USDA administers farm commodity and conservation programs. It also makes loans to farmers and ranchers who are unable to obtain conventional credit. USDA reaches out to people, especially the underserved, who can benefit from its programs and services.
Programs
General Outreach Programs
USDA works to inform farmers and ranchers about programs and services that could be valuable to them with the goal of increasing the participation of the limited resource farmers.
Agricultural Mediation
The Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center offers mediation and alternative dispute resolution, including Federal and USDA policy, definitions, helpful links, and other resources.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Program offers an informal process to help manage conflict more effectively including workplace conflict, conflict with farmers and ranchers, and conflict with USDA partners.
Office of the Monitor
The Office of the Monitor was established pursuant to the Consent Decree entered in Pigford v. Glickman and Brewington v. Glickman class action lawsuits. The Pigford case is a civil rights lawsuit brought on by black farmers against USDA. Documents, including court orders about the Pigford case, are made available to the public by USDA.
Minority and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Assistance (MSDA)
The Minority and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Assistance (MSDA) office assists minority and socially disadvantaged farmers who have concerns and questions regarding farm loan applications filed with local offices.
Women Outreach Programs
Women and Community Outreach Programs
USDA strives to serve America's agricultural producers, especially women and minorities, through effective, market-based risk management solutions.
Hispanic American Outreach Program
Farm Worker & Colonia Communities
USDA works to reach the colonias, rural communities, and neighborhoods located within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexican border that lack adequate infrastructure and other basic services. Along with other agencies, USDA provides services to help modernize these rural areas.
Small Farms Program
Many minorities, including Hispanic Americans, own small farms. USDA works to focus attention on these small farms and the attitude of indifference toward the needs of small farmers and ranchers.
Project Forge
Project FORGE is a partnership effort among USDA, The University of Texas - Pan American, and several other organizations to provide rural South Texas with farm, ranch, and other business technical assistance and support.
Native American Outreach Programs
Native American Outreach Programs
USDA strives to serve America's agricultural producers, especially minorities such as Native Americans, through effective, market-based risk management solutions.
Outreach Events
Events Listing
USDA ensures the well being of the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity-related programs, including publicizing informative events.
Educational Outreach Programs
Educational Outreach Resources
USDA reaches out to students and provides them with opportunities that are intended to spark interest in future science careers.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate Program
Through the Post-Doctoral Research Associate Program, USDA uses its research expertise to bear on the same national problems in several different geographic locations.
1890 National Scholars Program
The National Scholars Program is a joint effort between USDA and 18 historically black land-grant institutions to award scholarships for students to attend these universities.
