Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project comprises underserved Hispanic/Latina/o farmers with limited resources, as well as farmworkers. This initiative is distinctive in its focus on Hispanic/Latino farmers who are transitioning from employment in industrial and agricultural labor settings to becoming small fruit and vegetables farm proprietors. The bilingual and bicultural expertise, coupled with the agricultural background of the Principal Director (PD), Co-Principal Directors (Co-PDs), and personnel (from Michigan State University and Telamon), ensured the successful implementation of this project. Changes/Problems:One of the challenges encountered by the program was the implementation of various restrictions on in-person training due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and part of 2021. This situation necessitated a shift to predominantly online training formats with limited in-person instruction. One-on-one training was conducted at farm fields, adhering to social distancing protocols and utilizing face coverings. In 2021, certain restrictions on in-person training have persisted, resulting in continued limitations on facility-based training and the presentation of workshops in an online format. One-on-one training continued to be provided at farm fields, maintaining social distancing measures and the use of face coverings. It was observed that Latino/a farmers faced difficulties attending workshops on weekdays because of extended work hours during the week. Another significant issue was the shortage of labor during the harvesting period. A reduction in the seasonal workforce typically employed in the state during summers, coupled with insufficient capital and housing to engage H2A workers, created challenges for some farmers in securing an adequate labor force during peak production and harvesting seasons. In response, frequent consultations were conducted with Latino/a farmers to assess the impact of labor shortages and Covid-19 on their operations. These factors, along with inflation and national and international market competition, were not directly related to the implementation of our program but had a more pronounced impact on beggining farmers. To mitigate these effects, intensive recruitment of Latino/a farmers was undertaken, providing comprehensive training through workshops and one-on-one instruction on all technical aspects related to the workshops. While some activities were impacted by Covid-19, most were completed during the final period of the grant. In conclusion, despite the unusual circumstances affecting beggining farmers and partially impacting training throughout the duration of the program, our training efforts mitigated these impacts and facilitated the development of a cohesive group of farmers in southern Michigan who were brought to the main campus of Michigan State University to perform a graduation ceremony (MSU celebrates a successful Latino/a farmer program at https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebrates-successful-latino-a-farmer-program). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our program provides opportunities for Latina/o farmers and farm workers from various proficiency levels (novice, intermediate, and advanced) to continue their professional development by participating in workshops and/or individualized training sessions. These sessions cover topics such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pesticide education, fruit varieties, USDA programs, Good Agricultural Practices, business and marketing strategies, packaging techniques, pollinators, crop diversification, and access to food systems (hubs). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Cultural and linguistic approaches have been used to disseminate this knowledge. Information was distributed through various communication channels including text messages, electronic mail, websites, WhatsApp groups, and work meetings. The responses from Latino farmers, farm workers, and other groups were highly positive. Furthermore, the program demonstrated a high level of participant satisfaction. Articles pertaining to Latina/o farmers were published by Michigan State University. Latino/a Farm Families./ Farm Flavor in partnership with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. https://farmflavor.com/michigan/michigan-state-university-program-la-cosecha-supports-latino-a-farm-families/ Ishikawa, R. 2023. Stateside Podcast: Training the next gen of Latino farmers. https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/stateside/2023-10-23/stateside-podcast-training-the-next-gen-of-latino-farmers. Michigan Public npr 2023. Growing success: Spartans support first-generation farmers. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/growingsuccess-spartans-support-first-generation-farmers. MSU celebrates successful Latino/a farmer program. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebratessuccessful-latino-a-farmer-program Faculty voice: Recognizing migrant farmworkers' contributions to Michigan. MSU TODAY.. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/faculty-voice-recognizing-migrant-farmworkers MSU Invites Latino Farmers to Discuss Difficulties of Migrant Workers https://inclusion.msu.edu/news/migrant-workers.html What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Training in Pesticide Education were conducted under the direction of Antonio Castro-Escobar from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The number of trained farmers was 244. As a result of individual instruction by the outreach specialist, Juan Pedro Solorio 20 Latino farmers obtained their pesticide certification. Furthermore, 319 Latino farmers received credit to renew their pesticide certifications. Outcomes: Pesticide certification is essential for the use of pesticide tools to manage pests on farms. It is evident that obtaining pesticide certification represents a change in the condition. The broader impact is a sustainable and environmentally sound pest management strategy for fruits and vegetables. Pollinators. Ana Heck (MSU Extension) provided training to 149 Latino/a farmers on the importance of pollinator utilization to increase fruit productivity. The workshops covered the protection of bumblebees, honeybees, and wild bees as well as methods to safeguard bees from pesticides. Outcomes: Latino/a farmers acquired knowledge of the role of bees in fruit production systems and became aware of the necessity to protect them from pesticide application. Impact: By implementing pollinator protection measures, farmers can increase crop production and contribute to the conservation of pollinators and other insects. Packaging. Dr. Eva Almenar from the School of Packaging MSU conducted training on blueberry packaging. The content of these presentations was tailored to the Spanish-speaking farmers. Sixty-nine farmers participated in these workshops. The workshops addressed the biotic and abiotic factors that influence fruit storage. Additionally, the importance of utilizing biodegradable containers was elucidated. Outcome: The training provided farmers with awareness about packaging materials, shelf life, and biotic and abiotic factors that affect shelf life, among other topics, which is essential for Latino farmers to improve their management of fruit harvesting, processing, and packaging. The impact of this training is the extension of the product shelf life and an increase in profits from the reduction in harvested crop waste. Business and marketing. Florencia Colella from MSU hosted Business and Marketing workshops and 41 Latino farmers, offering vital insights into business and marketing strategies, which are key to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of their agricultural enterprises. Outcome. By acquiring these skills, farmers will be better equipped to refine their business approaches, expand market opportunities, and position their products for future growth. Impacts. Business and marketing are a critical area of farming production. Good Agricultural Practices. Workshops were conducted by Phil Tocco (MSU Extension), with 55 farmers in attendance. The critical aspects of preventing microbial contamination in fruits, such as water usage, water analysis, and sanitation, were addressed in this workshop. As a result, Latino farmers implemented awareness and application of good agricultural practices to ensure the safety of crop production. The impact of this implementation is that by adhering to a safety protocol, farmers can produce, harvest, and sell fruits that meet safety standards, thereby benefiting consumers. Regional Food Hubs. Mariel Borgman (MSU Extension) provided this training which was attended by 58 Latino/a farmers. The sessions aimed to assist farmers in exploring direct marketing opportunities and selling through value-driven supply chains, such as regional food hubs, which can help them secure better prices for their products. Outcomes: Farmers are aware of alternative market opportunities and compare their current marketing systems to regional hubs. Impacts: In the long term, farmers in our program will diversify their markets to local hubs, providing more stability in the farming business. Integrated pest management (IPM). Workshops and one-on-one mentoring (30 field visits) were conducted. Cheyenne Sloan, MSU Extension Dr. John Wise, Juan Pedro Solorio and Angelica Solorio. The total number of trained farmers was 211. The 2023 Fruit Management Guide manuals were distributed to farmers. Outcomes: A high degree of adoption was observed, as evidenced by less damage in the years prior to the implementation of the La Cosecha program. Impacts: The use of IPM benefits Latino/a farmers in southern Michigan, and in the long term, contributes to sustainable food production that benefits their businesses and Michigan agriculture. Drip-irrigation systems. Fifty-seven Latina/o farmers underwent drip irrigation training. The training included the installation of a drip irrigation system. The outcome of this project was farmers' increased awareness and adoption of these practices, resulting in a change in conditions. It is estimated that the adoption of drip irrigation systems will increase fruit and vegetable production by approximately 30% and 100%, respectively. Soil analysis and nutrition. Eighty farmers received training in soil pH and soil sampling for nutrient analysis (soil and plant tissue). Farmers received additional training on the importance of foliar analysis. The outcomes were a reduction in production costs and a more effective method for delivering nutrition to crops. Impacts: Reduction in production costs and mitigation of excessive nutrient release into the environment. Buying land and crop diversification. Six Latino farmers were involved in purchasing and renting new land and 30 were engaged in crop diversification. Crop diversification includes the introduction of improved fruit varieties and the cultivation of peppers, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. Outcomes: Crop diversification reduces dependence on a single crop. Impact: By increasing crop diversification, farmers strengthen local production and enhance the diversity of farmers' markets. Latina/o Beginning Farmers Graduation Ceremony at Michigan State University. In 2023, a graduation ceremony for farmers who participated in our workshops and one instructional session were held at the main campus of the university. Approximately 200 Latina/o farmers attended the graduation ceremony at the main campus (MSU celebrates a successful Latino/a farmer program. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebrates-successful-latino-a-farmer-program). This event marked the first occurrence of such a magnitude, involving Latina/o farmers at MSU. It is noteworthy that the USDA, representatives of the state government, congressional members, and universities participated in recognizing the Latina/o farmers' graduation events. A comprehensive article on the impact of La Cosecha on the lives and agricultural success of Latino farmers was published in MSUTODAY: Growing success: Spartans support first-generation farmers. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/growing-success-spartans-support-first-generation-farmers. Telamon Corporation. Sarah Perry, Angelica Solorio, and Elmira Morales conducted outreach to 2024 farmworkers to disseminate information about La Cosecha and the process of transitioning to beginning farmers. Outcomes: Approximately 17 farm workers initiated agricultural enterprises, indicating a change in their occupational status. Impacts: The introduction of new farmers is beneficial for the nation due to the aging demographic of farmers. One-on-one mentoring. To provide mentoring on IPM, nutrition, soil analysis, and other agricultural aspects, outreach specialists from La Cosecha and Telamon conducted 450 farm visits. Outcome: The combination of technical expertise and cultural and linguistic knowledge is crucial for addressing the challenges encountered by Hispanic farmers. Impact: We were able to train a significant cohort of Latina/o farmers in Michigan. These farmers produce nutritious food and contribute to Michigan agriculture and the nation.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Lockman, C. 2024.Michigan State Universitys La Cosecha Program Supports Latino/a Farm Families./ Farm Flavor in partnership with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. https://farmflavor.com/michigan/michigan-state-university-program-la-cosecha-supports-latino-a-farm-families/
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ishikawa, R. 2023. Stateside Podcast: Training the next gen of Latino farmers. https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/stateside/2023-10-23/stateside-podcast-training-the-next-gen-of-latino-farmers. Michigan Public npr 2023.
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience is socially-disadvantaged Hispanic/Latina/o farmers, limited-resource, or farmworkers. This project is unique because it targets Hispanic/Latino farmers who are transitioning from workers in industrial and farm laborer settings to small fruit farm owners. The bilingual, bicultural experience, and agricultural background from PD and Co-PDs and personnel (MSU and Telamon), will guarantee the success of this project. Changes/Problems:As in the previous periods, we will continue to recruit Latina/o farmers and train them by providing workshops and one-on-one training in all aspects related to the workshops. Some activities were impacted by Covid-19, but in the final period of the grant, we completed these activities. Additional workshops will be conducted in the Fall, Winter of 2023, and Spring and Summer of 2024. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our program provides opportunities for Latina/o farmers or farm workers from different skill levels (new, intermediate, and advanced) to continue their training by attending workshops and/or one-on-one training on IPM, pesticide education, fruit varieties, USDA programs, Good Agricultural Practices, Business and Marketing, Packaging, Pollinators, Crop Diversification, and Access to Food Systems (hubs). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Cultural and linguistic approaches have been adopted to disseminate knowledge. Information was disseminated through text messages, e-mails, websites, a WhatsApp group, and work meetings, among others. We received very positive responses from Latino farmers, farmworkers, and other groups. Additionally, the level of satisfaction with the program was high. Articles on Latina/o farmers were published by Michigan State University. Growing success: Spartans support first-generation farmers. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/growing-success-spartans-support-first-generation-farmers. MSU celebrates successful Latino/a farmer program. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebrates-successful-latino-a-farmer-program Faculty voice: Recognizing migrant farmworkers' contributions to Michigan. MSU TODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/faculty-voice-recognizing-migrant-farmworkers MSU Invites Latino Farmers to Discuss Difficulties of Migrant Workershttps://inclusion.msu.edu/news/migrant-workers.html What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As in the previous periods, we will continue to recruit Latina/o farmers and train them by providing workshops and one-on-one training in all aspects related to the workshops. The program was severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and the direct impact of COVID-19 in the past periods, but in the final period of the grant, we will complete these activities. Additional workshops will be conducted in the Fall, Winter of 2023, and Spring and Summer of 2024. Final surveys and evaluation of the program will be performed
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Pollinator training. Provide training in pollination services to increase fruit productivity. Ana Heck (MSU Extension), an Apiculture Extensionist, provided pollinator training (online) to 43 Latino/a farmers. Pollinators play a critical role in fruit production, and it is important to improve the natural and/or introduced presence of these insects in orchards. The importance of the use of bees in fruit pollination, other wild bees, and ways to protect bees from pesticides was taught in this workshop. Outcomes: Latina/o farmers obtained knowledge of the role of these insects in fruit production systems and the need to protect them from pesticide application. Our outreach specialist reinforces the need to use soft compounds to manage pests during the blooming period and to protect pollinators during this critical period. We observed higher adoption of this management practice. Workshop in Packaging blueberries (La vida útil del arandano y su envasado). Dr. Eva Almenar from the School of Packaging MSU provided training with a workshop on Packaging Blueberries that included the biotic and abiotic factors that intervene in the storage of fruits. In addition, the importance of using biodegradable containers was explained. Before the workshop, a survey was designed and applied to estimate the degree of knowledge of Latina/o farmers regarding critical factors in fruit harvesting and storage, including temperature, storage facilities, fruit respiration, diseases, and packaging. Twenty-three farmers attended the workshop, and a pre-and post-workshop survey was conducted. There were very positive comments from the farmers on the workshop since handling, storage, and packaging of fruit is critical for their business. Farm training. An important approach for training Latina/o farmers is one-on-one training. Personnel of the La Cosecha program performed 145 farm visits and made 762 phone calls to the outreach Latino farmers. The number of farmers in our program was approximately 51 in vegetable production and 200 in fruit production. Drip-irrigation systems. Twenty-four Latina/o farmers were trained in drip irrigation systems. This training included visits to fertilizer distribution centers and irrigation material stores to compare costs. In addition, the training included the installation of a drip irrigation system, calibration, and delivery of an adequate formulation of nutrients in crops. The outcome of this project is farmers' awareness of and adoption of these practices. The impact of this training includes a reduction in the cost of production, the optimum time to deliver the nutrients as needed during the crop production systems, and avoidance of the release of excessive nutrients into the environment. We had estimated that the adoption of drip irrigation systems would increase by about 30% fruit production and 100% vegetable production. With the dramatic increase in the cost of production and inputs, this intervention has saved farmers from costly investments in irrigation systems and fertilizers. Soil analysis and nutrition. Eighty farmers received training on the pH of soil and soil samples to analyze nutrients (soil and plant tissue). We estimated that most farmers adopt one or more practices in soil analysis and crop nutrition. Farmers receive additional training on the importance of foliar analysis. Pest management. Thirty farm visits were conducted to train 90 farmers in pest management (IPM). The 2023 Fruit Management Guide manuals were delivered to the farmers. Emphasis was placed on the use of soft compounds to manage pests, pollinator protection, and the importance of the appropriate pH of the water on the longevity of pesticides. Field visits to train about soft pesticides and restricted entry intervals (REI). Twenty-five farm visits to train 70 farmers on the biological control of pests in fruits and vegetables were conducted during the reporting period. In addition, to minimize pesticide exposure, the REI was discussed. Buying land and crop diversification. Four Latino farmers were involved in buying/renting new land and 21 were involved in crop diversification. Crop diversification includes better fruit varieties and planting of peppers, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. Pesticide certification. As a result of the training credits, 45 farmers renewed their pesticide certification. Therefore, farmers can buy and use pesticides to manage pests on their farms. Telamon Corporation. Angelica Solorio, the outreach specialist from Telamon reached out to 594 farmworkers to provide information about La Cosecha and how to be a beginning farmer. In addition, information on Telamon services was provided to farm workers and farmers. Graduation event. The COVID-19 restrictions limited in the past years in in-person meetings. However, this year, a graduation ceremony for farmers who attended our workshops and one instruction session was performed at the main campus of Michigan State University. Approximately 200 Latina/o farmers attended the graduation ceremony at the main campus (East Lansing) of Michigan State University (MSU celebrates a successful Latino/a farmer program. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebrates-successful-latino-a-farmer-program). This is the first time that an event of this magnitude with Latina/o farmers has been performed at MSU. It is important to point out the participation of the USDA, representatives of the state government, congress, and universities in the recognition of Latina/o farmers' graduation events. Impact of the program la Cosecha and its dissemination. Field visits and farmers interviews were performed by the communications team from Michigan State University (Henry Mochida, Kelly Kussmaul, and Levi Randolph) to document the impact of the La Cosecha program on the Latina/o farmers. A very nice article on the impact of La Cosecha on the lives and farm success of Latino farmers was published in MSUTODAY: Growing success: Spartans support first-generation farmers. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/growing-success-spartans-support-first-generation-farmers. Labor force. Many of our trained Latina/o farmers were farmworkers before having their farms. Farmworkers play a critical role in the agriculture of Michigan and the nation. For Latina/o farmers, the workforce is critical during the harvest season. Serious reduction of labor is impacting their business, and the alternative of hiring H-2A workers is very expensive for beginner farmers. La Cosecha program invited Latina farmers,representatives of the state government, and local organizations to engage in a discussion to find ways to solve this issue (MSU Invites Latino Farmers to Discuss Difficulties of Migrant Workers https://inclusion.msu.edu/news/migrant-workers.html). David Mota-Sanchez expands in further interviews on the impacts of La Cosecha program on Latina beginning farmers and the role of farmworkers in agriculture in the state (Faculty voice: Recognizing migrant farmworkers' contributions to Michigan. MSU TODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/faculty-voice-recognizing-migrant-farmworkers).
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Growing success: Spartans support first-generation farmers. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/growing-success-spartans-support-first-generation-farmers
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
MSU celebrates successful Latino/a farmer program. MSUTODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/msu-celebrates-successful-latino-a-farmer-program
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Faculty voice: Recognizing migrant farmworkers' contributions to Michigan. MSU TODAY. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2023/faculty-voice-recognizing-migrant-farmworkers
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
MSU Invites Latino Farmers to Discuss Difficulties of Migrant Workers
https://inclusion.msu.edu/news/migrant-workers.html
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience is socially-disadvantaged Hispanic/Latina/o farmers, limited-resource, or farmworkers. This project is unique because it targets Hispanic/Latino farmers that are transitioning from workers in industrial and farm laborer settings to small fruit farm owners. The bilingual, bicultural experience, and agricultural background from PD and Co-PDs and personnel (MSU and Telamon), will guarantee the success of this project. Changes/Problems:In 2021 there were some restrictions in providing in person training. This situation limited the training in facilities and some of the workshops were presented online. One-on-one training was provided at the farm fields keeping social distance and using masks. One thing that we noticed is that it was hard for Latino/a farmers to attend workshops on the weekdays due to longer hours of work during the week. Another problem was the lack of labor during the harvesting time. In this regards we performed frequent talks with Latina/o farmers to determine the impact of lack of labor and Covid on Latino/a farmers. The combination of all these factors caused a delay in our training program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our program provides opportunities to Latina/o farmers or farm workers from differences skills levels (new, intermediate, and advance) to continue their training by attending workshops and/or one-on- one training in IPM, pesticide education, fruit varieties, USDA programs, Good Agricultural Practices, Business and Marketing, Packaging, Pollinators, Crop Diversification, and Access to Food Systems (Hubs). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Cultural and linguistic approaches were used to disseminate the knowledge. Dissemination of the information was performed through text messages, e-mails, websites, a WhatsApp group, work meetings, among others. We have received a very positive responses from the beginning Latino farmers, and farmworkers, or other groups. In addition, the level of satisfaction of the program is high. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As in the prior periods we will continue to recruit Latina/o farmers and train them by providing workshops and one on one training in all aspects related to the workshops. We were able to provide training in several facilities in southern Michigan including Lake Michigan College and Latino farms. Latina/o farmers needed to use masks and disinfectants to wipe hand and surfaces. Hopefully we can continue with this format training because Latina/o farmers prefer presential training. As in past reporting periods farmers are getting better at the online training, but access to a fast speed internet is still a limitation for some. Farmers COVID Relief. We started sampling soils from farms and send samples for laboratory analysis. The results will indicate the needs of nutrients, soil pH and soil structure. In addition, microbial detection in water samples used for irrigation is critical to design a plan for microbial management. Aerial images of orchards will be performed in the Spring 2023. Additional workshops will be performed in the Spring and Summer 2023 and attendance to a Latino/a farmers graduation ceremony at Michigan State University will be performed in this period of the grant.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1, Objective 1. Increase environmentally friendly farming practices by promoting integrated pest management (IPM), fruit varieties substitution, pesticide education, good agricultural practices (GAPS), nutrient management practices, and irrigation practices that mitigate the risk of biotic, abiotic stresses. Outcomes: Pesticide Education. Two workshops in Pesticide Education were performed under the direction of Antonio Castro-Escobar from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The total number of trained farmers was 44. Pesticide Certification. As a result of workshops training in Pesticide Education, and one-on-one training by the MSU outreach specialist Juan Pedro Solorio, twenty Latina/o farmers passed the exam to obtain a pesticide certification. The certification is critical to use pesticide tools to manage pests in their farms. Without the pesticide certification Latina/o farmers depend on other pesticide service to spray pesticides. This result in an increase cost of production and often a missed window of opportunity to control pests, which results in severe crop losses. A total of 274 Latina/o farmers received credits to renew the Pesticide Certification. GAPS. Thirty-seven Latino beginning farmers received trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) in the Workshop Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) led by Phil Tocco (MSU Extension). Critical aspects to avoid microbial contamination in fruits, use of water, water analysis, and sanitation were taught in this workshop. Other aspects related to training labor force in aspects related to GAPS were also discussed. Soil Management. Daniel Hoffman from the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences MSU led the workshop Soil Management (online)-topics taught in this workshop were pH of soil, cover crops, and soil samples to analyze nutrients (soil and plant tissue). Thirty-six farmers attended the workshop. IPM- workshop on diseases of small fruits (online). Cheyenne Sloan MSU Extension Blueberry and Small Fruit Educator trained 43 farmers in diseases of small fruits. Workshop Blueberries (Cheyenne Sloan MSU Extension). A field demonstration on soil management, diseases, nutrition, and soil sample was performed in a blueberry farm owned by a Latino farmer. Twenty farmers attended the workshop. Goal 1, Objective 2. Increase awareness and link growers to USDA programs for conservation, risk management, and other services of the USDA administered by NRCS, FSA, and RMA. Outcomes: These workshops will be performed in the next period of the grant. Goal 2, Objective 1. Provide Latino farmers with the education and training to implement business management plans, marketing, access to food systems (hubs), recordkeeping, financial analysis, and identify opportunities for direct marketing, including food hubs. Outcomes: "Workshop Access to Regional Food Hubs" Mariel Borgman (MSU Extension) provided training with the workshop title "Workshop Access to Regional Food Hubs," which was attended by 25 Latino/a farmers. Access to other markets and food distribution systems in Michigan were discussed. Goal 2, Objective 2. Provide training in pollination services that will increase the productivity of fruits. Outcomes: Ana Heck (MSU Extension), an Apiculture Extensionist, provided training in Pollinators (online) to 44 Latino/a farmers. Importance of the use of bees in fruit pollination, other wild bees, and ways to protect the bees from pesticides were taught in this workshop. Farmers were very interested in these topics. Goal 2, Objective 3. Provide training in packaging that will add value to the harvested fruit. Outcomes: Workshop in Packaging blueberries. Dr. Eva Almenar from the School of Packaging MSU, provided training with a workshop in Packaging Blueberries. Prior to the workshop a survey was designed and applied to estimate the degree of knowledge of Latina/o farmers in critical factors in fruit harvesting and storage, including temperature, storage facilities, fruit respiration, diseases, and packaging. Twenty-five farmers attended the workshop. An important approach to training to Latina/o farmers is one-on-one training: Juan Pedro Solorio, our MSU outreach specialist of La Cosecha Project, performed 215 field farm visits and made 466 phone calls and 899 text messages to outreach Latinx farmers. Additionally, he provided information on irrigation systems to 30 farmers and helped to design and install a very low-cost drip irrigation system. Telamon Corporation. Sarah Perry, Angelica Solorio, and Elmira Morales outreached to 855 farmworkers, performed 37 field visits, made 111 calls, and sent 92 messages, in outreach to Latino/a farmers by providing information about La Cosecha and how to be a beginning farmer. All trips were conducted following the CDC safety protocols to avoid infection of COVID-19 among the Latino/a farmers and Telamon team. Crop diversification. Thirty Latino farmers started their business in vegetable production in the western area of Michigan including tomatillo production, squash, and peppers. Some of these new migrant farmers belongs to indigenous groups and speak their indigenous languages. Latino farmers are diversifying from small fruits to other crops including apples, cherries, zucchini, and cilantro.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audience is socially-disadvantaged Hispanic/Latina/o farmers, limited-resource, or farmworkers. This project is unique because it targets Hispanic/Latino farmers that are transitioning from workers in industrial and farm laborer settings to small fruit farm owners. The bilingual, bicultural experience, and agricultural background from PD and Co-PDs and personnel (MSU and Telamon), will guarantee the success of this project. Changes/Problems:One of the issues of the program is that still in 2020 and part of 2021 there were several restrictions to provide presential training. This situation limited trainig in facilties and the main format was online. One-on-one training was provided at the farm fields keeping social distance and using masks. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our program provides opportunities to Latina/o farmers or farm workers from differences skills levels (new. Intermediate and advance) to continue their training by attending workshops and/or one on one training in IPM, pesticide education, fruit varieties, USDA programs, Good Agricultural Practices, Business and Marketing, Packaging, Pollinators, Crop Diversification, and Access to Food Systems (Hubs). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Cultural and linguistic approach were used to disseminate the knowledge. Dissemination of the information was performed by text messages, e-mails, websites, a WhatsApp group, working meetings, among others. We have received a very positive response of the results by the beginning Latino farmers, and farmworkers, or other groups. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue with the recruitment of Latina/o farmers and training by providing workshops and one on one training in all aspects related to the workshops. We were able to provide training in several facilities in souther Michigan. Participants needed to use mask and use of desinfectants to wipe surfaces were requiered. Hopefully we can contniue with this format training because Latina/o farmers prefer presential training. Farmers are geeting better at the online training, but still access to a fast speed internet is a limitation in this part of the rural America. Farmers COVID Relief. We have established a plan to sample soil and water from farms and send samples to analysis. The results will indicate the correction measures to improve nutrition and soil pH adn structure. In addition, microbial detection in water samples used for irrigation is critical in the fruits and vegetables. Aerial images of orchards will be performed late in the Spring 2022. Additional workshops (water and soil) and attendance to the Great Lakes Expo and other meetings will be performed in the first year of this grant.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1, Objective 1. Increase environmentally friendly farming practices by promoting integrated pest management (IPM), fruit varieties substitution, pesticide education, good agricultural practices (GAPS), nutrient management practices, and irrigation practices that mitigate the risk of biotic, abiotic stresses. Outcomes: Twenty-four Latino/a farmers received training in Pesticide Education during the Great Lake Expo 2020 led by Antonio Castro-Escobar (Michigan Department Education). In 2021 18 Latino/a farmers attended virtually the workshop titled Workshop Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) hosted by Phil Tocco (MSU Extension). Additionally, Dr. Ben Werling (MSU Extension) provided in the Spring of 2021 a workshop titled "Vegetables," where 16 Latino/a farmers attended the training. Goal 1, Objective 2. Increase awareness and link growers to USDA programs for conservation, risk management, and other services of the USDA administered by NRCS, FSA, and RMA. Outcomes: These workshops will be performed in the second year of the grant. Goal 2, Objective 1. Provide Latino farmers with the education and training to implement business management plans, marketing, access to food systems (hubs), recordkeeping, financial analysis, and identify opportunities for direct marketing, including food hubs. Outcomes: Twenty-four Latino/a farmers attended virtually the Great Lakes Expo in 2020 (due to Covid-19 the meetings at Grand Rapids, Michigan were offered via zoom), where Florencia Collela (MSU Extension) conducted training on Business. Furthermore, in the Spring 2021 Mariel Borgman (MSU Extension) provided training with her workshop title "Workshop Access to Regional Food Hubs," which was attended virtually for 20 Latino/a farmers. Goal 2, Objective 2. Provide training in pollination services that will increase the productivity of fruits. Outcomes: Ana Heck (MSU Extension), an Apiculture Extensionist, provided training in Pollinators to 19 Latino/a farmers via Zoom. Goal 2, Objective 3. Provide training in packaging that will add value to the harvested fruit. Outcomes: Survey to tailor this workshop to the needs of Latino farmers was performed and workshop was performed in September 2021. Telamon Corporation (Don Kuchnicki, Angel Zamora, and Salvador Chavez-Lemus) outreached 222 Latino/a farmers to provide information of La Cosecha and how to be a beggining farmer. All trips were conducted following the CDC safety protocols to avoid the infection by COVID-19 among the Latino/a farmers and Telamon team.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Mota-Sanchez, D. 2021. La Cosecha (The Harvest): Growing Sustainable Farming Businesses. The Engage Scholar E-newsletters, Michigan State University. Vol 13 issue 3. https://engagedscholar.msu.edu/enewsletter/volume13/issue3/.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Mota-Sanchez, D. 2021. La Cosecha (The Harvest): Growing Sustainable Farming Businesses. The Engaged Scholar
Magazine, Michigan State University. Vol 15.
https://engagedscholar.msu.edu/magazine/volume15/mota-sanchez.aspx
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