Mission

Since 1996, outreach has been an integral part of USDA/FSA efforts to better serve African-American farmers and ranchers. Increasing access to funding and other programs as well as representation on County Committees, are the primary objectives of our outreach efforts. However, this mission can only be accomplished when USDA officials make a commitment to provide better coordination and administering of internal and external outreach programs/initiatives. The creation of an Outreach staff in the FSA Administrators office clearly demonstrates a commitment to this mission. Yet, there is so much more to be done. Go to our African American pages.

Mission

The agricultural mediation program helps agricultural producers and their creditors resolve disputes confidentially in a non-adversarial setting, thus avoiding the traditional process of litigation, appeals, bankruptcy, and foreclosure. This is crucial as America's family farmers continue to deal with a fluctuating economy, low commodity prices, and a seemingly endless rash of natural disasters.

Areas of disputes the Mediation Program specializes into include farm loans, price support payments, wetland determinations, conservation compliance, and Conservation Reserve Program payment eligibility/limitation. Go to our Agricultural Mediation pages.

Mission

This program aims to provide service, and assistance to the farmers and ranchers of the Asian Pacific Islander community, specifically those who have not participated in, or have not received benefits from USDA or FSA programs.

Our focus is on those of our many farmers and ranchers who experience barriers that hinder them from becoming successful in their business. Some of these barriers are: communication/language difficulty, loan qualifications, education on the different types of credit programs, or access to credit, marketing, etc. Other barriers may include lack of information regarding what programs may be available, access to FSA service centers, or distrust of government officials. Go to our Asian American & Pacific Islander pages.

Mission

Since July 1996, the Hispanic American Outreach Program has been an integral part of the FSA efforts to provide better services to all farmers and ranchers seeking agricultural assistance. The Administrator of the FSA established the program with a mission to provide leadership, coordination, facilitation and expertise to internal and external partners to ensure equal and timely access to FSA programs and services for all constituents, with emphasis on the underserved. FSA programs are directed primarily at agricultural producers or, in the case of loans, at those with farming experience. Three to five person county committees, elected by local farmers, play an important role in carrying out programs at the county level. Go to our Hispanic American pages.

Se pueden aprender mas al Programa de Promoción para Hispano Americanos del Farm Service Agency (FSA por sus siglas en Ingles) agencia bajo el Departamento de Agricultura Federal (USDA por sus siglas en Ingles). Visite nuestros paginas en espanol para Hispano Americanos aqui.

Mission

To promote the economic viability of American Indian and Alaskan Natives by developing cooperative relationships with private sector, public sector and Native organizations in establishing a foundation for self-sustaining socio-economic development initiatives. Go to our Native American pages.

Mission

The USDA's Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program helps people in rural areas plan and carry out activities that increase conservation of natural resources, support economic development, and enhance the environment and standard of living in local communities. Go to our RC&D pages.

Mission

It is the aim of the Women's Outreach program to provide educational information, referrals for technical assistance, and networking opportunities to women. The ultimate goals is to increase the number of women owning and operating profitable farms and ag-related businesses, increase women's awareness of and participation in as well as their profile in leadership positions throughout the agricultural sectors of business, government and community.

Through a combination of price support and disaster relief programs, operating and ownership loans, and conservation programs, FSA is devoted to improving the economic stability of American agriculture. The Women's Outreach Program will help ensure that these resources reach all farmers and ranchers. Additionally, FSA is partnering with other federal and state agencies and community-based organizations to provide educational opportunities, technical assistance, and networking opportunities for women. Together we can make a difference. Go to our Women pages.