Washington, DC – Rep. Frank Kratovil announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture will be awarding a $300,000 federal grant to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that will provide training and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers on the Eastern Shore.
“This grant will expand opportunities for farmers and ranchers on the Eastern Shore who otherwise are prevented from accessing the USDA resources that can keep their farms productive and viable,” said Rep. Kratovil. “The more farmers we can encourage to utilize these resources the better we can protect the agricultural heritage of the Eastern Shore, support our local economy, and put food on our tables.”
The Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (OASDFR) grant program is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The program enables socially disadvantaged farmers equitable participation in the full range of USDA programs. A socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice without regard to their individual qualities.
“We are delighted to receive funding from USDA for another three-year term and especially appreciative of Rep. Frank Kratovil’s determined efforts to bring federal resources to our university and the Eastern Shore,” said Dr. Thelma B. Thompson (Ph.D.), president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). “In addition to upholding our historic Land Grant mission, this grant allows us to continue providing educational programs and training that provides new opportunities as well as lightens the economic and social strain many of our limited-resource and minority farmers face here on the Delmarva Peninsula.”
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Affirmative action farming. When will white guilt ever end?
ReplyDeleteThat will be a waste of money!
ReplyDeleteI thought University of Maryland programs were open to all, regardless of race, color or creed.
ReplyDeleteTypical liberal garbage. I'm sure Kratovil thinks this is worth spending borrowed federal dollars on. Things like this are why we need real change in Washington.
ReplyDeleteAs a student at UMES, 300k could be spent a hell of a lot better ways than this...
ReplyDeleteTo all the detractors; I know quite a few farmers, watermen, and local entrepeneurs (mostly white!) who have benefitted significantly from the research and education outreach efforts in the Dept. of Ag. at UMES. So unless you have some concrete evidence of how "this is a waste", keep your blind hatred to yourself
ReplyDeletesocially disadvantaged farmers subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice. What BS.....300k to Princess Annes sorry excuse for higher learning while hard working people are loosing their homes. Kratovil should be ashamed
ReplyDeleteExactly, Anon 1:40; the research (and the funds) should benefit anyone and everyone, not just be limited to the "socially disadvantaged" solely because of their race.
ReplyDelete