Contacts: Julie Christensen, University of Minnesota Extension, (612) 626-4077, reuve007@umn.edu Becky Beyers, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, (612) 626-5754

U of M hosts program to help farmers impacted by competition from imports complete new business plans

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (10/28/2009) - Farmers who have been negatively affected by competition from imports could qualify for training and help shifting to new enterprises through a new program coordinated by the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program, part of the federal economic stimulus plan, includes a grant of $17.6 million to the U of M center to establish a national training coordination center. Four Extension regional risk management education centers around the country also will help deliver technical assistance. The program will be in effect through December 2010.

"Changes in global markets sometimes cause financial consequences for U.S. agricultural programs," said Kevin Klair, Extension economist. "Trade Adjustment Assistance offers programs to help producers adjust to the negative impacts of increased imports. Farmers were first included in Trade Adjustment Assistance in the 2002 Trade Act and CFFM was asked to help coordinate the training component of the program. We are pleased to be able to continue providing leadership for the new version of this program."

In Minnesota, if commodities qualify for the program, eligible producers will receive research-based education from University of Minnesota Extension agricultural business management educators. Training and information will cover topics such as improving the yield and marketability of a commodity or substituting for an alternative enterprise. Extension also will offer eligible producers a series of courses on topics relevant to the commodity and help develop business plans.

In other states, educators working under approved land-grant university extension programs will provide similar training and education.

The university's Center for Farm Financial Management is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension.

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/cffm_grant_farmers.html This page was updated Oct. 29, 2009 .
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