Funding-Limited Submission –Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program; January 24, 2011

The Office of Advocacy and Outreach (OAO) requests applications for the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program (OASDFR). This announcement seeks applications from eligible organizations able to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners (SDFRFL) within a defined geographic area in a linguistically appropriate manner. The intent of this portion of the OASDFR program is to focus specifically on connecting socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to USDA programs. Approximately $19 million will be available.

Proposed activities must assist socially disadvantage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in two or more of the priority areas:          

1. Assist SDFRFL in owning and operating farms, ranches and forest land areas;

2. Assist SDFRFL in participating equitably in the full range of USDA programs;

3. Assist current and prospective SDFRFL in a linguistically appropriate manner;

4. Provide Outreach and education to SDFRFL on the USDA class action and claims processes; and

5. Provide other innovative agricultural related outreach and technical assistance and education to SDFRFL.

Multiple Submissions Are Not Invited.

The complete announcement can be accessed at:  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=62153

Click on Full Announcement at the top of the page.

Because the USDA has not invited multiple submissions, UK has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following material electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, January 24, 2011:

1) Names and departments of the Project Director, project team, and any non-UK team members and/or collaborators;

2) Geographic area,

3) Narrative - a 1-2 page description of the project’s goals, objectives, proposed activities.

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make recommendations as to the University’s submissions in time for USDA’s February 15, 2011 deadline. 

Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).