The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides outreach to Hispanic American and farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have not participated in, or have not received benefits from USDA or FSA programs.

Many of our farmers and ranchers have experienced barriers that hinder them from becoming a successful farmer or rancher. Some of these barriers are: communication/language difficulty, loan qualifications, education on the different types of credit programs, or access to credit, marketing, etc. Other barriers may include lack of information regarding what programs may be available, access to FSA service centers, or distrust of government officials.

To break these barriers, FSA is committed to carrying out an effective Outreach program. The goals include:

Just as the number of Hispanics in the American population continues to grow, the number of Spanish, Hispanic, Latino, or Puerto Rican origin farm operators has increased by 50.8 percent in the continental U.S., from 33,450 in 1997 to 50,443 in 2002. There are also an additional 17,659 Hispanic farmers in Puerto Rico. With a 50.8 percent increase just in the continental U.S., Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group among American farm operators.