The Acres Program proudly announced the launch of its fourth cohort, continuing its mission to empower historically underutilized agribusiness entrepreneurs and expand economic development. With Cohort 4, Acres celebrates a milestone in strategic geographic expansion, knowledge transfer, certification support, and elite executive education access.
Strategic Geographic Expansion
Since its inception, the Acres Program has grown exponentially, expanding from a footprint in just nine states during Cohort 1 to a robust presence in 23 states by Cohort 4. This expansion reflects the program’s commitment to scaling opportunity and impact across underutilized rural communities nationwide.
“Investing in farmers is investing in our collective future. Through the Acres Initiative, when farmers and ranchers gain access to the tools and knowledge they need, they don’t just feed communities—they spark innovation, steward natural resources, and generate lasting economic impact,” said Valencia Cooper, North America Supplier Diversity Lead, Cargill.
Knowledge Transfer and Workforce Development
Acres participants are not only applying the skills gained through the program’s 14-week agribusiness education curriculum, delivered by Southern University AG Extension Center, but are also actively transferring this knowledge to their employees. This multiplier effect strengthens rural workforce capacity by equipping hired workers with valuable agricultural and business expertise, fostering sustainable growth from the ground up.
Removing Barriers to Certification
Acres continues to eliminate financial and logistical barriers for participants seeking critical certifications. The program covers the application cost for the NMSDC MBE certification and provides expert guidance throughout the submission process. Additionally, Acres offers specialized training and support grants to help participants navigate the GAP certification process, enabling them to meet food safety standards required by major retailers and institutional buyers.
Elite Executive Education Access
Through a prestigious partnership with the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, select Acres participants gain exclusive access to the “Building a Successful Business” program. This one-week immersion focuses on advanced corporate supplier strategies and relationship management techniques, offered at no cost to participants, further elevating their business acumen and market readiness.
Mentorship That Drives Growth
Each Acres participant is paired with an industry mentor for regular check-ins, fostering meaningful connections that lead to new contracts and business growth opportunities. This hands-on guidance ensures that participants are not only learning but also applying their knowledge in ways that drive tangible results.
Apply Today
Entrepreneurs and agribusiness owners interested in joining the next Acres cohort are encouraged to apply now. This is a unique opportunity to gain access to expert-led education, certification support, mentorship, and executive training, all designed to accelerate growth and impact in rural communities. Applications are open at:
https://nmsdc.org/programs/acres-growing-the-future-of-agriculture/acres-growing-the-future-of-agriculture-application-form/
About Acres
The Acres Program is a transformative initiative designed to support minority agribusiness entrepreneurs through education, certification, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. By investing in rural communities and removing barriers to success, Acres is cultivating a new generation of agricultural leaders.
The program is proudly funded by corporate sponsors, including Cargill, UNFI, Papa Johns, Hershey, Bayer, Mars, Suntory, and FoodBuy/Compass Foundation, which enables the program to provide comprehensive resources, mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks that help these businesses scale successfully and sustainably.
