U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $547,846 grant to the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) to address the needs of underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters.
"Ohio farmers grow some of the best produce in the country, and we must make sure that all of our farmers have the resources they need to keep their farms afloat and their livelihoods intact," said Brown. "My office and I will continue to ensure that historically underserved farmers get the support they need."
"The mission of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association is to cultivate a future in which ecological and organic farmers thrive, local food nourishes our communities, and agricultural practices protect and enhance our environment. We are grateful for this investment by the USDA, which will allow us to continue and expand upon our services to socially disadvantaged farmers," said Carol Goland, Executive director of OEFFA. "These talented farmers are so important to achieving our mission and at the same time face barriers in accessing USDA program that could enhance their own farming success. We look forward to working together to build climate-smart farms through the use of organic and sustainable agriculture management systems; increase land access; and reduce barriers to participating in valuable USDA programs."
The grant will provide education, direct technical assistance, and network building for socially disadvantaged farmers to improve their ability to own and operate viable farms, utilize climate-smart, sustainable agricultural practices, access land, and utilize USDA programs. The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program is the only Farm Bill program dedicated to addressing the needs of Black, American Indian, Asian American, Latino, and military veteran family farmers and ranchers. The program is designed to reverse disparities that exist for these historically underserved communities by investing in innovative outreach and technical assistance programs through the community-based organizations, Tribes, and educational institutions.
In August, Brown hosted a roundtable discussion with officials from OEFFA to discuss their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.
Categories: Ohio, Business, Government & Policy