Minorities may now register with U.S. Farm Service Agency
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?Louis E. Buck, state executive director for FSA and current chair of USDA agencies in Tennessee, said Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman announced the new register last Friday.
“We are trying hard to ensure that all eligible producers are aware of the existence of all farm programs that may help them. The register is an outreach tool to underserved producers who are not currently enrolled in any programs. It is also open to those who are already enrolled,” Buck said.
By joining the register, minority producers may receive outreach materials, newsletters and program announcements from USDA agencies. They may also receive information and assistance from other USDA-approved outreach partners, such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and minority-serving educational institutions. USDA will carefully control access to the register.?
?Producers wishing to join the register must sign and date an application providing their name and address. Providing phone numbers, e-mail address, race, ethnicity, sex and farm or ranch location will be voluntary, although the additional information increases the producer’s opportunities for receiving appropriate assistance.?
?The register application is available at the Warren County Farm Service Agency office. Completed applications should be mailed to Minority Farm Register, USDA Stop Code 0503, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20250.
The sign-up information will also be available on the Farm Service Agency’s Web site at http://forms.sc.egov.usda. gov/eforms/mainservlet. Sign-up forms will be issued in Spanish and English. The register is planned to be ready Sept. 3.