Recipient Organization
MARIANAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION INC.
PO Box 5449 CHRB
SAIPAN,MP 969500000
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The Marianas Veterans Agricultural Training (MVAT) program proposes to address critical challenges in food security and agricultural development within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The CNMI's agricultural sector faces several pressing challenges including an aging farmer population, limited local food production, veteran unemployment, and high vulnerability to climate change impacts. The MVAT program will equip veterans with the skills to succeed in agriculture, fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient food system in the CNMI. This initiative embodies a commitment to honoring veterans' service by providing them with opportunities to lead and innovate in the critical field of agriculture
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
60%
Developmental
30%
Goals / Objectives
Objective 1: Public Outreach and Curriculum DevelopmentThe first objective of the Marianas Veterans Agricultural Training (MVAT) program focuses on public outreach to develop the inaugural cohort of veterans interested in producing food in the Marianas. This objective encompasses several key components:1. Outreach and Engagement: The MVAT program will engage with the veteran community through targeted outreach efforts to spark interest in agricultural production, value-added products, and the intricacies of sales and marketing and overall food security based on self-sustainability. These efforts will include informational sessions, promotional materials, and partnerships with veteran organizations to ensure broad awareness and participation.2. Formal Partnerships: Establishing formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with model training farms and key stakeholders is crucial for the program's success. These partnerships will facilitate resource sharing, provide access to expert knowledge, and ensure a collaborative approach to training.3. Curriculum Development: The program will develop a comprehensive curriculum based on feedback from veterans, ensuring that the training meets their specific needs and interests. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including tropical crop production, microgreens, aquaponics, small livestock management, and farm business planning.4. Model Training Farms: The MVAT program will develop three model training farms, one on each of the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. These farms will feature diverse production systems, allowing veterans to gain hands-on experience with different agricultural techniques and practices.Objective 2: Provide Immersive Agricultural Training to VeteransThe second objective is to provide immersive agricultural training to veterans, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in the agricultural sector. This objective includes:1. Training 360 Veterans: The program aims to train 360 veterans over three years, with 120 participants per year. The training will be intensive and hands-on, covering essential farming and agribusiness skills. Based on NIFA reviewer comments of our proposed cohort size, the MVAT program will adjust its target beneficiary count to 20 participating veterans per year.2. High Completion Rate: The goal is for 80% of participants to complete the full 9-month program. This high completion rate will ensure that most veterans receive the full benefit of the training, positioning them for success in their post-program endeavors. Taking NIFA's feedback into consideration, the MVAT program will adjust its target rate to 35% of participants completing the year-long program.Objective 3: Support Veteran Farm Business Development and EmploymentThe third objective is to support veteran farm business development and employment, helping participating Veterans transition into successful agricultural careers. This objective includes:1. Employment and Business Start-ups: The program aims for 70% of program participants to secure employment in agriculture or start their own small farm business within six months of completing the training. This outcome will significantly enhance the local agricultural workforce and promote economic self-sufficiency among veterans.2. Ongoing Support: Providing ongoing technical assistance and mentoring to program participants is essential for their long-term success. This support will include access to expert advice, networking opportunities, and resources to help veterans navigate the challenges of starting and running a farm business.
Project Methods
1. Establish Model Training Farms- Formalize Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with existing farms to establish model training farms.- Ensure that these farms showcase diverse production systems, including fruits, vegetables, aquaponics, and small livestock.2. Recruit and Select Participants- Conduct outreach through veteran service organizations,- MPA will conduct online survey advertised via our marketing outreach plan in coordination with our local outreach and community partners- Select 20 participants annually based on their interest in agriculture and potential for success.3. Deliver Hands-On Training- Implement a 9-month immersive residential program.- Split training time between classroom learning and practical fieldwork.- Curriculum to cover the following topics:Tropical fruit and vegetable productionAquaponics systemsSmall livestock managementSoil health and compostingIrrigation and water managementIntegrated pest managementPost-harvest handlingFarm business planning and managementMarketing and value-added product development4. Support Veteran Farmers Success- Help participating Veterans access grants for land, equipment, and capital, such as the Local DLNR Microgrant program (5k to 10K).- Provide ongoing mentoring and technical assistance for 2 years post-certification. Via a quarterly followup5. Engage Partners- Collaborate with Northern Marianas College CREES extension agents, USDA staff, CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources, CNMI Division of Agriculture, and local farmer/rancher mentors to deliver training.- Establish an advisory board of local stakeholders to provide ongoing guidance