Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Our project aimed to serve beginner farmers in Georgia. The target audience we reached through our efforts are individuals who face structural barriers to stabalize their farming businesses. Through this project, we prioritized to reachveterans, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, or farmworkers, including women, African-Americans, Latinx, Asian, and LGBTQ farmers. Beginner farmers are individuals who are in farming business for less than three years. During the reporting period, 01 beginner farmer was trained on Ray of Life Farms site to learn about raising chickens and starting a small business in poultry industry. Changes/Problems:Program implementation faced a number of challenges including: 1) the impact of the pandemic in delaying rehabilitation of the site, 2) the lengthy process of turning crops into a profit making business, and 3) the transportation challenges to access the farming site. The following adaptations were made to address the challenges mentioned above. 1) Although C-19 delayed the reconstruction work, the site was 90% rehabilitated this year. Meanwhile, we have also purchased goats, chickens, and lamb to raise on the property to ensure the site can accept student in the animal/cattle raising program despite the site delay and generate a small income to cover the operating expense. 2) We changed the intially selected crop - Lavander - to other crops which can help farmers generate income in up to 4-6 months period. 3) We restored a homeon sitethatprovides housing to atleast 12 students at one time apart from the key administrative staff. It is envisioned that this will enable many students to enroll in the program as the primary concern regarding communiting to site and covering the transportation cost is effectively managed by this. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The short- and long-term goals of the agricultural incubator program revolve around training and educating novice farmers and ranchers the fundamentals of farming and agriculture. During the reporting period, project provided professional development opportunities for beginner farmers viaorganizingtraining classes in partnership with the University of Georgia on the following subjects: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock, and 5) Introduction to Microgreens. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the reporting period, project team utilized online platforms to market the classes to the community. We have designed flyers to advertise the program to the residents of Gwinnett and Fulton Counties. Flyers were also provided to Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) for dissemination in the community. GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farms (ROLF) completed the website to market the program online. We will continue to improve our outreach efforts to ensure the program is delivered to the communities of interest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to start recruiting beginner farmers to become part of the on-site training program. Oncethe repair workof the site iscomplete, we will be able to host up to 12 participants early next year to begin farming training classes and start farming activities. We will continue our collaboration with GI Tech, Ray of Life Farms (ROLF),University of Georgia, and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) in the next reporting period. We aim to host our final vitual career conference to give opportunity to beginner farmers to showcase their learnings. We aim to reach additional 20 participants next year to deliver trainings on: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock,and 5) Introduction to Microgreens.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The objectives of the Project are the following: The Agribusiness Incubator Project will provide business development, hands-on/class training, and mentorship opportunities to up to 20 new and beginner farmersin Fulton and surrounding counties (counties surrounding Atlanta, GA).The Generation Infocus Foundation program will achieve this goal through organising training for 20 participants per year, where they will utilize rent-free land access tools, and coaching. The progress made under the BFRDP funds during the second year is the completion of the site rehabilitation. The site reconstruction is not 100% complete. Further, the site has a seperate housing unit that can host participants in a 3x bedroom and 3xbathroom facility to serve up to 06 participant and critical project staff at one time. In addition, through our efforts to achieve sustainability, wetransformed the site to a facility dedicated for beginner farmers training. This was done througha combination of steps including incorporating airbnb model at site, earning through animal raising (sheep and chicken), and procurement of essential equipment. This has enabled us to continue to provide rent-free access to esseential land and equipments to beginner farmers. Lastly, during this period, GIF enrolled one beginner farmer in the program. The student is learning the following courses1) Socioemotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, and 4) Fencing for Livestock. The student will be able to utilize the skills learned through on-site training and start is small business after the completion of the program.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The program conduct training classes in partnership with the University of Georgia on the following subjects: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock, 5) Hemp In Georgia, and 6) Introduction to Microgreens. GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farms organized a virtual career conference in January 2022. Changes/Problems:The project implementation was impacted by a number of challenges. Firstly, the site selected to conduct the training was an 11-acre farm located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia.The pandemic slowed the development andrehabilitation of a 3/2 structure allocated to host an agriculture incubator programforbeginner farmers. Despite the delay, the rehabilitation workis now 85% complete and the site is ready to host the first cohort of class. In the meantime, essential equipment including atractor, trailer, gardening tool, and other supplies have been procured utilizing USDA project funds. Secondly, in terms of training classes, we have been able to conduct training sessionsin partnership with the University of Georgia on the following subjects: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock, 5) Hemp In Georgia, and 6) Introduction to Microgreens. Lastly, GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farmorganized avirtual career conference in January 2022. The event was followed by a panel discussion from various career disciplines and Ray of Life Farm (ROLF) Farmers participated to share information aboutthe beginning farmer program. We have also purchased goats, chickens, and lamb to raise on the property. Moreover, we have also applied for and recieved the EQUIP certification for Environment Quality and Sensing Program. Thirdly, the lesson learned from growing lavender is that it takes about three years to generate income and turn it into a profitable venture. Since three (3) years is a substantial period for the farmer to acquire the desired profitability, the cultivation of this crop cannot be considered sustainable for beginner farmers. In light of this, we adapted theproject by designinga specialized program to train beginner farmers in handling, cultivating, and processing hemp. We are rationalizing thisbased on the development in the state regulation and market. As hemp farming is now legal and profitable, cultivating thiscrop usually takesfarmers 3-6 months to realize. Thus, our activities are designed to expedite the revenue generation and profit-makingprocess through hemp production to sustain farms and livelihoods for beginner farmers. The above adaptation also leads to two additions in the initial project design. This includes: 1) establishing a hemp processing plant and 2) partnership to further explore the impact of medicinal hemp in curingneurodegenerative diseases (particularly Alzheimer's). The reason to establish a processing plant for hemp is toaddressthe need in the county. Currently, in the state of Georgia, there are only 6 hemp processors due to the cost of the license, which was previously$50,000. In 2020, farmers complained that the price made it unrealistic for most farmers to become processors. In 2021, it was reduced to $25,000but it is still out of reach for most farmers. In April2022, the cost of hemp cultivation was further reduced ($800) which is attainable for people sowe many beginner farmers can cultivate hemp. This has further impacted our decision to establish a hemp processor. Moreover, our program will establish the first black female-owned processor. Currently, processors in Georgia are white-owned and male dominant. We want to disrupt this system. We want to make processing affordable for all. Instead of the 40/60 split that the current large processor offer we would seek to offer a 30/70 split. However, we will conduct further research on the market and price increases due to COVID-19, at the time we begin to ensure reasonability.Another significant contribution our project will have is through our partnership with the University of Alabama, which will utilize its research expertise on hemp phytochemical composition and the medicinal potential of hemp that focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders. The University of Alabama is best placed to support our ambition to assess the impact of hemp in curing Alzheimer's, building on their existing work on neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, in order to ensure the project meets its objectives smoothly despite the adaptations, we have established two additional partnerships: 1) the University of Delaware and 2) the University of Alabama. University of Delaware's Hemp Economic Marketing and Policy (HEMP) research team analyzes consumer demand, knowledge, and willingness to pay for hemp products. Across multiple universities, researchers and students, it investigates the true market of hemp through unique monthly surveys to gauge consumers. As we believe a more thorough understanding of the emerging hemp market will better inform policymakers and industry stakeholders. Our partners will be presenting findings from their HEMP Research project as a guest speaker. Their research: 1) Assess consumer attitudes and preferences of hemp-derived products over time, 2) identify the amount of hemp production supported in the marketplace, 3) determine consumers' willingness to pay for various labels, notably Food and Drug, 4) administration certification and organic production, 5) understand reasons of purchasing and not purchasing by buyer, potential buyers, and non-buyers. In addition, through this partnership, our beginner farmers will have the opportunity to participate in future surveys. Similarly, the University of Alabama has been assisting the emerging hemp industry by examining the plant's chemical make-up since 2019. The institute studies chemical compounds in natural products to check the level of non-psychoactive compounds to help select the best cultivars, and to control the quality of final products, including the CBD isolate. Besides ensuring quality in the product, their studies aim to find other non-psychoactive compounds that could potentially be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this project, the University of Alabama will contributeby utilizing its research expertise on hemp phytochemical composition and the medicinal potential of hemp that focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The short- and long-termgoals of the agricultural incubator programrevolve around training and educating novice farmers and ranchers the fundamentals of farming and agriculture. During the reporting period, project provided professional development opportunities for beginner farmers viaa virtual career conference. The event was arranged in early 2022, which was attended by participants of the beginner farmer program. Moreover,Ray of Life Farms participated to share information about the project. GIF also organised training classesin partnership with the University of Georgia on the following subjects: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock, 5) Hemp In Georgia, and 6) Introduction to Microgreens. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the reporting period, project team utilised online platforms to market the classes to the community. We have designed flyers to advertise the program to the residents of Gwinnett and Fulton Counties. Flyers were also provided to Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) for dissemination in thecommunity. GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farms (ROLF) completed the website to market the program online. We will continue to improve our outreach efforts to ensure the program is delivered to the communities of interest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, our goal is to build on the progress made in the previous period to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods for military veterans, socially disadvantaged, limited resources farmers/ranchers, women, African-American, Latinx, Asians, LGBTQ, young farmers, and those impacted by Covid-19. For this, GIF and its partners will assist beginning farmers from diverse backgrounds, interested in pursuing careers in agriculture in rural and urban America through hands-on farm training and operations in cultivating, handling, processing, and selling hemp products for commercial and medicinal purposes. Our project aims to provide sustainable livelihoods for beginning farmers by establishing a hemp processing plant that not only contributes to the expansion of hemp usage for medical purposes but also offers farmers a place to white label their products through 1) processing, 2) branding, and 3) supporting the product in reaching the market. As mentioned, GIF has already prepared a curriculum to trainfarmers ingaining skills to managethe everyday workings of a farm to establish clear goals, cultivate and process hemp, assess personal resources, create budgets and marketing plans, set up record-keeping, conduct business analysis, navigate and ensure compliance to stateregulations, equipment, improve soil, write a business plan, and learn how to raise chickens/eggs. The training component on egg-laying chickens is aligned with USDA's current efforts of strengthening America's food supply chain through an outreach strategy to underserved small flock holders. This program accomplishes workforce development by creating a new generation of farmers in areas dominated by an aging farm population and specifically targets beginners interested in pursuing careers in agriculture. Below is the tentative program plan: 1) Post-award notification - Day One to Day 30: (a) Create marketing materials (flyers, digital postings, etc.) to market the program and services to target participants. Post materials online and deliver to partners and contacts to aid in recruitment. (b) Begin recruitment of qualified participants for Cohort One for Hemp cultivation trainings. (c) Finalize curriculum on Hemp cultivation, and begin plans for anticipated growth related to future needs for year one. (d) Recruit, interview, hire, and train highly qualified staff for open positions. (e) Create communication plans with Grantor, participants, and other stakeholders, if applicable. (f) Set a start date for the first-class day of Cohort One. (g) Complete sustainability steps, creating new revenue streams and seeking additional funding from grants or sponsors. (h) Finalize/sign contract with Grantor. (i) Complete the paperwork required by the state to establish the hemp processing plant and initiate the proposed program. (j) Confirmation of zoning designation and regulations for establishing chicken coops through the local town ordinances 2) Program Begin- Day 14 to Day 60 (intentionally overlaps the first phase): (a) Finalize participant list for Cohort One on Hemp cultivation class and waiting list. (b) Confirm enrollment with participants and finalize online registration and paperwork, assisting anyone who need reasonable accommodations. (c) Conduct surveys of potential clients and other stakeholders to solidify needs, in partnership with Grantor's expectations. Complete data analysis of results. (d) Begin recruitment of Cohort Two participants on Hemp program. (e) Adjust project management tracking/planning tools to reflect any changes in planning, availability dates, and any other noted circumstances. (f) Continue to share updates with Grantor, participants, and stakeholders as appropriate. Post updates on the farm website as appropriate. (h) Begin Cohort One orientation, classes, and incubator hands-on training. (i) Continue to complete sustainability steps, creating new revenue streams and seeking additional funding from grants or sponsors. (j) Construction of chicken hoops, purchasing day-old chicks from hatcheriesand brooding 3) Program advances - Day 60 to Day 365: (a) Select and confirm Cohort Two participants in hemp program and waitlist and finalize registration/paperwork. (b) Conclude Cohort One activities, measure, and document progress and outcomes. Conduct exit interviews and next-steps planning with participants. (c) Conduct surveys of Cohort Two and modify the hemp cultivation curriculum as appropriate. (d) Begin Cohort Two orientation, classes, and incubator hands-on training. (e) Continue ongoing communication plans with Grantor, participants, and stakeholders. (f) Continue implementation of year-round planning calendar, begin recruitment and planning for cohorts for year three. (g) Conclude Cohort Two activities, measure, and document progress and outcomes. Conduct exit interviews and next-steps planning with participants. (i) Continue to complete sustainability steps, creating new revenue streams and seeking additional funding from grants or sponsors. (j) Management of Layers 4.) Program matures - Day 366 onwards (a) Measure, analyze, adjust, report, and repeat the steps above.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The objectives of the Project are the following: The Agribusiness Incubator Project will provide business development, hands-on/class training, and mentorship opportunities to up to 20 new and beginner farmers each year in Fulton and surrounding counties (counties surrounding Atlanta, GA). The Generation Infocus Foundation program will achieve thisgoalthroughorganising training for 20 participants per year, where they will utilize rent-free land accesstools, coaching, and a graduation stipend for start-up costs. The progress made under the BFRDP funds during the first year of award includes GIF completing 85% of therehabilitation of a 3/2 housing structure that can now be used to organize beginning farmer classes. Moreover, in line with our sustainability model, the property will be used for air BnB to support farming activities and staff salaries. In addition, the funds were utilized to rent and purchase equipment required to run the program. This includes tractor, trailer, gardening tool, and other supplies. GIF also applied for and recieved the EQUIP Certification for Environment Quality and Sensing Program. The certification will enable us to improve and providesecure sensing for animals and livestock on the farm. In terms of training classes, we have been able to conduct training classes in partnership with the University of Georgia on the following subjects: 1) Socio-emotional Learning (SEL), 2) Soil Testing, 3) Raising Chickens in Your Backyard, 4) Fencing for Livestock, 5) Hemp In Georgia, and 6) Introduction to Microgreens. Lastly, GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farms organized a virtual career conference in January 2022. The event was followed by a panel discussion from various career disciplines and Ray of Life Farms participated to share info about the beginning farmer program. Lastly, GIF in partnership with Ray of Life Farms purchased chickens, lamb, and goats that are now being raised on the property.
Publications
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