The Farm Service Agency (FSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administers farm commodity and conservation programs and makes loans to farmers unable to obtain conventional credit.

The Outreach Programs Staff informs farmers and ranchers about FSA programs and services. Its goal is to increase the participation of the underserved, including limited resource farmers, in FSA programs, with special emphasis on those who are socially disadvantaged or members of racial minority groups.

Moreover, the Outreach Staff works with the State Executive Directors and State Outreach Coordinators to help encourage minority groups to participate in the County Committee Election process. Increased minority representation on county committees is vital to the survival of limited resources farmers and ranchers.

The Outreach Staff also work with community-based organizations (including churches; social groups; 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant Colleges and Universities; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; and tribally-controlled colleges to provide technical assistance, training, and enhanced program delivery to underserved communities and other USDA agencies.