WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2008 - USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) will host a stakeholder interest meeting on Monday, October 27, 2008, to solicit comments regarding the implementation of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill.

When: October 27, 2008, 9:00 a.m.

Where: USDA Waterfront Centre, 800 9th St. SW, Washington, DC

Note: Meeting participants will need to provide photo identification to be admitted to the building. Please allow sufficient time to go through security.

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program will open for applications in January 2009 with a 60-day open period. The competitive grants program will award $18 million to new and established local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers.

More information on the program's implementation can be found online at www.csrees.usda.gov/business/reporting/stakeholder/bfrdp.html

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.