Risk Management Education Partnership Program

The Risk Management Education Partnership Program (RMEPP) is a competitive funding opportunity provided by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). This program supports projects aimed at delivering risk management education and training to agricultural producers, particularly those from underserved communities. Below is a comprehensive summary of the program details. The program’s primary objective is to equip U.S. agricultural producers with risk management tools and knowledge to help manage production, marketing, legal, financial, and human risks. Prioritized audiences include producers of specialty crops, underserved commodities, and those involved in local and regional food systems. The initiative seeks to expand producers' understanding of existing and emerging risk management tools, enabling them to make informed decisions. Eligible projects should focus on priority areas such as crop insurance education, sustainable agriculture, and innovative training approaches to meet the unique needs of their target audience. Approximately $2 million in total funding is available, with individual awards ranging between $5,000 and $250,000. The typical project duration is 18 months, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include a wide array of organizations, such as city, county, and state governments, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and Native American tribal governments. Applicants must submit their proposals through the Results Verification System (RVS) by 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 2025. Key application components include a project summary, proposed results, statement of work (SOW), budget narrative, and letters of commitment from partners. A clear and detailed description of project objectives, the target audience, and expected outcomes is required. Higher consideration will be given to applications that emphasize collaboration, innovation, and measurable results. The program also requires applicants to describe RMA’s substantial involvement in the project, such as assisting with the development of educational materials and conducting performance evaluations. The review process is merit-based and evaluates applications based on their alignment with program goals, the feasibility of proposed activities, and the experience and capacity of the applicant and their partners. Additional factors such as geographic diversity and alignment with USDA priorities may influence funding decisions. Successful applicants will be notified before the award date but are cautioned not to commence activities until the formal Notice of Award is received. For post-award requirements, recipients must adhere to federal regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. They must also participate in program evaluations and use USDA-provided logos and acknowledgments in all promotional materials. The program prohibits duplicative funding and requires recipients to self-certify compliance with eligibility requirements for participating producers. This program offers a critical opportunity for organizations to collaborate with the USDA to provide much-needed education and resources to agricultural producers, fostering informed decision-making and resilience in the farming community.