Mar 7, 2023
Up to $2M available for risk management training through USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making up to $2 million available for risk management education and training programs that support farmers and ranchers, including underserved producers, small-scale farmers, organic operations and climate-smart farm practices.
The funding, available through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, helps organizations including universities, county cooperative extension offices and nonprofits develop tools to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges.
“Agriculture is an inherently risky line of work, so we are partnering with organizations to provide valuable training, particularly in underserved communities, so that they learn how to effectively manage risks with their businesses,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger.
“We’re committed to broadening the reach of crop insurance and these risk management education partnerships are a testament to our efforts to reach more communities.”
A range of activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on crop insurance options, record keeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools and natural disaster preparedness. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems.
Proposals are due April 24. Interested organizations must apply online through the Results Verification System at rvs.umn.edu.
More information is available online.
In the past two years, RMA has invested roughly $6.5 million into risk management education and outreach partnerships, including:
- $200,000 to assist the Rural South Institute to deliver financial and risk management education to minority producers underserved by crop insurance in 18 persistent poverty counties in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
- $107,000 with the University of Arizona to improve risk management skills of small- to medium-scale Native American livestock producers in Arizona and New Mexico.
