Progress 09/15/22 to 09/14/23

Outputs
Target Audience: This project seeks to connect and train service providers across the Northeast to address the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers therein. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Northeast (FRSAN-NE) recognizes the unique challenges faced by migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. As such, these groups constitute the project's target audience and our project aims to expand service provision to this target audience by creating a Network that resources service providers working within these communities as well as building capacity of all service providers in the region to approach their work with a framework of inclusion and solidarity. The Network's efforts to engage service providers working directly with this audience include regular meetings, trainings, an online clearinghouse, and opportunities for leadership within Working Groups and Cohorts. In addition, our budget allocates resources to make services more accessible to our target population, including: stipends for farmers to participate in annual trainings, childcare services and interpretation services provided for Network sessions , translation of critical stress assistance resources and materials developed by FRSAN-NE or beyond; a Spanish-speaking farmer hotline; and funding for a BIPOC cohort and a farmworker cohort in the Network. The FRSAN-NE established a 10-farmer member Farmer Advisory Board as an accountability mechanism for the Network's commitment to our defined target population. This Farmer Advisory Board represents migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and BIPOC farmers in the region and ensures that the Network reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate (i.e. culturally, ethnically, racially, linguistically, and socio-economically sensitive). The FRSAN-NE structure also constitutes an Advisory Team responsible for collaboratively designing, coordinating, administering, and evaluating the project; this group is accountable to the Farmer Advisory Board and our project goals. The Advisory Team is composed of representatives from the six grant recipient organizations: Farm Aid, Farm First Vermont, Migrant Clinicians Network, National Young Farmers Coalition, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. After the 2019-2020 grant, the Advisory Team expanded in 2021 to include Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC) and the Migrant Clinician's Network (MCN); these partners bring insights and expertise in providing comprehensive stress assistance to BIPOC growers and migrant farmworkers. With NEFOC's and MCN's leadership, the Advisory Team ensures that the Network's structure, trainings, outreach strategies, and resources are culturally competent in reaching socially marginalized farm audiences in the Northeast. Changes/Problems:Timeline: The Network has made significant advances toward its project objectives despite early delays and ongoing complexities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including hiring freezes and personnel changes. Nevertheless, the Network has accomplished and surpassed outcome goals. The Network requested NCE funds to complete activities delayed in 2023 due to personnel family leave and competing grant responsibilities. Evaluation: In Fall 2022, the Network contracted a new external evaluation firm - Rainbow Research - after value misalignment with the previous evaluators. The Evaluators reviewed and proposed revisions to existing survey tools, developed and tested new analysis tools, implemented a new annual survey and farmer interviews, analyzed data, and provided an annual report. Personnel: At National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers), Katherin Un became Co-Executive Director and provides additional oversight and coordination support on the grant. Subawards: There were no key personnel changes at UMaine. At Farm Aid, a part-time Hotline Operator left the position to pursue another opportunity. At NEFOC, new hire Christine Hutchinson serves as a liaison to the Advisory Team and new hire Rosa Rodriguez also serves as a liaison to the Advisory Team. Hutchinson has over 20 years of experience creating programming for BIPOC youth in agriculture, and Rodriguez has more than 24 years of experience in giving and creating tailored services for farm employees in the Mid-Atlantic region. At Farm First, Ashwinee Kulkarni serves as a liaison to the Advisory Team and Karen Crowley retired. Language Justice: We continue to build trust and communication with the diverse community of farmers and with farmworkers served by our members. This includes an ongoing communications campaign that includes a redesigned Cultivemos logo, website, and newsletter geared toward the farmers we serve and accessible in both Spanish and English. Still, language differences make it difficult to connect directly with these communities, particularly with regard to understanding their experiences of stress and mental health. We have come to understand the scope of these barriers via trust building with members, who share what they've learned from farmers, farmworkers, and their families with the Network. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Network hosted 20 trainings with over 200 participants, exceeding Outcome 3.1. In the annual survey, 95% of the respondents who participated in the training provided through Cultivemos reported obtaining the necessary information (Outcome 3.2), thus increasing their understanding of best practices for supporting farmers under stress. 95% of respondents reported that training improved the ability to provide information to farmers and farmworkers (Outcome 3.3), increasing understanding of options for offering stress assistance programming and collaboration among service providers. The Network increased quality or scope of services provided by service providers by creating 15 of new educational materials (Outcome 3.4). Finally, respondents shared success stories; respondents were most proud of the following goals: 1. Collaboration among members and between agencies contributes directly to increasing knowledge that increases opportunities for farmworker farmers and increases the Network of help/support space among farmers, and 2. Adaptability and continuous growth are also associated with the increase of knowledge, which in turn favors the creation of new opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination efforts to the following audiences include: 1) Private to Network Members: Quarterly Network Calls, hosted in Spanish and English with simultaneous live interpretation and live text translation, see activity 1.3. Internal Platform, accessible to network members through a secure login, see activity 1.6. Resource Matrix, accessible to network members through a secure login. Network Member Google Group listserv that consists of 273 email addresses (an increase from 245 email addresses in August 2022) and threads containing information about farmer mental health webinars, trainings, surveys, and relevant articles. 2) Open Resources Resource Clearinghouse (aka Farmer Resource Network) (https://farmaid.my.site.com/FRN/s/), see activity 2.1. Farm Aid's website landing page for Cultivemos (https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/cultivemos-the-network-for-farmer-well-being/) containing links to Network resources. A youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAffImJvhjTlQVgIXv9w8FQ) containing trainings products from Network-funded projects, see activity 3.1 and 3.3. Cultivemos microsite (https://www.cultivemos.org/), a Spanish and English bilingual homepage with the Cultivemos branding (see activity 1.7) to support the communications campaign, see activity 2.4. National Young Farmers Coalition's website landing page (https://www.youngfarmers.org/cultivemos/) to redirect to the above new microsite. Social media posts (Cultivemos_NE on instagram) with Cultivemos logo, branding, and messaging to farmers and farmworkers as part of the communications campaign, see activity 2.4. Printed materials with Cultivemos logo, branding, and messaging to farmers and farmworkers as part of the communications campaign which have been distributed in the mail to Network Members as well as distributed at in-person events such as the Farm Aid festival, see activity 2.4. 160 magnets (80 in ENG and 80 in ESP) 100 postcards (50 in ENG and 50 in ESP) 160 posters (80 ENG and 80 ESP) Quarterly Network Newsletters highlighting upcoming trainings, new resources, and relevant regional events, sent to Network Members, subscribers, and available on the microsite. Available in Spanish and English. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We requested a No Cost Extension (NCE) of the current grant to complete the following by September 14, 2024: Personnel: Personnel in Q1 and Q2 of the NCE year is necessary in order to complete implementation of the below activities. Additionally, personnel time is required to complete all evaluation and reporting requirements for the grant. Travel: The NCE includes travel for a network convening and staff travel that were activities impacted by Covid-19 and staff capacity in 2022-23, including family leave and competing grant priorities. In-person gatherings during the no-cost extension are necessary to solidify Advisory Team and Farmer Advisory Board relationships, conclude financial and evaluation requirements for FRSAN 2020-23, and share resources and information created in 2020-23 with agricultural communities. These activities contribute to grant Objective 1 (Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network), Objective 3 (Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources), and Grant Management. Evaluation: Evaluation consultants in Q1 and Q2 of the NCE year are essential in order to continue and complete the evaluation of grant objectives. Language Justice: Language Justice consultants in Q1 and Q2 of the NCE year are essential in order to provide meeting spaces, resources, and trainings in both English and Spanish, upholding Network commitments to racial justice and prioritizing BIPOC farmers and farmworkers. Project Consultants: 1) BIPOC/Farmworker Organization Granting: This activity was designated to be completed in 2022-23 in order to contribute to network building and capacity increasing activity; this activity was delayed due to staff capacity in 2022-23. This activity in the NCE year contributes to grant Objective 1 (Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network) and Objective 3 (Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources). 2) Project Consultant: A project consultant supporting Q1 and Q2 of this grant is essential inorder to support the successful completion of NCE activities. 3) In Living text-indent: 36pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">4) Network Trainings: The NCE includes Network trainings on topics such as mental health not yet complete in 2022-23 due to staff and partner capacity. Network training contribute to grant Objective 3 (Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources). 5) Accessibility consultant: Accessibility consultant support in Q1 and Q2 of this grant is essential in order to ensure that Network meeting spaces, resources, and trainings are accessible to wide audiences, contributing to Objective 2 (expanding the available stress assistance resources). 6) ADP/Computer Services: Technology services are essential in order to support consultants' work in the Network and to implement their services, such as accessibility improvements. This Activity especially contributes to grant Objective 1 (Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network) Subaward: The wellness gathering designated for 2022-23 was delayed due to contractor delays, host site date conflicts, and staff capacity. This activity provides networking, resource dissemination, and communication campaign implementation and will be tasked to subawardee Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust in the upcoming NCE year. This activity contributes to grant Objective 1 (Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network) and Objective 3 (Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources). Facility Rental: Facility rental in the upcoming NCE year connects to the Travel activity; please see the above justification.?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Establish a Diverse, Regionally Representative Network The Advisory Team met every other week as planned (Activity 1.1) to guide the FRSAN-NE Network, known as "Cultivemos" or abbreviated to "the Network", especially living its values. The 10-member Farmer Advisory Board (Activity 1.2) renewed contracts, committing to serving as advisors to the Advisory Team to ensure the Network's work adequately reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate; share ideas and farming experiences to inform Network trainings, resources, and communication; and review Network materials. The Farmer Advisory Board represents the diversity of farmers in the Northeast. All meetings include simultaneous interpretation and text translation in Spanish and English. Network Membership Meetings (Activity 1.3) are proceeding on a quarterly schedule, increasing Network understanding of the needs, skills, and capacities of other service providers and resources in the Network (see Outcome 1.3). Working Groups (Activity 1.4) support the Advisory Team by providing additional capacity and expertise to accomplish goals and meet project objectives. Each Working Group meets once or twice a month and is led by a subawardee organization member. Cohorts (Activity 1.5) function as communities of practice for service providers and farmers to connect and identify areas for collaboration. The Network currently consists of 20 cohorts. To create connections within the network, the Network contracted services to continually host and improve the online networking platform (Activity 1.6) as a communal space for Network Members to collaborate via groups, notification boards, and a Network calendar. This year, the Internal Platform became more user-friendly by creating an easy-to-remember URL, improving the log-in process, creating an introduction video to the platform, and using Cultivemos graphic design materials to improve the look (Activity 1.7). The Internal Platform currently has 183 users, a 30% increase from last year. The Network consists of 160 active individual members representing 90 active organizations across the northeast, exceeding Outcome 1.1. 86% of members agreed that they developed new relationships across the Network due to these activities (Outcome 1.2). 65% of the members reported having developed new services and resources as a result of their participation in the Network and its activities, many of which are now highlighted in the Network's Resource Clearinghouse (Outcome 1.3). Additionally, several press outlets covered the Network's services and resources, such as Public Service News, Connecticut Public, and Seven Days (Vermont), helping to increase the visibility of the Network to farming communities. Objective 2: Expand the available stress assistant resources. The Resource Clearinghouse, known as the Farmer Resource Network (Activity 2.1), is a free online search tool that agricultural communities and service providers can use to find organizations and resources. Since its launch in Summer 2021, the Clearinghouse has expanded to include 1,662 active resources, adding 256 resources and translating 36 into Spanish last year alone. Farm First' self-assessment tools were also added to the Clearinghouse (Activity 2.3). In April 2023, the search tool became available in Spanish. During the grant period, 3,211 users accessed the Clearinghouse in all 13 states in the Northeast region. The Network expanded Farm Aid's helpline services in the Northeast (Activity 2.2). Hotline Operators typically spend an average of 1.5 hours per farmer case, researching appropriate resources and referrals. The expanded Hotline Team has allowed increased hours dedicated to improving the Clearinghouse. To better serve this grant's target audiences, Farm Aid and Migrant Clinicians Network partnered to offer Hotline resources in Spanish; a Spanish-speaking operator began taking farmer calls in October 2022. During the grant period, 98 farmers sought support through the Hotline, which resulted in 506 referrals to organizations in the region, including 74 referrals to USDA programs, 39 referrals to FSA programs, and 76 referrals to University Extension programs. Contractor Oberland developed a communications campaign to address reluctance in the farm community to seek and accept assistance (Activity 2.4). The campaign launched, utilizing a combination of tools such as soil portraits, microsite, social media posts, youtube videos, and physical materials (posters, magnets, and postcards). The efforts of the Network have increased usage of the Clearinghouse, helpline, and self-assessment tool and, by extension, of USDA and other governmental programs (Outcome 2.1). More usage of Network resources by our members has increased the availability of tools that help farmers reduce stress (Outcome 2.2). Objective 3: Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources The Network has continued to develop events, workshops, and trainings (Activity 3.1) designed to equip Network members with the tools to best support the diverse agricultural community we serve. This year, we hosted 20 trainings covering topics such as Farmer Financial Literacy as well as a series of Legal Q&A Lunches about farm employment law, business structure basics, and more. External evaluators administered the annual Network Member survey (Activity 3.2) in Summer 2023. and the Network conducted two Farmer Listening Sessions. The first took place with cohort members in Fall 2022, and the second with Farmer Advisory Board members in Spring 2023. Data from the session inform the Network's training and resources development. In July 2022, Cohorts submitted proposals for consultant projects intended to develop community-led trainings and resources, establish best practices, and grow support in intersectional areas of need (Activity 3.3). Projects were implemented this grant period, including a zine by the Trans Farmer Cohort, a first-of-its-kind conference on Disability and Agriculture in the Northeast hosted by the Disability and Agriculture Cohort, a series of bilingual pamphlets and videos on Managing Finances targeting US farmworkers by the Farmworker Cohort, and the creation of four more episodes of the Cultivemos podcast by the Farm Communications Cohort. In a survey of completed projects, 89% of members asserted that their cohort's project established connections between Network members. 77% agreed that their projects increased the knowledge of best practices for supporting farmers and farm workers under stress. Cohort members expressed appreciation for a leadership structure that allows for co-leadership, enabling working farmers to serve in these roles.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Cultivemos: Cultivating Farmer Well-Being in The Natural Farmer by Jac Wypler
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: 4 Cultivemos newsletters
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivemos microsite: https://www.cultivemos.org/
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Farm Aid Cultivemos landing page: https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/cultivemos-the-network-for-farmer-well-being/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivemos AgrAbility Conference March 20-23, 2022 Virtual presentation by PD Jac Wypler alongside other FRSAN regions
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Structural Solutions To Farmer Mental Health And Community Wellbeing at the 2023 PASA Sustainable Agriculture Virtual Conference by Young Farmers Leslie Rodriguez alongside other partners
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivating Well-Being on Farms in the Northeast at 2023 Northeast Organic Farming Association Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA Mass) Summer Conference by Young Farmers Leslie Rodriguez alongside other partners
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Farmworker Mental Health: how our food system is affecting the mental health of the people who feed us in The Natural Farmer by M�chi L�pez
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Commentary: PFAS contamination also has mental health impact on Maines farmers: https://www.pressherald.com/2023/05/25/commentary-pfas-contamination-also-has-mental-health-impact-on-maines-farmers/
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Press Release: The National Young Farmers Coalition launches farmer mental health website during Mental Health Awareness Month
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Cultivemos Impacts sheet

Progress 09/15/21 to 09/14/22

Outputs
Target Audience:This project seeks to connect and train service providers across the Northeast to address the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers therein. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Northeast (FRSAN-NE) recognizes the unique challenges faced by migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. As such, these groups constitute the project's target audience and our project aims to expand service provision to this target audience by creating a Network that resources service providers working within these communities as well as building capacity of all service providers in the region to approach their work with a framework of inclusion and solidarity. The Network's efforts to engage service providers working directly with this audience include regular meetings, trainings, an online clearinghouse, and opportunities for leadership within Working Groups and Cohorts. In addition, our budget allocates resources to make services more accessible to our target population, including: stipends for farmers to participate in annual trainings, childcare services and interpretation services provided for Network sessions , translation of critical stress assistance resources and materials developed by FRSAN-NE or beyond; a Spanish-speaking farmer hotline; and funding for a BIPOC cohort and a farmworker cohort in the Network. The FRSAN-NE established a 10-farmer member Farmer Advisory Board as an accountability mechanism for the Network's commitment to our defined target population. This Farmer Advisory Board represents migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and BIPOC farmers in the region and ensures that the Network reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate (i.e. culturally, ethnically, racially, linguistically, and socio-economically sensitive). The FRSAN-NE structure also constitutes an Advisory Team responsible for collaboratively designing, coordinating, administering, and evaluating the project; this group is accountable to the Farmer Advisory Board and our project goals. The Advisory Team is composed of representatives from the six grant recipient organizations: Farm Aid, Farm First Vermont, Migrant Clinicians Network, National Young Farmers Coalition, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. After the 2019-2020 grant, the Advisory Team expanded in 2021 to include Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC) and the Migrant Clinician's Network (MCN); these partners bring insights and expertise in providing comprehensive stress assistance to BIPOC growers and migrant farmworkers. With NEFOC's and MCN's leadership, the Advisory Team ensures that the Network's structure, trainings, outreach strategies, and resources are culturally competent in reaching socially marginalized farm audiences in the Northeast. Changes/Problems:Timeline: The Network has made significant advances towards its project objectives despite early delays and ongoing complexities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including hiring freezes and personnel changes. Nevertheless, the Network has accomplished and surpassed outcome goals. Capacity: The Network via Young Farmers has taken on responsibilities beyond the initial scope of this project, including coordinating quarterly regional meetings with all FRSAN region PDs and NIFA representatives, supporting FRSAN SDA recipients, and leading sessions during the USDA's Sustainable Livelihoods Convening. These efforts have provided greater coherence and consistency across and within the region, but are not directly measurable under the original grant's activities or outcomes. Evaluation: In Fall 2021, the Network contracted a new external evaluation firm - Sharp Insight - after value misalignment with the previous evaluators. The purpose of the Network evaluation is to provide its leadership team with a better understanding of the: Needs, skills, and capacities of service providers in FRSAN-NE in regard to stress assistance; Extent to which FRSAN-NE is creating meaningful connections and collaborations across the region in regard to stress assistance for farmers and farmworkers; and Impact of training sessions on service providers facilitated by the Network. Evaluation deliverables include: Summary findings report of June 2021 Cohort survey Summary findings of farmer listening sessions held from 2020-21 Advisement on Cohort application and reporting Development of training survey Development of Network member survey Summary findings from individual trainings to trainers 30 days after each training Annual evaluation report and presentation of findings Personnel: At National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers), Martín Lemos transitioned away from his role as Co-Executive Director and PD for the FRSAN-NE grant; Jac Wypler (Farmer Mental Health Director) became the PD for FRSAN-NE. Young Farmers hired four additional staff to support the grant. Jen Vazquez joined as the Government Grants and Budget Manager, bringing almost 20 years of experience in farming and 10 years of grant writing and management. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Sociology from Northland College and an M.S. in Sustainable Agriculture from Iowa State University. Leslie Rodriguez joined as FRSAN Manager. Formerly with Migrant Clinicians Network, Rodriguez has a Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston. Rodriguez serves on the Advisory Team and leads the Evaluation Working Group. Míchi López joined as FRSAN Coordinator to support Network communications, Language Justice, and the Farmer Advisory Board. López graduated from University of Iowa previously served as a co-farm manager and Access and Equity Coordinator. López is a member of the Network Sustainability Working Group. Angel Papineau joined as FRSAN Coordinator to support Cohorts, payments, and evaluation. Papineau graduated from University of Pennsylvania and has almost a decade of experience in urban agriculture. Papineau is a member of the Evaluation Working Group. Subawards: At Farm Aid, Farm Aid hired Caitlin Arnold-Stefano as the Hotline Manager in October 2021. Arnold-Stefano serves on the FRSAN-NE Advisory Team and supports the Network Sustainability Working Group. Kevin Channel departed the Farm First and the new hire Matt Myers began in July 2022. Myers grew up on a small diversified Vermont farm and brings an extensive background in counseling to the position. Leanne Porter stepped back from the Advisory Team to focus on supporting the Training Working Group, the Resource Working Group, the Mental Health Cohort, and the PFAS Cohort. There were no personnel changes at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. At Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, Gaby Pereyra became the new co-PD. At Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), Leslie Rodriguez left the organization (as previously mentioned). Jessica Calderón joined as co-PD. Calderón serves as the Project Coordinator for the Witness 2 Witness program, drawing on a background in psychology. Calderón serves on the Advisory Team and the Resource Working Group. Additionally, Renée E. AboAmshe joined the Network, serving on the Advisory Team and Farmworker Cohort. AboAmshe is a Program Manager with Migrant Clinicians Network, drawing on a background in advocating for health quality and equity for farmworker communities. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Network, its cohorts, and partners hosted 20 trainings in the first three quarters of 2021-22, with at least 180 total participants taking part, exceeding Outcome 3.1. Given that training evaluation tools were in development, we do not have data on the increase in attendees' understanding of best practices for supporting farmers under stress (Outcome 3.2). 100% of cohort leaders reported increased capacity to provide stress assistance through cohort activities (Outcome 3.3). The Network developed 30 educational materials, 84% of Network members agree they increased the quality/scope of technical assistance services (increased capacity) due to participation/ resources, and 27% report leveraging of (external) funds for programming in stress assistance (Outcome 3.4). Finally, respondents shared success stories; top themes included that the Network has helped them personally or their organization support farmers or farmworkers and that the Network provides a safe space and new ways of thinking, valuing others, and efforts in racial equity. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination of this project will be further detailed in our final report to NIFA. Current dissemination efforts to the following audiences include: Network Members: Resource Matrix (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login Internal Platform (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login Network Member Google Group listserv that consists of 245 email addresses (an increase from 236 email addresses in February 2022). The listerv includes 86 unique threads since September 2021, containing information about farmer mental health webinars, COVID-19 assistance to farmers, trainings and surveys, and relevant articles. Network Members & Public Landing pages on National Young Farmers Coalition website (LINK) with links to farmer mental health resources, farmer mental health podcasts, and relevant information about the Network, such as the vision and mission. Since September 15, 2021, the landing pages have received 5,938 views and the main landing page alone has received 3,377 views. Resource Clearinghouse (aka Farmer Resource Network) (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login Newsletters:Fall 2021, Winter 2021/22, Spring 2022, Summer 2022 Specific outreach to Spanish-speaking farmers: The contracted Language Justice team has conducted outreach to Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworker organizations to share information about Farmer Advisory Board application, Network trainings, and other Network opportunities. The Language Justice team provides simultaneous live interpretation and live text translation in Spanish and English in Network Quarterly Calls, Farmer Advisory Board meetings, and Cohort leads meetings. The Language Justice team additionally translates Network forms and emails from English to Spanish in order to better serve the region's farmworkers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In 2022-23, the Network will continue to 1) Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network, 2) Expand the available stress assistance resources, and 3) Enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources. To meet Objective 1, establishing a diverse, regionally representative Network, the Network will: Hold monthly Advisory Team meetings to facilitate effective project planning, administration, and evaluation (Activity 1.1); Host monthly Farmer Advisory Board meetings to engage producer input on the Network's direction, goals, and the content of resources and trainings (Activity 1.2); Host quarterly Network Members meetings to inform Network Members about trainings, resources, and services available to members and farmers, gather feedback on Network design and development, identify resources and referrals available and gaps in coverage, and provide members with resources to grow the Network (Activity 1.3); Hold monthly meetings for each of the four Working Groups to assist with planning, administration, and evaluation (Activity 1.4); Network Sustainability Working Group will focus on sustaining the Network beyond the timeline of this grant, including procuring ongoing funding streams for the Network, identifying long-term work priorities, and solidifying collaborative relationships Hold monthly/bi-monthly cohort meetings for cohorts to connect service providers and provide a forum for sharing, learning, assessing gaps/needs, and collaboratively identifying and developing relevant trainings and resources (Activity 1.5). 12 cohorts with 10 members each were written into the project narrative; the Network will not restrict to 12 cohorts nor 10 members each as long as rollover funds remain to support cohort membership; Complete online network platform development (Activity 1.6); and Complete branding development will be complete (Activity 1.7). Network Membership will include at least 75 organizations (Outcome 1.1). Network Membership meetings will increase Network understanding of the needs, skills, and capacities of other service providers and resources in the Network (Outcome 1.3). Network Membership meetings, Working Group meetings, and Cohort meetings will each contribute to increasing connections across the Network that result in meaningful coordination and collaboration (Outcome 1.2). In the long term, the Northeast will demonstrate increased collaboration among service providers and reduced duplication of efforts. To meet Objective 2, expanding the available stress assistance resources, the Network will: Complete Clearinghouse expansion (Activity 2.1); Continue offering farmer helpline services and expand hotline support to Spanish-speaking farmers (Activity 2.2); Complete development of farmer self-assessment tools (Activity 2.3); and Implement a communications campaign with the contracted firm, Oberland (Activity 2.4). Together, these efforts will increase usage of the clearinghouse, helpline, and self-assessment tool and, by proxy, USDA programs, and other governmental programs (Outcome 2.1) and increased availability of tools that help farmers reduce stress (Outcome 2.2). In the long term, they will enhance provision of services to farmers and increase farmer awareness and use of resources and referrals. To meet Objective 3, enhancing the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources, the Network will: Continue developing and offering mental health training (Activity 3.1); Conduct follow up Farmer Listening Sessions and conduct Network survey (Activity 3.2); This activity will be completed in Q3 rather than Q1; Solicit proposals and select consultants (Activity 3.3); and Conduct and then evaluate consultant projects (Activity 3.4). The Network aims to train 200 individuals in 2022-2023 (Outcome 3.1). Other Outcomes include: Increase understanding of best practices for supporting farmers under stress, including financial, legal, disaster recovery, and mental health tools (Outcome 3.2); Increased understanding of options for offering stress assistance programming and collaboration among service providers (Outcome 3.3); and Increase quality or scope of services provided by service providers who participate in trainings or in the Network (Outcome 3.4). In the long term, this work will increase quality and/or scope of service provided by service providers within the region and thereby decrease farmer stress and suicidality. Though the grant has been delayed due to compounding COVID-19 delays, COVID-19 hiring freezes, and multiple personnel changes, the Network has gained significant clarity, best practices, efficient systems, and momentum to implement 2022-2023.?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? These goals will be achieved through the following objectives: Objective 1: Establish a Diverse, Regionally Representative Network Objective 2: Expand the Available Stress Assistance Resources Objective 3: Enhance the Capacity of Service Providers Through the Development of Trainings and Resources What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Establish a diverse, regionally representative Network. The Network consists of 153 active individual members representing 91 active organizations across the northeast. The evaluators estimate that 100 individuals identify as service providers, exceeding Outcome 1.1. The Advisory Team met every other week as planned (Activity 1.1).The Advisory Team also held four virtual three-hour retreats in the winter to produce clarity on Network structures, decision making processes, and equity. In the summer, the Advisory Team held a hybrid virtual/in person retreat to discuss Year 3 subaward budgets and programming. The 10-member Farmer Advisory Board (Activity 1.2) renewed contracts, committing to: serving as advisors to the Advisory Team to ensure the Network work adequately reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate, share ideas and farming experiences to inform Network trainings, resources, and communication, and review Network materials. The Farmer Advisory Board represents the diversity of farmers in the Northeast. All meetings include simultaneous interpretation and text translation in Spanish and English. Network Membership Meetings (Activity 1.3) are proceeding on schedule, occurring quarterly, to increase Network understanding of the needs, skills, and capacities of other service providers and resources in the Network (see Outcome 1.3). Working Groups (Activity 1.4) support the Advisory Team by providing additional capacity and expertise to accomplish goals and meet project objectives. Each Working Group meets once or twice a month and is led by an Advisory Team member: Evaluation Working Group led by Leslie Rodriguez (Young Farmers), Resources Working Group led by Karen Crowley (Farm First), Training Working Group led by Alexandria Ward (Farm Aid), and Network Sustainability Working Group co-led by Leslie Forstadt (University of Maine Cooperative Extension) and Jac Wypler (Young Farmers). FRSAN-NE Cohorts (Activity 1.5) function as communities of practice for service providers and farmers to connect and identify areas for collaboration, such as training or resource development, analysis of best practices, or other network-building opportunities. The Network currently consists of 15 cohorts with approximately 120 cohort members. To create connections within the network, FRSAN-NE contracted services to develop the online networking platform (Activity 1.6) as a communal space for Network Members to collaborate via groups, notification boards, and a Network calendar. The Internal Platform currently has 140 active users. Using the strategic visioning and design from contractor Oberland, the Network launched public facing branding that includes a new name and logo, along with color schemes, fonts, and styling (Activity 1.7). The Network's public facing name - Cultivemos - is a call to collectively cultivate farmer well-being. 86% of Network Members report that their work has been enhanced by participation in the Network (Outcome 1.2), 94% agree they developed new relationships and collaborations within the Network, 74% report being connected or very connected to other Network members, 93% report they feel value in the work of the Network, and 79% report an increased confidence in their ability to provide stress assistance. 82% of Network members report increased knowledge of available resources best practices (Outcome 1.3), 74% report obtaining new resources to help them in their work due to their participation in the Network, and 85% report increased understanding of stressors farmers/ farmworkers face. Objective 2: to expand the available stress assistant resources. The Resource Clearinghouse (Activity 2.1) is a free search tool that agricultural communities and service providers can use to find organizations and resources. The Clearinghouse contains 1703 organizations and multimedia resources, labeling those serving the Northeast, adding 434 resources since September 2021. Since September 2021, the Clearinghouse has received 3699 visits. The Network expanded Farm Aid's helpline services in the Northeast (Activity 2.2) by 1) increasing the hotline team from one person to six, including two part-time employees in the Northeast, 2) increasing hours, and 3) gathering more resources to share with farmers. Between September 21, 2021 and July 22, 2022, the Hotline responded to 83 farmers in the Northeast and gave the following referrals: 337 referrals to organizations within the region, 114 referrals to USDA programs, 21 referrals to FSA programs, and 18 referrals to University Extensions throughout the region. To better serve this grant's target audiences, helpline responders attended equity trainings and Farm Aid has partnered with Migrant Clinicians Network to expand Farm Aid's Hotline to offer mental health resources in Spanish, launching in Year 3. Farm First developed self-assessment tools (Activity 2.3) for farmers, including: the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool), the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7. These assessments focus on alcohol use, depression, and anxiety. The tools are currently available on the Farm First website. The communications campaign (Activity 2.4) to address reluctance in the farm community to seek and accept assistance has been designed and will be launching in Fall 2022. The efforts of the Network have increased usage of the Clearinghouse, helpline, and self-assessment tool and, by extension, of USDA and other governmental programs (Outcome 2.1) More usage of Network resources by our members has increased the availability of tools that help farmers reduce stress (Outcome 2.2): in Quarters 1-3, 32 new resources and educational materials related to farm and farmworker stress were developed by Cohorts and other partners. Of these, 30 were funded at least in part by the Network. Objective 3: to enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources. The Network has continued to develop and offer mental health trainings (Activity 3.1), described in the Training section of this report. Additionally, Farm First completed (in English) the Stronger Together training that provides baseline mental health information on warning signs and red flags, stigma, anxiety and depression (both chronic and acute), and suicide prevention. External evaluators completed the annual Network Member survey in May 2022 and the follow up listening sessions are occurring in August 2022 (Activity 3.2). In July 2022, Cohorts submitted proposals for consultant projects to develop trainings and resources, establish best practices, and assist in other areas (Activity 3.3). 12 Cohorts submitted proposals for an anticipated $222,000 in funding; the continuation report will include more details on these projects. This activity is behind schedule due to COVID-19 and key personnel changes, occurring in quarter 4 rather than quarter 2.?

Publications

• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: FRSAN-NE landing pages on National Young Farmers Coalition website (website) https://www.youngfarmers.org/frsan-ne/
• Type: Websites Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Farm Aid Farmer Resource Network (aka the Resource Clearinghouse) (website)https://farmerresourcenetwork.force.com/FRN/s/
• Type: Websites Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: FRSAN-NE Resource Matrix (website) https://investeap.knack.com/frsan#resources-login/home/
• Type: Websites Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: FRSAN-NE Internal Platform (website) https://farmerresourcenetwork.force.com/FRSANNE/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2FFRSANNE%2Fs%2F
• Type: Websites Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: FRSAN-NE Newsletters https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/12/fall-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/ https://www.youngfarmers.org/2022/04/march-2022-frsan-ne-newsletter/ https://www.youngfarmers.org/2022/07/may-2022-cultivemos-newsletter/ https://www.youngfarmers.org/2022/08/summer-2022-cultivemos-newsletter/
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15l2USKBqw3l7w1DbgjgXicynShIHRox4VVUoM_dhrcc/edit#slide=id.g10f2711704d_0_0 Bilingual Self Care Plan: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE1LigmE-Q/6GKNxc3VB1JYAhcJlqyDAQ/view?utm_content=DAE1LigmE-Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel Mental Health Resources for the Agricultural CommunityResources for the Agricultural Community: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z0Igx6NSQHD1XuYJejN12C4vdKo3ZCXwDT0TKNHJRY4/edit
• Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: La fuerxa Latina Magazine: https://www.flipsnack.com/fuerzalatinamagazine/fuerza-latina-01.html Migrant Clinicians Network: https://www.migrantclinician.org/blog/2021/dec/how-support-migrant-farmworkers-mental-health-it-starts-partnerships.html

Progress 09/15/20 to 09/14/21

Outputs
Target Audience:This project seeks to connect and train service providers across the Northeast to address the mental health needs of farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers therein. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the Northeast (FRSAN-NE) recognizes the unique challenges faced by migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. As such, these groups constitute the project's target audience and our project aims to expand service provision to this target audience by creating a Network that resources service providers working within these communities as well as building capacity of all service providers in the region to approach their work with a framework of inclusion and solidarity. The Network efforts to engage service providers working directly with this audience include regular meetings, trainings, an online clearinghouse, and opportunities for leadership within Working Groups and Cohorts. In addition, our budget allocates resources to make services more accessible to our target population, including: stipends for farmers to participate in annual trainings farmers, childcare services and interpretation services provided for Network sessions , translation of critical stress assistance resources and materials developed by FRSAN-NE or beyond; a Spanish-speaking farmer hotline; and funding for a BIPOC cohort and a farmworker cohort in the Network. The FRSAN-NE established a 10-farmer member Farmer Advisory Board as an accountability mechanism for the Network's commitment to our defined target population. This Farmer Advisory Board represents migrant farmworkers, young farmers, and BIPOC farmers in the region and ensures that the Network reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate (i.e. culturally, ethnically, racially, linguistically, and socio-economically sensitive). The FRSAN-NE structure also constitutes an Advisory Team responsible for collaboratively designing, coordinating, administering, and evaluating the project; this group is accountable to the Farmer Advisory Board and our project goals. The Advisory Team is composed of representatives from the six grant recipient organizations: Farm Aid, Farm First Vermont, Migrant Clinicians Network, National Young Farmers Coalition, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and University of Maine Cooperative Extension. After the 2019-2020 grant, the Advisory Team expanded in 2021 to include Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust (NEFOC) and the Migrant Clinician's Network (MCN); these partners bring insights and expertise in providing comprehensive stress assistance to BIPOC growers and migrant farmworkers. With NEFOC's and MCN's leadership, the Advisory Team ensures that the Network's structure, trainings, outreach strategies, and resources are culturally competent in reaching socially marginalized farm audiences in the Northeast. Changes/Problems:Timeline: Despite delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, FRSAN-NE has made significant advances towards its project objectives. An additional 4-month delay in the final approval process for our FRSAN 2019 Grant (Award # 2019-70028-30464), likewise disrupted our initial hiring process and timeline for the pilot grant. We have since secured a No-Cost Extension for that grant, which has impacted the timeline on this current grant (Award #2020-70028-32729). Despite COVID related hiring freezes, multiple personnel changes, and a grant delay, FRSAN-NE has gained significant clarity and momentum in the last year. Evaluation: In June 2021, the Advisory Team reflected on the evaluation process and the Network's values to align with the FRSAN-NE proposal priorities that center the needs of BIPOC farmers, farmworkers, and young farmers. As such, Young Farmers ended the contract with the Bassett Medical Center team, expressing gratitude for stewarding our initial evaluations and acknowledging their efforts to support the Network. In an effort to expand FRSAN-NE's commitment to racial equity into the 2021-2022 grant cycle, the Evaluation Working Group is currently aligning its efforts to identify areas for improvement, including survey design and response, and has launched a competitive process to onboard a new external evaluator to help achieve this goal. Personnel: At National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers), Jaclyn (Jac) Wypler began work as the FRSAN-NE Project Manager at the end of November 2020. Wypler holds a B.A. in Sociology from Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. in Sociology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sonia Sullivan joined Young Farmers as the FRSAN-NE Financial Grant Manager in the beginning of November 2020. Prior to joining the Young Farmers team, Sullivan provided strategic consulting to agricultural entrepreneurs and program design and management to farm- and food-focused organizations. Sullivan is transitioning away from Young Farmers mid-August 2021 and Young Farmers aims to hire for her position by October 2021. Martín Lemos continues as PD, and there are no additional changes to Young Farmers Personnel. In April 2021, Farm Aid hired Alexandria Ward as the Farmer Services Network Manager. Ward has taken on Madeline Lutkewitte's responsibilities as Lutkewiite transitioned away from Farm Aid. Ward now holds the FRSAN-NE roles and responsibilities identified as belonging to the Network Manager in the grant narrative. Glenda Yoder, Associate Director, supervises Ward and in this way participates in and supports Farm Aid's engagement with FRSAN-NE. Yoder has a 30+ year history with Farm Aid, including hotline experience and development of referral networks. Farm Aid's's hotline work is supplemented by Farm Aid hotline staffers, currently supervised by Ward. Farm Aid anticipates hiring a Hotline Manager in September. Karen Crowley continues in her Farm First role leading the Mental Health Resource Working Group and the Mental Health Cohort, developing and gathering tools and resources, designing the resource toolkit, and providing training. Additionally, both Steve Dickens and Allen Matthews who have participated in FRSAN-NE from the beginning, will continue to work with the Farm First team. Although Matthews has retired from his Farm First role, he has opted to continue on a contractual basis and will continue to contribute to FRSAN-NE. Farm First has also hired a replacement for Mathews, Kevin Channell, who began work with during this quarter. Channel's overall role at Farm First will include some FRSAN-NE activities and be able to fill any gaps left by Mr. Matthews reduced schedule. At the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Polly Shyka joined Co-PD, Leslie Forstadt, as Maine's Farmer/Network Liaison for FRSAN-NE. Shyka co-owns and operates Villageside Farm in Freedom, Maine. Shyka will enhance communication between FRSAN-NE and the Beginning Farmer Resource Network of Maine, other agricultural entities, and the larger farming community. At Northeast Farmers of Color, Stephanie Morningstar, Co-PD and Relationships, Resources, and Reciprocity Co-director welcomed a new Land Network Co-director, Gaby Pereyra. Pereyra joined NEFOC in December of 2020 and serves as their FRSAN-NE Network Coordinator, participating in the Advisory Team and coordinating with BIPOC partners on the work of the Network. At Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), Kate Kruse (former co-PD) left the organization and Leslie J Rodriguez is the new Co-PD for this grant moving forward. Rodriguez joined MCN in December 2020 as the Bilingual Program Manager. Rodriguez has a Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston. Rodriguez serves on the FRSAN-NE Advisory Team, co-leads the Evaluation Working Group, co-leads the Farmworker Cohort, and helps lead the Spanish First Cohort (La Fuerza Latina). MCN added a new Administrative Associate, Dina Gonzalez to assist with coordination of these projects. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Network Membership Meetings (Activity 1.3): 10/14/20: 25 attendees; Objectives: Provide orientation to FRSAN-NE for new and existing members; Build shared understanding around Network vision/goals, values, and structure; Establish shared language around key concepts for the Network; Build relationship within the network. 2/24/21: 30 attendees; Agenda: Network Members shared about their interactions with stress and wellness in farming communities. They learned about the FRSAN-NE Advisory Team, Cohort opportunities, and Evaluation processes. 5/26/21: 52 attendees; Conducted with simultaneous live interpretation in English and Spanish. Network Members shared about their efforts to advance racial equity in their work. They learned about FRSAN-NE values and BIPOC farmer debt relief from Young Farmers' Federal Policy Director, Vanessa Garcia Polanco. 8/25/21: TBD Trainings: Understanding Farm Resiliency for Diverse Farm Communities Training (November 2020); The Training had 26 attendees and covered the following topics: Resiliency Theory Introduction: What does resiliency mean? Review factors that contribute to resilience in the agricultural context Socioecological Model + Program Delivery Models Latinx Farmworker Training Series (June - August 2021) Session III: Harvesting Health: Provision of Services and Outreach: Attendees will fill their toolboxes with practical outreach strategies and opportunities to make effective referrals to support mental health, stress reduction, and health and well-being among the Latinx farmer and farmworker community using culturally and linguistically preferred methods. August 10th; 10:00-11:30 AM Recording Here. Session II: Cultivating Connection: Culture and Communication: 41 attendees explored the stigmas, perceptions, and culture of Mental Health or Behavioral Health among the Latinx community and learned about the power relationships between farm owners, farm managers, and farm workers and how to navigate root causes of stress.Tuesday, July 13th; 10:00-11:30 AM; Recording Here. Session I: Planting Seeds: Supporting Thriving Latinx Farmer and Farmworker Communities: 51 attendees learned about the populations of Latinx communities in the various Northeast agricultural sectors (dairy, poultry, specialty crops, others) that represent the diversity, complexity, and considerations of these differences. Tuesday, June 15th 10:00-11:30 AM; Recording Here. Making Mental Health A Priority Within CT Agriculture 2021 (June 10, 2021) Tom Steen, Steen Consulting is a Master Trainer in Suicide Prevention, Postvention, and Grief Support. Tom led an open discussion around this topic with a mixed panel of agriculture service providers, farmers, and mental health professionals. Recording Here. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Dissemination of this project will be further detailed in our final report to NIFA. Current dissemination efforts to the following audiences include: Network Members: FRSAN-NE Resource Matrix (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login FRSAN-NE Internal Platform (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login FRSAN-NE Google Group listserv that consists of 236 email addresses (an increase from 94 email addresses in February 2021). The listerv includes 85 unique threads since September 2020, containing information about farmer mental health webinars, COVID-19 assistance to farmers, FRSAN-NE trainings and surveys, and relevant articles. Network Members & Public FRSAN-NE landing pages on National Young Farmers Coalition website (LINK) Young Farmers added a FRSAN-NE landing page to their website with links to farmer mental health resources, farmer mental health podcasts, and relevant information about FRSAN-NE, such as the Network's vision and mission. Since launching on February, 2, 2021, 3,364 users have visited all FRSAN pages and 2,130 users have visited just the main FRSAN landing page. Clearinghouse (aka Farmer Resource Network) (LINK), accessible to network members though a secure login FRSAN-NE Newsletters: February, March, April, May, June, July/August In February 2021, Young Farmers sent the first monthly FRSAN-NE Newsletter i to 71 Network Members with information about upcoming Quarterly Calls, trainings, the application call for the Farmer Advisory Board, links to the FRSAN-NE landing page, and Migrant Clinicians Network links to guides about serving migrant farmers. 60% of recipients opened the email and 59.52% clicked at least one link, totaling 125 overall link clicks. The June 2021 Newsletter was sent to 177 unique subscribers. 59.2% of all recipients opened the newsletter and 33.98% of all recipients clicked at least one link, totalling 95 clicks on links. The most popular link was Network Member Rock Steady Farm's "Pronouns 101" blog post - a key feature for Pride Month. Specific outreach to Spanish-speaking farmers: FRSAN-NE's Language Justice team has conducted outreach to Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworker organizations to share information about Farmer Advisory Board application, Network trainings, and other FRSAN opportunities. The Language Justice team provides simultaneous live interpretation and live text translation in Spanish and English in Network Quarterly Calls, Farmer Advisory Board meetings, and the Latinx Farmworker Training series. The Language Justice team additionally translates FRSAN forms and emails from English to Spanish in order to better serve the region's farmworkers. Migrant Clinicians Network utilized FRSAN-NE funds to print and disseminate comic books about health, pesticides, and well-being to farmworkers and their families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?FRSAN- NE will continue to; 1) establish a diverse, regionally representative Network, 2) expand the available stress assistance resources, and 3) enhance the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources. There are no other changes to the plan of work as compared to the original project narrative. To meet Objective 1, establishing a diverse, regionally representative Network, FRSAN-NE will: Continue to hold every-other-week Advisory Team meetings (Activity 1.1) Continue Farmer Advisory Board meetings to engage producer input on the direction and goals of FRSAN-NE as well as advise on how to best reach our target audience (Activity 1.2) Continue quarterly Network Members meetings to keep members informed on resources and services available, gather feedback, identify gaps in coverage, and provide members with resources to grow the Network (Activity 1.3) Continue monthly meetings for each of the Working Groups to assist with planning, administration, and evaluation and monthly Cohort meetings to connect service providers to share, learn, and assess gaps/needs (Activity 1.4) Continue Cohort meetings (Activity 1.5) Continue use of online networking platform (Activity 1.6) Continue branding and marketing development (Activity 1.7) Network Membership will grow to 75 organizations (Outcome 1.1). Network Membership meetings will increase Network understanding of the needs, skills, and capacities of other service providers and resources in the Network (Outcome 1.3). Network Membership meetings, Working Group meetings, and Cohort meetings will each contribute to increasing connections across the Network that result in meaningful coordination and collaboration (Outcome 1.2). In the long term, the Northeast will demonstrate increased collaboration among service providers and reduced duplication of efforts. To meet Objective 2, expanding the available stress assistance resources, FRSAN-NE will: Continue expanding the Clearinghouse (Activity 2.1) Continue offering farmer helpline services and expand hotline support to Spanish-speaking farmers (Activity 2.2) Continue developing farmer self-assessment tools (Activity 2.3) Develop a communications campaign with the contracted firm, Oberland (Activity 2.4) This objective will increase usage of the clearinghouse, helpline, and self-assessment tool and, by proxy, USDA programs, and other governmental programs (Outcome 2.1) and increase availability of tools that help farmers reduce stress (Outcome 2.2). To meet Objective 3, enhancing the capacity of service providers through the development of trainings and resources, FRSAN-NE will: Continue developing and offering mental health training (Activity 3.1) Conduct follow up Farmer Listening Sessions in quarter 2 to better align with farmers' season schedule, and conduct Network survey once a new external evaluator is contracted (Activity 3.2) Solicit proposals and select consultants (Activity 3.3) Consultant projects conducted and then evaluated, once a new external evaluator is contracted (Activity 3.4) Under this objective, FRSAN-NE will train 150 individuals (Outcome 3.1), increased understanding of best practices for supporting farmers under stress, including financial, legal, disaster recovery, and mental health tools (Outcome 3.2), increase understanding of options for offering stress assistance programming and collaboration among service providers (Outcome 3.3), and increase quality or scope of services provided by service providers who participate in trainings or in the Network (Outcome 3.4).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1 Our network consists of over 200 members representing over 70 organizations across the Northeast, exceeding Outcome 1.1. These members work with and represent a multitude of farmers, farm families, and farm communities across the region. Since September 2020, FRSAN-NE has held 27 Advisory Team meetings (Activity 1.1). Attended by representatives from grant recipient organizations, Advisory Team meetings are occurring as planned every-other-week to produce clarity on Network structures, decision making processes, and mechanisms to further equity in FRSAN-NE, and facilitate the reallocation of funds from FRSAN 2019 to network Members. In January 2021, Young Farmers led the efforts to develop the FRSAN-NE Farmer Advisory Board. The Board (Activity 1.2) ensures the Network's work addresses BIPOC farmer stress and is accessible to them. It consists of 10 farmers: 7 of whom identify as BIPOC, 6 of whom are under 40 years old, and 4 of whom speak Spanish as a first language. The board has met 6 times since May 2021. All meetings include simultaneous live interpretation from FRSAN-NE's Language Justice team. Network Membership Meetings (Activity 1.3) are proceeding on schedule, occurring quarterly to increase Network understanding of the needs, skills and capacities of other service providers and resources in the Network (Outcome 1.3). FRSAN-NE currently features 4 Working Groups (Activity 1.4) to advance specific project objectives. These working groups include: Evaluation Working Group, Resources Working Group, Training Working Group, Network Sustainability Working Group. The Network developed cohorts (Activity 1.5) to act as communities of practice for service providers and farmers in the network. FRSAN-NE currently consists of 16 cohorts. To create connections within the network, FRSAN-NE contracted services to develop the online networking platform (Activity 1.6) launched in August 2021. The internal platform is a communal space for service providers, others who work directly with farmers, and farm families and farm workers to collaborate. In March 2021, the Network Sustainability Working Group began the selection process for a marketing and brand development consultant (Activity 1.7). The Network Sustainability Working Group released an RFP and interviewed firms before selecting the firm Oberland (see Activity 2.4). During the grant period, Network Membership, Working Group, and Cohort meetings strengthened ties amongst members and enabled more frequent collaboration between them (Outcome 1.2). We hoped to find 75% of Network Members reporting their work has been enhanced by participation in the Network; in February, 78% of members described their participation in FRSAN as a benefit. Deepened collaboration advanced members' understanding of the needs, skills, and capacities of other service providers and resources within the Network (Outcome 1.3). This outcome is in progress; in the February survey, 86% of members reported increased understanding of at least one area -- needs, skills, or capacities -- between 57% to 76% for individual measures. Generating relationships within FRSAN builds members' understanding of available resources and referrals (Outcome 1.4). In February, 76% of Network Members reported increased knowledge of available resources and referrals as a result of Network participation. Objective 2 FRSAN-NE has expanded the Clearinghouse to produce more effective search results. It currently contains more than 892 organizations, with labels for those that specifically serve the Northeast. Between March 1 and July 31, 2021, the Clearinghouse received approximately 316 visits from users across the Northeast region (Activity 2.1). In addition to expanding the Clearinghouse, FRSAN-NE supported Farm Aid to expand their helpline services to farmers in the Northeast (Activity 2.2). In order to best serve this proposal's target audiences, helpline responders attended a FRSAN-NE sponsored Soul Fire Farm Uprooting Racism training. Farm Aid partnered with Migrant Clinicians Network to expand Farm Aid's Hotline to offer mental health resources in Spanish. Vermont Farm First developed farmer self-assessment tools (Activity 2.3) for Network Members. After research to determine the best choices, Farm First chose three tools to pilot on the Farm First website. Piloting on the Farm First website allowed for preliminary assessment of effectiveness and impact with a smaller number of users. In summer 2021, FRSAN-NE contracted Oberland, a marketing firm, to develop a communications campaign (Activity 2.4). The project is currently in its "discovery phase" which includes reviewing FRSAN-NE materials and trainings, researching relevant partner organization and outreach efforts, and interviewing key stakeholders. Together, these efforts increased usage of the Clearinghouse, helpline, and self-assessment tool and, by extension, of USDA and other governmental programs (Outcome 2.1) More usage of FRSAN resources by our members has increased the availability of tools that help farmers reduce stress (Outcome 2.2). From January 1 to August 11, Farm Aid's helpline received 478 calls/emails to their mental health helpline, 88 from callers in the Northeast. Objective 3: FRSAN-NE has continued to develop and offer mental health trainings as described in the Products section of this report. Training Working Group has Mental Health First Aid trainings scheduled for September (1) and October 2021 (2) as well as a Farm Stress Management and Resources training in October 2021 and Vermont Farm First is developing and offering a five-session series of mental health/stress management training. FRSAN-NE is using the cohort structure to host Farmer Listening Sessions (Activity 3.2). Since February, 6 Network Member organizations with close ties to underrepresented communities have met regularly to design outreach, consent, questions, follow up, and share back on Farmer Listening Sessions. The organizations conducted listening sessions in June/July and submitted reports in August. The findings will inform FRSAN-NE trainings, resources, and objectives in 2021-2023. This activity occurred in quarter 4 rather than quarter 1 due to COVID-19 and key personnel changes. In July, Cohorts submitted proposals for consultant projects to develop trainings and resources, establish best practices, and assist in other areas (Activity 3.3). 14 proposals were submitted and approved for a total of nearly $350,000 in FRSAN-NE grant funding; 40% went to BIPOC-led initiatives. Funded projects cover a range of topics including Queer farmer wellness, BIPOC land access, Latinx farmer issues, and Veteran farmer stressors. This activity is behind schedule due to COVID-19 and key personnel changes, occurring in quarter 4 rather than quarter 2. Given the transition in external evaluators, projects will be evaluated in 2021-2022 quarters 1 and 2 (Activity 3.4). FRSAN trainings in 2020-2021 served to increase attendees' understanding of best practices for supporting farmers under stress (Outcome 3.2). See the products section of this report for more details on trainings. Trainings specifically designed for service providers to increase stress assistance programming and collaboration (Outcome 3.3) were also completed, see Product 5. Our ability to measure our success in training 100 individuals in 2020-21 (Outcome 3.1) is hampered by our evaluator transition. When a new evaluator is contracted, we will produce a totaled number of unique attendees, to be included in subsequent reports. Increasing the quality or scope of services provided by service providers who participate in trainings or in the Network (Outcome 3.4) will also continue once a new evaluator is equipped to ask questions to measure these outcomes in Network Member surveys.

Publications

• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: FRSAN-NE landing pages on National Young Farmers Coalition website (https://www.youngfarmers.org/frsan-ne/)
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Farm Aid Farmer Resource Network, aka the Clearinghouse (https://farmerresourcenetwork.force.com/FRN/s/)
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: FRSAN-NE Resource Matrix (https://investeap.knack.com/frsan#resources-login/home/)
• Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: FRSAN-NE Internal Platform (https://farmerresourcenetwork.force.com/FRSANNE/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2FFRSANNE%2Fs%2F)
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: FRSAN-NE Newsletters February - (https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/02/february-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/) March - (https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/03/march-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/). April - (https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/04/april-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/). May - (https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/05/may-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/). June - https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/06/june-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/). July/August - (https://www.youngfarmers.org/2021/08/august-2021-frsan-ne-newsletter/).