OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
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`Case 4:21-cv-00595-O Document 1-2 Filed 04/26/21 Page 1 of 1 PageID 254Case 4:21-cv-00595-O Document 1-2 Filed 04/26/21 Page 1 of 1 PageID 254
`Farming Opportunities Training
`and Outreach Grant Program
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`OFFICE OF
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`What is the FOTO Grants Program?
`The new Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach
`(FOTO) program was established in the Agricultural Act of
`2018 to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged and
`veteran farmers and ranchers (SDVFRs) and beginning
`farmers and ranchers (BFRs) in the ownership and operation
`of farms and ranches through education and training; and
`promote equitable participation in the agricultural programs of
`USDA.
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`FOTO is the combination of the Beginning Farmer and
`Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Outreach
`and Assistance
`to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran
`Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program). USDA’s
`National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers
`BFRDP and USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public
`Engagement (OPPE) manages the 2501 Program.
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`FOTO provides mandatory funding of $30 million for fiscal year
`(FY) 2020 and increases funding annually up to $50 million by
`FY2023. Annual funding will be split equally between BFRDP
`and the 2501 Program.
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`For more information on the BFRDP, visit:
`https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-
`and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp
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`What groups are defined as socially disadvantaged
`under the 2501 Program?
`A socially disadvantaged group is defined as: A farmer or
`rancher who is a member of one or more of the following
`groups whose members have been subjected to racial or
`ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a
`group without regard to their individual qualities:
`• African Americans
`• American Indians
`• Alaskan Natives
`• Asians
`• Hispanics
`• Pacific Islanders
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`What is the definition of a veteran under the 2501
`Program?
`A veteran farmer or rancher (VFR) is a person who served in
`the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and
`Coast Guard, including the reserve components thereof, and
`who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions
`other than dishonorable and who also meets the definition of
`beginning farmer or rancher. The VFR must: a) not have
`operated a farm or ranch; or b) not have operated a farm or
`ranch for more than 10 consecutive years. For a legal entity or
`joint operation to be considered a VFR entity, all members
`must meet the definition of VFR.
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`What are the priority areas for the 2501 Program?
`• Assist socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and
`ranchers in owning and operating successful farms and
`ranches;
`• Improve participation among socially disadvantaged or
`veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA programs;
`• Build relationships between current and prospective
`farmers and ranchers who are socially disadvantaged or
`veterans and USDA’s local, state, regional, and National
`offices;
`to socially
`information
`• Introduce agriculture-related
`disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers through
`innovative training and technical assistance techniques;
`and
`targeting youth and
`• Introduce agricultural education
`beginning socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and
`ranchers in rural and persistent poverty communities.
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`Who is eligible to receive a 2501 Program grant?
`• Community-Based & Non-Profit Organizations
`• Tribal Governments & Colleges
`• Higher Education Institutions with Agricultural Programs
`(such as 1890s, 1994s and Hispanic-Serving Institutions)
`• Alaskan Native Cooperative Colleges
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`Organizations must have documented experience in working
`with socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers for
`at least three (3) years to qualify for the 2501 Program.
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`For more information:
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`Visit our website
`https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-
`farmers-and-ranchers
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`Visit Grants.gov
`https://grants.gov
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`Email or call us
`2501grants@usda.gov or (202) 720-6350
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`USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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