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.

에이커 프로그램 정보

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.

문의하시기 바랍니다. acres@nmsdc.org 에서 이 프로그램에 대한 질문을 확인하세요.

에이커의 구성 요소

학습 프로그램

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.

자본에 접근하고, 자본을 준비하고, 소액 대출을 활용하세요.

스토리지, 생산 면적 및 장비 관리와 같은 성장 문제를 해결합니다.

협상 기술 구축.

성장을 위한 계획 개발 및 관리.

기업 회원들이 공유하는 기회와 과제를 검토합니다.

전략적 비즈니스 지원

맞춤형 온라인 학습 커뮤니티를 통해 연결되므로 서로 네트워크를 형성하고 관계를 구축할 수 있습니다.

이 프로그램에서 인증 수수료가 지원되는 NMSDC의 인증 절차를 완료하는 데 도움을 받을 수 있습니다.

프로그램 참여 농가를 위한 비즈니스 컨소시엄 펀드 기회를 통해 성장 지향적 소액 대출을 신청할 수 있는 기회를 제공합니다.

참여 기업 회원과의 멘토링 및 매치메이킹 세션에 참여하여 직접적인 관계 구축 및 계약 기회를 창출할 수 있도록 지원합니다.

멘토링은 조달 프로세스를 탐색하고 제안 요청에 효과적으로 대응하는 데 중점을 둡니다.

“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.”

체리 자르

딥루트 CPS 농장

샬럿, 노스캐롤라이나

예정된 코호트

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

매주 수요일 오후 12시부터 오후 1시 30분까지(동부 표준시)

다양한 학습 솔루션, 인증 기회, 대출 옵션, 네트워킹 리소스, 신규 계약 등에 액세스하여 농업 비즈니스를 확장할 수 있는 잠재력을 활용하세요.

be considered for the next acres cohort

"[에이커] 프로그램은 소중한 경험이었습니다. 새로운 정보를 배우고 새로운 인맥을 쌓았습니다. 특정 주제에 대한 인식이 높아졌고 새로운 작물과 시스템을 포함한 새로운 경험과 아이디어도 접할 수 있었습니다. 프로그램을 마친 후에도 이 경험은 계속해서 결과를 가져올 것입니다."

앤트론 윌리엄스

마호가니 농장 LLC

로우스빌, S.C.

Meet Acres Cohort Three

선도적인 농업 및 식품 기업의 지원 확대에 힘입어 카길 그리고 UNFI우리는 excited to announce an expanded 2025 Acres: Growing the Future of Agriculture 코호트 여기에는 미국 전역의 농부와 목장주들이 포함됩니다. 미국 In its third year, 에이커 trains and certifies historically underutilized farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers. 그것의 goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets, including 상품, 식료품점, 레스토랑 및 기타 소매점. 올해의 코호트 구성원에는 다음이 포함됩니다: