ProgramOutreach
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What Is Program Outreach And Why Is It Important?

USDA has established the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) to develop and maintain partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities in the United States, and to connect those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives. OPPE facilitates partnerships and offers education and resources to foster hope and opportunity, wealth creation, and asset building in rural and underserved communities. 

USDA’s goal is to increase the participation in programs with targeted marketing activities to those who are underserved. Underserved customers include: 

  • Minority farmers/ranchers and landowners/operators (including African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian/Pacific Americans, Hispanics), Women, and the physically challenged who may need, but have not fully benefited from, USDA assistance; 

  • New or Beginning farmers and ranchers (including youth and veterans); 

  • Farmers and ranchers who have not participated in or have received limited benefits from FSA programs that may improve their quality of life, their community and/or the environment; 

  • Small specialty crop farmers, organic farmers and other farmers with production practices that are different from most farmers in the area. 
     

 

Recommendations For Getting Involved: 

1. Contact Your Local Outreach Coordinator 

Outreach Coordinators serve as primary points of contact for FSA's outreach initiatives and activities.  Contact your state coordinator to learn of FSA programs to grow your operation and any program educational events scheduled in your area.   

2. Subscribe To OPPE’s Email List For Topics Of Interest 


Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Phone: 800-880-4183 ( Toll Free )
Independence Ave., SW Main: 202-720-6350
Stop 0601 email: partnerships@usda.gov
Washington, DC 20250-9821 website: Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
Sign up for OPPE updates


3. Other Resources / Organizations

 

a. https://newfarmers.usda.gov/new-farmers 

b. https://www.farmers.gov/beginning-farmers 

c. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/outreach-and-education/webinars/index 

d. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/outreach/ 

e. https://nationalblackgrowerscouncil.com/ 

f. https://www.anniesproject.org/ 

g. https://blackfarmersnetwork.com/