The U.S. Department of Agriculture selected 50 projects for potential award, totaling approximately $300 million. Two of these are in Wisconsin. The projects aim to improve access to land, capital and markets for underserved farmers and forest landowners.
The Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (Increasing Land Access) Program works to increase access to farm ownership opportunities. It also aims to improve results for those with heirs’ property or fractionated land. In addition, it works to increase access to markets and capital that affect the ability to access land. Finally, it aims to improve land ownership, land succession and agricultural business planning.
“Underserved producers have not had access to the amount of specialized technical support that would increase opportunities to access and capital and benefit the launch, growth, resilience, and success of their agricultural enterprises,” says Gene Schriefer, FSA Wisconsin Executive Director.
The two selectees for potential award in Wisconsin are:
- The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin will establish an equity capital fund to support tribal producers’ land, equipment and operational needs. Additionally, this project will provide targeted technical assistance to tribal producers. Examples include help in developing farm and food business plans and conservation plans, and find access to resources.
- The University of Wisconsin System will work to keep disadvantaged farmland owners on their land and help new disadvantaged farmers become landowners for the first time. The project will target farmers who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
USDA will work with the selected applicants to finalize the scope and funding levels in the coming months.
See a recent story on how the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is utilizing agriculture to become food sovereign: https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2023/05/23/agriculture-the-path-to-food-sovereignty/
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