June 17 – The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences participated in the second year of the Texas AgriForestry Summit, an event hosted by an emerging organization, the Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers and Ranchers (TASFR). This event, held on June 6th-7th, 2019, is geared toward assisting minority and socially-disadvantaged farmers of the rural communities across Texas.
The Dean and Director of Land Grants Dr. Gerard D’Souza joined in the educational and historical tour of Nacogdoches County held on the first day of the two days of activities. He was able to learn of the significant impact that Native Americans and African-Americans have had in farming, agriculture, and forestry in the East Texas area. The summit featured several agriculture agencies that shared the types of resources they make available to local minority farmers and ranchers. 
CAHS was represented in their booth alongside agencies like United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Census 2020, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, LegalShield, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Attendees present at the summit gained vital information to better equip them with the knowledge of their property, rights as farmers and ranchers, and available funds to apply for. Ronald Harris, Director of the Outreach and Partnerships Division of NRCS, served as the keynote speaker for the event. He shared the ways he is working in Washington, D.C. to provide the best opportunities for minority, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and also answered questions participants had about their businesses.
To see a recap of the event captured by KTRE News where Dr. Gerard D’Souza gives his perspective on the event click here.
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula projects under Section 1444.
Taelor Smith
Communications Specialist
tasmith@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155