[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Serving Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in the U.S.

## Details

**Authors** Braddy M

**Year** 2022

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 2(1):1-19

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Agriculture & Food

**Secondary disciplines** Public Policy

**Reading level** intermediate

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.2025-0075MB) 
10.54120/jost.2025-0075MB

## In authors' words

### Abstract

As the number of farmers in the U.S. continues to dramatically decrease, it’s imperative that the system of support in place for beginning and historically underserved farmers is robust and accessible. The last several Farm Bill renewal cycles have expanded on programs that directly support this initiative, but frustration and trepidation about USDA funded programs prevails within farming communities and advocacy groups. This paper outlines an investigation using the Systems Thinking and the Agent Based Approach (ABA) is to identify gaps in the system that prevent Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers (BSDFs) from accessing government support, to locate the areas for improvement in order to eliminate the barriers farmers face, and finally, find ways to concentrate more governmental support towards empowering the next generation of farmers.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A paper using systems thinking and the Agent-Based Approach to find the gaps that keep Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers from accessing USDA support.

### What they found (results)

Despite Farm Bill expansions, frustration with USDA programs prevails; closing the identified gaps would remove barriers and concentrate support on the next generation of farmers.

## Commentary

### In short

Uses the Agent Based Approach to find gaps that keep beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers from using USDA support programs.

### Response

Applies Cabrera's Agent-Based Approach to USDA support programs and identifies the gaps that keep beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers from using them.

**Patterns it shows** R

**How to cite this** Braddy M (2022). Serving Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in the U.S.. Journal of Systems Thinking 2(1):1-19.