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7 U.S. Code § 2279. Farming opportunities training and outreach
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Agricultural programsThe term “agricultural programs” are those established or authorized by—
(A)
the Agricultural Act of 1949 [7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.];
(B)
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.];
(C)
the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 [7 U.S.C. 1281 et seq.];
(D)
the Soil Conservation Act;
(E)
the Domestic Allotment Assistance Act;
(F)
the Food Security Act of 1985; and
(G)
other such Acts as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(2) Beginning farmer or rancherThe term “beginning farmer or rancher” means a person that—
(A)
(i)
has not operated a farm or ranch; or
(ii)
has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years; and
(B)
meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish.
(3) Department
The term “Department” means the Department of Agriculture.
(4) Secretary
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(5) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher
The term “socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group.
(6) Socially disadvantaged group
The term “socially disadvantaged group” means a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.
(7) Veteran farmer or rancherThe term “veteran farmer or rancher” means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(10) of title 38) and who—
(A)
has not operated a farm or ranch;
(B)
has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years; or
(C)
is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of that title) who has first obtained status as a veteran (as so defined) during the most recent 10-year period.
(b) Farming opportunities training and outreachThe Secretary shall carry out this section to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches through—
(1)
education and training; and
(2)
equitable participation in all agricultural programs of the Department.
(c) Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers
(1) Eligible entityIn this subsection, the term “eligible entity” means any of the following:
(A) Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of community-based organizations that—
(i)
has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veteran farmers or ranchers;
(ii)
has provided to the Secretary documentary evidence of work with, and on behalf of, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and veteran farmers or ranchers during the 3-year period preceding the submission of an application for assistance under this subsection; and
(iii)
does not engage in activities prohibited under section 501(c)(3) of title 26.
(B)
An 1890 institution or 1994 institution (as defined in section 7601 of this title), including West Virginia State College.
(C)
An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native cooperative college.
(D)
An Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 3103 of this title).
(E)
Any other institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20) that has demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in a region.
(F)
An Indian tribe (as defined in section 5304 of title 25) or a national tribal organization that has demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in a region.
(G)
An organization or institution that received funding under subsection (a) before January 1, 1996, but only with respect to projects that the Secretary considers are similar to projects previously carried out by the organization or institution under such subsection.