The Farm Service Agency Outreach Office coordinates and implements agency-wide outreach activities to producers and stakeholders who can benefit from the agency's programs and services. Our goal is to increase the participation of customers in FSA programs with targeted marketing activities to those who are underserved. Underserved customers include:
- Minority farmers/ranchers and landowners/operators (including African-Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian/Pacific Americans, Hispanics), Women, and the physically challenged who may need, but have not fully benefited from, USDA assistance;
- New or Beginning farmers and ranchers (including youth and veterans);
- Farmers and ranchers who have not participated in or have received limited benefits from FSA programs that may improve their quality of life, their community and/or the environment;
- Small specialty crop farmers, organic farmers and other farmers with production practices that are different from most farmers in the area.
Outreach Office Staff
To contact the Outreach Office team, please email at FSAOutreach@usda.gov or call (202) 690-1700.
Our Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Office of Outreach include:
- Connecting producers with State Outreach Coordinators and events;
- Coordinating and monitoring state and county outreach activities;
- Implementing policy regarding development of Strategic Outreach Plans for each state;
- Providing training and policy guidance on outreach of FSA's programs to FSA employees;
- Developing new and innovative outreach partnerships that facilitate new or expanded participation in FSA programs, especially from underserved producers;
- Educating farmers and ranchers on the FSA County Committees, including regular and Urban Agriculture County Committee processes and providing guidance to state and county offices on ways to increase participation in elections, especially from the underserved;
- Working with other USDA agencies; federal and tribal governments; state agencies; community-based and faith-based organizations; grower associations; farm cooperatives; 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant Colleges and Universities; Hispanic Serving Institutions and other partners to provide technical assistance, training, and program education to shared agricultural communities.
FSA State Outreach Contacts
FSA has strengthened its outreach commitment by assigning Outreach Coordinators in every county office nationwide, as well as Outreach Coordinators in all 51 state/territory offices.
FSA State Outreach Coordinator and county office coordinators serve as primary points of contact for FSA state and local outreach, education and technical assistance initiatives and activities. Contact the Outreach Coordinator in your state.
If you are new to farming, State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators represent USDA. Through a variety of programs and services USDA can help you get started or grow your farming operation through a variety of programs and services. From farm loans to crop insurance, and conservation programs to disaster assistance, USDA is here to support you and your operation. Contact your state Beginning Farmers and Rancher Coordinator to learn more.
Outreach, education, and technical assistance activities may include workshops, presentations, trainings, and seminars, with specific targeted marketing efforts to include, but not limited to, the following underserved farmers and ranchers:
- Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
- Minority Farmers and Ranchers (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian Black /African American, Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander)
- Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
- Women Farmers and Ranchers