Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Ag & Range

USDA provides $75 million ARP

Kamryn Kozisek

USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack announced the USDA’s plan to provide $75 million to the American Rescue Plan section 1006. 

The plan will help fund technical assistance for historically underserved population to connect to USDA programs. 

Funding was provided to 20 organizations that have helped underserved communities including veterans, new farmers, producers with limited resource and those living in high poverty areas. 

“As we build back better than we were before, USDA is listening to our customers, and we are proud to offer new tools to help address inequities for underserved farmers and ranchers through the American Rescue Plan,” said Vilsack in a USDA press release. “We are committed to making each of our programs equitable so all can benefit from the opportunities USDA investments and programs help create. Our planned work with these important cooperators will help USDA achieve these important goals.”

Organizations receiving funding include the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Intertribal Agriculture Council, National Black Farmers Association, The Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher Policy Center at Alcorn State University, Indian Land Tenure Foundation, Land Loss Prevention Project, Rural Coalition, Center for Farm Financial Management, Hmong American Farmers Association, Farmer Veteran Coalition, The Kohala Center, Inc., Alaska Village Initiative, Farmers Legal Action Group, National Young Farmers Coalition, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, The Center for Heirs Property Preservation, National Immigrant Farmer Initiative, Inc., National Cooperative Business Association, National Black Growers Council  and the World Farmers, Inc.

These organizations were picked to help provide underserved communities with financial assistance, tax planning, business curriculum development and farmer advocacy.

“Through Section 1006,” a USDA press release states. “USDA is also standing up an Equity Commission to advise the Secretary of Agriculture by identifying USDA programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities”