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.

About the Acres Program

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.

Please contact acres@nmsdc.org for questions about this program.

Components of Acres

Learning Program

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.

Accessing capital, getting capital ready, and leveraging micro-loans.

Addressing issues of growth such as storage, putting acreage into production and equipment management.

Building negotiation skills.

Developing a plan for and managing growth.

Reviewing opportunities and challenges shared by corporate members.

Strategic Business Support

Being connected through a customized online learning community so they can network and build relationships with each other.

Receiving assistance in completing the certification process with NMSDC, with certification fees covered by this program.

Having the opportunity to apply for growth-oriented micro-loans through a Business Consortium Fund opportunity specifically for farmers in the program.

Participating in mentoring and matchmaking sessions with participating corporate members assisting to create direct relationship-building and contract opportunities.

Mentoring will focus on navigating the procurement process and responding effectively to requests for proposals.

“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.”

Cherie Jzar

Deep Roots CPS Farm

Charlotte, N.C.

Upcoming Cohort

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

Every Wednesday, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST

Unlock the potential to expand your agricultural business by accessing various learning solutions, certification opportunities, lending options, networking resources, new contracts, and more.

be considered for the next acres cohort

“The [Acres] program has been a valuable experience. I learned new information and made new connections. My awareness of certain topics was increased while I was also exposed to new experiences and ideas that included new crops and systems. I know the experience will continue to yield results even though I have completed the program.”

Antron Williams

Mahogany Farms LLC

Rowesville, S.C.

Meet Acres Cohort Three

Thanks to increased support from leading agricultural and food companies Cargill and UNFI, we are excited to announce an expanded 2025 Acres: Growing the Future of Agriculture cohort that includes farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. In its third year, Acres trains and certifies historically underutilized farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers. Its goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets, including commodities, grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets. Members of this year’s cohort include: