Expanding Our Reach

Program outreach is about making sure everyone—especially those in rural and underserved communities—knows what resources are available to them and how to access them.

At the heart of this effort is the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), which builds relationships and delivers education, tools and support to help communities thrive.

OPPE’s mission is to connect people to USDA programs that can help improve their quality of life, support local economies and promote sustainable agriculture. Whether it’s helping a new farmer get started, supporting a veteran transitioning into agriculture or ensuring small specialty crop growers have access to insurance and technical assistance, outreach is about inclusion and opportunity.

Who Benefits From Outreach?

USDA’s outreach efforts are especially focused on reaching:

  • Minority farmers and ranchers, including African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian/Pacific Americans and Hispanics.
  • Women in agriculture and individuals with physical challenges who may not have fully accessed USDA support.
  • New and beginning farmers, including youth and veterans.
  • Producers with unique practices, such as organic growers or small-scale specialty crop farmers.

These groups often face barriers to accessing USDA programs. Outreach helps break down those barriers through targeted marketing, education and relationships that bring USDA resources directly to the people who need them most.

Need More Information About Resources Available?

Explore the pages below.

Learn more about OPPE’s mission and initiatives.

USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE)

Explore the 2501 Program and how it supports underserved communities.

Underserved and Veteran Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters

Find local outreach coordinators and subscribe to updates.

FSA Outreach and Education

Determine eligibility for limited resource farmer status.

Limited Resource Farmer Tool