USDA works to inform farmers and ranchers about programs and services that could be valuable to them with the goal of increasing the participation of the limited resource farmers.

The Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center offers mediation and alternative dispute resolution, including Federal and USDA policy, definitions, helpful links, and other resources.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Program offers an informal process to help manage conflict more effectively including workplace conflict, conflict with farmers and ranchers, and conflict with USDA partners.

The Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution provides information on a variety of conflict resolution services.

The Office of the Monitor was established pursuant to the Consent Decree entered in Pigford v. Glickman and Brewington v. Glickman class action lawsuits. The Pigford case is a civil rights lawsuit brought on by black farmers against USDA. Documents, including court orders about the Pigford case, are made available to the public by USDA.

The Minority and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Assistance (MSDA) office assists minority and socially disadvantaged farmers who have concerns and questions regarding farm loan applications filed with local offices.

USDA strives to serve America's agricultural producers, especially women and minorities, through effective, market-based risk management solutions.

Many minorities, including Hispanic Americans, own small farms. USDA works to focus attention on these small farms and the attitude of indifference toward the needs of small farmers and ranchers.

Project FORGE is a partnership effort among USDA, The University of Texas - Pan American, and several other organizations to provide rural South Texas with farm, ranch, and other business technical assistance and support.

USDA ensures the well being of the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity-related programs, including publicizing informative events.

USDA reaches out to students and provides them with opportunities that are intended to spark interest in future science careers.

Through the Post-Doctoral Research Associate Program, USDA uses its research expertise to bear on the same national problems in several different geographic locations.

USDA offers several international grants, exchanges, fellowships, and collaborative research opportunities.

The National Scholars Program is a joint effort between USDA and 18 historically black land-grant institutions to award scholarships for students to attend these universities.