CESTA receives $225,079 to train farmers and ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded $225,079 to FAMU’s College of Engineering, Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) to address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers and enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of American agriculture. FAMU was one of only 29 institutions selected to participate in the $17M grant program.

“Beginning farmers and ranchers face unique challenges and need educational and training programs to enhance their profitability and long term sustainability,” Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said. “The training and education provided through these grants will help ensure the success of the next generation of farmers and ranchers as they work to feed people in their local communities and throughout the world."

This funding announcement is part of USDA's new “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative which was launched in September 2009 to emphasize the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers. “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” includes such major agricultural topics as supporting local farmers and community food groups; strengthening rural communities; enhancing direct marketing and farmers' promotion programs; promoting healthy eating; protecting natural resources; and helping schools connect with locally grown foods.

“FAMU is one of two 1890 Land Grant Institutions that received an award from this program,” said Ray Mobley, CESTA's director of extension programs. “Although we are pleased for this award, we are very much aware of the work to be done to address issues particularly related to our clientele. I am appreciative of the work of our team led by Ms. Vonda Richardson, extension marketing specialist. We are determined to provide the best support to our Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program.”

The grants were awarded through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA, formerly the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or fewer.