TO: Dr. Antonio McLaren, Ed.D., National Program Leader Division of Community and Education, NIFA, USDA 4435 Waterfront Centre 800 9th Street, SW Washington DC 20024

PROPOSAL: Establishing Capacity to Better Serve Hispanic and Spanish Speaking Farmers

PROJECT PERSONNEL: Roger Merkel, Terry Gipson, American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University Abner Rodriguez, John Fernandez, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez

Dear Dr. McLaren:

The mission of the American Goat Federation (AGF) is to assist producers and their organizations from all segments of the goat industry, including dairy, fiber and meat to achieve maximum success in their enterprises. We recognize that the number of Hispanic farm operators has increased significantly in the past several years.

AGF strongly supports the above proposal. Access to Spanish Language information should help not only the Spanish speaking farmers, but also the people who deal with them on a daily basis to help improve the efficiency of their operations. Because of the potential benefit, AGF hopes that you will act favorably to assist with this project. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Andries, President

March 20, 2016