The first federal grant program focused on land access is here!
On August 24, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $300 million in funding for projects that will increase land access for underserved farmers, including funding for innovative ways to connect available land to underserved producers who have challenges in accessing land, or restore lands into the hands of those who have been underserved. This […]
Young Farmers USDA Access and Accountability Team supports BIPOC farmers
My name is Ebonee Stevenson, and I am the new USDA Access and Accountability Organizer with the National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers). I am a veteran community organizer, Master Urban Farmer, a community-based educator, and consumer of copious amounts of ramen. You may be wondering what a USDA Access and Accountability Organizer does and […]
Is an FSA microloan right for your farm?
Are you looking for a little extra capital to support your farming goals? USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) microloans allow small farmers to apply for only what they need (no minimum) up to $50,000. Farmers can use the loans to purchase land, buy equipment, or for other farming expenses. EXAMPLES of purchases the loans may […]
Young Farmers Appropriations Priorities for Fiscal Year 2023
Each year, Congress has the opportunity to make critical investments in the needs of young farmers and farmers of color through the appropriations process. After two years of the Coronavirus pandemic, with inflation rates soaring and a myriad of global uncertainties unfolding, we need a strong investment in the future of agriculture through FY23 Appropriations […]
RELEASE: Young Farmer member testifies on USDA’s role in addressing climate change before House Committee on Agriculture
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. (March 16, 2022 ) This morning, National Young Farmers Coalition member Shakera Raygoza shared a testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Raygoza is a Young Farmers Technical Assistant for USDA Farm Service Agency loans, and […]
The Role of USDA Programs in Addressing Climate Change: Shakera Raygoza Testifies in House Committee on Agriculture Hearing
On March 16th, Shakera Raygoza, owner of Terra Preta Farm and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Technical Assistant at the National Young Farmers Coalition, testified in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture on the role that USDA programs can play in addressing climate change and the need for making these programs […]
Climate-smart commodities recommendations from Young Farmers
On Tuesday, February 8, USDA announced its new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities pilot program. This program will aid in the fight against climate change by investing $1 billion, via USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, to provide incentives to agricultural producers and landowners to: Implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on working lands (such as low- […]
USDA awards a seat at the table to Young Farmers on its newly formed Equity Commission’s Subcommittee on Agriculture
It is with great excitement that I announce my appointment to USDA’s Equity Commission’s Agriculture Subcommittee alongside a number of revolutionary leaders in agriculture. I’d like to extend gratitude to the National Young Farmers Coalition, Rural Coalition, HEAL Food Alliance, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Castanea Fellowship for their endorsement […]
Acting Locally, Thinking Globally: Young Farmers Updates from COP26
Greetings from Scotland! This is Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Federal Policy Director at Young Farmers. I am currently attending COP26, or the Conference of the Parties, in Glasgow. Since 1992, all countries have met under the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to respond to the climate crisis. This year is the 26th iteration, […]
How to Apply for the USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant
The new USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant is now available for farmers who have or will incur expenses related to safety or market pivots from January 2020 until December 21, 2021. The deadline is November 22nd and you can apply for between $1,500 and $20,000. I’m in the process of applying for my mid-sized […]