Blog

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications for Outreach and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements. Approximately $2 million is available in funding with applications due May 5, 2021.

The mission of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is equitably serving all farmers and ranchers through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans. However, FSA is aware that all farmers and ranchers may not be optimally aware of FSA programs. Therefore, this opportunity is intended to provide additional outreach to Socially Disadvantaged Applicant (SDA) farmers and ranchers in areas and communities where additional outreach would be beneficial. With the complex nature of some of FSA’s programs, FSA intends this notice of funding opportunity (NFO) to focus additional outreach and education to producers in areas who could benefit from additional outreach in order to (1) increase access and participation of SDAs in FSA programs and services and (2) improve technical assistance related to FSA farm and farm loan programs. Priority will be given to projects that include focus on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2).

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
• Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

• Outreach – Workshops, online webinars, in person meetings and other community-level events. Example: Educating heirs on how to obtain a farm number from FSA. The 2018 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 115-334; see https://www.usda.gov/farmbill) identified additional alternative ways for heirs to show control of the land without a deed. Extensive outreach is needed to educate heirs, particularly those in Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act states, of how to obtain a farm number, which is needed to participate in all USDA programs.
• Technical assistance: One-on-one assistance with farmers and ranchers. Training on programs, forms and electronic applications. Example: Assisting producer with paperwork to apply to a FSA program or loan. Example: Developing a phone application for easily applying to a FSA program.

Approximately $2 million is available in funding with the maximum award amount of $99,999 and a minimum award amount of $20,000.

There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. There is no competitive advantage to applicants who voluntarily provide a match.

Applications are due via grants.gov by 11:59 ET on May 5, 2021.

The notice of funding opportunity can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.