LEWISTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency announces that minority farmers and ranchers in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties and across the nation may now join a new voluntary register to receive information from USDA.

“The new Minority Farm Register is an outreach tool to reach underserved farmers and ranchers who are not currently enrolled in USDA loan, farm or conservation programs,” said Michael Tardy, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc FSA executive director. “The register will create a shared outreach list that will help USDA, community-based organizations and minority-serving educational institutions to communicate with minority farmers and ranchers.”

By joining the register, minority producers may receive outreach materials, newsletters and program announcements from USDA agencies. They may also receive information and assistance from other USDA-approved outreach partners, such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and minority-serving educational institutions. USDA will carefully control access to and use of the register.

Individuals wishing to join the register must sign and date a form that provides their name and address. Providing phone numbers, e-mail address, race, ethnicity, gender and farm or ranch location will be voluntary, although the additional information increases the producer’s opportunities for receiving appropriate assistance.

The pamphlet with the registration form is available at the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County USDA Service Center or from approved USDA outreach partners. Completed forms may be mailed to Minority Farm Register, USDA Stop Code 0503, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250. Information is available on the Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/mfr/default.htm.