Opportunities for Historically Underserved Producers in New Jersey
These traditionally underserved groups are eligible for an increased payment rate and may receive advance payment of up to 50 percent to purchase materials and services needed to implement conservation practices included in their program contract.
NRCS will help eligible producers develop a conservation plan, which will become the basis of the program contract.
Overview
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of traditionally underserved producers. The Natural resources Conservation Service, as an agency of the U.S. Department of Agricultural, is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all our customers, fairly and equitable, with emphasis on reaching the under served and socially disadvantaged farmers.
Definitions
A Beginning Farmer means an individual or entity who:
Has not operated a farm, or who has operated a farm for not more than 10 consecutive years. This requirement applies to all members of an entity.
Will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm.
Socially Disadvantaged
A group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group, without regard to their individual qualities. These groups consist of the following:
American Indians or Alaskan Natives
Asians
Black or African Americans
Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders
Hispanics
Note: Gender alone is not a covered group for the purposes of NRCS conservation programs.
Limited Resource Farmeris an individual:
With direct or indirect gross farm sales of not more than $176,800 in each of the previous two years a
Who has a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of county median household income in each of the previous 2 years.
Veteran Farmer:
A person who served in the United States armed forces, including the reserve components thereof, and who was discharged or released from service under other than dishonorable conditions, and who means the definition of a beginning farmer.
For a legal entity or joint operation to be considered a veteran farmer entity, all members must meet the definition of veteran farmer.
Indian Tribe/Native American
Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation that is Federally recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States.
Program Application Documents - Application Matrix including application documents, eligibility documents, ranking information, and practice payment information by program
Socially Disadvantaged
