To provide education in financial literacy, assistance in accessing USDA programs and services and improve the farm operations of socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a $731,807 Project Grant under the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (CFDA 10.443) program to Croatan Institute, a nonprofit research and action organization. The grant will fund Croatan Institute's efforts to provide education in financial literacy, assistance in accessing USDA programs and services, and help improve farm operations for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in North Carolina.

Croatan Institute will utilize sub-awards to partner organizations, including Foodshed Capital and Freedmen Heirs Foundation, to engage their networks and deliver related outreach, training, and education services. The grant aims to encourage and assist underserved farmers and ranchers, military veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with owning and operating farms and ranches, and participating equitably in USDA programs.