INTRODUCTION
This final report reviews the activities, products, and outcomes resulting from a U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) grant, Promoting Participation of Small Socially Disadvantaged Producers in USDA Programs, and Sustainable Ownership and Management of Farms in Kentucky (aka SSDP), implemented by the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS) at Kentucky State University (KSU).
KSU documented that small and socially disadvantaged producers (SSDPs) in Kentucky were not using and benefiting from USDA programs in support of their agricultural enterprises. The SSPD program was designed to increase participation of Kentucky SSDPs in USDA programs and provide need-based technical assistance to them. This was intended primarily to be accomplished through assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups in rural areas. In Kentucky, small and socially disadvantaged producers also are typically racial and ethnic minorities and women.
Kentucky State University was awarded this grant through a national competition and the only award received in Kentucky. The need for continuing with these awards was highlighted in an early 2015 press release:
These grants will help socially-disadvantaged business owners develop the tools and skills they need to grow their enterprises and succeed at creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.
Tom Vilsack, Secretary US Dept of Agriculture
This final report highlights the project's impacts, strengths, weaknesses, and potential measures to guide future program development for small and limited resource producers and their agricultural operations.
Through various means, the evaluator examined the extent to which KSU met the plan for four (4) updated activities outlined in the project proposal, January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. Those four updated objectives were: