(NAFB.com) – The Department of Agriculture Wednesday announced $27.6 million in grants for underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The funding will provide training, outreach and technical assistance to help them own and operate successful farms, ranches, and forest lands. The funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program, administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. In 2023, the funding supports grants to 41 organizations in 27 states for their efforts to provide outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2501 Program was created through the 1990 Farm Bill to help underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters who have historically experienced limited access to USDA assistance. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program to include veterans. Grants are awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofit and community-based organizations to extend USDA’s engagement efforts in underserved and veteran communities. Since 2010, the 2501 Program has provided more than $221 million to fund more than 657 projects.