Grants to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Awarded by USDA

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced grants that will help beginning farmers and ranchers with the training and resources needed to run productive, sustainable farms during a stop at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa Thursday. Vilsack said the investment in beginning farmers, ranchers and producers is not only smart - but is vital to the country's national and economic security. Last year - the nation's farmers, ranchers and producers achieved record farm income and record exports. To protect and sustain those successes - Vilsack said we must continue to build an agriculture industry diverse and successful enough to attract the smartest, hardest-working people in the nation. According to Vilsack - the 18-million dollars in grants announced Thursday will help beginning farmers and ranchers overcome the unique challenges they face and gain knowledge and skills that will help them become profitable and sustainable.

These grants were awarded to organizations across 24 states by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The program was established through the 2008 Farm Bill. For more on the program - as well as a list of fiscal year 2012 awards - visit www dot nifa dot usda dot gov (www.nifa.usda.gov).

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