Acres: Growing the Future of Agriculture

The Acres program, launched in 2022 by NMSDC in collaboration with Cargill, is a 14-week business development initiative designed to support small and mid-sized agricultural enterprises. The program focuses on helping participants expand their operational capacity and prepares them to compete for large-scale national contracts with NMSDC corporate partners.

エーカー・プログラムについて

In 2022, NMSDC, in partnership with Cargill, launched a new initiative to expand access to agricultural supply chains for historically underutilized farmers. Data from McKinsey & Company highlights a significant decline in participation among historically underutilized farming communities over the past century, with these farmers now accounting for less than 0.5% of total U.S. farm sales and operating at approximately 70% of the revenue of their peers.

To help address these challenges and strengthen the agricultural sector, NMSDC and Cargill introduced a program focused on providing practical business education, certification support, access to financing, networking opportunities, and connections to new contracts.

Following a successful first year, the program now known as Acres has expanded with support from, UNFI, Papa Johns, Hershey, Mars, Suntory, FoodBuy/Compass Foundation and continued backing from Cargill. The enhanced initiative includes two core components: a structured learning curriculum and strategic business development support, aimed at helping more farmers grow and compete in national supply chains.

Program Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for participation in the Acres program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Operate a for-profit agricultural enterprise physically located in the U.S. or its trust territories, with a minimum annual revenue of $25,000.
Business must be at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by individuals from historically underutilized communities.
Ownership must be actively involved in the management and daily operations of the farm.
Have at least two years of farming experience.
Have registered with the Secretary of State in the state where the business operates.
Maintain a business-bank account.
Provide proof of United States citizenship.
Preference is given to value-added producers, commodity growers, and aquaculture operations, though all eligible applicants are welcome to apply.

連絡先 acres@nmsdc.org このプログラムに関するご質問は

エーカーの構成要素

学習プログラム

NMSDC is creating equitable practices and pathways for historically underutilized farmers in the agriculture industry.

Program participants complete a 14-week learning curriculum focused on growing their capacity to take on major national contracts with corporate members. Topics covered in this program include:

Getting certified as an MBE and how it can open opportunities for historically underutilized farmers.

資本へのアクセス、資本の準備、マイクロローンの活用。

貯蔵、エーカーの生産への投入、設備管理など、成長の問題に取り組む。

交渉力をつける。

成長計画の策定と管理

法人会員が共有する機会と課題を検討する。

戦略的ビジネス・サポート

カスタマイズされたオンライン・ラーニング・コミュニティを通じてつながることで、互いにネットワークを作り、関係を築くことができる。

NMSDCでの認証手続きを完了するための支援を受け、認証費用は本プログラムで負担する。

プログラム参加農家専用のビジネス・コンソーシアム・ファンドの機会を通じて、成長志向の小口融資に応募する機会を得る。

参加企業会員とのメンタリングやマッチング・セッションに参加し、直接的な関係構築や契約機会の創出を支援する。

メンタリングは、調達プロセスのナビゲートと提案依頼への効果的な対応に重点を置く。

“During the program we were able to start a new CSA program and are gearing up to enter new markets. Thank you, Cargill, and NSMDC for supporting farmers and providing us with this wonderful opportunity! We are excited about taking our farm business to the next level and appreciate the support from this amazing program.”

シェリー・ジャル

ディープ・ルーツCPSファーム

ノースカロライナ州シャーロット

今後のコーホート

Applications for Cohort Four are now open! Use the form below to apply and take the next step toward expanding your business in the agriculture industry.

Submit an Application Today

Tentative dates/times for the next twelve-week virtual program:

January 2026 – April 2026

毎週水曜日午後12:00～午後1:30（東部標準時

様々な学習ソリューション、資格取得の機会、融資オプション、ネットワーキング・リソース、新規契約などにアクセスし、農業ビジネスを拡大する可能性を引き出しましょう。

be considered for the next acres cohort

「エーカーズのプログラムは貴重な経験でした。新しい情報を学び、新しい人脈を作ることができました。新しい作物やシステムなど、新しい経験やアイデアに触れながら、特定のトピックに対する意識が高まりました。この経験は、プログラムを終了しても、引き続き成果をもたらすと思います。"

アントロン・ウィリアムズ

マホガニー・ファーム合同会社

サウスカロライナ州ロウズビル

Meet Acres Cohort Three

大手農業・食品企業からの支援強化に感謝カーギルそしてユニファイ我々は excited to announce an expanded 2025 Acres: Growing the Future of Agriculture コーホートその中には全米の農家や牧場主が含まれている。米国 In its third year, エーカー trains and certifies historically underutilized farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers. その goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets, including 商品、食料品店、レストラン、その他の小売店。今年の同期のメンバーは以下の通り：