The goal of this initiative is for the Policy Center to improve the success of SDFR and contribute to increases in participation USDA programs. Funding is necessary to improve services to SDFR and increase participation in USDA programs. The plan is to fund technical support to SDFR to reduce the decline in Black Farmers and increase the number of new and beginning minority farmers. The Policy Center has conducted studies in four priority areas: 1) agriculture policy and implications on SDFR; 2) participation of SDFR in USDA programs; 3) strategies to reduce land loss among Black Farmers (relevant issues with heirs’ property) and 4) access to and use of technology. Mississippi is an outstanding geographical location to collect data needed for research. This site has been designated as headquarters of the Policy Center; with partnerships with other 1890’s Universities. Forty percent (40%) of black farmers reside in Mississippi and four adjacent/contiguous states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Excluding Texas, which has the largest number of Hispanic farms and Oklahoma, which has the largest number of Native American farms, Mississippi and the four adjacent/contiguous states also account for forty percent (40%) of SDFR. Although, Mississippi has the second highest number of black farmers, the decline of black farmers in Mississippi are higher than other states. While a foundation for working collaboratively across the 1890 community has been laid, additional work is needed to make progress in improving the success of SDFR. In addition to the four priority areas, two additional priority areas have been identified: strategies to increase the number of minority youth and Community/ Urban Agriculture. Studies conducted highlighted the need for training amongst SDFR related to understanding of the Farm Bill, its importance and implications/impact on their daily lives; targeted training for youth and new and beginning farmers.