Farmers listen intently to presentation by Dr. William Puckett, NRCS State Director

 On May 10, 2011, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund in Epes, Alabama, hosted the first Alabama  USDA Eligibility Workshop for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

About 50 farmers and landowners attended the workshop designed specifically for those who needed assistance, or who have never applied, for UDSA programs. Participants gained a better understanding of USDA eligibility criteria, programs, and the application process.

The Federation Cooperative Outreach Specialist Osagie Idehen and Director of Programs John Zippert welcomed the group to the meeting.

Dr. William Puckett, NRCS State Conservationist, greeted the producers and reiterated the agency’s pledge to assist everyone seeking services from USDA or NRCS.

The NRCS Assistant Conservationist for Programs Steve Musser, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Sumter County Executive Director Mary McInnis and Regional FSA Farm Loan Manager Gretchen Thomas talked about farm and loan programs available through their respective agencies.

Participants were informed about where to find information, where to apply, and received copies of most of the forms they would need to become eligible. NRCS Resource Conversationist John Curtis and McInnis explained each step on the forms.

The presenters and West Alabama NRCS county personnel were available to meet one-on-one with producers to discuss eligibility and participation in such programs as hoop houses, fencing, watering troughs, tree planting and management, pasture planting, plasticulture and micro-irrigation, organic farming and other practices.

The Federation Outreach Specialists pledged to provide follow ups and  technical assistance throughout the application process for those who are found to be, or could become eligible for NRCS programs.

The participating agencies were pleased with the results of the meeting. An additional meeting is planned in Marion, Alabama on July 12, 2011, for all landowners that need assistance to apply for USDA programs.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. Contact your local NRCS or Farm Service Agency Office to begin this process. NCRS field offices are listed in the telephone directory under U. S. Department of Agriculture or on-line at HTT://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.

The Federation can be reached ar 205-652-9676 or www.federation.coop