The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides outreach services to all customers that also include marketing initiatives to promote participation in FSA programs.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program
The 2018 Farm Bill delegated the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) Program and coordinator responsibilities to FSA to implement BFR-centered work and address concerns across the Department.
USDA launched a partnership with the Small Business Administration and SCORE to bring free business mentoring to farmers, ranchers and agricultural business owners to help move from the getting started phase to profitability and growth.
Veterans in Agriculture
USDA defines a military veteran farmer or rancher as a producer who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve components. All individual members of a legal entity or a joint operation must independently meet the veteran definition.
Veterans can qualify for special provisions if you were released from service under conditions other than dishonorable and the qualifications below, by agency:
- Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - you must have operated a farm or ranch for less than 10 years or have first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period.
- Risk Management Agency (RMA) - you must have first obtained veteran status during the most recent five-year period.
For details of available opportunities for veterans in agriculture, visit farmers.gov/military-veterans.
FSA County Committee Outreach
All farmers and ranchers are encouraged to participate in the FSA County Committee Elections by running for a position and/or voting for individuals to represent you and your operation.
It is crucial that every eligible producer take part in this election because county committees are a direct link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Learn more about the FSA County Committee Elections.
FSA Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Resources
It is FSA's policy to provide equal opportunity in all programs, services, and activities to LEP persons.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons are individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. As directed in Executive Order 13166 " Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency", LEP statutes and authorities prohibit exclusion from participation in, denial of benefits of, and discrimination under federally assisted and/or conducted programs on the ground of race, color, or national origin.
FSA offers three types of language translation and interpretation services available to customers at no cost: (1) document translation; (2) telephonic interpretation; and (3) in-person interpretation. These language translation and interpretation services will assist both customers and staff with overcoming language barriers.
iSpeak posters are displayed in each office to identify the language need to the county office staff.
For more information, visit farmers.gov/translations.
Questions? Find Your Local Service Center