Updates

This event is not elligible for a stipend but the event is free and a meal is included.

For Immediate Release  

Media Contact:        Lena Fields-Arnold           937.376.6276  

December 6, 2023     

Central State University Extension to Host Free Farmer Discrimination  

Financial Assistance Workshop Series 

Farmers or ranchers who experienced discrimination by the USDA farm programs  

can receive technical assistance filing a complaint. 

WILBERFORCE, OH –Are you a farmer who has experienced discrimination through USDA farm programs or loans? If so, plan to attend one of three upcoming Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) workshops, hosted by Central State University Extension. 

The workshops, to be held at three locations throughout Ohio, are for farmers or ranchers who experienced discrimination by the USDA farm programs prior to January 2021.  The farmers and ranchers can receive technical assistance filing their complaints at the workshops.  

The DFAP program is part of Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and provides $2.2 billion for financial assistance for farmers and ranchers who experienced discrimination from the USDA around race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, retaliation in civil rights movement, and in other ways.  The workshops are free to attend and will include dinner.  

Workshop dates and times: 

DAYTON/XENIA/WILBERFORCE 

December 15, 6-8 p.m. 

Room 210, CSU University Student Center 

1400 Brush Row Rd., Central State University Campus - Wilberforce, Ohio 

To Register visit Eventbrite, or email cthorn@centralstate.edu 

CLEVELAND 

December 19, 6-8 p.m. 

Cleveland State University Student Center, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115

To register visit Eventbrite, or email Kelly Beers, kbeers@centralstate.edu. 

TOLEDO/OREGON 

December 20, 6-8 p.m. 

Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center 

1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon, Ohio 43616 

To register visit Eventbrite, or email esmith@centralstate.edu 

At each location, dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. The program will be presented by Windsor Group, LLC, an authorized small business vendor contracted by the USDA to implement the DFAP.  

Farmers or ranchers who need more information about DFAP, or are unable to attend the meeting, can learn more at www.22007apply.gov or by calling the National Call Center at 1-800-721-0970.  

The application deadline for farmers and ranchers to apply is January 13, 2024. 

Discrimination experienced could include, but not necessarily be limited to: 

1. Current debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm lending debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021.   

2. Have been or attempted to be a farmer or rancher but were denied access. 

3. Attempted to participate in farm-lending but were denied by the USDA. 

4. Inability to verify your identity. 

5. Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual 

orientation, age, gender, or retaliation in a civil rights movement.  

The workshops are hosted by Central State University Extension and funded by the 22007 Outreach Support Program through the Extension Foundation in whole or in part with funds from the USDA.  

To learn more about the workshops or Central State University Extension programs, email afolck@centralstate.edu 

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About Central State University: Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is a regionally accredited 1890 Land-Grant University with a 136-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research and service. The University, which has been named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.   

EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people, and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodations are needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution. 

Central State University Land-Grant programs are sponsored in part by funding from the USDA-NIFA.  

OSU Farm Financial Management Course

Online/ Self-paced - must be completed in 180 days

In order to meet the needs of both Ohio’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program Certification and FSA’s Borrower Training Requirements, this course will improve the beginning farmer’s understanding of farm financial management.

Learn more about the course here.

CSU will pay your $300 tuition for this course - please sign up here and CSU will begin processing your registration.

CSU Farm to Market Conference  

March 2, 2024 - CSU Dayton

March 30, 2024 - Rid-All Green Partnership, Cleveland

What topics would help you sell produce from your farm? 

Funding Programs

• The USDA has announced $30 million in funding for the new Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Initiative.  There are numerous upcoming opportunities in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.  Read more here.

• Are you interested in learning more about how to navigate USDA grant programs? 

Join the conversation at https://groups.google.com/g/farm-grants/members 

• A call for proposals for the NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant is available https://northcentral.sare.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/farmer-rancher-grant/.  Proposals are due December 7. The proposal needs to address sustainability and economic and social improvement, and must have an educational component. 

• Remember that the application deadline is October 31 for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, for farmers who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Apply here:  22007apply.gov. 

• Ohio EPA’s Environmental Education Fund has numerous grants.  Learn more here:  https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/environmental-education/grant-programs/ohio-environmental-education-fund. 

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR MLK DAY PROJECTS

ServeOhio is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support community service projects organized for MLK Day. MLK Day will take place on January 15, 2024.

Projects or a series of projects for this day of service can occur January 1 through January 31, 2024. Grant awards will range between $250 to $1,500. 

How can the funding be used?

The primary intent is to support projects or a series of projects that create or improve community assets or infrastructure, such as parks, schools, senior centers, community gardens or low-income homes through youth volunteer engagement. Projects may span multiple days throughout the project window. Projects should be collaborative in nature, involve a broad spectrum of community participants, and benefit the larger community. Funds may be used for supplies, materials and volunteer support.

Who is eligible to apply?

Non-profit and public organizations in Ohio including, but not limited to, volunteer centers, faith-based organizations, school districts, community colleges, universities, and local governments are eligible to apply.

Ready to apply?

For the application and instructions, visit the ServeOhio website. The application deadline is October 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM. We look forward to receiving your application.

https://serve.ohio.gov/grants-and-funding/national-days-of-service-and-funding