Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During this project, AAMU Small Farms Research Center target audience was new and beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged, limited resource producers, veterans and women entering into agriculture, and community gardners. Changes/Problems:Beginning this project, AAMU Small Farms Research Center did not have any challenges or problems implementing the project's objectives. However, during the last year of this project, covid-19 pandemic made our program quitedifficult tocomplete. Due to covid-19, over the timeline of one year and a couple of months the Center was unable to host face-to-face meetings, and consultations, and provide technical assistance. During this time, the Center had to pivot to hosting virtual tours and webinars to successfully complete the project. The covid-19 pandemicchallenged our program, but the Center was able able to reach additional new and beginning farmers throughout the southern region. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Through this project, the Center was able to provide GAP certification, PSA certification, and HACCP training for farmers. The Center was able to train 225 new and beginning, socially disadvantaged limited resourcefarmers on FSMA policies and certifications. The Center also provided Produce Safety Alliance Training-of-the-Trainers Program to minority farmers, institutions, and public officials to become instructors. This project has been able to train farmers and landowners, and grow additional trainers in Alabama. For professional development, the Center has been able to train the AAMU Small Farms Research Center team on Advance Produce Safety Alliance training. In addition, the Center has provided additionalleadership training, a holistic approach in the whole planning, and financial literacy training. Finally, AAMU Small Farms Research Center has provided professional development through bi-weekly student employment. Undergraduate students are employed to provide administrative assistance. In addition, the Center offered professional development for AAMU graduate students. AAMU graduate students work closely with the Center providing administrative service as well. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?AAMU Small Farms Research Center has disseminated the project results through its quarterly newsletter, website, regional meetings through PowerPoint presentations, and directly to our clients. The Center works closely with our partners, reporting the results to them with success stories and anoverview of clients served. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Through this project, AAMU Small Farms Research Center was able to successfullycomplete the goals and objectives as proposed. Please find below the objective and accomplishment for each. The specific objectives are to (1) Strengthen farming and ranching opportunities by developing/assembling four-to-five day educational programming and industry-recognized certifications for 240 veterans, limited resource and socially disadvantaged individuals that will include at a minimum, study manuals, classroom, and web-based presentations, and 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos; Through this project, theCenter along with its partners average (15) programs per year. Programs include (3-day) Risk Management workshops, (10) farm tours, (5) community-based programs, and (4) conferences. In addition, the Center provided Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Farm, Whole Farm Planning, Financial Literacy, and Estate Planning certification for farmers.These specificprograms were held averaging (5) annually. Through this project, theCenterdeveloped over 30educational programs for new and beginning farmers and seasonal producers. The programs focused on farm and financial literacy, risk management strategies, USDA NRCS, USDA FSA programs and services, new and emerging topics, and virtual farm tours. The virtual programs arehoused on the website, Youtube channel, and the AAMU Small Farms Research Center Facebook page. (2)Enhance the knowledge base and efficacy of 100 mentors who directly work with veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers by developing and delivering advanced training and certifications via the collaborative training approach and local workshops; AAMU Small Farms Research Center did meet its target bymentoring 100veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers. Over three years, the Center was able to provide Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Program, Financial Literacy Program, Small Ruminant training, Livestock training, Estate Planning, Veteran Training, and Risk Management and Business Development. Within the project, the Center has provided monthly farmers' educational programs and local community outreach programs once a quarter. (3) Prepare new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills, and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and overall sustainability.Through this project, nearly 250veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers were trained, educated, and empowered in making their farm operations more profitable and sustainable. The Center was able to provide hands-on demonstrations, community engagement/networking, and science-based training. Participants have become more aware of USDA government programs and services. Minority farmers have become more informed on the importance of estate planning, heir property, and its importance to the legacy of the farm. Nearly 250 new and beginning farmers have become more aware of good record-keeping techniques through our Financial Literacy calendars. The annual financial literacy calendar is a budget/record-keeping tool to assist farmers in managing their finances and utilizing a daily log. Overall, the project has managed to educate farmers on various agricultural issues and new and emerging agricultural issues. (4) Increase the level of stakeholder connectivity and cohort feedback through a unified communications platform and strategy between veterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations that support them in a way that connects them to the information needed when they need it most. During this project, the Center was able to fully developed its Small Farms Research Center-AAMU Facebook page platformto connect farmers and landowners. Through this social media platform, the Center was able to host educational programs, virtual farm tours, and provide hands-on demonstrations. The Center's educational programs are recorded and participants continue to have access far beyond the end of the project. In addition, the Center also developed another platform for farmers - the AAMU Small Farms Research Center Youtube channel. Currently, the Center houses nearly 35 educational programs on its channel. (5)Expand the reach and outcomes of the education and resources offered through the suggested collaborative approach by partnering with local demonstration farms, conducting farm field days, and developing resources and materials that support and expand upon the content made available through the web portal maintained by AAMU and its partners. As previously stated, through AAMU's Facebook page and Youtube channelthe Center was able to expand its reach and outcome to educate and train farmers and landowners. The Center worked closely with USDA agencies-Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Services, Rural Development, and Alabama Forestry Commission to develop educational material and programs. The Center worked with local farmers, faith-based organizations, agricultural organizations, and community groups.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:For this project, the target audience reached were socially disadvantaged, limited resource minority producers, new and beginning farmers, and women producers in urban and rural areas. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely caused many unforeseen hiccups within the AAMU Small Farms Research Center outreach program. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Alabama A&M University (AAMU) enforced a no travel policy, for all University faculty and staff which included the Small Farms Research Center. In addition, the University implemented a no-contact policy which included the Center's staff, preventingtravel, and physically being able to host any events. The Center was unable to interact face-to-face with our clients. This caused the Center to find innovative ways to reach our target audience, deliver programs and stay connected. The Center began by calling farmers one-on-one utilizing our Small Farms database. The Center checked on their well-being, mental health, and discussed various ways we could be of assistance to them.The Center highlighted upcoming programs, USDA programs, and services; including specific topics of interest. The delivery method was quite effective but did not reach a large enough target audience to makean impact. Many producers felt uncomfortable not seeing their outreach provider face-to-face. The challenges for the Center was it caused the staff to be overworked, and it was very stressful to all at times. Finally, the Centerbegan todevelop educational programs utilizing social media outlets such as Facebook and zoom meetings. The issue with delivering the educational program to socially disadvantaged farmers in rural communities is that some do not have internet access and the other majority are not computer savvy. Therefore, the Center was able to reach new clients across the United States, but not the clients we currently serve in rural communities. For those farmerswho are familiar with our program, we used the zoom link meeting, but many weresimply burned out within two months due toconstant educational programs. Many of the farmers missed interacting with the Center and their fellow farmers. The numbers for farmers attending the zoom meetings were extremely low compared to in-person meetings. Therefore, it is crucial the Center provides outreach programs to our target audience.During this reporting period,the Center noted there werequite a few farmers who died from covid-19, and other health reasons, including old age (covid-19 cases are extremely high in rural areas). As previously stated, the number of participants is relatively low for the zoom meetings because of the issues listed above. However, the Center noticed a few advantages of the zoom meetings 1. All educational programs are recorded; 2. Participants can review at their leisure; 3.) Participants can share with fellow family members, friends, and siblings, and 4. The Center is reaching a broader audience across the United States. Since the vaccination, the University has lifted the travel policy starting December 2021. Therefore, the Center will complete this project just as it started with hosting face-to-face programs and consultations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?AAMU Small Farms Research Center has provided various educational training programs throughout the year. However, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the face-to-face programs were limited with additional professional development for our clients. The Center was still able to provide one-on-one consultations through zoom meetings and Microsoft webinars. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated to communities of interest through AAMU Small Farms Research Center's website, social media outlets (Facebook page and Instagram), and Newsletter News Updates. The Center disseminated information to its collaborative partners, farmers, cooperative farmers, and through one-on-one consultation. Finally, the Center utilized the outreach programs as prime opportunities to distribute to stakeholders and to the general public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?AAMU Small Farms Research Center will continue to work toward successfully completing the project's objectives and deliverables. The Center has planned on hosting additional educational programs on various agricultural issues for new and beginning producers. In addition, the Center will provide outreach and technical assistance, one-on-one consultation, farmer-to-farmer mentorship, farm field days/visits, and certification programs. A few certification programs include Produce Safety Alliance Growers Program, the Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainers Program, ServSafe Certification, HACCP, and Group HACCP The Center has planned on reaching nearly 250 new and beginning farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and women in agriculture.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, AAMU Small Farms Research Center continued to work toward the specific objectives listed.Objective:(1) Strengthen farming and ranching opportunities by developing/assembling four-to-five day educational programming and industry-recognized certifications for 240 veterans, limited resource and socially disadvantaged individuals that will include at a minimum, study manuals, classroom, and web-based presentations, and 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos; Accomplishment- The Center was able to develop 28 online educational programs. Through online educational programs, the Center has been able to reach nearly 500 (and counting) farmers and landowners withinthe United States. The Center held four food safety certification programs reaching 92 participants through in-person and online training programs.Objective: (2) Enhance the knowledge base and efficacy of 100 mentors who directly work with veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers by developing and delivering advanced training and certifications via the collaborative training approach and local workshops; Accomplishment - Within the reporting period, the Center was able to host four outreach programs. The Center was able to reach nearly 2,000 fellow farmers and landowners due to two major events. The Center collaborated with Alchemy Farm and Plants, LLC to co-host a Honey Bee Festival reaching nearly 250 local honey bee farmers, crop producers, associations, community leaders, and the general public. Participants learned about AAMU Small Farms Research Center programs and services, sustainable agricultural practices, USDA government programs, and upcoming programs. The Center collaborated with SSAWG Conference where Alabama farmers were able to interact with nearly 1250 farmers and ranchers across the southern region. Alabama producers participated in the following certification training programs: 1. financial literacy program, 2. sustainable agriculture, 3. mental health and wellness, and 4. food safety certification program. Following these educational programs, the Center hosted two outreach programs centered on risk management strategies, estate planning, and access to funding.Objective (3) Prepare new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills, and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and overall sustainability; Accomplishment: The Center along with its collaborators wasable to host sixeducational programs labeled as Farm Management and Finance; including topicson budget keeping, business development, and credit and creditworthiness. The Center hostedthrough a unified communications platform and strategy between veterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations which exist to support them in a way that connects them to the information needed when they need it most; Accomplishment - As previously stated, the Center hosted two in-person outreach programs during this reporting period. Both programs engaged producers, landowners,community leaders, and the general public. Stakeholders were able to learn and engage with AAMU Small Farms Research Center, participants, and other agricultural-based organizations and committees; and Objective: (5) Expand the reach and outcomes of the education and resources offered through the suggested collaborative approach by partnering with local demonstration farms and conducting farm field days, and developing resources and materials that support and expand upon the content made available through web portal maintained by AAMU and its partners, Accomplishment - The Center worked closely with its collaborative partners to host (4) four farm tours led by Booker's Farm focused on veterans and new and beginning farmers; AAA+ Marketing was able to host (4) farm tours and provide (12) one-on-one consultation and participate in (2) local statewide conferences.Within the reporting period,Booker's Farm in collaboration with AAMU Small Farms Research Centerwas able to reach 85 veterans and new and beginning farmers. AAA+ Marketing was able to reach 125 new and beginning farmers focused on starting a small ruminant farm, USDA NRCS program, and services, including youth learning about agriculture. The Center was able to develop (75) factsheets on various agricultural issues, including risk management strategies, crop insurance, USDA programs, funding opportunities, and new and emerging issues in agriculture such as hemp production. The Center was able to disperse 300 financial literacy calendars to participants. This financial literacy calendar reinforces for socially disadvantaged farmers and new and beginning farmers,how to manage their income, revenue, and other supplemental income.In addition, the Center was able to host educational programs by filtering programs and virtual farm toursthrough our Facebook livehttps://www.facebook.com/smallfarmsresearchcenter/videos. The Center also has a Youtube channelaamu small farms research center youtube to house the exact same educational programs from our Facebook page. AAMU Small Farms Research Center has definitely seen much success duringthis reporting period. TheCenter will continue to assist farmers and make a greaterimpact in the agricultural community.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the target audience was 97% African-American, 2% percent Caucasian, and 1%Asian-American. Participants' ages ranged from 55 and up. The majority of our participants were located in 45%rural (Blackbelt) Alabama,40% central (urban) Alabama, 15% north (rural and urban) Alabama. In addition, 60% of farmers were women, 40% were men, and 15% were veterans. Changes/Problems:The COVID-19 pandemic caused the AAMU Small Farms Research Centerto re-evaluate itsoutreach and technical assistance program to avoid possible transmission and harm to farmers. Prior to the COVID-19, the Center held in-person educational programs (farm field day, conferences, seminars, and symposiums), and face-to-face in-personconsultation with new and beginning farmers, agribusinesses, and non-profit organizations. Since March 2020, there have been quite a few major changes with theCenter's program. The Centerhas been implementing andconducting educationalprograms through zoom webinars and social media outlets.This strategy has been very successful because the educational programs have been recordedon our Facebook page and can be viewed as often as desired. In addition, participants are able to download the file and share it with their fellow farmers to review again. All the programs recorded, will remain on the AAMU Small Farms Research Center Facebook page and will be uploaded to our website and Youtube channel for future viewing. Since the pandemic, the Center has decided to fully develop thewebsite, Youtube channel, and Facebook page for farmers to view educational programs. One major issue(problem) is that there is no accurate way toevaluate the educational program and measure thesuccess and effectiveness of the program. The second issue is that educational programs are not reaching rural areas. Due to limited resources for rural farmers such as computer access and an internet connection,the majority of thistarget audience will not find these programs beneficial. Therefore, we are gaining a new audience because of the pandemic, but losing our target audience we were charged to educate and empower. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?There were a fewopportunities for training and professional development provided through the project. In 2019, the Center was able to train 150 participants (new and beginning farmers, veterans, women, extension agents, youth, government agents, and AAMU staff) on the Produce Safety Alliance Growers -food safety certification programand GAP certification. Followed by2020, where 280 participantswere trained on the Produce Safety Alliance Growers and Trainers Program. In addition, the Center was able to train nearly 60 veterans transitioning to new and beginning farmers. Finally, one (1) staff was trained on financial literacy through the Holistic Management International Financial Planning Getting Started Course and the Greater Huntsville LeadershipProgram. Both professional development programs have assisted the staff in becoming a better leader, especially in skills and techniques to assistthe target audience. The Center has been able to train nearly 200 new and beginning farmers, ranchers, and veterans (annually) on risk management strategies, crop insurance, financial literacy, and USDA government programs and services. Overall, the project continues to provide training and professional development programs and make a tremendous impact in urban and rural communities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated to communities of interest through our AAMU Small Farms Research Center News UpdateNewsletter (Quarterly Report), Social Media outlets (Facebookand Instagram), and website. In addition, the Center works closely with our partners (Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Tennessee Valley Women-In-Agriculture Association, Alchemy Farms-Artisans Cove, Blackbelt Meat Goat Improvement Association, RC&D, USDA Government Agencies, and Hopewell Women-In-Agriculture Association, just to name a few) to disseminate programs of interest in the communities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, AAMU Small Farms Research Center has planned to focus on the following specific objectives to complete the proposal successfully. (1) Strengthen farming and ranching opportunities by developing/assembling four-to-five day educational programming and industry-recognized certifications for 240 veterans, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged individuals that will include at a minimum study manuals, classroom, and web-based presentations, and 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center will continue toavoidhosting any face-to-face classroom meetings, conferences, or training programs. However, the Center will host all educational programs through zoom webinars and Microsoft TeamViewer. In addition, the Centerwill develop educational videoson various agricultural issues for training farmers and landowners. These videos will be located on our AAMU Small Farms Research Center Facebook page, website, and Youtube channel. If and when the COVID-19 pandemicends, the Center hopes to resume in-person activities and training programs. (2)Enhance the knowledge base and efficacy of 100 mentors who directly work with veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers by developing and delivering advanced training and certifications via the collaborative training approach and local workshops; The Center will work continue to work closely with veterans, new and beginning farmers. We will host zoom webinars targeting this audience. In addition, the Center will fully develop the website to connect the Farmer-to-Farmer Program (hands-on training seasoned farmers with new and beginning farmers andveterans entering farming.) (3) Prepare new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills, and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability and overall sustainability. The Center will continue to provide educational training throughzoom webinars on the topics highlighted. If and when the pandemic is no longer an issue, the Center will return to in-person one-on-one consultation, conferences, meetings, and farm field days. (4) Increase the level of stakeholder connectivity and cohort feedback through a unified communications platform and strategy between veterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations which exist to support them in a way that connects them to the information needed when they need it most. The Center will continue to work with communities through our zoom meeting, and phone calls. The Center will continue to use our Facebook page as a platform living and working platform to work withnon-profit, community based agricultural organizations to bridge the gap with programs and services available to under-served communities. When the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer an issue, the Centerplans to host symposiums and conferenceswith community-based organizations and USDA government agencies. (5)Expand the reach and outcomes of the education and resources offered through the suggested collaborative approach by partnering with local demonstration farms and conducting farm field days, and developing resources and materials that support and expand upon the content made available through the web portal maintained by AAMU and its partners. As highlighted, the Center will continue to work with its partners (USDA agencies, farmers, non-profit organizations, and agribusinesses) to host educational programs. The Center will utilize social media outlets to host and conduct training programs including farm field days.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period,through the project, AAMU Small Farms Research Center was able to recruit and grow 150 new and beginning farmers. The program has reached nearly 2,000 farmers through general outreach and information dissemination. The specific goals completed are as follows: (1)Prepared new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability and overall sustainability; (2) Increased the level of stakeholder connectivity and cohort feedback through a unified communications platform and strategy between veterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations which exist to support them in a way that connects them to the information needed when they need it most; and (3)Expanded the reach and outcomes of the education and resources offered through the suggested collaborative approach by partnering with local demonstration farms and conducting farm field days, and developing resources and materials that support and expand upon the content made available through the web portal maintained by AAMU and its partners.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:AAMU Small Farms Research Center target audience reached by our efforts werenew and beginning farmers, which includedsocially disadvantaged, limited resource minority producers and landowners in urban and rural areas. The majority of participants were minority farmers (94%); Caucasion (5%); and Asian-American (1%). The gender of the participants; 50% were women and 50% men. Changes/Problems:There isa real need for outreach and technical assistance especially in rural and underserved areas. Many beginning farmers need support throughout the state of Alabama, but we are unable to provide adequatesupport because of limited resources. AAMU Small Farms Research Center staff spendalot of travel fundsrenting vehicles to meet them and address their needs.Therefore, there isreal need for on-site mobile outreach equipment or facility to facilitate on-site training and assistance especially in areas of business planning, financial and whole farm planning, and record keeping. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?AAMU Small Farms Research Center has been able to provide quite a few opportunties fortraining and professional developmentfrom this project to our farmers and landowners. We have been able to provide training on the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Growers Training Program, Produce Safety Alliance Train-the-Trainers Program, Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance Course-FSPCA-for Human Food, Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Program,Hands-on Training Farm Field Day [Soil Management, Agricultural Water, andWorker Health, Hygiene (Sanitation) Training]. In addition, through this project the Center was able tosponsor 101 participants to attend the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Participants were new and beginning farmers, including socially disadvantaged limited resourceminoirty farmers (urban and rural)and veterans. The professional development training included intensive short courses onGrowing Farm Profits for Horticulture and Livestock, Start-Up Organic Vegetable Production and Marketing, Food Safety Practices for Small- to Mid-Scale Producers andFSMA Facilities Rule--Preventative Controls for Human Food. Followed by mini courses;The Dual Plate: Food for Survival, Food for Comfort,Cracking The Code: Dismantling The Dynamics of Oppression (Racism), Holistic Animal Healthcare--Healthy Livestock are Happy Livestock, and Hoophouse Production of Cool Season Crops. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated to communities of interest through the following outlets; AAMU Small Farms Research newsletter/database, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, AAMU website, including to ourpartners and collaborators. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The Center will continue to focus on the specific project objectives as listed above. During the next reporting, the Center and its partners are working onthe 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos. These videos will be posted on our social media outlets including our website. In addition, the Center and partners willwork closely with providing farmers, new and beginning farmers with one-on-one consultation, followed bycontinuededucational farm field days, meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences. Material developed will be posted on the website and distributed at the community meetings. .
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Alabama A&M University Small Farms Research Center was able to address all the objectives listed in the proposal. Objective 1:Strengthen farming and ranching opportunities by developing/assembling four-to-five day educational programming and industry-recognized certifications for 240 veterans, limited resource and socially disadvantaged individuals that will include at a minimum study manuals, classroom and web-based presentations, and 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos; Within this year, AAMU Small Farms Research Center along with its partners wewere able to develop/assemble four-to-five day educational programming and industry-recognized certification which included study manuals,classroomand web-based presentations. The materials wereon various issues such asLand access, Acquisition and transfer, Financial management and Business planning, Access to capital and recordkeeping, Legal issues including land tenure, Crop insurance and government programs, Direct and niche marketing, Food and Food Safety, Farm to School Imitative, Equipment Operation and Safety, High Tunnel construction and Operation,Irrigation, Soil and Soil testing, Cover Crops and Tillage, Integrated Pest Management, Harvest Practices and Post harvest handling, Conventional/organic Production methods, and Whole Farm Planning. Presently,the Center and its partners are working onthe 30 three-to-five minute high definition training videos. These videos will be posted on our social media outlets including our website. Objective 2:Enhance the knowledge base and efficacy of 100 mentors who directly work with veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers by developing and delivering advanced training and certifications via the collaborative training approach and local workshops; Through the project, the Center along with its partners has been able to educate, train, and empower nearly 192 veterans and socially disadvantaged limited resource producers on food safety issues, leadership, bee keeping, sustainable agriculture practices, small business development. Our approach has been through formal training, farm field days, short seminars, and workshops. Objective3:Prepare new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability and overall sustainability; AAMU Small Farms Research Center is a strong advocate for educating new and beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged limited resource minoirty farmers, and veterans on profitability and sustainability practices for their farm operation. The Center along with its partners host formal two-days small business development training programs at least twice a year, and monthly seminars onfinancial managements, personal finances, credit and credit worthiness, crop insurance, andagricultural risk management strategies, food safety issues, and leadership and negiotation strategies. ON-GOING. The Center and its partners will have future training programs, including but not limited to workshops, farm field days, seminars, to continue to educate new and beginning farmers.Here are a fewcomments from our participants attending the 2019Small Business Workshop.Huntsville, Alabama.1.You should havethis presenterand these types of programs every quarter. 2. Everything was great. Do not change a thing. 3. I appreciated the patience shown to answer each individual's question. 4. I enjoyed the hands-on training and interactions. 5. All the information that the presenter gave was wellexplained and very beneficial. Followed by 2019Participant's Personal Testimonies; 1. I learned so much fromMr. Zapataand Dr. Brandon. I was having issues with IRS and I have gotten my finances resolved. Ms. Elizabeth, Bessemer, Alabama 2. Rick Zapata is awesome. He knows what he istalking about. A lot people do not know this information and are being misled on handling business and non-profit organizations. Ms. Nellie, Montgomery, Alabama 3. Our teamis utilizing the farm plan to develop a Business Plan. This was so great.Ms. Virginia, Bessemer, Alabama. Through this project, the Center is making a tremendous impact on the target audience by building self-confidence through educating them on new and emerging issues and giving them the knowledge and skills to make informed descisions on the business and agribusiness. Objective 4:Increase the level of stakeholder connectivity and cohort feedback through a unified communications platform and strategy between veterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations which exist to support them in a way that connects them to the information needed when they need it most; and The Center is definitely utilizing social media to broaden its target audience. Our social media outlet includes facebook, instagram, and twitter. We are currently re-developing our website to include upcoming activities, factsheet,modules, and training program on-line. The website will also be a platform forveterans, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers, mentors, and those organizations thatcan engage and interact in a uniform environment.Finally, the Center has a farmers database which collects farmer's names, and contact information (address, email, and phone number)for dispersement ofinformation. We are able to reach out to farmers at a simple touch through our AAMU Small Farms Research Center Newsletter, News Release, one-on-one consultations, personalphone calls and through the group meeting which are held in various counties once a month. Objective 5:Expand the reach and outcomes of the education and resources offered through the suggested collaborative approach by partnering with local demonstration farms and conducting farm field days, and developing resources and materials that support and expand upon the content made available through web portal maintained by AAMU and its partners. By having collaborative partners, the Center has beenable to reachbeyond its scope to address the many needs of new and beginning farmers, veterans, agriculture based organizations, and general public. Within this year, the Center has hosted (5) farm field days with Booker Farm, LLC; (3) farm field day and (5) educational training programs with AAA+ Marketing, (5) workshops, (5) farm field days, and(12) educational seminars with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System; and (5) agricultural business and economic development conference with Bessemer Local Food Education Network, Southern Sustainable Agriculture WorkingNetwork, and AAA+ Marketing Association. The Center has been able to develop numerous educational material. All the material developed will be posted on the website.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Chembezi, Duncan M., Elicia L. Chaverest and Armitra Jackson-Davis. Challenges and Opportunities of Produce Safety Rule Compliance: Lessons from the FSMA Education and Training for Fresh Produce Entrepreneurs. A Selected Paper Accepted for Presentation at the Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International (ABEAI) 16th Annual Conference at Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club, Lihue, Hawaii, November 16-19, 2019 (Paper Presentation and Abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
K.R. Schneider, M.D. Danyluk, R. Goodrich Schneider, T. Chapin, A. Harder, A. Jackson-Davis, L. Kassama, Duncan Chembezi, E. Myles, A. Philyaw-Perez, K. Woods, C. Carter, J. Northcutt, K. Baker, K. Sarjeant, M. Harrison, J. Harrison, A. Mohan, P. Vijayakumar, M. Newman, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, C. Graham, J. Silva, C. Gunter, E. Gutierrez-Rodriguez, B. Chapman, P. Tripp, R. Jadeja, D. Jaroni, l. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, A. Wszelaki, M. Morgan, A. Fouladkhah, R. Fleming, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Masabni, B. Vaughn, F. Malekian, L. Strawn, A. Vallotton, and R. Williams. Southern Regional Center for Food Safety Training, Outreach, and Technical Assistance. 2019 National Consortium for Produce Safety Program Development, NASDA, Orlando, FL, March 2019 (Poster Presentation).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Krug, M., K. Schneider, M. Danyluk, R. Goodrich Schneider, T. Chapin, A. Harder, A. Jackson-Davis, L. Kassama, Duncan Chembezi, E. Myles, A. Philyaw-Perez, K. Woods, C. Carter, J. Northcutt, K. Baker, K. Sargeant, M. Harrison, J. Harrison, A. Mohan, P. Vijayakumar, M. Newman, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, C. Graham, J. Silva, C. Gunter, E. Guiterrez-Rodriguez, B. Chapman, P. Tripp, R. Jadeja, D. Jaroni, L. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, A. Wszelaki, M. Morgan. A. Fouladkhan, R. Fleming, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Masabni, B. Vaughn, F. Malekian, L. Strawn, A. Vallotton, and R. Williams. A Southern training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance center to enhance produce safety. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, p. 5-6 (Published Abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
K.R. Schneider, M.D. Danyluk, R. Goodrich Schneider, T. Chapin, A. Harder, A. Jackson-Davis, L. Kassama, Duncan Chembezi, E. Myles, A. Philyaw-Perez, K. Woods, C. Carter, J. Northcutt, K. Baker, K. Sarjeant, M. Harrison, J. Harrison, A. Mohan, P. Vijayakumar, M. Newman, A. Adhikari, K. Fontenot, C. Graham, J. Silva, C. Gunter, E. Gutierrez-Rodriguez, B. Chapman, P. Tripp, R. Jadeja, D. Jaroni, l. Feliciano Orellana, M. Plaza, A. Wszelaki, M. Morgan, A. Fouladkhah, R. Fleming, T.M. Taylor, A. Castillo, J. Masabni, B. Vaughn, F. Malekian, L. Strawn, A. Vallotton, and R. Williams. Southern Regional Center for Food Safety Training, Outreach, and Technical Assistance. 2019 National Consortium for Produce Safety Program Development, NASDA, Orlando, FL, p.2-3 (Published Abstract).
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the target audience reached by our efforts were veterans new and beginning farmers,socially disadvantaged farmers, limited resource minoirty farmers and women farmers. Changes/Problems:The major problem before beginning the project was the set-up of budgets for all contractors. Due to the shortage of staff inAAMU Office of Sponsored Programs (OPS), the office was six months behind in having contracts sent to the vendor. This cause a wave of problemsbecause some contractors already started their project, while other requested their paperwork be completed before starting the project.The Center worked closely with theAAMU Office of Sponsored Programbut there were still mistakes on the contract. The contract was finally signed by onevendor almosteight months later. The Center has beenworkly closely with the vendor to make sure they are able to complete their plan of work in a timely manner. The Center has alsomet with OSPoffice to make sure this type of incident does not happen again. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During this project period, Alabama A&M University Small Farms Research Center and its partners hasprovided the following opportunities to train farmers (training and professional development).Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group(SSAWG) in collaboration with AAMU Small Farms Research Center provided scholarships fornew and beginning farmers to attend the the SSAWG Conference. The participants were able to receive three day training on various agricutural and risk management issues. The Center in collaboration with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) andFarm Service Agency (FSA) held nearly (25) farm field days this year throughout the state. The farm field days focused on sustainable agriculture practices, goat management strategies, crowd grazing programs, NRCS programs and services avaiable, niche markets, and value-added farms. The Center also has provided (5) training for GAP certfication program, and provided certfication for Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance course for Human Food. The Center in collaboration with Alabama Cooperative Extension System has trained (35) new and beginning farmers for the Produce Safety Alliance Training Program. The Center has also sponsored (2) participants to Basic, Intermediate and Advance Grant Wriing. In addition, the Center has assisted five (5)producers inapplying for grants. In the process two producers werereceived the grantaward. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The result has been disseminated to communities of interest by means ofthe following outlets; Social media (ie.Facebook, Instagram), AAMU Small Farms Research Center database, News Release, and Newsletter. The Center works closely with partners, community based organization, non-profit organization, faith-based organization, community leaders, USDA government agencies, and local farmers. The results are disseminated through our partners and collaborators mostly on a quarterly bases. Each quarter, the Center developed the AAMU Small Farms Research Center Newsletter News Update which highligting success stories (activities, grants, and collaborations), USDA programs and services,and emerging agricultural issuesand research. Thisnewsletter is the most powerful tool of communication showcasing the Center results and being disseminated to the agricultural community. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For the next reporting period, the Center has developed the 2019 Plan of Work.The Center and its partners will be more strategic in implementing the objective of the project.. The Center will continue to provide training programs, farm field days and workshops for veterans, new and beginning farmers to accomplish the goals.Theplan of work will be distributed at the first of the year for participants. Theywill be well aware of the activities and training session planned.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Through this project, AAMU Small Farms Research Center and its partnerswere able to educate 115 veterans, new and beginning farmers through educational programs. Educational programs utilized wasworkshops, farm fields, seminars,hands-on demonstrations, one-on-oneconsultation, and conferences. During this reporting period the following goals were accomplished. Accomplishment:1. The project was able to assist 40 aspiring farmers and landowners in receiving a hoophouse (high tunnel)under the Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) program.2. Participants were able to received400 hours worth of training on business development, risk management strategies, agriculturalhands-ontraining(demonstrations), and education on USDAgovernment programs ans services.3 Provided over 55 farmers, landowners, and communities leaders throughout the southern region onProduce SafetyAlliance Training (extension of theGAP -good agricultural practices) certificates, 4.Enhance the knowledge base and efficacy of25 mentors who directly work with veterans and socially disadvantaged beginning farmers and ranchers by developing and delivering advanced training and certifications via the collaborative training approach and local workshops;5. Educated andprepared 115 new and beginning farmers and ranchers to be successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, good financial and business planners, managers, and decision-makers by utilizing agribusiness knowledge, skills and best practices to enhance productivity, profitability and overall sustainability;6. Partnered with over 25 farmers throughoutthe state of Alabama educating new and beginningfarmersand developing partnership to expand the reach and outcomes this program.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
E'licia L. Chaverest, Assistant Director; Duncan M. Chembezi. New and Beginning Farmers and Landowners Program in Alabama.2018 URBAN FOOD SYSTEM SYPOSIUM. Minneapolis, Minnesota. August 9-11, 2018
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
AAMU Small Farms Research Center Modules
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
E'licia L. Chaverest, Assistant Director; Duncan M. Chembezi. Funding Opportunities for New and Beginning Farmers .2018 RM and Business Development Workshop. Mobile, Alabama. August 22-24, 2018
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