With mounting urbanization pressure across the Illinois River Watershed and Northwest Arkansas, IRWP recognizes the need to preserve and protect farms. When operated sustainably (i.e. benefiting the farmer's economic bottom line, as well as provision of environmental and social benefits), farms contribute to our region's economy, cultural heritage, and protection of natural resources. Fortunately, there are a number of educational resources and financial incentive programs to encourage diversity in farming, which span many racial, gender, socio-economic, and age groups. Please peruse our resources below to find a program to fit your needs! 

As environmental and agricultural progam across the US continually work to expand their outreach to meet all corners of production, there has been a realization that many producers have historically been underserved. The Farm Bill provides for voluntary participation, offers additional incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing USDA programs and services for those individuals. Groups defined as historically underserved include: 

• New or "Beginning"

• Women

• Young

• Veteran

• Limited Resource (on the basis of sales and income from the previous two years)

• Socially Disadvantaged (Native American, Alaskan Native, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander