Press Releases

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced up to $16 million in available federal funding for local organizations to help veterans and socially-disadvantaged Pennsylvanians who are looking to own and operate ranches and farms.

“Farming is an important part of our regional economy that poses unique challenges, especially for minorities and veterans who operate these businesses,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This provision of the Farm Bill will encourage community-based organizations to work with historically-underserved farmers and ranchers, and to help them overcome barriers and find a pathway for success.”

The grant application period is now open and will close on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). The program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

The OPPE invites applications from community-based and non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities.

For the full details, see the request for applications on the Federal Register as well as grants.gov.

The OPPE will also host two teleconferences to answer questions from interested applicants:

·         July 23, 2019, 2:00 p.m. ET, 800-230-1085, passcode: 469845

·         August 6, 2019, 2:00 p.m. ET, 800-230-1059, passcode:469846