(NAFB) – USDA’s this week announced an investment of more than $50 million to 140 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers.

The funds will support curriculum creation, informational materials, and professional development for new farmers and ranchers through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille states, “We recognize that beginning farmers and ranchers have unique needs for education, training, and technical assistance.”

Their success, especially in the first ten years, often hinges on access to reliable, science-based information and the latest educational resources, according to USDA. In fiscal year 2020, NIFA awarded $16 million in Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grants. In fiscal year 2021, thanks to enhanced funding from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the total award investment for this program was just over $50 million, which included 85 newly funded grants and 55 continuation projects.