News and Events
USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities in the United States, and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through USDA programs and initiatives. Whether you are a small or beginning farmer, Tribal member, veteran, student, community nonprofit, minority serving higher education institution, or just want to know where to start, we provide equitable access to USDA resources.
Announcements
USDA Reminds Historically Underserved Producers of Advance Payment Option
Underserved agricultural producers can get conservation practice payments in advance of practice implementation through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Learn more about the advance payment option at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
AgDiscovery: Investing in the Future of American Agriculture
AgDiscovery is a two- to four-week summer outreach program at college campuses that helps middle and high school students explore careers in plant and animal science, wildlife management, and agribusiness. Apply today.
2020 Ag Outlook Forum
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue gives the keynote speech at the 96th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, held February 20-21 in Arlington, Virginia. USDA’s largest conference brings together producers, policymakers, business, government, and industry leaders to discuss the top issues in American agriculture. Register Today.
Scholarships and Fellowships
High school and college faculty and staff are on the front lines of introducing their students to career opportunities. USDA wants to familiarize them with agricultural career paths through three fellowship opportunities managed by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). The E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program is for faculty or staff at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) or Hispanic-Serving School District. The Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellowship is for faculty and staff from 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and faculty at Bureau of Indian Education designated high schools. The Booker T. Washington Fellowship is for faculty and staff at accredited 1890 Land-Grant Universities and faculty at 1890s feeder high schools. The application deadline for all three fellowship opportunities is February 12, 2020. Apply today.
Upcoming deadline for 1890 National Scholars Program
January 31 is the deadline for the 2020 cycle of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. This program aims to increase the number of students who study agriculture-related disciplines at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The program is open to high school seniors, college freshmen and sophomores. Learn more.
1994 Tribal Scholars Program
February 9 is the deadline for this year’s USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program. This scholarship provides full tuition, fees, books, and workforce training to eligible students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. After completing academic and summer work requirements, USDA may convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition. Apply today.
Grant/Loan Opportunities
USDA Funding Supports Insular Areas
February 18 is the deadline for two USDA grant lines that help institutions in Insular Areas carry out education in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH). Learn more about Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI). Apply today.
ReConnect Workshops
USDA’s ReConnect program offers loans and grants to build infrastructure and install equipment that provides modern, reliable, high-speed internet service in rural America. USDA will hold regional workshops to help applicants prepare their ReConnect applications. Find upcoming events.
General Resources
Advisory Committees
USDA seeks nominations for its committees throughout the year. The Department is interested in a wide range of professionals including scientists, representatives of interest groups, educators, and business leaders. USDA has a special interest in assuring that women, minority groups, and people with physically disabilities are adequately represented. Learn more.
Federal Register
Find the latest USDA regulations, proposed rules, and notices of interest in the Federal Register, the daily journal of the federal government, published each business day by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Read the latest USDA notices.
Farmers.gov
Farmers.gov is an interactive, one-stop website for farmers, ranchers, private foresters, and agricultural producers. Visitors can get online self-service applications, educational materials and business tools, and find local USDA Service Centers. Visit the site today.
New Farmers.gov
This online resource offers guides to help future farmers create business plans, acquire land and capital, manage risk, and plan finances. A Discovery Tool provides customized advice and resources. Learn more about farming.
Rural Development Innovation Center
The Center works to transform rural communities through strategic partnerships, data analytics, regulations management and enterprise risk management. Get started.
Veterans
USDA offers loans, education and training, grants, and technical assistance programs to help veterans start or grow a business or career in agriculture. Learn more.
Youth
USDA’s Youth and Agriculture website connects young people, educators, and youth-serving organizations with Department-wide resources for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Discover more.
USAJOBS
USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. Features include search tools for students, recent graduates, and veterans.
If you have questions or suggestions for the newsletter, please email us at Partnerships@usda.gov.
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