Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During the past decades, the agriculture industry experienced growth and faced challenges. The agriculture industry's evolution has adapted to be what it is today, a field of study and entrepreneurship. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan impacted the lives of Veterans, leaving health-related illnesses and injuries, resulting in long-lasting disabilities. Behavioral and cognitive disabilities are the two most prevalent medical conditions in Post 9/11 Veterans, leaving scars often invisible, also known as the "invisible wounds of war." Behavioral health conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are known as the "signatures of war," with associated medical conditions (comorbidities) that include chronic pain, physical injuries (i.e., amputations, burns), and substance abuse. This population of Veterans is at higher risk for worse health-related outcomes. The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spearheaded programs to mitigate the effects of the health crisis on Veterans health. Standard of care in medicine has focused on traditional interventions to combat mental health issues in Veterans and the general population. There is limited literature on the effects of farming on this population. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that combat veterans highly sought farming, with reports showing its benefits in this community's health and wellbeing. Moreover, agriculture's financial impact on the agricultural industry may lead to resource sustainability, resulting in food security for the communities practicing this approach. The GoFarm Hawai'i: Growing Veterans program was intentionally created as an educational tool to increase Veterans' financial and professional capacity in Hawai'i. The program was a multitiered and multi-service approach to equip Veterans and their families with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to succeed. Additionally, we conducted a program evaluation that assisted in developing and implementing the program to best meet the needs of the community we serve. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The participants received virtual and face-to-face hands-on instruction and practice. The Veterans felt that the type of instruction facilitated learning while at the same time enhancing their skills-building capacity. The expectations of the program and the reasons for enrollment changed when they started to acquire new knowledge. Their interest and motivation grew with time because they experienced learning about an area that was unknown to them. The program started during the COVID-19 pandemic and despite the challenges that the pandemic presented, the participants felt that the program was very well organized and accessible. The program was initially delivered using virtual instruction. The instructors were very knowledgeable, and the instruction was very useful for learning to become a farmer. The instructors provided vast content that may require additional time for continuing to learn even after the courses are completed, "A lot of the content is there, and I'm actually going to sit down and read the book". "intensive farming course that is much needed, and everybody should complete it, and it should be mandatory" The main takeaway of the program was the renewed sense of possibilities. The sense of ownership, accomplishment, and camaraderie was not only appreciated but praised by the Veterans. Both Veterans look forward to short-term and long-term plans involving what they learned. The amount of work required to develop and maintain the plots gave the participants a sense of commitment and dedication. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of this pilot program have been disseminated within our community, presented to State and County officials, Veterans groups and available via website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The GoFarm Hawai'i:Growing Vetneras program used a comprehensive integrated approach delivered by a multidisciplinary team to educate and equip Veterans in agriculture. A total of 27 Veterans graduated from the program divided by cohorts. The findings incorporated information from web-based surveys and interviews and combined this data to provide a snapshot of the health-related outcomes of the cohorts. As part of the data collection, we explored three main elements of the program, 1) Feasibility, 2) Structure and instruction, and 3) Experience and Satisfaction. The Veterans that participated in the interview reported that their goal in engaging in farming as a career to pursue. An ideal career for the Veteran with mental health (MH) conditions, especially those whose ability to be in traditional work settings is impacted. When describing the program, one of them referred to it as having the potential "to help progress through their MH and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recovery." The findings that we are about to describe, show that the final product adhered to the proposed program and leveraged the process improvement to augment the original services. The core program didn't experience major adaptations or changes. The next set of information provides more detail about these findings. Using a framework for program evaluation, we conducted an evaluation that sought to inform a new program design within the field of agriculture. Program feasibility is defined as the ability of the Veteran to be able to participate in the program and services offered by GoFarm Hawai'i. When inquiring about how the Veterans learned about the program and their initial engagement, it was reported that they were engaged by a loved one, or friend/veteran. The program structure and the enthusiasm of the coaches, instructors, and personnel provided an environment conducive to learning and becoming a farmer. Moreover, Ho`?la Farms is a Veteran organization with vast knowledge of veteran culture, which made the program tailored for this specific population. Most Veterans expressed their willingness and motivation based on the high level of Veteran competency from the Ho`?la team members, which made it easier to participate.
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The Growing Veterans program is an ongoing collaborative effort serving Veterans and their families. This evidence-informed program recruited Veterans of all eras of war (pre and post 9/11)to enroll in this unique program tailored to meet the needs of this community. We also focused on the spouse/family memberaffiliated to the Veteran, who were also invited to take part in the Growing Veterans program. This was particularly important since the family is many times the Veteran's support system, by working together they form stronger partnerships and may be better equipped to perform the activities and long-term obligations that farmers encounter. Year two of the pilot program we were able to expand our reach to veterans throughout the state of Hawaii by providing scholarships at each location GoFarm Hawaii operates throughout the state. Changes/Problems:Despite the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the program achieved the goals and exceeded the activities anticipated for the year. We don't have major problems or unexpected outcomes to report. The program executed and performed very well throughout the year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Events held- 9/01/2020- 8/31/2021 6 greenhouse workshop days Military Veteran Farmer Support and Financial Opportunities Webinar 5 AgCurious Workshops 3 AgXposure Workshops (4-week cohorts) 3 AgXcel cohorts (statewide) (6-month intensive skills-based ield work) Total Participants: 62 veterans One-on-One Consulting:5 veteran consultations- Directed to FSA, Kohala Center/ Slow Money, NCRS, USDA How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Guest speaker conference participation to disseminate information; HFUU Conference(8/6-8/7) Hawaii Island Food Summit (7/29) Newspaper Articles- Hawaii Tribune Herald - Article 1 Hawaii Tribune Herald - Article 2 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Recruit and enroll participants for AgCurious and AgXposure workshops Recruit, enroll and graudate 10 veterans from the AgXcel program Enroll 1-3 participants in the incubator program and support participants business development Conduct entry, mid-point and exit surveys and interviews with independant evaluator Conduct final analysis of program
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The GoFarm Hawai'i (GFH) program successfully trained and graduated a total of 15 Veterans during the corresponding reporting period. We conducted an independent outcomes program evaluation during the training cycle. Preliminary data showed that the program was effective in increasing knowledge, and improving the quality of life of the Veterans that participated. Additionally, we interviewed Veterans who were part of the program and they reported high satisfaction with the program content, instruction and the trainers. Professional development through an entrepreneurship component of the program motivated some of the participants to engage in additional training and business endeavors. The GoFarm Hawai'i (GFH) included a set of extracurricular activities that included not only the Veteran, but also their family members. These activities included, Military Veteran Farmer Support and Fianacial Opportunities Webinar 5 AgCurious Workshops 3 AgXposure Workshops (4 week cohorts) 6 farm tours/ virtual tours 3 AgXcel cohorts (6-month intensive cohorts) 3 veterans are currently enrolled in the incubator program 62 Veteran/spouse participants throughout the year We created a Market Garden demonstration garden at the GoFarm Hawaii training site with monthly workshops, and volunteer days allow veterans and their families to visit the farmsite and get a better idea of what a market garden looks like. Produce is harvested by veteran participants and volunteers, hashed and prepared safely in the shared wash/pack house and prepared for local food distribution. Produce is sold to local CSA?s, grocery stores and through a new e-commerce platform. This Market Garden to Distribution process allows us to demonstrate the full-cycle from seed to sold. Delivery of 3 Victory Gardens to Veterans
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Like many rural regions in the U.S., Hawai'i struggles with an aging farmer population, poor farm labor availability, and declining numbers of farmers. Additionally, Hawai'i County is a geographically disadvantaged and rural region as defined by USDA Farm Service Agency and Economic Research Service. Farmers and ranchers in Hawai'i are extremely challenged by the high costs of land, labor, inputs, and energy. With the average age of a farmer in Hawaii hovering around 60 years old, the next generation needs to be prepared to develop and operate commercial-scale farms. This pilot program focuses on the region on Hawaii Island, which is a rural island to over 15,000 veterans and more than half of the state's agriculture lands and agribusinesses (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017; USDA NASS, 2012; Melrose, 2015). GoFarm Hawaii: Growing Veterans pilot program helps veterans by bringing the training and leadership shills they have developed during their military service to local communities, contributing to rural prosperity and enhance their quality of life. Our target audience focused on reaching as many transitioning veterans recently out of the service, disabled veterans, female veterans, veterans with families, and underemployed veterans living on Hawaii Island. Year one (1): Actively engaged 44 veteran interested in participating in AgCurious, AgXposure and AgXcel classes and workshops. Enrolled 6 veterans in AgXcel 6 month production farming training program; expected graduation date December 2020. Changes/Problems:We had two delays that effect the launch of our first AgXcel cohort; 1) water rights/access and 2) worldwide pandemic COVID-19 1) Water meter access on the land leased by GoFarm Hawaii delayed the beginning phases of AgCourious and AgXposure programs to commence, projected for the later part of 2019. This pushed back the projected start date for the AgXcel 6 month intensive training program to late April of 2020. To accommodate for this challenge, we hosted greenhouse workshops at our other farm site, and conducted farm tour and field trips for the AgCurious events at nearby farm sites where we were able to accommodate interested participants and share the program details and expectations without being directly effected by the delays. The water meter issue was resolved and we were able to successfully launch AgXposure (1 month) and AgXcel (6 month) production farmer training program in April 2020. 2) COVID-19- Worldwide pandemic, (March 2020- Currently) All local businesses and services were required by County/State laws to shutdown operations or transition to work/ study from home orders in March, 2020. Our first AgXposure courses were scheduled to begin March 2020, so these mandates significantly effected the launching of the program, delaying the start date of the first cohort again. To accommodate for these challenges we; created a robust program website and social media campaign to connect and inform interested veterans worked with local media expert to document our program and progress via photography, film and social media campaign. Captured media was then used to connect and inform veterans statewide on the support and services available to them Updated technology and website to insure that AgXposure and AgXcel curriculum could be accessed online Instructor and participants interacted virtually via Zoom and farm tours were hosted virtually. This allowed the first cohort of the program to continue during a statewide lock-down. Not only did the virtual connection support AgXposure and AgXcel programs, but also continued to support the mental health and well-being for the veterans participating in the program during that 8 week transition to what we all know now as our "new COVID normal" of virtual learning and experiences. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development during year one (1) of our program included: 1) 7 greenhouse workshops were conducted over the the reporting year. 2-5 veterans participated in each workshop, 2 of which became AgCurious, AgXposure and then AgXcel participants. 2) Hosted 2 AgCruious events and 4 AgXposure events to expose interested participants to farm activities and promote participation in the program. Students completed theory and practical coursework related to the fundamentals of crop farming, i.e. soil fertility, irrigation, seeds, crop planning, food safety, nutrient management, plant autonomy and pest management. 3) 4 virtual farm tours were created, organized and delivered to interested program recruits. These virtual farm tours allowed participants the opportunity to learn from and ask questions to successfullcommercial farmers here in Hawaii, virtually. Topics covered in AgCurious, AgXposure and virtual farm tours included: Successes & "lessons learned" owning and operating a production farm in Hawaii Strengths and weaknesses of our local economy and marketplace Import & Export Mentor opportunities Discussion and encouragement of participation in current USDA programs targeting veterans 4) Recruited, accessed and enrolled 6 veterans in AgXcel; 6 month production agriculture training program (on-going) with an expected graduation date of mid-December 2020. 5) Coordinated and provided direct support services for 4 veterans enrolled in the agriculture training program to encourage positive health outcomes and success How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Year two (2) goals include: Graduation of 4-6 Veterans from the 6 month production farmer training program: AgXcel (cohort 1). 2-4 graduates selected for participation in business incubator and intensive technical assistance from GoFarm Hawaii's business support staff. Third-party evaulation completed, submitted and reivewed. Necessary adjustments made Recurit and enrollment of AgXcel cohorts 2 & 3 Conduct evaluation activities and reports, adjust as necessary Utilization of website and Media to recruit qualified candidates Repeat workshop days, AgCurious and AgXposure days, and virtual farm tours to support program over the next year while still dealing with COVID-19 restrictions Third party evaluations of first cohort completed and review submitted. Review of program outcomes and efficacy of program approach and implmentation accessed; adjust curriculum, activities, and support services, as needed based on results. Cohort 1 graduates selected to participation in business inculator; will provide business consulting and development of technical assistance, including planning and analysis of financial and operational performance, processes and procedures, business and marketing plan development and execution, strategic planning and project management services to achieve client goals, while also building ongoing relationships that foster continual improvement of operations. .Repeat workshop days, AgCurious and AgXposure days, and virtual farm tours to support program over the next year while still dealing with COVID-19 restrictions Plan includes: 6 greenhouse workshops intended to share information and recruitment opportunites Host 2 AgCruious events and 4 AgXposure events at the farm site to expose interested participants to farm activities and promote participation in the program. Create, organize and deliver 4 virtual farm tours
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Year one (1) outcomes achieved: Scheduled staff, executed contracts with GoFarm Hawaii and Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estates land management, purchased supplies, project website launched, recruited participants (ongoing) Evaluated current curriculum; updated cruriculum tailored to veteran participants Hosted 7greenhouse workshops, 2 AgCurious Events, 4 AgXposure (field days) and 4 virtual farm tour days; Total participants: 44 veterans Developed virtual learning platform to support program during COVID-19 Pandemic Coordinated and provided direct support to 4 veterans in additional programs and services offered by USDA, State and local programs Veterans participants recruited for AgXposure: 10 veterans Veterans participants recruited and enrolled in AgXcel: 6 veterans AgXcel- 6 month production farmer training program, estimated completion date: Dec 2020 Conducted 23.5 hours of licensed social work to encourage program to support veteran in their entrepreneurial ventures and personal lives. 42 hours of tutoring to support veteran participants Initial and mid-program surveys developed and delivered to 6 veteran participanting in AgXcel cohort 1. Additional year one (1) accomplishments included: 1) Evaluation Instruments - Developed, coordinated and conducted beginning and mid-program evaluations for first cohort of AgXcel- 6 month agriculture training program with third-party evaluator Roxana Delgado, PhD. In addition, beginning analysis has begun to determine efficacy of the program approach and implementation. Adjustments to curriculum, activities, and support services will be made as needed based on results. 2) Website development and dedicated program pages were developed and launched to support access to programs. A robust Program and Resource Guide was created to insure participating veterans and those interested in future programs had necessary resources needed to support their agriculture ventures. This includes federal and state programs available to veterans. 3) Worked with a local audio/video professional to develop a plan to continue to share our program virtually. This was especially crucial to our program after COVID-19 quarantine mandates prohibited our program to operate as "normal". Media plan includes documenting AgCurious & AgXposure events, farm site progress and support future recruitment efforts for the upcoming cohort sessions. 4) Counseled with 4 veterans who weren't candidates for the 6 month AgXcel intensive program, but were able to benefit from other NIFA funded programs (i.e. Kohala Center's beginning farmer rancher program, FSA funding, USDA funding for new farm purchase)
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