PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To reverse the decline of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers across the United States. The intended outcome is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate their own farms and ranches, participate in agricultural programs, and thus allow them to become an integral part of the agricultural community and strengthen the rural economy.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. AGRICULTURE;
- Technical Assistance, Information and Services;
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT;
- Rural Community Development;
3. EDUCATION;
- Higher Education - General;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Farmer/Rancher/Agriculture Producer;
- Black;
- American Indian;
- U.S. Citizen;
- Women;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Native American Organizations (includes Indian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations);