Experiential education and mentorship to facilitate access to programs and increase adoption of value-added and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers of color

Rural South Institute received a $750,000 Project Grant from the 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 September 30, 2025, with completion targeted for September 29, 2028. The award supports experiential education and mentorship initiatives designed to facilitate farmers of color's access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and increase adoption of value-added and climate-smart agricultural practices in the Triana, Alabama area.

Under this three-year grant, Rural South Institute will deliver comprehensive educational programming and technical assistance targeting socially disadvantaged and minority farmers. Services include hands-on experiential education, peer mentorship, training on climate-smart and value-added agriculture practices, and outreach to help underserved farming communities access and participate in available USDA resources and programs. As a minority-owned nonprofit with demonstrated experience serving disadvantaged agricultural communities, Rural South Institute brings established capacity in agricultural education, outreach, and technical assistance to this initiative.