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To aid in the advancement of socially disadvantaged groups, Farm Service Agency (FSA) goal is to eliminate the following barriers to participation in its programs:
- Racial and ethnic discrimination;
- Lack of financial resources;
Socially disadvantaged farmers include:
- American Indians/Native Americans and Alaska Natives;
- Asian and Pacific Islanders;
The FSA Outreach Program Staff:
- Assists limited resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to improve their income through better farm management and financial planning;
- Assures that the underserved, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers participate fully in FSA state and county committee elections;
- Works with community-based organizations (including churches and social groups; 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving institutions; and tribally-controlled colleges) to provide technical assistance and training to limited resource and socially disadvantaged family farmers;
- Partners with community-based ranchers include: organizations to enhance program delivery to underserved communities.
A customer-driven agency with a diverse and multi-talented work force, dedicated to achieving an economically and environmentally sound future for American Agriculture.
The Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.
To enhance the historical mission of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by increasing the participation of small or Limited Resource farmers/ranchers and providing equal access to the programs to acquire and maintain economic viability for family farmers and ranchers.
"We have to make it possible for every person to develop himself or herself to the extent of his or her capacity and will, and no barriers should stand in the way; not for his or her sake, but for the sake of all us." (President Truman)
Webster defines outreach as "the act of reaching out." When properly implemented and administered, outreach increases participation in the underserved, enhances productivity, and reduces complaints. Outreach works.
As we people develop this strategic plan for the future, let us focus on how to fairly and equally serve all people and ensure that our plans are always for the people. Let us not forget and leave underserved any man or woman who has the desire and capacity to be a successful family farmer and/or rancher.
Have Questions? Maybe we can help. Please check out our AskFSA Online Knowledge Base.
Date Last Modified 05/16/2008
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