The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today up to $2 million is available for cooperative agreements 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.
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) makes this funding available to provide the needed resources for organizations – such as universities, county cooperative extension offices, and nonprofit organizations – to develop education tools that help producers learn how 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 broad range of risk management training 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 among others. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems.