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More than 200 participants registered for an informative virtual webinar titled "Seeds of Success: Utilizing USDA Programs" hosted by MentorScope Community Outreach. The session provided a comprehensive introduction to various USDA programs, attracting a diverse audience eager to learn how to transition from beginning farming to fully leveraging USDA agriculture resources.
If you are a Beginning, or Existing Farmer and you need assistance, MentorScope Community Outreach will help to connect you with available services at your local USDA office.
"Empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed is not just our mission- it's our commitment to the future of agriculture. At MentorScope, we believe that informed farmers are empowered farmers, and we're here as a Community Based Organization partnered with USDA to help light the way forward," Anita Milson, CEO, MentorScope Community Outreach.
The webinar featured insightful presentations from key USDA representatives—Anthony Reed from Farm Service Agency (FSA), Eugene Livingston from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Kameka Gray from Risk Management Agency (RMA). Each speaker detailed the support their respective agencies could offer, from financial assistance to risk management and conservation efforts. Retired USDA Soil Conservationist, Dr. Willie P. Taylor of Agricultural Consultant and Technology Services (ACTS) also presented on the necessity of getting a Farm and/or Ranch Assessment and proposed Conservation Plan.
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Participants were particularly keen on understanding specific aspects of USDA programs, such as how to get Farm serial numbers, income thresholds for eligibility, whether certain aids were specific to state or nationwide, how various aids like disaster relief for lost crops or trees could be accessed and how small farm operations would benefit from having crop insurance. Queries about whether personal or farm income was considered for program eligibility indicated a high level of engagement and a clear desire to understand every facet of the available support.
A notable theme was the need for clarity on program specifics—evidenced by repeated requests for detailed guidelines on everything from qualifying for honey production aid to the specifics of technical assistance for growing specialty crops like teas. The audience’s proactive engagement was encapsulated by a participant from Gardening Under the Influence, LLC, who shared their excitement on social media, describing the webinar as "RIDICULOUSLY INFORMATIVE."
MentorScope's Role in Agricultural Empowerment
MentorScope Community Outreach, a 501C3 organization, stands out for its dedication to supporting underserved and disadvantaged farmers, students, and communities throughout the United States. In partnership with USDA NRCS "Equity in Conservation" initiative, MentorScope is on a mission to equip underserved communities with the essential tools for success. The organization facilitates direct connections between farmers and USDA services, ensuring that the often-complex world of federal aid is made accessible and understandable.
During the webinar, Anita Milson, CEO of MentorScope, emphasized the organization's commitment to providing continuous support and technical assistance to farmers navigating USDA's offerings. This was echoed by numerous participants who expressed gratitude for the clarity and depth of information provided, highlighting MentorScope’s pivotal role in their journey toward sustainable agriculture practices.
A Resounding Success
Feedback from the webinar participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the concise and informative nature of the presentations. They expressed how comfortable they were seeking help, guidance, advisement, and technical support from community-based organizations that look like them. The ability to ask direct questions to USDA representatives that provided options available for them to expand and enhance their enterprises and the promise of follow-up materials, including a recording of the session, were particularly appreciated.
This event not only highlighted the significant impact of MentorScope’s educational initiatives but also demonstrated the vast potential for webinars to empower farmers with the knowledge they need to thrive. As MentorScope continues to help bridge the gap between USDA programs and the farmers who can benefit from them most, their role of reaching out to the community to educate them and provide technical assistance remains firmly established.
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