On Friday, October 14th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of over $71 million to help underserved communities. Funding is provided through two key USDA programs: USDA’s 2501 Program and the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program. Through these programs, USDA is investing $36.1 million in grants to 52 organizations across the country for outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers and foresters. One of these grants, totaling $750,000, was awarded to the Central Valley and the Peoples Foundation for Connecting Community, Military & Veterans in Santa Barbara County to increase agricultural production.
