Outreach Definitions

Outreach- Conducting business to ensure that NRCS programs and services are made accessible to all customers, with emphasis on the underserved.  Applies to all programs, and all customers. 

Underserved- Individuals or groups who have not participated in, or have received limited benefits from, USDA or NRCS programs.  Historically, the underserved include tribes, minorities, women, the disabled, limited resource farmers/ranchers and small-scale farmers. 

Small Farmer- A small farm is a farm having less than $250,000 gross receipts annually.   

Limited Resource Producer

Must meet both (a) and (b) below:

(a)    A person with direct or indirect gross farm sales of not more than $100,000 in each of the previous two years.  

(b)   Has a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of the county median household income in each of the previous two years.

A USDA limited resource self-determination tool is located on the web at http://www.lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/tool.asp .

Community Based Organizations (CBO)

Recognized groups concerned with improving the quality of life for residents within local communities.  These organizations can initiate and manage projects, and provide an avenue to reach underserved audiences.  These groups include non-profit, non-government organizations.  For example, faith-based organizations, women’s groups, environmental groups, farm or woodlands groups, trade and professional associations, educational associations and schools.