UAPB Project Provides Training, Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in 35 Arkansas Counties

Will Hehemann | School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

A new University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) project provides assistance to socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers in 35 Arkansas counties, Dr. Henry English, head of the UAPB Small Farm Program, said. Through participation, farmers will learn how to take advantage of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs to operate and maintain their farm businesses more efficiently.

In addition to learning about beneficial USDA programs, producers will receive training and technical assistance in:

• farm financial planning
• crop and livestock production
• developing marketing plans for fresh vegetables
• developing weed control plans
• increasing yields through Extension production practices.

“We will also provide counseling for landowners who own heir property and lack the clear titles that allow for active management of their land,” Dr. English said.

This project targets farmers in the following 35 Arkansas counties: Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Lincoln, Little River, Lonoke, Miller, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Ouachita, Phillips, Pike, Pulaski, Sevier, St. Francis, Union and Woodruff.

The UAPB project is funded by a three-year grant awarded through the USDA 2501 Program. According to the USDA, the 2501 Program was created through the 1990 Farm Bill to help socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and foresters who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. Grants are awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofit and community-based organizations to extend USDA’s engagement efforts in these communities.

For information on how to participate, farmers should contact Karen Lee, UAPB Extension assistant, at (870) 575-7225 or leek@uapb.edu.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.