Discovering solutions: a financial, regulatory and conservation assistance program for texas underserved farmers and ranchers

The Council for Healthy Food Systems received a $747,537 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Advocacy and Outreach under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (CFDA 10.443), awarded on September 30, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 29, 2028. This three-year award supports the delivery of financial literacy training, climate-smart agricultural practice education, and targeted outreach connecting underserved farmers and ranchers in the Cameron, Texas area to available USDA resources and programs.

The program is designed to enhance equitable participation of socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers in USDA initiatives by providing technical assistance and educational services tailored to address barriers these agricultural producers face. The award leverages the awardee's documented expertise in producer education, agricultural conservation, and financial management, building on prior successful grant-funded initiatives that trained over 300 producers across Texas and delivered conservation technical assistance through collaborative partnerships with 12 partner organizations.