We often hear from farmers asking us what programs or funding is out there to help them build or expand their farming operations. Luckily, between the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), state departments of agriculture, and other local entities, there are many grants, programs, and services available to farmers that can strengthen the viability of their operations. But availability isn’t always enough. This is especially true for farmers who produce on a small- to mid-scale, produce specialty commodities, or are beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers — due to the fact that many of these programs were originally designed to assist large-scale, commodity farmers.
Resources for Resilient Farms is a project of RAFI that provides plain-language information, farmer trainings, and one-on-one assistance for USDA programs that would support greater farm resilience for farmers’ operations, especially within RAFI’S Farmers of Color Network.
Contact Us
The Resources for Resilient Farms team is here to help and answer your questions. Email or call us. General inquiries or questions can be directed to [email protected].
Jaimie McGirt: Agricultural Conservation and Market Access Coordinator
Ask me about understanding NRCS programs and application processes.
Carolina Alzate Gouzy
Farmer Outreach Coordinator
Ask me about understanding NRCS programs and application processes.
Pregúntame sobre: programas del NRCS y sobre los procesos para aplicar a ellos.
Otis Wright, Jr.
Farmer Resources Coordinator
Ask me about understanding FSA loan options, preparing loan applications, and registering for an FSA farm number.
Lisa Misch
Managing Director of Programs
Ask me about the overall Resources for Resilient Farms project.
Why it’s important
RAFI has a long history of conducting outreach and technical assistance regarding disaster assistance for farmers. We especially focus on supporting farmers of color, beginning, small-scale, or other marginalized farming groups. This has included the development of online and written materials, providing one-on-one technical assistance with navigating disaster relief programs, and providing emergency relief grants.
Funding Background
RAFI is a sub-award recipient of an FSA Program Outreach and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreement with the National Young Farmers Coalition. RAFI will provide outreach and assistance to members of its Farmers of Color Network (FOCN) as well as other farmers of color in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with a focus on FSA loan programs.
Additionally, RAFI received funding from USDA to help it expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry. $50 million has been invested in 118 Conservation Cooperative Agreements, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The two-year project is aimed at serving farmers who are new to farming, low-income, socially disadvantaged, or military veterans.
Stay tuned for more information. To sign up to receive notifications please join RAFI’s mailing list and check that you are interested in receiving information about the Farmers of Color Network.