Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL FARMERS
WASHINGTON, January 19, 2000 -- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced two new steps to help small farmers and ranchers find better ways to market and export their products.
"There is no higher priority for USDA than working to ensure the long-term survival and economic well-being of America's small- and medium-size family farms," Glickman said. "Expanded export opportunities and improved marketing offer tremendous opportunities to boost small farm incomes during this time of depressed prices."
Glickman announced that USDA will provide $500,000 to help small farmers develop new ways to market their products, including direct selling to restaurants and institutions, agri-tourism and pick-your-own farms. Under USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the University of Vermont, University of Nebraska, University of Georgia, and Utah State University will select and assist specific new marketing projects that will benefit smaller farms.
In addition, USDA will offer technical assistance to help small farmers and ranchers form cooperatives to export crops and livestock to international markets. Loans are available to help finance the development of value-added processing at existing cooperatives.
Glickman made the announcements at a meeting of USDA's Advisory Committee on Small Farms. The 19-member committee is composed of small-scale farmers, ranchers, and woodlot owners who advise the Secretary on policies and programs to assist America's smaller farms.
USDA has also assisted America's small- and medium-size farmers by targeting emergency assistance for hog, sheep, lamb, and dairy farms. Secretary Glickman also fought hard to win passage of legislation for mandatory price reporting, providing livestock producers with better information about prices and pricing practices.
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