USDA Invests $2 Million in Risk Management Education

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $2 million for risk management education targeting underserved and small scale scale farmers. The USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) will invest in nonprofit organizations that can develop education tools that will help producers manage risk. Examples of organizations could include nonprofits, universities and county cooperative extension offices. The goal would be to help producers manage long term challenges and risks.

"Agriculture is an inherently risky business and a strong farm safety net is key to sustaining and ensuring the success of American producers," said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. "We're committed to improving access to crop insurance, and our partnerships with organizations help us reach communities that have historically lacked access to training and resources. We want to make sure all producers know and understand how to manage risk and what options are available to them."

Organizations that are interested need to apply by March 11. 2022 on the Results Verification system:  rvs.umn.edu. There are a number of examples of risk management activities that could be considered, including record keeping, financial management, Federal crop insurance options, non-insurance risk management tools, natural disaster preparedness and many others. Note that this is a competitive process. The RMA will put priority on projects "focused on underserved, organic, and specialty producers. Local County USDA Service Centers apparently will not be involved in this program. For more information "view the notice of funding opportunities on grants.gov.