Prairie View, TX – Members from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and more met at the Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Program Building for a full-day workshop equipping mall farmers and producers with the knowledge and tools needed to grow their operations, with the help and resources of federal agencies.  

On Wednesday, December 14, USDA Liaison Horace Hodge and the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences and Land-Grant Programs Director Gerard D'Souza, Ph.D., welcomed our guest federal representatives, farmers, ranchers, and the inquisitive public to hear directly from the federal government about how to sustain and grow their businesses. CEP has an ongoing and personal stake in helping rural producers with growth and endurability, and this is another chapter in that challenge. 

The day began with remarks from Hodge, D'Souza, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration Mia Mayberry about the purpose and goals of the workshop and the role the college plays in bridging the gap between federal offices and local producers. Monica Rainge, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights also spoke and encouraged the ranchers in the audience to continue their important work that will help shape our world in the future.  

"Today is about reimagining that table," Rainge said. Speaking to the audience, she added, "there is a seat at the table at USDA. So, I encourage you to engage in a robust dialogue with the experts today. Because you are just that important to the USDA." 

Arlene Good from the IRS' Stakeholder Liaison spoke about managing related taxes and the record keeping requirements needed to receive aid from the government. She encouraged the audience to stay up to date on the news and relevant information the organization regularly doles out for farmers. Terri Billups from the U.S. Small Business Administration spoke about the necessary steps needed to build a business. PVAMU's Small Business Development Center Director Jasmin Espy offered networking and business development tips while Tim Scarborough of the CFCM discussed technical assistance available to producers. After lunch, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Senior Advisor Jacqueline Davis-Slay spoke about building a business relationship with the USDA, before the floor was opened for the audience to ask direct questions to the representatives.  

The speakers consistently reminded the audience that this work is not easy; it will take discipline, commitment, demanding work, listening to experts, and applying their guidance to achieve success and sustainability. But it is doable for those willing to take these steps. 

The workshop closed with the USDA representatives and other speakers taking a tour of the university.  

Pascale Mondesir
Communication Specialist
pamondesir@pvamu.edu