Performing Department
Dept of Cooperative Extension
Non Technical Summary
Virginia State University - Small Farm Outreach Program (VSU-SFOP) proposes to host a three-day Small Farm Conference. The overall goal is to continue to strengthen profitability for small, limited resource, socially disadvantages, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers (SLSDVBFR), by promoting sustainable production and marketing practices. The propose conference is driven by popular demands by all stakeholders, especially the producers. Evaluation report from the 2018 small farm conference indicated that the six highest topics of importance to producers are as follows: access to credit, marketing strategies and opportunities, GAP certification programs, available programs for Small Farmers through Farm Bill, crop insurance and risk management, and starting a new farm business. Therefore, the specific objectives are to: 1) to increase their knowledge and skills in identifying, applying, and utilizing available credit facilities; 2) improve marketing strategies for producers, and expand their marketing opportunities; 3) motivate producers to undertake training for GAP certification, 4) Enlighten producers on available programs for SLSDVBFR through farm bills and how to access such programs; 5) improve the knowledge of producers on crop insurance programs and risk management strategies, and how to enroll and benefit from these programs; 6) strengthen the knowledge of beginning farmers and ranchers by providing them with the information and strategies needed for them to start and maintain successful farm businesses. Expected results are increased knowledge and skills, on production and marketing which will lead to increase in profits and an ensured sustainable farm businesses for these farmers and ranchers.
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Virginia State University - Small Farm Outreach Program (VSU-SFOP) proposes to host a two-day Small Farm Conference. The overall goal is to continue to strengthen profitability for small, limited resource, socially disadvantages, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers (SLSDVBFR), by promoting sustainable production and marketing practices. The propose conference is driven by popular demands by all stakeholders, especially the producers. Evaluation report from the 2018 small farm conference indicated that the six highest topics of importance by producers are as follows: access to credit, marketing strategies and opportunities, GAP certification programs, available programs for Small Farmers through Farm Bill, crop insurance, and starting a new farm business. Therefore, the specific objectives are to: 1) to increase their knowledge and skills in identifying, applying, and utilizing available credit facilities; 2) improve marketing strategies for producers, and expand their marketing opportunities; 3) motivate producers to undertake training for GAP certification, 4) Enlighten producers unavailable programs for SLSDVBFR through farm bills and how to access such programs; 5) improve the knowledge of producers on crop insurance programs, and how to enroll and benefit from these programs; 6) strengthen the knowledge of beginning farmers and ranchers by proving then with the information and strategies needed for them to start a and maintain successful farm business.
Project Methods
Establish a diverse make-up of the members of planning, implementation, and evaluation committee. The list includes all stakeholders (farmers, service providers, vendors, educators etc.). Committee members are drawn from Virginia and two neighboring states of North Carolina and Maryland.The Approach is to conduct this three-day conference through three major arrangements: General Sessions, Farm Tours, and Breakout out Sessions.Day 1: General Sessions: On day one of the conference, three general sessions will be conducted. The titles for these sessions are: i) Strengthening and Sustaining Small Farms, ii) Farm Bill Updates, and iii) Risk in Agriculture and Crop Insurance.Strengthening and Sustaining Small FarmsThe conference will kick-off with the topic reflecting the conference theme (Strengthening and Sustaining Small Farms). The speaker will highlight strategies that will strengthen and sustain small farms. Producers will be given the opportunities for questions and answers and participate fully in the discussion. The expected outcome is an increased knowledge of strategies that could be applied to strengthen production and marketing for these producers, to a sustainable level.ii) Farm Bill updatesSecond general section will focus on the changes in farm bill as they relate to small, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, veteran and beginning farmers. Producers will also receive information from the farm bill, on how to access programs that could benefit their farming their farming operation.Programs for Veteran Farmers and RanchersPresenter will provide information on programs that are available that assist veteran farmers, and how they can access these programs. Veteran farmers will have an increased awareness on veteran farm program and how to utilize these programs.High Tunnel Production and ManagementThis session will focus on high tunnel irrigation system and crop management. Producers will be aware on how to install and manage the drip irrigation system.GAP CertificationPresenter will outline the stages a producer will go through to be GAP certified. The importance of getting GAP certified will also be provided. The outcomes will increase awareness on GAP certification and how being certified can increase market potential.