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Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (The 2501 Program)

The USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program), is managed by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). The 1990 Farm Bill established the program to provide outreach and technical assistance for underserved farmers, ranchers, and foresters, in owning and operating sustainable farms and ranches while increasing their participation in USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. The 2018 Farm Bill boosts mandatory funding for the program through FY 2023.

Since 1994, the 2501 Program has awarded 533 grants totaling more than $138 million. This funding has helped reach socially disadvantaged agricultural producers – farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice.

Grants are awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofit and community-based organizations to extend USDA’s engagement efforts in these communities. Projects funded under the 2501 Program include -- but are not limited to -- conferences, workshops, and demonstrations on various farming techniques. These efforts connect communities with USDA officials, increase awareness of USDA’s programs and services, and develop new partnerships and relationships.

2501 Fact Sheet 2020 (PDF)

Current Funding Opportunities

  • July 2020 – Press release on FY 2020 Funding Opportunity
  • July 2020 – Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (PDF)
  • July 2020 – Centers for Community Prosperity (Assist Persistent Poverty Farmers, Ranchers, Agriculture Producers) (PDF)
  • July 2020 – Federal Register Notice, Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for FY 2020
  • Information published on the 2501 Program is located in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under CFDA:  10.443.

Funded Projects

Training and Educational Resources

Socially Disadvantaged Policy Research Center

Alcorn State University administers the Socially Disadvantaged Policy Research Center with support from the 2501 Program. The Center makes policy recommendations to Congress to improve the success of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through research, stakeholder engagement, and outreach. 

Learn more about the Policy Research Center.  Information published on the Policy Research Center is located in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) under CFDA: 10.464.

Contact Us

Kenya Nicholas
2501 Program Director
Phone: 202-720-6350
Email: 2501Grants@usda.gov