USDA 'Bridges' program will stretch across nation

The U.S. Farm Service Agency (FSA) will expand its "Bridges to Opportunity" throughout the country by the end of January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said recently.

The program acts as a kind of clearinghouse, as it "connects producers with resources, programs and educational services offered across the department, as well as from other USDA partner organizations," the USDA said.

Using funds from last year, the program will grow from its current base of 150,000 customers across 20 states to customers everywhere in the United States.

By partnering with numerous local, state, regional and national agricultural organizations, FSA employees now can provide farmers and ranchers with comprehensive information about resources, grants, courses, events and activities provided throughout USDA and from external partner organizations,” FSA Administrator Val Dolcini said.

Dolcini said the program is a way of giving back to those who do so much for others.

“Bridges to Opportunity is another example of how USDA is working to reconnect people to their government and provide enhanced services to farmers and ranchers, who, in turn, provide our nation and the world with safe, affordable and reliable food, fuel and fiber,” he said.