Support for Veterans, Women, Youth & Underserved Farmers
This section is dedicated to providing focused support for specific groups within the agricultural sector, including veterans, women in agriculture, youth, and emerging or underserved producers. Each of these communities plays a vital role in the future of farming and agroforestry, and numerous public and private organizations offer tailored programs to assist them.
Here, you’ll find curated information on technical assistance, grant opportunities, educational programs, and networking platforms designed to meet the unique needs of these producers.
We encourage individuals within these groups to explore the resources below and take full advantage of the support available to advance their agricultural goals.
1. Veterans in Agriculture
USDA offers various programs to assist veterans transitioning into agriculture:
- Veterans and Entrepreneurship: Provides financial, educational, and training resources for veterans entering farming and ranching.
- Veterans and Education: Offers farm training and apprenticeships to equip veterans with necessary agricultural skills.
- Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets): Provides grants to organizations offering hands-on training to veterans.
2. Women in Agriculture
USDA supports women farmers and ranchers through targeted programs:
- Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers Loans: Assists socially disadvantaged groups in starting and maintaining agricultural operations.
- Growing Opportunities for Women in Agriculture: Highlights USDA’s initiatives to support women in the agricultural sector.
3. Youth in Agriculture
Programs aimed at empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders:
- Youth in Agriculture: Provides tools and resources for youth interested in agriculture, including scholarships and internships.
- Youth Loans: Supports young individuals in pursuing income-generating agricultural
4. Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
USDA initiatives to assist historically underserved communities:
- Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program): Provides grants to organizations assisting underserved and veteran farmers.
- Historically Underserved Producers – Conservation Innovation Grants: Supports innovative conservation projects benefiting underserved producers.
