The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA) supports rural communities through strategies that address environmental, economic and social aspects of agricultural sustainability. Additionally, SARA encourages its university faculty and students to engage in research, education and hands-on learning experiences in these communities.
“Our mission here at SARA is to provide technical assistance to both established and beginning farmers and ranchers in this area and through partnerships in other areas,” said Aisha Cruz-Reyes, director of special programs at UTRGV.
In 2021, SARA was awarded a USDA 2501 grant. These grants support underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers and foresters to increase access to USDA programs and resources.
According to the latest Census of Agriculture report, 77% of the agricultural producers in the Rio Grande Valley identify as Hispanic. SARA works to enhance agricultural opportunities for those farmers and others in South Texas by sharing Spanish-language materials and individualized guidance on USDA resources and services.
SARA project coordinators support new and beginning producers by creating handouts, information sheets, and checklists to guide them through becoming farm producers. Additionally, coordinators liaise with USDA offices to facilitate the application process for producers pursuing USDA grants, ensuring clear communication between applicants and the agency.
For example, a USDA farm number is an important first step in applying for USDA funding, including farm loans, crop insurance, disaster assistance and conservation programs. SARA recognized that many beginning farmers either lacked farm numbers or were unaware of them. The 2501 grant enabled SARA to work closely with these individuals to determine if obtaining a farm number was suitable for them and assisted them through the application process. SARA staff also worked closely with producers to help guide them through USDA funding applications.
“This 2501 grant really gave us an opportunity to help producers understand what USDA offers and assist them in taking advantage of those opportunities,” said Cruz-Reyes.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley also established the Texas ACCESS project with support from the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This project aids producers in developing comprehensive business plans and financial projections, ensuring they have all the necessary materials to submit applications for USDA programs.
Learn more about the 2501 Program, administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
