U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded American Rescue Plan
Technical Assistance Investment (ARPTAI) Program

Strengthening Co-op Capacity for Historically Underserved Farmers

Are you a cooperative developer, development center or other group interested in using co-ops to empower historically underserved farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and operators, and other agricultural producers? We want to work with you!

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is working to support the cooperative business development needs of historically underserved farmers, ranchers and other socially disadvantaged groups. Our new project, “Strengthening Co-op Capacity for Historically Underserved Farmers,” will provide technical assistance designed to strengthen local capacity and create opportunities for scaling agricultural production and accessing markets through the cooperative model.

As part of USDA’s American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment (ARPTAI) Program, Strengthening Co-op Capacity for Historically Underserved Farmers will create a community-led cooperative development ecosystem to invest in agricultural communities, address their needs and transform America’s food systems.

Learn More about ARPTAI

We look forward to working with you to reach historically underserved farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and operators, and other agricultural producers through the cooperative business model! Together, we can build resilience and equity into American agriculture.

Contact: Teia Evans, Project Director • tevans@ncba.coop | Bernardo Penaherrera, Program Associate • bpenaherrera@ncba.coop | Kiara McGowan, Events and Digital Media Coordinator • kmcgowan@ncba.coop

Co-op development technical assistance

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Our Goal

To support historically underserved farmers, ranchers and their communities
by creating a community-led cooperative development ecosystem.

Our Activities

Increase awareness of the cooperative model
Create culturally appropriate resources
Develop a cadre of cooperative developers with economic and cultural ties and experience
Research policy and regulatory factors that encourage sustainable development

How Can We Connect?

Together, we can build resilience and equity into American agriculture

Co-op Business School

Apply to participate in a four-week training to help develop and promote your cooperative's marketing goals.

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Outreach & Education

Access USDA outreach and education resources, explore grant announcements, and more.

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Tools & Trainings

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USDA Rural Development

Learn how this USDA mission area is improving the economy and quality of life for rural Americans.

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USDA News & Resources

Stay up-to-date with USDA by following their Twitter feeds.

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Need help?

Request technical assistance, ask a question or just share your co-op story.

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Webinar Archive

Building a More Resilient Food System through USDA’s New Regional Food Business Centers

During this webinar, USDA Agriculture Marketing Service’s Kate Fitzgerald and Samantha Schaffstall Dopp discuss the Regional Food Business Centers Program. These centers will provide coordination, technical assistance and capacity building to help underserved farmers, ranchers and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources—closing gaps and barriers to success.

Watch now

Strengthening Co-op Capacity for Historically Underserved Farmers

During this webinar, our speakers outline NCBA CLUSA’s plan to work with the cooperative development community to provide technical assistance designed to strengthen local capacity and create opportunities for scaling agricultural production and accessing markets. You’ll learn about the scope of work under the project and how your organization can submit a blank purchase agreement to Strengthening Co-op Capacity for Historically Underserved Farmers.