The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes available more than $18 million in funding through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) to help educate, mentor and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers and ranchers, according to a USDA news release.
The BFRDP presents grants to organizations implementing programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers, including workshops, educational teams, training and technical assistance throughout the U.S.
Fiscal Year 2015 applications for BFRDP are due March 13, 2015. The recipient must be a collaborative, state, tribal, local or regionally-based network or partnership of public or private entities, which may include: state cooperative extension service; community-based and nongovernmental organization; college or university (including institutions awarding associate degrees); or any other appropriate partner. Others may be eligible to apply.
The USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the program and will host a webinar for interested applicants on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 1:00-3:00 CST.