USDA invests $1.6 million in development of beginning, veteran farms in Wisconsin

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin will receive about $1.6 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in the future of farming.

"Farmers are fundamental to all of us because we all eat and to our national security when it comes to being able to have a reliable, local food source," USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small told CBS 58. "That's why the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to investing in farmers and making sure that the next generation of farmers can find opportunity in the communities that they love and doing work that benefits us all."

On Wednesday, Torres Small announced the $46 million investment for development projects for underserved, veteran and beginning farms and ranchers. The money will go toward helping aspiring producers enter the business and improve their skills and knowledge to sustain their farms for years to come.

There are three Wisconsin organizations receiving money. The Universities of Wisconsin and the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship will receive $49,510 and $403,690, respectively, as part of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The Micheal Fields Agricultural Insititute will receive $703,714 as part of the 2501 Program Grants administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.

Torres Small said this money will lay the groundwork for years to come.

"It's also crucial for our national security to be able to have local and regional food supply chains. That's why the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are investing in mentors on the ground who can help navigate USDAs programs and support more resilient farm operations," she said.

For more information on the investment, click here.