The goal of Texas ACCESS is to improve the long-term operational and financial sustainability of Black and Hispanic farmers and ranchers (BHFR) in Texas by increasing their understanding of, and equitable participation in, the full range of USDA programs. The project will accomplish this goal through coordinated provision of a range of enhanced technical assistance services to BHFR, delivered via a strong partnership between a Hispanic-Serving University, two community-based organizations that serve BHFR, and a BHFR serving non-profit technical assistance provider.

This project will work collaboratively with USDA and other cooperators to develop and deliver targeted outreach and technical assistance services to meet the needs of Black and Hispanic agricultural producers in Texas -- the state with the highest number of both target audiences in the U.S. All project partners have demonstrated expertise in evaluating and serving the needs of BHFR in Texas through technical assistance services and in working with USDA and other agencies to improve outcomes for BHFR.

Technical assistance delivered through this project will be systematic, targeted, customized and will be adapted to the evolving needs of BHFR in Texas. Project technical assistance will assist USDA in addressing longstanding systemic discrimination and will reduce barriers to USDA program delivery, support producers impacted by COVID and resulting supply chain issues, facilitate capital and land access, and increase participation of Texas' BHFR in USDA programs. Technical assistance services are based on promising and evidence-based approaches, and the project contains a robust evaluation plan that outlines how project outcomes will be measured through both quantitative and qualitative methods.