USDA is seeking 2010 applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. This competitive grant program supports organizations conducting community-based beginning farmer and rancher training, education and mentoring.

April 6, 2010 is the application deadline. You can find the Request for Applications electronically at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmerandrancher.cfm.

Roughly $18 million is available for this round of grants. A limited number of grants will be available to assist organizations to develop the capacity to serve beginning farmers and ranchers.

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org or 402.687.2103, x 1016.