and growing food in cities is nothing new. Nowadays, what started as a movement in many inner cities as a way to grow food in empty lots in underserved communities has amassed into a global enterprise thanks to technology. Land based agriculture continues to grow as well in innovative ways […]
CFAP2 Was a Rare Bright Spot for Beginning Farmers in 2020
COVID-19 upended the plans and businesses of many young farmers across the country this year. Although some were already operating Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that were able to continue with social distancing, farmers markets and restaurants closures had a major impact on sales. And since farmers had no choice but to adapt their operations […]
How to Apply for CFAP2 COVID-19 Aid!
The deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is December 11th! A total of $14 billion is available for payments to farmers and ranchers through CFAP 2 to assist with losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about eligibility for the program and to apply, please visit our COVID-19 […]
Questions Remain about the Centers of Community Prosperity Grant
On July 10th, the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Relations (OPPE) released the request for applications for the Centers of Community Prosperity Grant. This initiative is funded with $2 million from appropriations* provided to the Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also called the 2501 Program) and $2 […]
USDA Launches Inaugural Urban Agriculture Grants Program
The USDA’s new Office for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production just launched its inaugural grants program, the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program. These grants support programs led by nonprofit organizations, local or Tribal governments, and K-12 schools for the development of urban agriculture and innovative production activities. The program funds Planning […]