FSA Loans Technical Assistance Contractor

The FSA Loans Technical Assistance Contractor will conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to farmers in the southeast region of the United States with a particular focus on supporting BIPOC farmers (beginning and experienced) access to U.S. Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs. The FSA Loans TA Contractor will ensure proper case tracking and management, accurate provision of farmer technical support, and connection to potential resources and programs that will support their farm operations viability. The contractor will serve the following functions: Case Management Provide one-on-one technical assistance to BIPOC farmers located in the Southeast US on a variety of FSA topics such as acquiring a Farm Number, submitting an FSA loan application (microloan, operating, ownership), preparing farm financials to apply for loans, restructuring an existing loan, learning more about their fiscal and borrower responsibilities, etc. For 40 hour/wk schedule: 50 appointments. For 20 hour/wk schedule: 25 appointments. Receive and respond to farmer referrals from RAFI staff to assist farmers with FSA loans or access to farm credit. Consistently record and update farmer cases within data collection tools for efficient retention of farmer information, technical assistance provided, subsequent steps/actions post-technical assistance, and other relevant case information. Schedule in-person meetings with farmers on a case by case basis to provide technical assistance and gain a better understanding of their farm operations. Attend weekly meetings with Farmer Services Director to discuss casework status, progress,or challenges Coordinate with the Farmer Services Director to report the progress of cases to adhere to project reporting requirements and assess the impacts of TA. Outreach and Education Collaborate with NYFC TA team and/or RAFI’s Farm Advocacy team to identify educational topics that are of high farmer interest to host virtual or in person events on. Conduct farmer surveys to assess and analyze the impact technical service provided to farmers. General Responsibilities Support the administrative, evaluative, and reporting requirements of the work area. Adhere to and respect the organization’s relevant policies and procedures including submission of reports on a timely basis, attendance at required meetings, etc. Background Since 2022, RAFI has collaborated with National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) in effort to increase familiarity with and access to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan programs for young and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers located in the southeastern US. The ultimate goal is to support the launch and growth of farm businesses by increasing access to FSA loans. Having dedicated one-on-one technical assistance support provides farmers with increased opportunity of successfully securing a FSA loan. Contract Work Description RAFI is seeking a contractor who can contribute to the objectives of the project through provision of one-on-one technical assistance on FSA loans specially and the financial literacy required to successfully apply for a loan. The contractor will also participate in the development of educational resources such as webinars and outreach materials to be shared with farmer networks located in the southeast with a focus on those located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Compensation Compensation for the completion of project deliverables is up to $12,000 a month for 6 months totaling up to $72,000 if fulfilling the role at 40 hours per week or up to $6,000 a month for 6 months totaling up to $36,000 if fulfilling the role at 20 hours per week. Compensation is based on an estimate of 960 hours of work (40 hours/week) or 480 hours of work (20 hours/week) for the project. Payment will be disbursed in approximately 12 installments upon satisfactory completion of set benchmarks. Duration This is a limited-duration (approx 6 months with possibility to extend for 3 additional months) contracting opportunity for approximately 160 hours (40 hours/week) or 80 hours (20 hours/week) of the contractor’s time on a monthly basis. The project is to be completed by the end of March 2027. Location Remote but may travel to meet with farmers in person upon request Physical Demands Prolonged stationary periods at a computer. Visits to farms which includes walking significant distances and being outside in various weather. Travel Expectations Travel around Southeast US (1-3 times a month) is required for farm visits or other meetings and events. Drivers license required. Status Contractor, hourly, (approx 20 hours a week schedule for six months OR 40 hours a week schedule for six months, July 2026-January 2027 with possibility to extend)