WASHINGTON, July 1, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the availability of $7 million in grants to create risk management education and training programs. The programs would provide organizations with resources to develop training and education tools to help farmers and ranchers effectively manage long-term risks and challenges.

“Education and training are essential tools for farmers of all sizes and operations to help manage risk,” said RMA Associate Administrator Mike Alston. “Through these grants and the crop insurance program, we are ensuring that our farmers can succeed even after tough years.”

Through these partnerships, producers will receive assistance in understanding and using crop insurance programs as well as other risk management strategies and tools so they can make the best risk management decisions for their agricultural operations. Past training partners have included universities, county cooperative extensions and non-profit organizations that specialize in crop insurance and risk management education. Funding includes $5 million for the Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program. The program provides funding for the development of crop insurance education programs in 16 states targeting underserved producers.

Additionally, approximately $2 million in funding is available for the Risk Management Education Partnerships Program, which provides funding for the development of general nationwide crop insurance education as well as other risk management training programs.

A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for consideration under each of the funding opportunities. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the list to include farm financial benchmarking efforts. Training can also focus on educating farmers on the federal crop insurance program and options resulting from the Farm Bill provisions.

The Request for Applications (RFAs) is available through the Grants website. Visitors can search by catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 10.460, Risk Management Partnership Program, or CFDA Number 10.458, Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States.

Applications for the Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program and Risk Management Education Partnerships Program are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Aug. 14, 2015. All applications must be submitted electronically through Results Verification System or before the deadline.

A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. USDA's crop insurance program insured more than 294 million acres, with 1.2 million policies, and $109.8 billion worth of liability last year. Visit the RMA Home to learn more about RMA and its programs.