USDA Reboots Risk Management Education for Underserved Producers

Aug 02, 2021

USDA is committed to improving equity and access to its programs, including Federal crop insurance. This year, USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA), which oversees the national Federal crop insurance program, will invest nearly $1 million in risk management education projects with trusted partners.

This is the reboot of an effort that invested $126 million in risk management education for historically underserved communities from 2002 to 2018. Historically underserved producers include socially disadvantaged producers, women producers, and others.

Many of the projects help ensure that farmers know how to plan for adverse weather, natural disasters, or a volatile marketplace. RMA hopes these educational opportunities build invaluable skill sets in communities that have historically lacked access to training and resources.

'Financial and human risk for farmers is greater for those who do not have access to tested and proven educational materials, instructors who have experienced the risk themselves, and a learning community of fellow farmers,' explained Rich Pirog, Director of Michigan State University's Center for Regional Food Systems - one of nine entities receiving funding from RMA. 'This education provides tools and resources in a supportive environment.'

Farmers in states, including Michigan, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, and Washington can once again access a range of regionally focused trainings, from utilizing tools for small-scale livestock producers in Florida to wildfire preparedness courses in California.

To learn more, read our July 29, 2021 news release or August 2, 2021 article on RMA's website.