The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project (OBHRPI), and Texas Agriforestry Small Farmers and Ranchers are partnering to increase participation of NRCS programs in agriculture and conservation among socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers.

The purpose is to increase the number of farmers/ranchers participating in conservation planning and programs in order to improve soil health, water quality, and the viability of working lands. The CARE project places an emphasis on assisting socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers/ranchers. Working with this targeted group to expand their knowledge of innovative technology, soil health, and invasive species eradication will assist them in sustaining their farms. The project will build the capacity of participating organizations to develop and implement conservation projects and strengthen the technical capacity of conservation districts to assist in both conservation planning and Farm Bill Conservation Programs.

Please join us in empowering our program by donating to our cause.

Our goal is $500,000 to regenerate 7153 acres.

Your donation is tax deductible.

LEARN MORE about the program.


 
 
 

Project Focus Areas

The project will focus on multiple counties with a substantial population of African American/Black, Native American, and Veteran current/prospective farmers and ranchers. CLICK HERE for a complete list of counties included in project focus area.


 
 
 

Resources for Agriculture Producers

Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021. Distribution of these funds is one step in the long march towards justice and an inclusive, equitable USDA. The program complements other assistance made possible through the IRA, including assistance for distressed borrowers.

Immediate Help for Over 13,000] Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers; Begins process to provide up to $500 million more for up to 23,000 additional borrowers

The CARE project coordinators will do field visits to gather base line data that will be captured in the WORMS application.


Each year, conservation districts throughout the state elect officers to lead their local districts To be eligible to file for district director election, an individual must be a registered voter in the district and must have a cooperator agreement with the district.


The election of responsible agricultural producers to FSA county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers with large or small operations, to provide a direct link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FSA County committee members help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, decide the kind of programs their counties will offer and work to make sure FSA programs serve the needs of local producers.

Helping farmers and landowners affordably access, transfer, and conserve farmland.

Helpful Information for Agriculture Producers Visiting USDA Service Centers


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Ask the Expert: Veterans Transitioning to Production Agriculture Q&A with Chris Groskreutz

In this Ask the Expert, Chris Groskreutz answers a few questions about USDA programs and opportunities for veterans pursuing a career in production agriculture.

Read more about USDA opportunities for veterans.


Recommended reading


Project Accomplishments

Through the partnership of all involved organizations, we are proud to share some of the accomplishments of the CARE Program. LEARN MORE…


 
 

State Associations Interested in Replicating C.A.R.E.

​While the work being done in Oklahoma to create greater equity in Agriculture is the top priority of OACD, it is recognized that these issues are not unique to Oklahoma. OACD would love to work with other state associations to adopt a similar program in their state.

Please reach out to CARE Program Manager: Jean Lam, jeanlam@okconservation.org, 405.207.7260 or OACD Executive Director, Sarah Blaney, sarahblaney@okconservation.org



Project Contacts

OACD: Sarah Blaney, Executive Director, sarahblaney@okconservation.org, or (517) 763-8609

OACD: Jean Lam, Program Manager, jeanlam@okconservation.org, or (405) 207-7260

OBHRPI: Willard Tillman, Executive Director, (405) 201 - 6624


Additional Organizations & Resources

The CARE Project is a collaborative effort with contributions and resources from many great organizations. CLICK HERE for a list of additional resources and organizations.