Farmers and Ranchers in Oklahoma Receive Increased Support from Innovative Conservation Agriculture Reach Everyone (CARE) Program
New grant funding from General Mills for the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) unlocks greater impact
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | January 16, 2024 – The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is excited to announce new financial support from General Mills for the CARE program – an initiative in partnership with the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project Inc. (OBHRPI). The goal of the CARE program is to increase the number of farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma participating in conservation planning and programs to improve soil health, water quality and the viability of working lands.
The CARE program focuses on providing resources and assistance to socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers, expanding their knowledge of innovative technology, soil health, and invasive species eradication to sustain their farms, and empowering them to actively participate in all conservation programs. Since its inception in 2017, the CARE program has made significant strides, reaching and positively impacting more than 7,000 producers.
“At General Mills, we know the influence local organizations have to reach farmers and help advance regenerative agriculture in their communities,” said Jay Watson, director regenerative agriculture, General Mills. “We strongly believe in the purpose of the CARE program and support their efforts to ensure everyone has access to the resources and assistance required to help restore the health of our planet and improve farmer livelihood.”
“Being a Care Champion has brought a lot of benefits,” said Milford Roberts, CARE program. “We’ve been able to learn a lot about farming as well as attend meetings in other states to learn additional benefits from other farmers. We’ve also been able to plant grass as well as remove trees to make our acreage even stronger. The program has given us about $12,000 gain per year.”
“We are grateful for the support from General Mills, as it allows us to expand the reach and impact of the CARE program. This is the largest private offering in the history of our organization,” said Sarah Blaney, Executive Director at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts. “Together with our partners, we are working towards a more inclusive agricultural landscape, ensuring that all farmers and ranchers have equal opportunities to benefit from conservation programs.”
The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project Inc. remain deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the agricultural community. Organizations, companies, and producers looking to support and engage with the CARE program can learn more here.
For More Information:
Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts
P.O BOX 2775 | Oklahoma City, OK 73101-2775
Contact: Nicol Ragland: 323-791-2536 | nicolragland@okconservation.org
www.okconservation.org/