USDA starts registry for minority farmers

The Obama Administration has ordered creation of a Minority Farm Register to help make sure minorities receive government benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Darrell Campbell, Callaway County Farm Service Agency executive director, said "the new Minority Farm Register is an outreach tool to reach underserved farmers and ranchers who are not currently enrolled in USDA loan, farm and conservation programs."

Campbell said the Register is a shared outreach list that will help the USDA, community-based organizations and minority-serving educational institutions to communicate with minority farmers and ranchers.

By joining the Register, minority producers may receive outreach materials, newsletters and program announcements from USDA agencies. They may also receive information and assistance from other USDA-approved outreach partners.

Jack McBride of Fulton, a former Callaway County farmer, said he believes the Registry will be a benefit to minority farmers.

McBride said many years ago black farmers in the South often were denied USDA benefits from the federal government.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.