Source: AGROECOLOGY COMMONS submitted to NRP
GROWING COOPERATIVE NETWORKS FOR COMMUNITY FOOD SOVEREIGNTY, NUTRITION, AND AGROECOLOGICAL LAND STEWARDSHIP
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1030681
Grant No.
2023-33800-40420
Cumulative Award Amt.
$397,914.00
Proposal No.
2023-00456
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 15, 2023
Project End Date
Mar 7, 2025
Grant Year
2023
Program Code
[LN.C]- Community Foods
Recipient Organization
AGROECOLOGY COMMONS
836 MARIN RD
EL SOBRANTE,CA 948031322
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Born out of a participatory community design session held in December 2019 in the East Bay with 25 beginning farmers and food justice educators, this project will build values-aligned relationships between local farmers and local markets, facilitate the cooperation for local farmers to sell their produce at local markets, increase farmer and consumer knowledge about nutrient density of fresh and local agroecologically grown food. Just three months after a plan was set to launch an Agroecological Cooperative Incubator Farm, a very small virus changed the course of the big wide world. Of the many lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic about the needs for social change, the importance of resilient local food systems that are not dependent on multinational supply chains has resounded across the country. The impact of COVID-19 on local food access and nutrition security in the California Bay Area was compounded by multiple challenges such as climate disasters, climate extremes including smoke and wildfires impacting crops, and increasing land access scarcity for farmers due to development, gentrification, and contamination. In addition to advancing nutrient-dense food and community self-reliance, this project, Growing Cooperative Networks for Community Food Sovereignty, Nutrition, and Agroecological Land Stewardship will contribute to climate and ecosystem resilience through the expansion of agroecological farming practices. Recent studies estimate that urban agriculture in particular has the ability to mitigate climate change and food insecurity including through the production of 100-180 million tons of food, savings of 14 to 15 billion kilowatt hours of energy, sequestering between 100,000 and 170,000 tons of nitrogen, and reducing 45 and 57 billion cubic meters of stormwater. Below is a common acronym key for our proposal to support a more easeful review!Agroecology CommonsACMandela Grocery CooperativeMGCBay Area Farmer-to-Farmer TrainingBAFFTQueer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of ColorQTBIPOCFeral Heart FarmFHFOrganized to serve beginning farmers and low-income community members in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Fresno counties, this project aims to deepen community food system resilience. Project beneficiaries include socially disadvantaged and low-income beginning farmers, consumers, and youth; people of color, women, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals, formerly incarcerated, and immigrants to the United States. Pre-COVID data shows that one in ten people in the Bay Area are hungry, and 62% do not qualify for food stamps even though they may be struggling financially with high costs of living in the area, but on a federal level they make too much money to qualify for SNAP. Over the course of the pandemic these numbers have worsened with food insecurity rates increasing to 20% and then 33%. In February 2022, one of only two existing West Oakland's full service grocery stores closed, leaving thousands of residents with even less access to fresh nutrient-dense produce.By virtue of their proximity to dense populations, farmers in the Bay Area region can play a vital role in sustainable and equitable food systems by providing nourishing and affordable food, as well as by educating beginning farmers, and community residents on how to grow their own fresh food. AC believes the future of community food sovereignty is rooted in resilient social networks for mutual aid, agroecological innovation, community-based education, and values-aligned markets.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
70360993020100%
Knowledge Area
703 - Nutrition Education and Behavior;

Subject Of Investigation
6099 - People and communities, general/other;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
Due to high real estate and land costs in urban areas, especially in the Bay Area, socially-disadvantaged farmers face enormous barriers in starting and maintaining successful farm operations, as well as finding and maintaining reliable direct marketing opportunities. These barriers include a lack of land tenure, infrastructure, training, and financial and social capital. In an annual statewide policy survey led by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) in 2019, climate change, affordable and nearby housing, and land tenure emerged as the three greatest priorities for all small and mid-scale farmers. In a more recent set of listening sessions with 16 urban farmers, land access emerged as the primary challenge facing urban farmers in the East Bay and beyond. Land access in the surrounding Bay Area is astronomically expensive. Based on a recent study by the USDA, the average acre of cropland in California costs $13,800, which is roughly ten times more than the national average . In Alameda County cropland currently ranges from $7,200/acre up to $374,000/acre This project will serve predominantly low-income women, queer, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) urban farmers and consumers, who due to systemic barriers are often underrepresented and overburdened within agriculture and often lack access to nutritious food. Due to structural racism, Covid19 continues to impact communities of color more significantly. This project aims to improve urban food production and consumption by supporting aspiring, beginning and experienced BIPOC urban farmers to grow more food. In our network of over 150 educators and beginning farmers, 90% are BIPOC and reflect the diversity of the Bay Area's residents. We strongly believe that people learn better from people they can relate to, and who have faced similar life experiences and struggles.AC currently partners with BIPOC-led farms (Feral Heart Farms, Scott Family Farms, Red H Farms, Cultural Roots Nursery, Raised Roots, Soul Flower Farm, and Deep Medicine Circle), to host farmer-to-farmer skillshares and the Bay Area Farmer-to-Farmer Training (BAFFT). To get a visual glimpse of the inspiring and diverse learning experiences offered by BAFFT's on-farm days, check out our photo album from the last 2022 cohort here! Through partnerships with these farm mentors, we are able to provide ongoing workshops that are led by practitioners that have faced similar challenges as the beginning and aspiring farmers themselves. Graduates of BAFFT are invited to participate in the Farmer Mobilization. The Farmer Mobilization provides graduates with opportunities to viscerally experience farming with mentorship, catalyze a farming business, and deepen practices as land stewards. There are three pathways to engage with the Farmer Mobilization: Paid on-farm apprenticeship with experienced farmers in the BAFFT network; apply for a seed grant that supports an existing or budding agroecological business with advisory support, and steward a portion of the land at AC cooperative incubator farm. We provide opportunities that support beginning farmers through real-life relationships with place, people, soil, and plants. With the support of this grant, we seek to uplift our Cooperative Incubator Farm, the Tool Lending Library, soil assessments/workshops, direct values-aligned market training, and our Farmer Mobilization program.
Project Methods
This project will improve agroecological production and innovation by supporting farmers to improve their production practices, expand market channels, and distribute more food for low-access urban food areas in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Fresno counties. To simultaneously support farmers and feed more people with marginalized food access, this project proposes a cooperative approach between farmers, organizations, and values-aligned markets in the low-food access neighborhoods where the farmers, consumers, and residents live. This project is rooted in the ethos of sharing skills and resources to strengthen a food system rooted in agroecology, cooperation, and food security. Through a partnership between values-aligned organizations from different sectors of the food system AC, MGC, 14th Street, and a Bay Area urban farmer network led by experienced farmer Kanoa Dinwoodie of Feral Heart Farms (FHF) at the Sunol AgPark, this project will both expand on and initiate new educational opportunities for local farmers and residents, as well as create expanded market outlets for farmers and low-income residents. MGC and AC have a proven track record of collaboration and have been increasing educational partnerships over the last three years. They work well as collaborating organizations because of their shared goals to serve socially disadvantaged communities through cooperative approaches and their complementary focus areas; AC on producers and MGC on consumers. AC works with practicing farmers and non-traditional students through a popular education pedagogical approach, while MGC centers programming around cooperative organizing, local economies, and creating businesses. AC has also partnered with FHF over the last three years to train socially disadvantaged farmers through BAFFT and organized five on-farm apprenticeship programs.Facilitating values-aligned marketing training and supporting farmers in building relationships with value-aligned markets promotes the development of entrepreneurial projects. The sale of nutrient-dense, agroecologically grown produce directly links farmers and consumers, strengthening local food security and fostering innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. The cooperative market outlets serving as partners in this grant are BIPOC-led initiatives that have long-standing community ties with low-income consumers. In order for local cooperatively-owned markets to consistently and significantly support small-scale farmers, there needs to be intimate knowledge of the needs of each party, by each party. Both farmers and market owners/workers need to understand the challenges the other faces, what are their priorities, and how to best communicate and collaborate. By organizing a combination of field days and market days to combine interactive learning with trust building and relationship building, this project will develop pathways for both markets and farms to collaborate on increasing local food security for mutual benefit. The Food Sovereignty Tool Lending Library will be stocked with food processing equipment such as canning supplies, a small grain mill, a honey spinner, a commercial dehydrator and more. These valuable tools will be available to a network of farmers seeking to process and preserve food. Having tools for farmers to create value-added products enhances food-purchasing and food-preparation skills. It also allows for nutrient-dense foods to be offered throughout the seasons. A tool-lending library will reduce economic barriers and capital investment for small urban farmers, encourage access to infrastructure and tools through cooperation as well as program sustainability through proper tool care training and cultivating cooperative values. While we believe a tool-lending library is innovative for the modern times, this project honors that there are long-standing traditions of sharing tools, machinery, and infrastructure that runs deep in agricultural legacies such as planting and harvest cooperation between Black farmers and even with large grain farmers sharing silos while introducing labor-saving technologies. A stronger urban farmer mentorship network will promote farmer-to-farmer learning methodologies that encourage community building and local community-led solutions. Farmer networks encourage bottom-up community extension services in which local farmers are at the forefront of demonstrating best practices and appropriate technologies. Being able to produce food is essential in making sure it reaches low-income communities. The expansion of the 3-acre Cooperative Incubator Farm addresses multiple food system issues including access to land tenure, the need for localized food production, and the reduction of access barriers for socially disadvantaged farmers. Strengthening the farm actively challenges the legacy of laws, policies, and violence that has allowed for land theft and blocked Black, Indigenous, and people of color from accessing land. In the next 10 years, data shows as many as 400 million acres of farmland will be in need of new farmers. Secure land tenure is essential for farming viability and provides an opportunity to shift power in order to create a more equitable and just food system. The farm will also provide the educational support needed by beginning farmers. In order to create viable farming initiatives, it is imperative that soil health is evaluated to ensure community health and thriving farms. Urban agriculture often faces high rates of soil degradation due to contaminants, unauthorized industry dumping, construction, and heavy traffic. By providing farmers with the tools to both evaluate, steward, and remediate their soil we create viable agricultural initiatives in the Bay Area. Soil health is inextricably linked to human health and can enhance crop nutrient content directly supporting human health. Social determinants of health (SDOH) show how low-income often urban residents are exposed to toxins through the soil at higher rates. It is imperative that we ensure our local food producers are cultivating nutrient-dense crops in healthy soils.This project will use a multipronged evaluation approach including needs assessments, participant evaluations, and outcome-based reporting. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of stated measurable outcomes will support project completion and success. Project stakeholders will access assessments and evaluations through AC' online Farmer Campus (farmercampus.com) as a free resource for all farmers. AC's and MGC's biannual evaluations will be used to track qualitative and quantitative progress through the assessment of written and verbal evaluations. Following workshops, participants will be asked to complete surveys to assess learning and improve programming. In-depth needs assessments will help to find compatible matches between farm mentors and farm mentees. A steering committee will assess and evaluate curriculum, program design, and implementation, composed of AC board and advisors. Data collected through the evaluation process will be used to assess program strengths and shortcomings and shared with partner organizations and farms to strengthen multistakeholder farmer organizing and collaborative initiatives.

Progress 07/15/23 to 03/07/25

Outputs
Target Audience:The primary target audience for this project was low-income beginning farmers, with a particular focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and women in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Fresno counties. Across the reporting period, we directly served 133 BIPOC and low-income beginning farmers, most of whom were engaged in urban agriculture and faced structural barriers to land access, infrastructure, training, and markets. Specifically this project served 92 low-income and BIPOC beginning farmers who have been farming between two and ten years, and 39 beginning farmers who are striving to start their own farms. The project also supported: Immigrant and refugee farmers Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals Youth and community members facing heightened food insecurity This audience was engaged through workshops, skillshares, apprenticeships, mutual aid networks, and technical assistance programs that addressed barriers in access to land, tools, mentorship, markets, and culturally relevant food. Changes/Problems:While no formal changes were reported in the progress report submitted on 02/05/2025, the federal funding freezes followed by our CFP grant termination on March 7th created major challenges to our programming and significantly impacted the broader ecosystem of collaborators and long term goals connected to this project. Although the core activities outlined in this grant were largely preserved, the ripple effects of the funding cut resulted in the following unplanned adjustments: Staffing delays and internal reorganization, which impacted our ability to scale up certain programs and slowed planned hiring for technical assistance and coordination roles. Reduction or postponement of seed grant distribution and additional apprenticeship placements, as funding for stipends and support services was reallocated or paused. Scaled-down program delivery, with some public offerings adapted into smaller, hyperlocal gatherings to reduce logistical costs while maintaining community connection. Participant attrition, with four accepted incubator farmers withdrawing due to economic, transportation, and family-related barriers--challenges that could not be fully addressed without the time to readjust the programming. Despite these setbacks, Agroecology Commons met or exceeded the majority of project deliverables through adaptive planning, leveraging community partnerships, and prioritizing relationship-based strategies that sustained continuity in farmer support, land access, and educational programming. The unexpected funding loss also prompted a sharper focus and internal coordination push to ensure activities were completed on a condensed timeline and that the grant could be closed out successfully and with integrity. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided a wide range of professional development opportunities tailored to BIPOC and low-income beginning farmers at different stages of experience. Highlights include: Two bilingual values-aligned marketing gatherings that connected 86 farmers to seven local markets and offered training on cooperative sales strategies, pricing, and overcoming logistics barriers. Twelve paid apprenticeships with established BIPOC-led and women-owned farms, each with an individualized learning plan and guided by our Apprenticeship Mentor Guidebook. Twelve farmer-to-farmer skillshares attended by 177 farmers, covering agroecology, crop planning, orchard management, herbalism, cooperative governance, IPM, tractor safety, and food safety. Three soil stewardship workshops and seven on-farm soil testing services that assessed contamination risks and taught hands-on methods for improving soil health. Incubator Farmer Technical Assistance Program, including onboarding, six TA sessions, and the development of a personalized learning plan for one farmer, plus infrastructure to support four additional farmers. Hands-on training and technical assistance in areas such as irrigation installation, business planning, food handling, cooperative development, and land stewardship. Tool Lending Library orientation and support, which included access to shared agricultural tools, seed varieties, and a worm composting system to support soil fertility. These opportunities emphasized peer learning, culturally relevant facilitation, language accessibility, and real-world application--ensuring participants could build tangible skills and long-term farming relationships. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project results were shared through a range of multilingual, community-based channels designed to ensure broad and equitable access: Quarterly email newsletters highlighting program updates, farmer stories, upcoming events, and key learnings. Direct communication via calls, texts, and in-person check-ins with farmers, apprentices, mentors, and partners to support trust-based relationship building. Public events and farmer-to-farmer skillshares, which doubled as both educational and dissemination spaces, reaching 177 participants and generating collective learning. Tool Lending Library engagement, which offered orientation, resource access, and visibility into peer-led practices like seed saving and vermicomposting. Apprenticeship and incubator farm networks, where shared documentation (e.g., the Apprenticeship Mentor Guidebook) and individualized learning plans were shared and refined in collaboration with mentors and participants. Bilingual dissemination practices at events and in materials (e.g., interpretation at marketing trainings, Spanish-language outreach) to ensure accessibility across language and literacy levels. These dissemination strategies were grounded in relational accountability and designed to circulate knowledge within and across our food sovereignty networks, amplifying community leadership and peer-to-peer learning. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective A: Values-Aligned Market Trainings Delivered two bilingual market access gatherings connecting 86 BIPOC and small-scale farmers to seven values-aligned markets. These gatherings addressed strategies to overcome pricing and logistics barriers and fostered direct relationships between farmers and stakeholders, including USDA FSA, CAFF, and NRCS. As a result, farmers built pathways to markets such as Mandela Grocery Cooperative, Berkeley Farmers Market, and Planting Justice, strengthening their ability to participate in the local solidarity economy. This project also supported 12 immersive farmer-to-farmer skillshares attended by 177 participants, cultivating deep knowledge-sharing in agroecology, cooperative economics, and land-based practices. Topics included crop planning, herbalism, orchard management, tractor safety, safe food handling, and animal stewardship. These gatherings strengthened peer learning and cross-farm solidarity, advancing practical skills and cooperative capacity among BIPOC and community-scale farmers. Objective B: Tool Lending Library Successfully launched and operationalized an Urban Farming Tool Lending Library, equipping 80+ farmers with access to over 20 new tools including tractor implements, weedwackers, harvest supplies, and produce washing equipment. Introduced a user-friendly reservation and tracking system (via MyTurn) alongside maintenance logs and user policies to ensure equitable access and long-term sustainability. Expanded seed diversity by distributing 70 new seed varieties and introduced a vermicompost sharing system benefiting four farmers with worms and worm castings. Objective C: Beginning Farmer Mentorship We implemented 12 relationship-based apprenticeships in partnership with BIPOC-led and women-owned farms across the Bay Area, including Soul Flower Farm, Scott Family Farm, Feral Heart Farm, Cultural Roots Nursery, Goat Wild Collective, and others. Each host site co-developed a customized learning plan guided by our newly created Apprenticeship Mentor Guidebook, which strengthened mentorship structures and provided a replicable model for agroecological skill-building. In addition to on-farm apprenticeships, participants had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one mentorship with experienced practitioners in agroecological farming, values-aligned marketing, and cooperative organizing. Through the Cooperative Mentor & Technical Assistance Portal--an Airtable-based database with 19 active advisor profiles categorized by skill, language, and availability--five participants were successfully matched with mentors who provided tailored support. The project also supported seven seed grants to beginning BIPOC farmers launching or deepening agroecological enterprises. These small grants provided critical early-stage capital for tools, infrastructure, and market development. Advisory support and check-ins were included to ensure grantees had the resources needed to implement and sustain their projects. Together, these layered programs advanced our goals of growing farmer leadership, deepening technical skill-building, and increasing access to capital and community-based mentorship. Objective D: Farmer Incubator Program Launched a land access and farmer incubator program, receiving 42 applications and onboarding one farmer with a customized learning plan and six technical assistance sessions. Built comprehensive infrastructure and curriculum to support five additional incubator farmers, with four unable to proceed due to economic and logistical barriers--highlighting structural challenges facing new farmers and informing future program design for deeper support. Objective E: Soil Stewardship Led a soil health initiative serving seven urban farms through soil testing, workshops, and applied education. Delivered three hands-on workshops and conducted soil assessments at farms including City Slickers, Homies Empowerment, and Acta Non Verba, empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to address contamination risks and build regenerative soil practices in urban settings.

Publications


    Progress 07/15/23 to 07/14/24

    Outputs
    Target Audience:This project serves predominantly low-income beginning farmers with a focus onBlack, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) andwomen. Over the past reporting period we served at total 94 low income andBIPOC beginning farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training and Professional Development Opportunities Throughout Year 1, Agroecology Commons provided multiple training and professional development opportunities, including: Two Values-aligned marketing workshops and networking events. Technical assistance and mentorship for beginning farmers. Three apprenticeships at established farms. Two urban soil stewardship workshops and foursoil testing services. Eleven farmer-to-farmer skillshareson cooperative farming, business planning, market access, and more. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information is mostly disseminated through quarterly newsletters and direct communication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Agroecology Commons plans to undertake the following activities in the next reporting period: Host two values-aligned marketing events. Complete the Values-Aligned Market Strategic Plan. Continue adding additional tools to the Tool Lending Library and offer training sessions. Refine tool usage tracking and reporting systems. Complete 2-3 needs assessments for new farmers. Connect three farmers to new mentorship opportunities. Onboard 3-4 incubator farmers and refine the technical assistance curriculum.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective A: Facilitate Values-Aligned Marketing Training and Support Farmers in Building Relationships with Local Markets In Year 1, AC supported farmers through values-aligned marketing training and relationship-building with local markets. Key achievements include the creation of a dedicated role to support market outlets for the farmer network, as well as the successful organization of two events. The February event provided a platform for farmers, market representatives, and agricultural stakeholders to engage in discussions on sustainable marketing strategies and relationship-building with local markets. Attendees included: UCCE, Specialty Crops Advisor USDA Farm Service Agency, Urban Agriculture Program Technician Pollinate Farm Three Feathers Farm Planting Justice California FarmLink Alameda County Resource Conservation District The second event focused on marketing education, featuring workshops and discussions on market access strategies, values-based sales approaches, and overcoming logistical barriers. Attendees included representatives from various community organizations such as: FCC (First Community Coalition) Sol Root Southwest Regional Food Business Center Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP) USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Veggielution Urban Tilth Richmond Certified Farmers Market NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) UCANR (University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources) CAFF (Community Alliance with Family Farmers) Watermelon Couch Project Oakland Bloom Restaurant Felena Both events were conducted with Spanish interpretation to ensure accessibility for all participants. Farmer feedback was collected on key areas such as: Market needs and access to distribution channels. Financial assistance opportunities Challenges with transportation and logistics. Legal and technical assistance for cooperative formation and business development. Strategies for overcoming price competition with larger producers. The feedback collected will guide the next phase of the project, helping Agroecology Commons refine its support strategies for small farmers and increase access to equitable market opportunities. Objective B: Develop an Urban Farmer Tool Lending Library to Facilitate Resource Sharing and Access In Year 1, Agroecology Commons successfully launched the Tool Lending Library to improve farmer access to shared agricultural tools. Major accomplishments include: Tracking Tool Usage: A data system was developed and implemented to monitor tool usage. Assessments Completed: Two assessments were conducted to evaluate library operations and user needs. Maintenance Logs and Manual: A comprehensive maintenance log and manual were created to ensure tool upkeep. Inventory Growth: The library expanded its collection by adding 10 new tools and books. Borrowing Guidelines Established: The library introduced a structured set of borrowing guidelines, including membership requirements, reservation policies, and liability agreements. Tool Lending Operations: The library operates by appointment only. Reservations are made online via MyTurn. Tools must be returned clean and in good condition. Late fees of up to $1 per day apply to overdue tools. Borrowers are responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear. The full inventory, including key acquisitions such as action hoes, a honey spinner, compost tea brewer, and BCS tiller, is available online for users to browse and reserve tools. Ongoing improvements will focus on expanding the tool collection, enhancing user experience, and developing additional support resources for urban farmers. Objective C: Develop a Local Farmer Network to Serve Beginning/Aspiring Urban Farmers Through Hands-On Apprenticeships and Technical Assistance In Year 1, Agroecology Commons successfully connected three mentor partners with new, beginning, and landless farmers for mentorships. Participating farms included: Soul Flower Farm Scott Family Farm Red H Farm A key milestone was the creation of the Guidebook for Apprenticeship Mentors 2023, which provides structured guidance for mentors and apprentices. This guidebook outlines the framework for mentorship, including: Relationship-building and cooperation between mentors and apprentices. Hands-on practice in various land stewardship and cultivation practices. Acknowledgment of ancestral and embodied knowledge within farming practices. Experiential learning through structured apprenticeships. Program Values: Earth reverence, intergenerational learning, and healing in relationship with the land. Uplifting food sovereignty, land justice, and well-being in communities. Developing long-term relationships of support and reciprocity with land and people. Roles & Responsibilities: Farm Hosts: Provide instruction, inspiration, feedback, and safety oversight for apprentices. Apprentices: Show initiative, patience, consistency, and engagement in their learning. Agroecology Commons: Provides farm visits, support, payments, and facilitates learning opportunities. Additional Support & Learning Opportunities: Structured apprenticeship evaluations for program improvement. Optional additional education stipends for mentors. Conflict resolution support using restorative justice principles. Individualized learning plans for apprentices to tailor their experience. The development of this farmer network, structured mentorship, and the comprehensive guidebook has strengthened pathways for beginning farmers to gain practical experience, fostering a sustainable and knowledgeable farming community. Objective D: Expand TA on 3-Acre Cooperative Incubator Farm to Mentor and Support Underserved Farmers In Year 1, Agroecology Commons onboarded one farmer to the incubator farm, completed a needs assessment, and developed a personalized learning plan. A technical assistance (TA) tracking and schedule system was created, and the farmer successfully received six TA sessions. Key components of the incubator program include: Land Access: Providing affordable land tenure to support new and underserved farmers. Skill Development: Hands-on training in plant cultivation, soil health, irrigation, business planning, food safety regulations, and cooperative business development. Mentorship Support: Connecting incubator farmers with experienced mentors to guide their growth and success. Technical Assistance: Tailored resources and farm visits to provide continuous learning and support. The structured learning plan includes: A self-assessment of skills and desired learning areas. Training on irrigation installation, crop planning, soil fertility management, and food safety regulations. Business planning guidance, including market research, cooperative business development, and budgeting. Opportunities for additional independent learning stipends to support educational growth. Incubator Farmer Journey Checkpoint Application Response Application Review Virtual Meeting Follow-up Email for Questions (if necessary) Acceptance Email Sign Lease Needs Assessment Personalized Learning Plan 1:1 TA -- 8 sessions Objective E: Promote and Support Soil Improvement Practices among AC Network In Year 1, Agroecology Commons focused on enhancing soil stewardship practices through targeted workshops and soil testing initiatives. Urban Farmer Trainings on Holistic Soil Stewardship: Year 1 Workshop 1: UC Santa Cruz Soil Health Workshop Year 1 Workshop 2: Healthy Hearts Institute Soil Testing and Assessments: Year 1 Soil Test Site: Healthy Hearts Institute Year 1 Soil Test Site: Homies Empowerment Year 1 Soil Test Site: City Slickers/ANV Year 1 Soil Test Site: POOR Magazine (Homefulness)

    Publications