Dear Outreach Community: 

On behalf of the Risk Management Agency (RMA), we are proud to present “RMA’s Fiscal Year 

2009 Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Projects.” This publication provides a 

brief synopsis of seventy-nine diverse outreach initiatives funded by RMA under the Community 

Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program (announced during fiscal year 2009 and delivered 

throughout fiscal year 2010). 

Program recipients and beneficiaries clearly represent the diversity of the USDA’s underserved 

population that includes women, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native 

Americans and other traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers. 

The 2007 Census of Agriculture shows an increasing number of demographically diverse farm 

operators and owners (30 percent more women as principal farm operators; 10 percent more 

Hispanic operators; and increases in American Indian, Asian, African American and young and 

beginning farmers and ranchers). In light of this, RMA is placing a strong emphasis to ensure 

Outreach Partnerships are made available to this growing population and representation of the new 

American agriculture. 

RMA’s partnership programs are also reaching out and serving the growing number of small-farm 

operations focusing on organic, value-added, specialty production, on-farm energy crops and 

operations, food and farm safety, food deserts (urban and rural), community-supported agriculture, 

U-Pick and agri-tourism and other agriculture enterprises. 

Community-Based Organizations were awarded approximately 75 percent of the partnership 

agreements. Their geographic locations coupled with their cultural knowledge and community 

credibility make them invaluable partners in RMA’s continued efforts to reach our customers and 

potential customers. The remaining 25 percent of awardees includes land grant colleges and 

universities (1862, 1890, 1994), Hispanic Service Institutions, State Department of Agriculture, 

community colleges and other institutions of higher education. 

Through our partnerships and outreach, traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers have 

greater opportunities to increase their understanding and knowledge of risk management tools and 

programs necessary to achieve economic viability. RMA looks forward to continuing these positive 

and beneficial collaborations in the coming years. 

We invite you to visit the partner’s web sites or call them directly to learn more about a specific 

project. To obtain more information on RMA’s programs and outreach projects, please contact the 

outreach staff, regional offices or RMA web site: www.rma.usda.gov

Sincere appreciation,

/s/ William (Bill) Buchanan

William (Bill) Buchanan, Director

Civil Rights and Community Outreach

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Farm and Foreign 

Agricultural 

Services

Risk

Management

Agency

1400 Independence

Avenue, SW

Stop 0801

Washington, DC

20250-0801
i

Risk Management Agency

Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program

November 2010

William Buchanan, Director Eastern Region – States Served

Civil Rights & Community Outreach

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6702-S Jackson Regional Office

Washington, D.C. 20250-0805 Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana

Phone: (202) 690-6068 Mississippi, Tennessee

Fax: (202) 720-1585

William.Buchanan@rma.usda.gov Raleigh Regional Office

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,

David Wiggins, National Outreach Program Manager Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,

(USDA Detail) Civil Rights & Community Outreach New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania,

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6714-S Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

Washington, D.C. 20250-0805

Phone: (202) 690-2686 Springfield Regional Office

Fax: (202) 690-1518 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio

David.Wiggins@rma.usda.gov

Valdosta Regional Office

Michelle Wert, Management and Program Analyst Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico,

Civil Rights & Community Outreach South Carolina

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6712-S 

Washington, DC 20250 St. Paul Regional Office

Phone: (202) 690-1687 Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin

Fax: (202) 690-2496

Michelle.Wert@rma.usda.gov Western Region – States Served

Ron Brown, Eastern Program Outreach Specialist Billings Regional Office

Civil Rights & Community Outreach Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,

4405 Bland Road, Suite 160 Wyoming

Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: (919) 875-4896 Davis Regional Office

Fax: (919) 875-4915 Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,

Ron.Brown@rma.usda.gov Utah

Rudy Perez, Western Program Outreach Specialist Oklahoma City Regional Office

Civil Rights & Community Outreach New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

430 G Street, Suite 4168

Davis, CA 95616-4168 Spokane Regional Office

Phone: (530) 792-5875 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Fax: (530) 792-5893

Rudy.Perez@rma.usda.gov Topeka Regional Office 

Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

Jay Howard-Brock, National Outreach Assistant

Civil Rights and Community Outreach

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6714-S

Washington, DC 20250

Phone: (202) 690-4789

Fax: (202) 690-1518

Jay.Howard-Brock@rma.usda.gov
ii

Regional Outreach Coordinators

Tara Beley George Montgomery

Billings Regional Office Diane Eggleston

3490 Gabel Road, Suite 100 St. Paul Regional Office

Billings, Montana 59102 30 East Seventh Street, Suite 1450

Phone: (406) 657-6447 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-4937

Fax: (406) 657-6573 Phone: (651) 290-3304

Tara.Beley@rma.usda.gov Fax: (651) 290-4139

George.Montgomery@rma.usda.gov

Sandy Sanchez Diane.Eggleston@rma.usda.gov

Davis Regional Office

430 G Street, Suite 4168 Jo Lynne Seufer

Davis, California 95616 Spokane Regional Office

Phone: (530) 792-5870 11707 E. Sprague Avenue, Suite 201

Fax: (530) 792-5893 Spokane Valley, WA 99206-6125

Sandy.Sanchez@rma.usda.gov Phone: (509) 228-6320

Fax: (509) 228-6321

Roddric Bell Jo.Lynne.Seufer@rma.usda.gov

Helen Ward

Jackson Regional Office Jennifer Dammerman

803 Liberty Road Springfield Regional Office

Flowood, MS 39232 3500 Wabash Avenue, Suite B

Phone: (601) 965-4771 Springfield, Illinois 62707

Fax: (601) 965-4517 Phone: (217) 241-6600

Roddric.Bell@rma.usda.gov Fax: (217) 242-6618

Helen.Ward@rma.usda.gov Jennifer.Damerman@rma.usda.gov

LaShaun Smith Mary Lynch

Donna Reynolds Topeka Regional Office

Oklahoma City Regional Office 3401 S.W. Van Buren Street

205 NW 63rd Street, Suite 170 Topeka, Kansas 66611

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 Phone: (785) 228-5525

Phone: (405) 879-2700 Fax: (785) 228-1456

Fax: (405) 879-2741 Mary.Lynch@rma.usda.gov

Lashaun.Smith@rma.usda.gov

Donna.Reynolds@rma.usda.gov Janice Moore

Valdosta Regional Office

Warren L. Hawkins (Team Leader) 106 South Patterson Street, Suite 250

Sandra Strayhorn Valdosta, Georgia 31601

Warte Moore Phone: (229) 219-2200

Mary Staak Fax: (229) 242-3566

Raleigh Regional Office Janice.Moore@rma.usda.gov

4405 Bland Road, Suite 160

Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 

Phone: (919) 875-4880 

Fax: (919) 875-4915 

Warren.Hawkins@rma.usda.gov

Sandra.Strayhorn@rma.usda.gov

Warte.Moore@rma.usda.gov

Mary.Staak@rma.usda.gov
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

iii

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

1

Deliver Risk 

Management Training 

to socially 

disadvantaged 

Farmers and 

Ranchers; to increase 

their survivability and 

sustainability

African American 

Family Farmer, Inc

347 Milledgeville Rd.

Eatonton Ga. 31024

Melvin Bishop

706-485-0004 or 706-473-2768

melvinbishop@bellsouth.net

3

An Innovative 

Financial Risk 

Management Program 

for Small-Scale and 

Limited-Resource 

Farmers

Alcorn State University 

Mississippi Small Farm 

Development Center

1000 ASU Drive #1080

Alcorn State, MS

39096-7500 

Dr. Gregory Reed, PI

601.877.3933

greed@alcorn.edu

Ms. Velma Oliver, Co-PI

601.877.6570

voliver@alcorn.edu

5

American Indian 

Mothers, Inc. Risk 

Management Program 

American Indian 

Mothers Inc.

1211 Wagonwheel Rd.

Shannon, NC 28386

Beverly Colllins-Hall

910-843-9911

americnamothers@aol.com

7

Appalachian Grown: 

Risk Management thru 

Capacity Building and 

Marketing Initiatives 

Appalachian 

Sustainable 

Agriculture Project

306 West Haywood St.

Asheville, NC 28801

Charlie Jackson

828-236-1282

charlie@asapconnections.org

9

Increase Markets and 

Profitability for 

Limited Resource 

Farmers in Appalachia

Appalachian 

Sustainable 

Development

P.O. Box 791

Abingdon, VA 24212

Denise Ann Barrett

276-623-1121

asd@asdevelop.org

11

Year 2: Building Local 

& Regional Marketing 

Capacity with 

Resource Produce 

Growers

Arkansas Land and 

Farm Development 

Corporation

P O Box 743

Brinkley, AR 72021

Dr. Calvin King, Sr

870 734 1140

calvinrkingsr@yahoo.com

13

Facilitating 

Mentorships for 

Young Beginning and 

Underserved

Farmers: Managing 

Risk through Peer 

Relationships

California Farmlink

P O Box 2224

Sebastopol, CA 95473

Bruce Shimizu

(707) 829-1691 x 103

bruce@californiafarmlink.org
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

iv

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

15

Food Safety and

Liability Insurance 

Issues for Limited 

Resource Farmers 

Marketing to 

Institutions

Community Food 

Security Coalition

3830 SE Division

Portland, OR, 97202

Andrew Fisher 

503-954-2970 Voice Mail Box 1 

andy@foodsecurity.org

Kristen Markley 

717-240-1361, Ext 2

Kristen@foodsecurity.org

17

Maximizing Success 

in the Marketplace as 

a Risk Management 

Tool 

Community Involved in 

Sustaining Agriculture, 

Inc.

1 Sugarloaf Street, 

South Deerfield, MA 

01373

Kelly Coleman

413-665-7100

kelly@buylocalfood.org

18

Exploring Horizons, 

Growing New Farmers

Community Teamwork, 

Inc c/o New Entry 

Sustainable Farming 

Project

9 Central Street

Ste 402

Lowell, MA 01852

Jennifer Hashley

617-636-3793

jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu

20

Alternative Livestock 

& Alternative Produce 

Production as a Tool 

for Risk Management

Concentric 

Management 

Applications

PO Box 21671

Greensboro, NC 27420

Renita Carter Page

336-508-1196

cma4aglife@gmail.com

22

Risk Mgmt. Training 

and Technical 

Assistance for 

Immigrant & Refugee 

Farmers in Maine

Cultivating Community 

(New American 

Sustainable Agriculture 

Project)

52 Mayo St

Portland, ME 04101

Craig Lapine

207-761-4769

craig@cultivatingcommunity.org

Amy Carrington

603-674-3595

amy@culvatingcomminty.org

23

Risk Management & 

Community Outreach 

Program for Limited 

Resource & 

Underserved Farmers

Delaware State 

University

1200 N. DuPont Hwy. 

Dover, DE 19901

Albert Essel

302-857-6424

aessel@desu.edu

John Clendaniel 

302-857-6425

jclendaniel@desu.edu

25

Navajo Nation 

Traditional 

Agricultural Outreach

Developing 

Innovations In Navajo 

Education, Inc. 

9975 Chestnut Road

Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Kyril Calsoyas

928 714-9422

Jamescita Peshlakai

Lead Coordinator

928-606-4998

www.navajofarms.org

www.navajotrust.org
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

v

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

27

Navajo Lifeway 

Outreach and 

Education Partnership

Dine Be’ lina, Inc.

PO Box 683

Window Rock, AZ 

86515

TahNibaa Naataanii

505.406.7428

info@navajolifeway.org

29

2010 California Small 

Farm Conference 

Outreach and 

Assistance 

Partnership Project

Farm Conference

P O Box 73614

Davis, CA 95617

Allen Moy

925 825-9090

allenmoy@pcfma.com

31

Southwest Marketing 

Network: Expanding 

Markets for Limited 

Resource, Socially 

Disadvantaged and 

Traditionally 

Underserved Farmers 

and Ranchers in the 

Southwest

Farm to Table 

618 B Paseo de Peralta, 

Santa Fe, NM 87501

Pam Roy

505 473-1004, Ext 11 

Pamelaroy.nm@gmail.com

33

Minnesota Hmong 

Farmer Risk 

Management Outreach

Farmers' Legal Action 

Group, Inc.

360 N. Robert Street 

Suite 500

Saint Paul, MN 55101

Tony Brown

651 223-5400

TBrown@flaginc.org

Susan Stokes

651-223-5400 

sstokes@flaginc.org

35

Identifying and 

Managing Risk II: A 

Collaborative 

Approach to Assist 

Small, Minority, 

Limited-Resource and 

Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Producers to Mitigate 

Risk Associated with 

Value-Added 

Production, 

Marketing, Estate 

Planning, and 

Intergenerational 

Farm Succession

Federation of Southern 

Cooperatives/Land 

Assistance Fund

Land Assistance Fund,

2769 Church Street

East Point, Georgia 

30344

Jerry Pennick

404-765-0991

lafund@mindspring.com
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

vi

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

37

The Limited Resource, 

Socially 

Disadvantaged and 

Traditionally 

Underserved 

Producers Financial 

Literacy and Training 

Program

Fiduciary Management 

Group, LLC

304 Park Avenue South

11th Floor

New York, New York 

10010

Ivan Thornton

212 590 2360

itt@fmgwealth.com

39

Crop Insurance Risk 

Management 

Strategies for 

American Indian 

Producers

Fort Peck Community 

College

PO Box 398

Poplar, MT 59201

Chris Martinez

406 768-3025

cmartinez@fpcc.edu

41

House Education & 

Long-term Planning 

(HELP) Program

Fort Valley State 

University Cooperative 

Extension Program

PO Box 4061

Fort Valley GA 31030

Keishon J. Thomas

478-825-6577

thomask@fvsu.edu

42

Growing Growers for 

the Good Food 

Movement: A 

Mentoring Outreach 

Program for 

Underserved Local 

Organic Farmers

Georgia Organics

200A Ottley Drive 

Atlanta, GA 30324 

Alice Rolls

678-702-0400

Alice@georgiaorganics.org

44

New Farmer 

Development Project

Greenmarket/GrowNYC 

(formerly Council on the 

Environment of NYC)

51 Chambers Street 

Room 1231

New York, NY 10007

Michelle Hughes

212.341.2254

mhughes@greenmarket.GrowNYC.org

46

Growing 

Opportunities: 

Regional Outreach, 

Training, and 

Marketing Project 

Growing Power, Inc.

5500 W. Silver Spring 

Drive, Milwaukee, WI 

53218

Will Allen

414 527-1546

will@growingpower.org

48

Community Outreach 

and Assistance/ Farm 

to School

Hispanic Farmers & 

Ranchers of America

1065-D S. Main Street 

Suite D, Las Cruces, NM 

88005 

Lupe Garcia

575 644-6534

Hispanicfr@peoplepc.com

50

Tribal Producer Risk 

Management Training

Indian Nations 

Conservation Alliance

350 Nye Road

Twin Bridges, Montana 

59754

Richard Gooby

406 684-5199

inca@3rivers.net
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

vii

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

52

Annie Project National 

Outreach Center: 

Phase II Development

Iowa State University 

Extension 

Office of Sponsored 

Programs Administration

1138 Pearson Hall

Ames Iowa 50011-2207

William Edwards, 515-294-6161

wedwards@iastate.edu

Tim Eggers, 712- 542- 5171

teggers@iastate.edu

Madeline Schultz, 515-294-0588

schultz@iastate.edu

Bob Wells, 641-673-5841

wellsjb@iastate.edu

54

Iowa Women in 

Agriculture's Mobile 

Computer Lab

Iowa Women In 

Agriculture

7419 Nordic Dr

Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Angie Treptow 

319-415-7665 

Angie.Treptow@fcsamerica.com

55

Effective Risk 

Management thru 

Awareness, Access 

and Education for 

Specialty Crop, 

Minority and Limited 

Resource Producers

Kansas Rural Center

Local Foods and 

Farmers Market

PO BOX 133

304 Pratt Street

Whiting, KS 66552-0133

Mercedes Taylor-Puckett 

mercedes.taylorpuckett@gmail.com 

785.840.6202

57

Women Managing the 

Farm Project 

Kansas State 

University

2 Fairchild Hall

Manhattan, KS 

66506-1103

Charlotte Shoup Olsen

785 532 5773

colsen@ksu.edu

59

Improving Risk 

Management during 

the first 5 years of 

Farming: Farm 

Beginnings Risk 

Assessment Planning 

& Support 

Land Stewardship 

Project 

301 State Road

Montevideo MN 56265

Amy Bacigalupo 

320.269.2105 

amyb@landstewardshipproject.org

Nick Olson

320.269.2105

nicko@landstewardshipproject.org

61

Partnership for 

Sustainable Small 

Producers (PASS)

Langston University

P O Box 1500

Langston, OK 73050 

Dr. D. Chongo Mundende

405 466-6154

dcmundende@lunet.edu

62

Harvesting Clean 

Energy

Maine Rural Partners

York Village #4, 

Room 108

University of Main

Orono, ME 04469-5784

Mary Ann Hayes

207-581-4520

maryann@mainerural.org

64

Risk Management 

Education for 

Michigan's 

Multicultural 

Agricultural 

Producers

Michigan Food & 

Farming Systems 172 

Natural Resources Bldg

East Lansing, MI 48824

Scott Corrin

Elaine Brown

517 432-0712

corrinsf@msu.edu

miffs@msu.edu
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

viii

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

66

Get Farming! Keep 

Farming! 

Michigan Land Use 

Institute

148 East Front St.

Suite 301

Traverse City, MI 49684

Jim Sluyter

231 941-6584

jimsluyter@mlui.org

68

Passive Solar 

Greenhouses & 

Specialty Crops: 

Building Community 

Capacity for Yearround Food in 

Michigan 

Michigan State 

University

Department of 

Horticulture

East Lansing, MI 48824

John Beirnbaum

517-355-5191 x 1419 

biernbau@msu.edu

Adam Montri

517-355-5191 x 1407

admontri@msu.edu

70

An Outreach 

Educational Training 

Program to 

Disadvantaged Fruit 

Growers: Good 

Agricultural Practices 

Michigan State 

University

MSU Trevor Nichols 

Research Complex, 

6237- 124th Ave, 

Fennville, MI 49408

Dr. John C. Wise

269-561-5040 

wisejohn@msu.edu

72

Greenhouse 

Hydroponics and 

Organics Training

Microfarm Sustainable 

Research & Ed.

19940 SE Webfoot Road

Dayton, OR 97114-8828

Edward Bergheger

503-868-7679

Ed@MicrofarmSustainable.org

74

Providing Risk 

Management 

Education & Practical 

Resources for Upper 

Midwest Specialty 

Crop, Limited 

Resource and Minority 

Producers

Minnesota Fruit & 

Vegetable Association

15125 W. Vermillion Cir. 

NE 

Ham Lake, MN 55304

Marilyn Nysetvold Johnson

763-434-0400

mfvga@msn.com

76

Big River Farms 

Program

GROWING FARMERS, 

GROWING FOOD

MN Food Association

14220-B Ostlund Trail N

Marine on St. Croix, MN 

55047

Glen Hill

(651)433-3676 (ext. 11)

glenhill@mnfoodassociation.org 

78

A Collaborative 

Approach to Deliver 

Risk Management 

Education & Training 

to MN Specialty Crop 

& Livestock 

Producers

MN Grown Promotion 

Group, Inc.

Minnesota Grown 

Promotion Group, Inc. 

PO Box 7838

St. Paul, MN 55107

Paul Hugunin

651-201-6510

Paul.hugunin@state.mn.us
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

ix

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

80

Risk Management 

Tools and Education 

for Organic and 

Sustainable Farmers

Midwest Organic & 

Sustainable Education 

Service (MOSES)

PO Box 339, Spring 

Valley, WI 54767

Jody Padgham

715 778-5775

jody@mosesorganic.org

82

Energy Alternatives 

for Limited Resource 

Farmers

National Center for 

Appropriate 

Technology (NCAT)

3040 Continental Drive 

Butte, MT 59701

Mike Morris 

919-251-9680

mikem@ncat.org

Kathleen Hadley 

406-494-4572

kathyh@ncat.org

83

Hands Held Building 

Bridge to Empower 

Farmers-Directed 

Development 

National Hmong 

American Farmers, Inc.

2904 N. Blackstone Ave 

Suite A-2

Fresno, CA 93703

Chukou Thao

559- 313-3339

cxthao05@gmail.com

85

Specialty Crop Step 

by Step on One 

Accord Risk 

Management 

Education Outreach 

Project on Wheels for 

Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Women Farmers 

Oklahoma 

National Women in AG 

Association

PMB-177, 1620 SW 89th 

Street, Suite F

Oklahoma City, OK 

73159

Tammy Gray-Steele

405 317 8110

info@okwomeninag.org or

tammysteelelaw@aol.com

87

RAIPAP Community 

Outreach & 

Assistance Program

New Mexico State

University Cooperative 

Extension Service

P.O. Box 159

Alcalde, NM 87511

R. Edmund Gomez

505 852 2668

gr@nmsu.edu

89

Planning the Future of 

Your Farm

Landlink: Managing 

Risk thru Better 

Leases and Business 

Agreements

North Carolina Farm 

Transition Network, Inc

122 S Churton St., Ste 

205, 

Hillsborough, NC 27278

Andrew Branan

919 732 7539

abranan@gmail.com

90

Risk management 

through improved 

farm profitability for 

limited resource and 

underserved farmers 

and ranchers in New 

York State

New York Sustainable 

Ag Working Group

8 Beckman Avenue

Westfield, NY 14787

Judith Einach

716-316-5839

jeinach@yahoo.com
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

x

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

92

Using Sustainable 

Enterprise 

Diversification, 

Commercialization & 

Farm Financial 

Literacy as NonInsurance Based Risk 

Management Tools in 

Mitigating Agricultural 

Risks on Small Family 

Farms in FL & Border 

Counties in AL & GA

North-South Institute

5400 South University 

Ave.

Suite 508

Davie, Florida 33328

Dr. Samuel Scott

954-434-8220

nsied2002@aol.com

94

Tierra de 

Oportunidades (Land 

of Opportunities)

Nuetras Raices, Inc.

245 High St. Holyoke 

MA 01040

Kevin Andaluz

413 531 2767 

kandaluz@nuestras-raices.org

96

Plasticulture Using 

Permaulture/CompostAmended Soils to 

Minimize Risk for 

Small and Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Farmers

Oklahoma Black 

Historical Research 

Project

2505 N.W. 118th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 

73120

Willard Tillman

405-201-6624 

wtillman2@cox.net

97

Outreach and 

Technical Assistance 

for Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Farmers and 

Landowners

Operation Spring 

Plant, Inc.

315 South William Street

Henderson, NC 17536

Dorathy Barker

252 492 7301

osp35@aol.com

99

Growing Farms 

Successful Whole 

Farm Management 

Oregon State 

University 

308 Kerr Administration 

Building

Corvallis, Oregon 

97331-2104

Nicholas Andrews

(503) 678-1264 x149 

nick.andrews@oregonstate.edu

Kristin Pool

(503) 678-1264 ext. 118, 

kristin.pool@gmail.com

101

Risk Management 

Strategies in 

Aquaculture: 

Outreach and 

Technical Assistance 

Program for Indiana

Producers

Purdue University

403 W. State St., West 

Lafayette, IN 47907

Kwamena Quagrainie

765-494-4200

kquagrai@purdue.edu
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

xi

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

102

Securing the Future of 

Agriculture in Georgia 

and South Carolina:

Farm Transition 

Outreach and 

Education

Rolling Hills Resource 

Conservation and 

Development Council, 

Inc.

512 Main Street

Cedartown, GA 30125

Cindy Haygood

770-749-0444

cindy@rollinghillsrcd.org

104

Second Chance 

Community Based 

Agricultural Youth 

Initiatives

Ross & Company, Inc.

235 Peach Tree Street

Suite 400

Atlanta, GA 30303

Jennifer Brooks

404-625-8137

Rossco1@bellsouth.net

106

Developing Tools & 

Strategies to 

Underserved & Legal 

Risk: Protecting the 

Farmer’s Path to 

Success 

Rural 

Coalition/Coalicion 

Rural

1012 14th Street NW 

Washington, DC 20005, 

202-628-7160

Lorette Picciano

202 628-7160

lpicciano@ruralco.org

108

Building Blocks for 

Risk Mitigation for 

Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Farmers and 

Ranchers 

Rural Community 

Development 

Resources

(Center for Latino 

Farmers)

24 South 3rd Avenue

Yakima, WA 98902

Luz Gutierrez

509 453-3157

lbazangutierrez@rcdr.biz

110

Practical Risk 

Reduction for 

Southern Producers 

Using New Tools & 

Training

Southern Sustainable 

Agriculture Working 

Group (Southern 

SAWG)

PO Box 1552, 

Fayetteville, AR 72702

Jean Mills

205-333-8504

jeanmills@aol.com

112

Managing Risk: A 

Land Based 

Perspective

Taos County Economic 

Development 

Corporation

PO Box 1389 

1021 Salazar Rd.

Taos, NM 87571

Pati Martinson 

Teri Bad Hand

575-758-8731 

tcedc@tcedc.org

114

Frontera Agricultural 

Risk Management 

Project

Texas/Mexico Border 

Coalition

Community-Based 

Organization

PO Box 127

San Isidro, TX 78588

Omar J. Garza

956-481-3256

OJG13@hotmail.com
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

xii

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

116

Promoting 

Sustainability to 

Reduce Risk for 

California’s 

Disadvantaged 

Producers and 

Underserved Crops

Trust for Conservation 

Innovation

423 Washington St.

5

th Floor

San Francisco, CA 

94111

Carin D’Oliva

415 421 3774, ext 10

carin@trustforconservationinnovation.org

Michael Dimock

415-391-0545, ext 12

michael@rootsofchange.org

Bobbie Peyton

415 391 0545, ext 14

bobbie@rootsofchange.org

118

Reducing Marketing 

and Financial Risk of 

Limited Resource 

Socially, 

Disadvantaged 

Farmers in the Black 

Belt region Through 

Technical and 

Outreach Assistance

Tuskegee University

200G Campbell Hall, 

Tuskegee University, 

Tuskegee AL 36088

Dr. Tasha M. Hargrove

334-724-4524

tmhargrove@tuskegee.edu

120

Using Risk 

Management 

Education to Enhance 

Income for Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Producers in AR

University of Arkansas 

at Pine Bluff

Fisheries and Human 

Sciences 

1200 N.Univ Dr.,

MailSlot 4913 

Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Dr. Henry English

870-575-7246

englishh@uapb.edu

122

Risk Management 

Education in 

Southwest Indian 

Country on 

Recordkeeping, AGRLite, Alternative 

Energy, and Agritourism

University of Arizona

Department of Ag and 

Resource Economics

P.O. Box 210023

Tucson, AZ 85721

Trent Teegerstrom

520 621-6245

tteegers@ag.arizona.edu

Russell Tronstad

tronstad@ag.arizona.edu

(520) 621-2425 

Tauhidur Rahman

tauhid@ag.arizona.edu

(520) 621-8657

124

Increasing Market 

Potential by Reducing 

On-Farm Food Safety 

Risk and an 

Introduction to Farm 

Insurance Options for 

Traditionally 

Underserved Produce 

Growers in Hawaii

University of Hawaii

Gilmore Hall 112

3050 Maile Way

University of Hawaii

Honolulu, HI 96822

James Hollyer

808 956-4056

808-956-9539

hollyer@hawaii.edu
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

xiii

PAGE 

NO.

PROJECT NAME 

and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

126

Risk Management 

Training for 

Underserved 

Southeast Asian 

Growers of Hawaii

University of Hawaii

Kaneohe Extension

Office

45-260 Waikalua Road, 

Suite 101

Kaneohe, HI 96744 

Jari Sugano

808 247-0421

suganoj@ctahr.hawaii.edu

128

Provide Outreach and 

Development 

Assistance on 

Organic CSA 

Marketing to Socially 

Disadvantaged 

Farmers 

University of 

Massachusetts, 

Amherst

Research Administration 

Building

70 Butterfield Terrace 

Amherst, MA 

01003-9242

Maria Moreira

413-658-4279 or 978-815-2199 

mmoreira@umext.umass.edu

130

Developing Risk 

Resilience of 

Underserved 

Agricultural Operators 

Across Wyoming

University of Wyoming

AgEcon, Dept. 3354

1000 E. Univeristy Ave. 

Laramie, WY 82071

Cole Ehmke

307 766 3782

cehmke@uwyo.edu

131

Risk Management 

Outreach for Women 

and Limited Resource 

Farmers and 

Ranchers 

Utah State University

3530 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-3530

Ruby Ward

435 797-2323

Ruby.ward@usu.edu

133

Operation 

Breadbasket

Virgin Islands Farmers 

Cooperative

P.O. Box 2370

Kingshill, VI 00851

Dale K. Browne

340-277-6046

340-773-3276

vifarmers@vifarmerscoop.org

135

Shenandoah Valley 

Restorative Urban 

Food and Farm 

Project

Virginia Polytechnic 

Institute and State 

University Cooperative 

Extension

2322 Blue Stone Hills 

Drive, Suite 140

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Eric Benfeldt

540 432 6029 Ext. 106

ebendfel@vt.edu

137

Mobile Workshops for 

Women, Underserved, 

Latino and Limited 

Resource Farmers

Washington State 

Department of 

Agriculture

P O Box 42560

Olympia, WA 

98504-2560

Eric Hurlburt 

ehurlburt@agr.wa.gov

360 902 1933

Patrice Barrentine

360-902-2057

pbarrentine@agr.wa.gov
Risk Management Agency

Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

FY 2009 Project Directory

xiv

PAGE 

NO.

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and

AREA

PROJECT 

RECIPIENT

PROJECT DIRECTOR

139

Risk Reduction for 

Small Farmers in 

Connecticut, 

Massachusetts, 

Rhode Island &: A 

Southern New 

England & Regional 

Food System AllianceBuilding Project

Wholesome Wave 

Foundation Charitable 

Ventures, Inc.

189 State St

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Cristina Sandolo

203.226.1112 ext.12

cristina@wholesomewave.org

141

Wisconsin Community 

Outreach & 

Assistance 

Partnership Program

Wisconsin Dept. of 

Agriculture,

Trade & Consumer 

Protection

PO Box 8911

Madison, WI 

53708-8911

Kathy Schmitt

608-224-5048

Kathy.schmitt@wi.gov

143

Mitigating Direct 

Marketing Risk

Wallace Center at 

Winrock International

2121 Crystal Drive

Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22202

Matthew Kurlanski

703-302-6571

mkurlanski@winrock.org

145

Women in Blue Jeans 

Conference

Women in Blue Jeans 

Inc, 

PO Box 53

Mitchell, SD 57301

Denise Hoffman

605 998 2774 

denise.hoffman@fcsamerica.com

Carol Millan

605-996-9169

mill@santel.net

146

Zenger Emerging 

Farmer Training 

Program

Friends of Zenger 

Farm, 

11741 SE Foster Rd

Portland, OR 97266

Jill Kuehler

503 282 4245

jill@zengerfarm.org
1

Deliver Risk Management Training to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and 

Ranchers to Increase Their Survivability and Sustainability

Melvin Bishop, Project Manager

AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY FARMERS INC

On April 16-17th 2010 AAFFI partnered with So Green Network on its first Southeast Summit. 

There were over 225 participants including, farmers, landowners, advocacy groups, local 

business, high school students, HBCu‘s and 1890 Land Grant Universities. The two day summit 

covered the expanse of green personal, community, institutional and political issues impacting 

the Southeast. Breakout sessions were facilitated and highly interactive. Participants walked 

away with the answer to the meaning of Going Green. This summit focused on Greening the 

Southeast by bring regional and national experts and grassroots organizations together to provide 

training/information and successful model that focus on renewable energy sources for agriculture 

and forestry, to discuss how does sustainable farming and forestry impact climate change in the 

Southeast. Participants walked away with a workable plan on how they can both independently 

or through partnerships create a lucrative green business and maintain sustainability.

AAFFI currently participating in a three pilot program under USDA-NRCS, which will construct 

a multiple faucet agriculture facility called a High Tunnel Hoop House. This study evaluates the 

effectiveness of high tunnel in natural resource conservation in reduce in pesticide use, keeping 

vital nutrients in the soil, and other conditions. A designate area of farm land has been selected to 

plant and raise natural grown produce. Selected and processed compost will be used as fertilizer 

for the produce. Hogs and cows, (beef, dairy, & jersey) will be raised using natural techniques. 

Natural grown techniques will be implemented to house poultry. This Hoop House is designed in 

a triangle figure so water will be positioned for the animals to access from all three angles with 

connected feeding containers for each animal type. This Research Facility will be used for 

multiple purposes in an effort to promote outreach and training for its target population. This 

facility will be designed to accommodate the needs of small family farmers, ranchers, young 

farmers, limited resource producer‘s organic producers and youth in agricultural experiences.

This year AAFFI has been on a continuous mission to assist farmers in the marketing of their 

produce in addition to feeding the hungry and those persons who are less fortunate in the local 

and surrounding communities. To support this mission AAFFI has established a partnership with 

Golden Harvest Food Bank (GHFB) and several sponsors in the local community. The Brown 

Bag program assists senior‘s citizens living on fixed incomes by providing supplemental 

groceries, at no cost to the recipients. Seniors must be 60 years old and income eligible under the 

USDA criteria to apply. AFFI has coordinated with local farm produces to donate some of their 

surplus produce to this program. Eighteen slots have been funded in Putnam County to support 

the Brown Bag Program. Golden Harvest Food Bank delivers the 20 lb pre-packed non 

perishable grocery items to the AAFFI office. Members of AAFFI call the recipients after 

delivery to inform them that their goods have arrived. Three families pick up their boxes others 

request delivery service. Five of eighteen families have been identified as farm / land owners.

AAFFI has formed a new partnership and MOU with a local restaurant, Shelia‘s Big Chic. The 

scope of this initiative is to provide a basic, hot nutritional meal five days a week to elderly and 

disabled senior citizens who are homebound in our community. This community outreach 

partnership has aided in the prevention of health conditions, acted as a mechanism to monitor the 
2

well being of the elderly and built collaborative relationships between farmers and local business 

in the community. Currently thirteen senior citizens receive 65 meals a week and approx. 260 

meals monthly. The owner of Shelia‘s Big Chic committed to use the produce of the local 

farmers which has created revenue and also been an excellent marketing tool for the farmers.

This year AAFFI ventured into a new endeavor with TNT fireworks which is a corporation 

designed to offer fundraising opportunities to organizations within a geographic area. AAFFI 

partnered with the Eatonton Putnam Family Connection for fourteen days to provide manpower 

for the operation of this project. Two farm families from South Georgia brought 300 

watermelons to sell at the event. The produce signs invited many patrons to the firework tent. 

AAFFI felt that this fundraiser would be a great avenue for farmers to market available produce 

from its farm or ranch. The youth farmers engaged in a work ethic training program during the 

event. They helped daily with setup, maintenance of the facility and marketing the sell of the 

produce, which was all sold.

In continuous effort to assist Farmers/Ranchers throughout Georgia the CEO of AAFFI, Melvin 

Bishop along with the Outreach Coordinator Roger Lamar travels to South Georgia and gather 

up produce from several famers including (peaches, tomatoes, watermelons, squash, okra and 

peas) to sell at the Eatonton‘s Better Home Town City Market. This program is designed to 

support local and regional farmers and gardeners by providing a direct marketing opportunity for 

their produce and agriculture-related products. AAFFI farm families added value to the market 

display by making fresh peach, pear and fig preserve, pickle tomatoes , cha cha, muscadine and 

apple jelly and sweet potato pies to sell at the market. These efforts increased production of 

quality, for local consumption and advise local consumers of availability of high quality, locally 

grown produce and agricultural products in their community.

On July 31, 2010 AAFFI partnered with God of Peace, Mothers against Crime, and Putnam 

County NAACP to host a ―Back to School Stay in School‖ Festival. The group distributed school 

supplies to 200 plus students (grades Pre-K through- 1st year College Students). AAFFI 

members used this opportunity to talk to the youth about the future of Agriculture and the great 

opportunities in AGRI- Business. This was a community wide event that featured food, 

recreation, a mini health screening, entertainment, and school supplies give-a-way.

African American Family Farmers, Inc. expresses sincere appreciation and gratitude to the 

department of USDA-RMA for the opportunity to continue this invaluable partnership.
3

An Innovative Financial Risk Management Program for

Small-Scale and Limited-Resource Farmers

Dr. Gregory Reed, Project Manager and

Ms. Velma Oliver, Co-Project Managers

Alcorn State University

Mississippi Small Farm Development Center

Target Audience: 25-50 Small Scale and Limited-Resource Farmers in Mississippi

Project Partners: 

Mississippi Association of Cooperatives

Alcorn State University Department of Agriculture Sciences 

Alcorn State University Cooperative Extension Program

Geographic Area: Mississippi (state-wide)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Reached: 40 (to-date, August 2010)

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to fully develop and implement an effective financial risk 

management tool for small-scale and limited-resource farmers in Mississippi, and to assist them 

in maintaining their farming enterprises through application of sound farm management practices 

through a risk management program entitled The ARTS Program (Addressing Risks Today for 

Sustainability). The ARTS Program addresses agricultural risk and provides strategies to help 

farmers avoid risk. This grant focuses on financial management with the goal of getting 25-50 

farmers enrolled in a farm records program. Participants submit sales and expense receipts 

through the envelope record keeping system, which is mailed to them for receipt collection. 

Receipts submitted by the participants are organized and electronically recorded in CenterPoint 

for Agriculture software. Data is analyzed and financial reports generated and are mailed back to 

the participants with details of farming activities during the quarter. 

Expected Outputs and Outcomes:

1. An increase in the number of small-scale and limited-resource farmers keeping records and 

tracking cash flow.

2. Small-scale and limited-resource farmers are made aware of additional resources and are 

exposed to viable information.

3. Increase the awareness level of federal, state, and local government of small-scale and 

limited-resource farmers‘ issues.

4. Participants will have complete electronic financial records for one year of project, which 

can be utilized for tax purposes and access to additional capital.

5. Farmer profiles will be developed to showcase farm operations before program inception 

and after program intervention. 
4

Achieved Outputs and Outcomes:

1. To-date (August 2010) 40 participants have enrolled.

2. Sponsored farmer participation in National Small Farmer‘s Conference.

3. Pre-assessment instrument has been developed and implemented. The instrument assesses 

farmers‘ knowledge of farm records and farm management practices. Experimental 

research design will be used to determine if there is an increase in knowledge through 

implementation of the post-assessment instrument at end of program.

4. Ongoing record keeping of participant‘s sales and expense receipts.

5. Opportunity for experimental learning. Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness 

Management students assist in organizing farm records and data entry. These students went 

through an orientation which outlined program requirements. 

6. Debt management seminar and risk management trainings have been held.

7. Risk management articles have been submitted for publication in the local newsletter of 

Alcorn State University Mississippi Small Farm Development Center‘s Small Farm 

Messenger.
5

American Indian Mothers Risk Management Program

Beverly Collins-Hall, Project Manager

American Indian Mothers, Inc.

Target Audience: Rural populations of underserved and socially disadvantaged American 

Indian socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, elders, women, youth; continue to 

experience crushing poverty, high rates of chronic and life-threatening diseases, unemployment, 

and under representation by FSA and USDA government services. 

In addition underserved and socially disadvantaged populations‘ resources are limited and 

without farms there is little to hold youth, farm and ranch families together as communities. 

American Indian high-poverty counties have both the lowest share of people employed and the 

lowest share of men employed in full-time, year-round work compared with other high-poverty 

counties. Current economic conditions reflect a district-wide decline in the manufacturing base. 

This base has three major sectors: textiles; poultry and agricultural processing; and furniture and 

wood products. Each of these sectors is typified by low technology and low skills. 

Project Partners: Working together, the American Indian Mother‘s Inc. (AIMI) Three 

Sisters Staff and Co-op, USDA/RMA along with North Carolina A & T State University 

Cooperative Extension, SAFFON INC., Operation Spring Plant Inc., Landloss Prevention 

Project, Robeson County Cooperative Extension, Robeson Community College Biotech 

Network Farm Services Agency, NRCS, USDA Wildlife agencies, NC Forestry, Double A. 

Farms, Locklear Farm, Sampson Strawberry Farm, Collins Plantation Farm, Canady Farms, 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Farmers, did assist growers in the acquisition of the production and 

farm business management skills required to supply produce of desired quality to the wholesale 

market. 

This collaboration did make a transition possible that has improved the quality of life and 

increase farm gate income of American Indian, socially disadvantaged, limited resource and 

minority farmers in North Carolina. 

Geographic Area Served: North Carolina (Statewide)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 100

Project Scope and Status: The primary purpose of American Indian Mothers Inc. Risk 

Management Project (RMP) / Three Sisters Project is to deliver outreach and technical assistance 

to assure opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to successfully acquire, 

own, operate, and retain farms and ranches; and assure equitable participation in the full range of 

USDA programs. The American Indian Mothers Inc. Project will support a wide range of 

outreach and assistance activities in providing education, farm management, financial 

management, marketing, application and bidding procedures, and other areas.
6

The American Indian Mothers Inc. RMP goal of seeking innovative ways to increase the 

economic viability of underserved and limited resources for socially disadvantaged farmers and 

ranchers is consistent with AIMI‘s goals of improving the lives of American Indian and socially 

disadvantaged rural farming and ranching communities through sustainable agricultural practices 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: Three Sisters Staff continues to conducts monthly 

workshops and two conferences annually providing risk management, education and training 

and obtaining the input and feedback from approximately 200 farm, ranch, women and youth 

stakeholders who have needs and concerns.

Objectives 

(1) Three Sisters Staff targeted existing networks and did formulate new, outreach and assistance 

focused on increasing the participation of American Indians, socially disadvantaged 

agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals in various USDA/ 

RMA/NRCS/EPA/AMS/FSA/RD training and informational opportunities in American 

Indian Communities North Carolina serving twenty counties.

(2) Three Sisters Staff will continue to develop or modify the farm and ranch management 

(including marketing) risk and financial management curricula and materials designed to 

increase the potential for farm and ranch ownership and management by disadvantaged 

agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals by continuing outreach support and 

monthly meetings. 

(3) The Three Sisters Staff has develop innovative delivery systems that improve the 

effectiveness of its programs; and 

(4) Continues to improvement in the means by which assistance is provided to the targeted 

audiences.

RMA

RMA will continue to collaborate with 3SS in assembling, reviewing, and approving risk 

management materials for producers in the Robeson County Area, to assemble risk management 

instructional materials appropriate for producers of Priority Commodities

RMA will continue to collaborate with the 3SS on outreach activities to agricultural producers 

and agribusiness leaders. This will include: (a) Reviewing and approving in advance all 

producer and agribusiness educational delivery plans;(b) advising 3SS on technical issues related 

to the delivery of crop insurance education and information; and (c) assisting in informing crop 

insurance professionals about educational plans and scheduled meetings. 
7

Appalachian Grown: Risk Management Through

Capacity Building and Marketing Initiatives

Charlie Jackson, Project Manager

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project

Target Audience: Small farms, beginning producers, limited resource producers

Project Partners: Asheville City Market, East Fork Farm, Greenlife Grocery, Madison Farms, 

McConnell Farms, Mountain Food Products, Mountain Tailgate Market Association, NC 

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC Farm Bureau, North Carolina State 

University-NC Cooperative Extension

Geographic Area Served: Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 2,700

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to insure that limited resource and 

beginning specialty crop producers can maximize the opportunities in local markets and 

minimize risk. The opportunities for local farmers in local markets are tremendous. Local 

markets not only present specialty crop growers with increased market options, they offer 

markets that are less vulnerable to global price fluctuations. To access these opportunities, 

however, the limited resource, underserved, and beginning farmers need specific kinds of 

support, knowledge, and tools to operate successfully in different local market segments with 

specific market requirements. Project activities, grounded in a market-based change approach, 

will equip family farms with the information they need to successfully diversify, enter new 

markets, and minimize risk. Project activities have focused on three key outreach activities: (1) 

Local Food Campaign promotion, (2) farmer capacity building, (3) Appalachian Grown regional 

branding. These objectives will preserve and strengthen the economic stability of the region‘s 

agricultural producers by promoting and supporting the use of sound risk management tools 

among limited resource and beginning farmers.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: Project activities have focused on three key outreach 

activities: 

(1) Local Food Campaign promotion, 

(2) farmer capacity building, and 

(3) the expansion of Appalachian Grown regional branding. 

In Local Food Campaign promotion, ASAP published and is distributing 100,000 Local Food 

Guides, published and distributed 500 copies of the farm to chef directory The Mixing Bowl to 

restaurants, institutional buyers, and local farmers; and expanded market opportunities to 500 

limited resource and beginning farmers direct selling at the regions more than three dozen 

farmers markets and the Asheville City Market. 
8

In farmer capacity building, ASAP held the Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference 

directed toward limited resource and beginning farmers (over 200 attended), developed and 

distribute 200 Risk Management Marketing Opportunities Tool Kits to attendees, and conducted 

11 one-on-one business planning consultations with farmers. 

In the expansion of Appalachian Grown regional branding, ASAP introduced farmers to 

appropriate markets (19); conducted 21 one-on-one market farm assessments; conducted 

Appalachian Grown program and certification outreach (432 farms are certified), expanding this 

outreach geographically and to new and beginning farmers; and developed and distributed 

Appalachian Grown in-store promotional materials. 
9

Increasing Markets & Profitability for 

Limited Resource Farmers in Appalachia

Denise Barrett, Project Manager

Appalachian Sustainable Development

Target Audience: The Target Audience for this project is limited resource farmers, new and 

youth farmers, and Hispanic and minority growers.

Project Partners:

Jubilee Project, based in Hancock County, Tennessee, will be working closely with ASD 

on several critical dimensions of this project, including recruitment of farmers and 

provision of some educational and training services, particularly around off season and 

high tunnel production. 

University of Tennessee and University of Tennessee Extension, Virginia Tech 

University and Virginia Tech Extension are working with ASD on a two year organic 

research project. This is funded independently of RMA (an EPA grant). However, the 

results of this research will strengthen the productivity of farmers, particularly in terms of 

their ability to manage pests at low cost, organically.

Two different organizations – the Harvest Foundation based in Martinsville, VA, and the 

Conservation Management Institute based in Blacksburg, VA are both working to link 

small farmers to larger and better markets, in order to improve their profitability and 

economic viability. ASD will be working with both of these groups to help them 

analyze, plan and possibly implement initiatives that strengthen farmers in their region 

and reduce their risk and failure rate.

Geographic Area Served: The geographic area served by this project is southwest Virginia and 

northeast Tennessee.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: ASD serves approximately 50 farmers 

through Appalachian Harvest, a network of certified organic growers that works together to 

aggregate produce and eggs that are washed, graded, packed and distributed to wholesale buyers. 

In addition to Appalachian Harvest, ASD serves many other farmers through various outreach 

efforts that include training, farm tours, local meals, and other avenues that introduce people to 

farmers and farmers to new techniques.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to build and expand markets for 

organic produce and sustainable farm products and to provide the training, technical assistance 

and peer support needed by limited resource farmers, new and youth farmers, and Hispanic and 

minority growers to successfully manage risk and build profitable farm enterprises. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the project: 

Objective 1: Increase the capacity of at least 100 limited resource farmers to manage risk and 

increase their economic and environmental sustainability through outreach, education, training 

and technical assistance. 
10

Outcome 1: ASD continues to recruit farmers for its Appalachian Harvest business. The work 

that AH does to train farmers in the region impacts far more than 100 growers; however the 

number of farmers (in 2010) that currently grow for AH is approximately 50. 

Objective 2: Strengthen and develop educational materials which help improve the knowledge 

and skills of a wide range of limited resource farmers. 

Outcome 2: ASD staff continue to improve upon and add to the array of educational materials 

available to our farmers. The current growers manual contains more than 40 pages of 

information on a variety of topics such as: start up costs/returns, soil fertility and management, 

weed and pest control, recommended seed varieties, relevant National Organic Protocol 

language, and much more. Some of the growers manual sections are also available in Spanish. 

Objective 3: Secure strong markets for organic and sustainable food products, sufficient to 

provide good economic opportunities for 100 or more farmers in the region.

Outcome 3: Appalachian Harvest works with 9 wholesalers to market its products. At the end 

of every growing season we obtain projections from these buyers for projected volumes of 

purchases for the upcoming season. Each year those projections greatly exceed the supply our 

growers can produce. In short, there is no shortage of sufficient markets for products. In fact, in 

2010, AH has started working with local (conventional) growers to help them get their product to 

market affordably.

Objective 4: Explore new crops or new ventures with potential to generate additional income 

and market opportunities for limited resource farmers. 

Outcome 4: ASD explored greenhouse production alternatives and is now working on a 

feasibility study on implementing a produce processing facility. The two alternatives will be 

weighed and the alternative best suited for area farmers will be selected and implemented. 

Additionally, every year AH staff look at the crop alternatives available to its growers. Those 

that have proven to be the most profitable and reliable will be kept. Those that are not will be 

dropped from the list. For example, cauliflower proved to be expensive, difficult to grow, and 

not particularly profitable, so it was dropped from the list of crop alternatives. 

Objective 5: Work with other communities in southern and central Virginia, as well as other 

parts of the region to assist them with developing economically viable and ecologically sound 

farming opportunities for limited resource producers. 

Outcome 5: In 2010, AH recruited and trained growers and obtained organic certification for 

growers in the Lexington and Lynchburg, VA areas. These farmers are growing produce for AH 

that is backhauled by AH trucks on return journeys to AH buyers. In 2011, AH hopes that these 

farmers will seek independent organic certification and that it will serve as a hub for other area 

farmers.
11

Year 2: Building Local & Regional Marketing Capacity 

with Resource Produce Growers

Dr. Calvin King, Jr., Project Manager

Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corporation (ALFDC)

Project Organization: This project is organized using the matrix project management 

philosophy of ALFDC. 

Target Audience: African Americans experienced in growing fresh vegetable is the target 

audience.

Project Partners: Project partners for workshop/seminars included:

USDA Agencies:

Risk Management Agency

Farm Services Agency

Agricultural Marketing Service

National Resource Conservation Service

Rural Development

Market development partners include:

Alcorn University

Community System Consultants

Geographic Area Served: The geographical area served included East Central Arkansas and

North West Mississippi.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: The project has served 150 farmers/ranchers 

in workshops and seminars. Additionally, over 50 farmers have been served individually. 

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of the project is to increase local and regional marketing 

capacity of limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers in the South to ultimately gain 

access to the nation‘s mainstream wholesale fresh produce market. The production of fresh 

produce is an enterprise that can restore economic vitality to the southern small farm sector and 

our rural communities. Fresh produce production has excellent profit potential and has the 

possibility of generating significant income on small limited resource farms. This profit potential 

has risks associated with it. Producers must be prepared to not only produce a safe high quality 

crop, but also be an active and aggressive marketer. Successful production and marketing of 

fresh produce by minority and limited resource farmers require continuing training and technical 

assistance in risk management and mitigation techniques to enhance expanded and new market 

development, food safety, farm conservation and development strategies, and increased/uniform 

crop production. Training and technical assistance that focus on market development must go 

hand-in-hand with farm improvements and production issues.
12

Risk management training and mitigation techniques have been provided to over 150 small 

farmers and ranchers. Training addressed managing farm risks including managing financial 

risks, risk mitigation approaches for food safety through farm certification for Good Agricultural 

Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP), direct marketing through local markets, and

farm conservation funding opportunities. The project continues to provide individual training and 

technical assistance to this underserved group. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Risk management training and mitigation techniques have been provided to over 150 small 

farmers and ranchers. Training addressed managing farm risks including managing financial 

risks, risk mitigation approaches for food safety through farm certification for Good Agricultural 

Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP), direct marketing through local markets, and 

farm conservation funding opportunities. The project continues to provide individual training and 

technical assistance to this underserved group. 
13

Facilitating Mentorships for Young Beginning and Underserved Farmers: 

Farmers: Managing Risk through Peer Relationships

Bruce Shimizu, Project Manager

California FarmLink

Target Audience: Women, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans,

Native Americans

Project Partners: Agriculture and Land Based Training Association (ALBA), California 

Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)

Geographic Area Served: State of California

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: (10/1/2009 – 8/15/2010)

Technical Assistance Sessions 3,186

Technical Assistance Clients 639

Outreach 1.2 – 2.3 million (see “California Report” & FOX News)

Project Scope and Status: “... to expand the capacity of experienced farmers and ranchers to 

use mentorship to address training and technical assistance on financial, legal, and human 

resource risk management strategies to underserved farmers.‖

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: The success of the project....is measured by at least 

60 experienced farmers participating in mentorship trainings and at least 20 mentor-mentee 

relationships directly facilitated by FarmLink. Outreach will inform at least 10,000 farmers of 

the available project programming through media including radio, newspaper and the 

California FarmLink Website.

To-date the project has facilitated four mentorship workshops, which were attended by 108 

beginning & experienced farmers. FarmLink staff also provided 21 farmers with one-on-one 

mentorship technical assistance. 

FarmLink incorporates a discussion of crop insurance within the curriculum of its business 

planning workshops. During the project period, FarmLink facilitated 16 business planning & 

financing workshops that were attended by 733 farmers. 

In August 2010, FarmLink co-sponsored a series of workshops on Livestock Gross MarginDairy Insurance that was organized by the California Center for Cooperative Development 

and featured Dr. Brian Gould, University of Wisconsin. Approximately 60 farmers & 

insurance professionals attended these sessions. LGM-D Insurance is not widely used by 

California dairy producers and FarmLink agreed to assist in promoting the event to its dairy 

producers and insurance professionals. 
14

Since the project began, FarmLink has distributed (3) hard copy & electronic newsletters to its 

mailing list of over 2,072 farmers, which included information on mentorship and crop 

insurance workshop sessions. These workshops were also publicized through other 

organizational e-mails, newsletters, direct mail registration forms, and public service 

announcements on the radio & local television. The estimated outreach for these types of 

outreach is over 135,600 households. 

FarmLink‘s website has received over 927,000 hits during the project period. These hits were 

initiated by over 20,600 unique visitors. The average traffic on FarmLink‘s website is 2,300 

visitors and 103,000 hits per month.

Two unique media events also generated significant public interest in FarmLink during the 

project period. In December 2009, National Public Radio‘s Bay Area affiliate KQED‘s 

―California Report,‖ aired a story on California FarmLink. The story was aired on 30 public 

radio stations statewide, with a potential listenership of over 745,000 households. The second 

media event was a national story on FarmLink produced by FOX News in July 2010. This 

story was edited into multiple stories and was broadcast on FOX News and also distributed to 

other non-FOX media outlets. FOX News has a viewership of 1.2-2.3 million households.

FarmLink also utilizes social media outlets to promote its programs and activities. FarmLink‘s 

Facebook site came online in Spring 2010 and currently has over 270 ―fans.‖
15

Food Safety and Liability Insurance Issues for Limited Resource Farmers 

Marketing to Institutions

Andrew Fisher and Kristen Markley, Project Managers

Community Food Security Coalition

Target Audience: Limited resource producers and minority producers

Project Partners:

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association 

Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association

Jubilee Project

Community Alliance with Family Farmers

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Geographic Area Served: National

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 5000 expected

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project was to increase limited resource 

producers‘ ability to market their products to local institutions through increasing their 

knowledge about the food safety and product liability insurance requirements of institutions and 

through identifying practical solutions for these producers to address these requirements.

Outputs and Outcomes of the project: The success of the project in terms of expected 

outputs and outcomes:

Outputs:

Conducted assessments with 25 limited resource producers and five groups working 

with them about their abilities to meet food safety requirements and product liability 

insurance requirements of institutions.

200 reports printed; 2150 downloaded

500 brochures printed; 500 downloaded

500 audio versions created; 500 downloaded

50 participants attended short course on food safety and liability insurance held at 

CFSC‘s 2010 annual conference 

5000 limited resource producers served/ reached through reports, brochures, CD‘s, 

short course, conversations, partner groups, technical assistance offered through 

agricultural professionals (who received publications through this project or 

participated in the project‘s short course or conversations)
16

Outcomes: 

Through this project‘s activities (including the October 2010 short course, the report, the 

brochure, and the CD developed):

o In regards to the limited resource producers and agricultural professionals in 

attendance at the short course and/ or who read over the materials developed:

 80% indicated that they significantly increased their knowledge about the 

food safety and insurance requirements of institutions 

 80% indicated they significantly increased their knowledge about the 

options that are available or can be developed to address the food safety 

and insurance requirements of institutions

 80% indicated that they significantly increased their understanding of 

what the potential risks might be on individual farms and how to develop a 

food safety plan to address these risks

 80% indicated they significantly increased their understanding of the 

legislative and administrative issues related to food safety issues

o In regards to the agricultural professionals in attendance at the short course and/ 

or who read over the materials developed:

 80% indicated they felt more confident in their ability to assist limited 

resource producers in marketing to institutions through better 

understanding what food safety methods limited resource producers 

currently include on their farm, which food safety methods these 

producers may need more assistance or education on, what record keeping 

assistance they may need help with, and what resources and programs are 

available to assist agricultural professionals and producers on possible 

food safety challenges and potential solutions

o In regards to the institutional food service operators in attendance at the short 

course and/ or who read over the materials developed:

 80% indicated a significant increase in their understanding of the obstacles 

limited resource producers face when trying to market products to local 

institutions, of the benefits of buying from local farmers, and how they 

may be able to help in developing solutions to these obstacles
17

Maximizing Success in the Marketplace as a Risk Management Tool

Kelly Coleman, Program Manager

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, Inc. (CISA)

Target Audience: Women, Specialty crop producers, limited resource producers

Project Partners: Berkshire Pioneer Rural Conservation and Development, Greenfield

Community College, Franklin County Community Development Corporation

Geographic Area Served: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester 

Counties of Massachusetts

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Through this program CISA will have 

reached over 250 farmers through workshops, farm tours, networking opportunities, email 

newsletters, online resources, and one-on-one mentoring.

Project Scope and Status: Through this project CISA is offering a comprehensive marketing, 

financial and business risk management education program to underserved farmers growing 

priority commodities. Our purpose is to help farmers improve the economic viability of their 

farms, improve farmers‘ marketing, business, and financial management skills that will allow 

them to succeed in various markets, reducing marketing and financial risks, and to help farmers

who have been underserved by traditional crop insurance and risk management options to access 

risk management information which will help them develop and stabilize their farm businesses. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

To date (August 2010) this project has had a number of successes: 

We have hosted (or will host) 4 workshops/tours with a total of nearly 100 participants 

covering topics such as: energy efficiency for greenhouses and coolers, managing 

farmers‘ markets, and using Quickbooks to understand your business.

We have hosted (or will host) 5 networking meetings with a total of nearly 125 

participants. 

We have organized one-on-one mentoring and expert meetings for 24 farms on topics

from email marketing to enterprise analysis.

249 farmers receive our email newsletter which lists resources, opportunities, 

classifieds, and articles to help farmers understand and mitigate on farm risk. 

We revised and updated our on-line resources pages, adding resources on land

acquisition, farmer training courses, brand development, and developing a marketing 

plan. We are revising and editing resource materials on financial planning right now. 
18

Expanding Horizons, Growing New Farmers

Jennifer Hashley, Project Manager

Community Teamwork, Inc. – New Entry Sustainable Farming Project

Target Audience: Women, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans

Project Partners: Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition, Science and Policy; 

Community Teamwork, Inc.; Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; New 

England Small Farm Institute; East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; United Teen Equality 

Center; Project Able (Worcester, MA); Middlesex Community College; Farm Credit East; 

Lutheran Social Services (Worcester, MA); Lowell Telecommunications Cable Network; Adam 

Montri (Michigan State University); Brandeis University Team Consulting Project; Lowell Film 

Collaborative; Dracut Land Trust, Inc.; Americorp CTC VISTA; St. John‘s School (Andover, 

MA); Boston University First Year Service Outreach Project, Nuestras Raices, International 

Institute of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants, Massachusetts 

Department of Agricultural Resources 

Geographic Area Served: New England States 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 4,800

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to expand New Entry outreach and 

T&TA roles to provide comprehensive risk management-based outreach, training and technical 

assistance programs to cover the agricultural ―life cycle‖ for hundreds of underserved producers 

across Massachusetts, including multiple socially disadvantaged and limited resource audiences 

of immigrants and refugees, transitioning farm workers, younger farm interns and apprentices, 

and US-born minority and other underserved beginning farmers. RMA resources allow us to 

reach:

o Prospective farmers with prior farm experience looking to start their own farm 

 enterprise; 

o Start-up farmers in their first 3-4 years of a new farm operation; 

o Establishing farmers in their 4th-10th years of operations as independent producers. 

New Entry‘s leadership is particularly strong in two aspects. First, we develop our outreach, 

training and technical assistance materials, crafted in a Plain Language format and tailored 

specifically to the needs and interests of our audiences. Secondly, we are increasingly a resource 

provider and trainer for other beginning farmers and the service providers and programs that 

serve them. We conducted a statewide assessment to form a Massachusetts beginning farmer 

outreach and training initiative. Our RMA accomplishment for 2009-2010 reflects this expanded 

role.
19

Outputs and Outcomes of the project:

Our RMA activities for 2009-2010 include expanding our core 4-year training program to 

include 20-30 new farmers and 20-30+ continuing farmers. Our overall outreach, training 

workshops and technical assistance also assist hundreds of other underserved farmers across the 

state. Specific outcomes include: 

200+ farmers have learned about ag business opportunities through New Entry outreach 

73 aspiring farmers have assessed suitability for farming through the Explorer farm 

planning and self-assessment course

1000+ farmers have learned about the New Entry 4-year TT& A program through New 

Entry recruitment efforts.

50+ organizations have collaborated with New Entry in outreach partnerships

At least 200 prospective/practicing farmers were connected to education opportunities via 

access through New Entry

At least 200 prospective/practicing farmers will be assisted to access resources available in 

MA through New Entry‘s  ̳Resource Guide to Farming in MA‘

10-15 aspiring farmers were assisted to find jobs on farms through New Entry‘s 

employment-based farm training and mentoring services (over 400 farm employment 

directories distributed)

New Entry‘s Beginning Farmer‘ course core curriculum was updated and delivered to35 

students

New Entry‘s livestock training curriculum was updated and delivered to 209 students.

New Entry‘s crop-based training curriculum for continuing farmers was updated and 

delivered to 72 farmers.

200+ producers will receive the newly established Plain Language Guide on Assessing and 

Evaluating Farmland

Over 3,000 producers visited the New Entry website resource page between April – June 

2010 (based on unique page views).

One pilot distance learning webinar will be developed and broadcast to 50+ producers

3 training farms are available for crop and/or livestock production by New Entry farmers.

27 farmers produced detailed business plans of their farming enterprises via New Entry 

assistance with farm business plan development.

22 continuing farmers have progressed in developing effective farming techniques through 

ongoing New Entry technical assistance.

New Entry has assisted over 30 farmers with expanded market connections in vegetable 

production and market connections in sustainable livestock production.

24 farmers sell through the World PEAS CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program

The New Entry farmland database (showing available farmland in Massachusetts) has been 

posted on-line, and is continually updated and available to all farmers in the region.

27 farmers were connected to land through the New Entry farmland database. Not all land 

matches have materialized, and New Entry continues to work with these land match 

farmers.

Up to 15 producers will enroll in the New Entry fall 2010 Distance Learning Course

100+ underserved growers and staff will attend farm education workshops and conferences. 
20

Alternative Livestock and Alternative Produce Production

as a Tool for Risk Management

Renita Carter-Page. Project Manager

Concentric Management Applications

Target Audience: African Americans * Hispanic Americans * Native Americans

Project Partners: American Friends Service Committee * Leon Sullivan Charitable Trust 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University * Rowan Baptist Association

Harris Teeter 

Geographic Area Served: Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 450

Project Scope and Status: Under the 2009 request for funding, Concentric Management 

Applications proposes the continuation and expansion of the Alternative Livestock production 

and marketing plan. The MSS is a systematic outreach service designed to inform, educate, and 

train producers in marketing functions. The critical strategies of the MSS can be applied to any 

livestock or produce market opportunities. 

There are four major tasks that unite and give clarity, focus and definition to the activities of this 

project: 

1. Attaining critical mass; 

2. Achieving retail readiness; 

3. Developing end market relationships and contracts; 4. Implementing transportation and 

logistical networks.

Access to alternative markets is the outreach tool we propose to use to present to socially 

disadvantaged, limited-resource, women and under-served producers: information that promotes 

the implementation of sound farm business and risk management strategies. 

The alternative/specialty/premium livestock and produce markets hold much promise for our 

producer groups. 

Even with the presence of alternative and specialty market opportunities, the lack of a marketing 

infrastructure prohibits underserved and limited resource farmers from accessing these markets 

beyond the lowest levels of the food market chain. 

Having achieved measurable success in production readiness/capability, our process will carry 

producers beyond production and stockyard sales; and will expand their position in the markets 

chain. Direct sales, distribution center sales, and retail outlet sales represent the possibility of 

market opportunities for our producer groups.
21

Marketing is the cornerstone of any profitable farm enterprise. Small and limited resource 

farmers are in need of educational sessions and marketing outlets that are geared toward their 

production needs. The administration and management of any effective marketing infrastructure 

system most often far surpasses the ability of the limited resource, socially disadvantaged 

producer.

Furthermore, there is an evident gap between the position of limited resource small 

disadvantaged farmers and the position of other farmer groups in the food market chain. Any 

Marketing Support System model that is developed must effectively address all components of 

established industry marketing models. 

The major goals of this project are to: 

1. increase producer awareness of federal crop insurance programs

2. better prepare producers to utilized federal crop insurance

3. help producers implement strategies that will minimize loss and risk on their farm 

operations 

4. increase the competitiveness of our producers in the marketplace and thereby create 

avenues for farm enterprise sustainability. 

Outputs and Outcomes: 

1. Facilitate linkages between underserved SDFR in the Northeast and New England and the 

1890 Cooperative Extension services and programs at Delaware State and University of 

Maryland Eastern Shore 

2. Provider training and education resources for identified SDFR in the Mid-Atlantic and 

New England

3. Hosted delegation of academics and farm raised prawn producers from Vietnam on tour 

of Thompson Prawn Farm

4. Facilitated market contacts for several producers with restaurants and small grocers in 

North Carolina

5. Co-sponsor of North Carolina Small Farm Conference 

6. Co-sponsor Grassroots Leadership Conference (NC based agricultural mentorship 

council)

7. Facilitate technology and information transfers and exchanges between southern SDFR 

and SDFR in northern states

8. Support the New York Black Farmers and Urban Growers Conference

9. Facilitate establishment of three church based community markets supplied by local 

SDFR

10. Establish MOU with American Friends Service Committee to support efforts to link food 

underserved communities of color with SDFR
22

Risk Management Training and Technical Assistance 

for Immigrant and Refugee Farmers in Maine

Craig Lapine and Amy Carrington, co-Project Managers

Cultivating Community

Target Audience: Refugee farmers

Project Partners: Cooperative Extension, USDA Service Centers, Maine Organic Farmers 

and Gardeners‘ Association, National Immigrant Farming Initiative

Geographic Area Served: Southern Maine and New Hampshire

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Fifty 

Project Scope and Status: The primary goal is to deliver focused outreach and technical 

assistance, including educational programs, to educate farmers about risk management tools and 

techniques that will enhance their farm. Other project goals include leveraging resources that 

recent refugee/immigrant farmers can use to build their agricultural enterprises and empowering 

farmers to participate equitably in the many USDA and other agricultural programs. In order to 

achieve its goals and to help participating farmers identify and realize their goals, NASAP will 

deliver a combination of programs and services. NASAP will help farmers learn about United

States agriculture and available services, build relationships with the service providers, and 

advocate for their rights to access services. 

Activities in support of the farmers include: 

Outreach to refugee and immigrant communities 

Access to appropriate language services, including ESL and simultaneous interpretation 

services 

Individual goal setting, including an annual meeting with each participant

Interviews for business counseling and enterprise development 

Training programs 

Access to land, including community garden sites and training farm

Technical assistance on site at farms, gardens, and markets

Access to credit, including ―passing on the gift‖ and loan programs

Access to capital, including IDA matched savings

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Increasing refugee farmers‘ access to census, lending, conservation, and risk management 

programs will increase the number of sustainable immigrant/refugee owned farm enterprises.

NASAP will identify the use and document the effectiveness of tools and resources that 

beginning refugee/immigrant farmers in Maine and NH are using and will share these results 

with regional and national partners, including RMA‘s other outreach partners.
23

Risk Management and Community Outreach Program for 

Limited Resource and Under-Served Farmers

Dr. Albert Essel and John Clendaniel, Co-Project Managers

Delaware State University

Target Audience: Women, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and 

Native Americans

Project Partners: University of Maryland Eastern Shore

National Crop Insurance Services

Geographic Area Served: State of Delaware

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 214

Project Scope and Status: The goal is to enhance the risk management skills of a minimum of 

150 limited resource, women and socially disadvantaged producers through outreach, training 

and technical assistance programs. The specific objectives are:

To provide educational programs and technical assistance to equip agriculture producers 

with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to make sound risk management 

decisions.

To train and assist agriculture producers in ways to increase farm profits through 

production and marketing of alternative agriculture enterprise and ethnic crops.

To provide increased awareness and technical assistance for underserved and socially 

disadvantaged farmers to enhance their participation in crop insurance and other federal 

farm programs administered by USDA agencies.

To improve the profitability of under-served agricultural producers by increasing their 

management skills through increased understanding of business planning, 

implementation and evaluation.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

The success of the project is based on meeting the stated objective which produced the 

following outcomes...

Twelve small scale and minority farmers from the Delaware region were able to travel to 

the 5th National Small Farms Conference in Springfield, IL. This gave them a chance to 

network with Ag Professionals and other farmers from across the country and sit in the 

educational sessions to get new ideas for their farm operations.
24

DSU extension conducted one-on-one farm visits to 72 producers to provide information, 

technical assistance and training on production agriculture, general farm management, 

financial management, keeping and tracking farm business records, completing 

applications for USDA farm programs; developing business plans, and conducting onfarm risk management.

After the establishment of three on-farm sites at cooperating producers‘ farms, DSU used 

the demonstrations to show methods and recommended practices/technologies for 

growing and marketing specialty crops and other alternative enterprises. Demonstrated 

enterprises included ethnic vegetables; small flock pastured poultry, as well as organic 

and traditional pole lima beans. While visiting the demonstrations 46 Delaware farmers 

received information and training on growing each new enterprise, production methods to 

improve productivity and reduce costs. 

Conducting six field days/informational meetings on meat goats, pastured-poultry, and 

aquaculture gave DSU extension the opportunity to promote researched and demonstrated 

projects at the University research farms to 77 targeted farmers.

USDA programs outreach meetings were conducted in each county. Currently, over 60 

producers receive updates of farm programs offered by various USDA agencies to 

include qualifications, application procedures, timelines and availability of technical 

assistance.

The planned two-day risk management conference for small-scale and socially 

disadvantaged farmers in Delaware covering risk management solutions and strategies of 

all five (5) areas of risk was rescheduled due to inclement weather and is planned for 

November 10 & 11. 

DSU is still planning to conduct a two-day train-the-trainer workshop in mid- October at 

a central location to train approximately 20-30 educators and agricultural professionals 

from Delaware, Maryland, the mid-Atlantic and southern region, and other participating 

states using the materials developed. Provide crop insurance and financial management 

teaching materials and support so educators and advisors who participated in training 

workshops can utilize complementary educational materials.

Currently DSU extension is working on a 5 minute video highlighting risk management 

outcomes with Delaware minority producers.
25

Navajo Nation Traditional Agricultural Outreach

Kyril Calsoyas, Project Manager and Jamescita Peshlakai, Lead Coordinator

Developing Innovations in Navajo Education

Target Audience: Native Americans, Socially and Disadvantaged, and Monolingual producing 

Navajo farmers, and potential Navajo farmers.

Project Partners: USDA Navajo field staff, Navajo Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma State 

University, University of Minnesota, Risk Navigator trainer, FSA and NRCS staff, Farm to 

Table, Southwest Marketing Network, Navajo Nation Agricultural Extension Service.

Geographic Area Served: The Western Navajo Nation area in Northern Arizona

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: A total of more than ninety Navajo farmers -

including twenty or more limited English proficient or monolingual Navajo speaking farmers, 

twenty-five producing Navajo farmers, and fifty plus potential Navajo client farmers. 

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to expose Navajo client farmers to the 

advantages of developing farms producing priority commodities on trust lands; give Navajo 

farmers effective practical knowledge of agriculture finance, income tax information, record 

keeping, financial planning, farm management, and marketing; give comfort in accessing online 

farm management information; help them understand the operational imperatives of integrating 

traditional Navajo agricultural practices and spiritual values; provide a reliable 

telecommunications platform and calendars for training events; offer access to technology 

applications in Navajo; teach specific risk management techniques; offer workshops; develop 

promotional strategies and materials; evaluate project benefits and results.

Outputs and Outcomes of the project: Objective 1 – more than fifty new potential Navajo 

clients were exposed to the advantages of developing farms producing priority commodities on 

trust lands allocated by the Navajo Nation. These farmers were given preliminary exposure to 

RightRisk and Risk Navigator in a series of workshops given over a period of four months 

(March and August‘10); an overview of EQIP programs, background information on FSA direct 

and guaranteed loan programs, non-insured crop disaster assistance programs (NAP), Livestock 

Deficiency Programs (LDP), and Emergency Conservation Programs (ECP). 

Objective 2 – more than eighty Navajo farmers and fifty Navajo Ranchers at target Navajo 

Chapter Houses were given effective and practical knowledge of agriculture finance, income tax 

information, record keeping, financial planning, farm management, risk management, and 

marketing education. Oklahoma State University agriculture Quicken Books curriculum was 

offered in a series of four workshops (two different locations), FINLRB developed at the 

University of Minnesota (one location), and numerous individual and small group workshops at 

various locations across the Western Navajo Nation including computer literacy training and 

FINPACK software and curriculum. 
26

Objective 3 – More than one hundred Navajo farmers in eleven communities achieved a comfort 

level accessing online farm management information via USDA and other agricultural service 

organization websites (ATTRA, SARE...). Training methodologies and inventory controls were 

established appropriate toward client interests and aspirations. 

Objective 4 – More than seventy farmers received training in Risk Navigator including 

experiential exercises and the creation of individual risk tolerance worksheets. Navajo traditions, 

culture and spiritual practices were shared in the Navajo language on at least seven different 

occasions by four different Navajo Medicine Men and Elders including a former President of the 

Navajo Nation. Both online and live experiential workshops were offered in traditional Navajo 

farming practices. 

Objective 5 – Dine‘ Inc. offered USDA, FSA, NRCS and Navajo Nation agricultural service 

providers and outreach service providers a reliable communications platform to deliver 

information and notifications to client Navajo farmers. Calendars listing events and training 

events were maintain for Navajo farmer clients at www.navajofarms.org as well as video and 

text information on farm management practices, often in the Navajo language. 

Objective 6 – More than 13,800 visits to the www.navajofarms.org website were logged wherein 

limited English proficient or monolingual Navajo speaking farmers could access technology 

applications and traditional agricultural training. More than thirty producing Navajo farmers and 

ranchers participated in a series of roundtable workshops and discussions on four different

occasions; Navajo language facilitation and translation was provided. Edited video presentations 

on a variety of topics are available at www.navajofarms.org. Participating farmers and ranchers 

were able to establish a network and strategies for addressing high priority issues and concerns. 
27

Navajo Lifeway Outreach and Education Partnership

TahNibaa Naataanii, Project Manager 

DINE BE „lina, Inc.

Target Audience: Diné and others trying to make a living from sheep, wool, and fiber arts, 

particularly the Navajo-Churro sheep.

Project Partners:

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Dr. Don Bixby, Emeritus Executive Director

ALBC is a scientific organization dedicated to conserving and promoting endangered breeds of 

livestock and poultry. 

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, Anne Worthington, Superintendent

HTPNHS is an historic site owned by the federal government and managed by the National Park 

Service. DBI utilizes HTPNHS opportunities for training and presents educational programs. 

Land Grant Office, Diné College, Felix A. Nez, Extension Agent

Diné College and DBI have worked together closely since 1998, when the Land Grant Office 

helped produce the Sheep is Life Celebration at the Tsailé Campus. 

Navajo-Churro Sheep Association, Connie Taylor, Registrar

N-CSA is the professional breed organization that maintains the registry for Navajo-Churro 

sheep in the United States. Currently, few Navajo producers register their sheep, but doing so 

will increase the animal‘s value. 

Navajo Sheep Project, Dr. Lyle McNeal, Founder

DBI and NSP collaborate to conserve the rare and endangered Navajo-Churro sheep breed and 

restore them to the Navajo people. 

Southwest Marketing Network, Jim Dyer, Director

SWMN provides on-site consultation and offers Navajo producers scholarships to the annual 

SWMN conference. 

WESSTCorp, Agnes Noonan, Executive Director

WESST provides board training and financial education. The WESST staff has been working 

with DBI for several years. 

Geographic Area Served: Navajo Nation located in present-day Arizona, New Mexico, and 

Utah; other locations where Diné may be residing; and outreach exhibits regionally and

nationally.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: In the core group - approximately 100 sheep 

producers and 200 Diné and other fiber artists; 1,200 individuals who attend events, many of

whom are fiber artists and sheep producers. Additional 5,000 audience for media and other

presentations. 

Project Scope and Status:

Develop value-added products using Navajo wool to help Navajo shepherds and weavers earn a 

better economic return from their work, with a premium on handspun, Navajo-Churro wool in 

natural colors or vegetal dyes.

Partner with families raising Navajo-Churro sheep to improve shearing, skirting, and bagging 

techniques.
28

Develop a model project using reliable, technically-appropriate wool processing methods that are

compatible with community needs and resources.

Document Diné shepherds‘ and fiber artists‘ perspectives on the Navajo-Churro sheep breed and 

the indigenous knowledge that informs the Navajo Sheep Culture.

Support existing three SpinOff groups and help at least two communities start new groups to 

provide opportunities for adding value to wool and developing inventory for internal and 

external markets.

To present the Annual Sheep is Life Celebration, bringing together people from many cultures 

who love sheep, wool, and fiber arts.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

DBI‘s programs provide leadership, economic development, and support for traditional lifeways 

of Diné shepherds and weavers in order to

1. increase income from Navajo sheep, wool, and weaving

2. create infrastructures to add value to our sheep and wool products

3. revitalize our communities through culturally-relevant, value-added enterprise

Project Learning Objectives are to:

1. Understand financial literacy, organization structure, management, and business planning for 

improving risk strategies

2. Utilize bilingual and bicultural programs for understanding agricultural risks and risk 

management products

3. Improve risk through developing, assessing, and marketing value-added products

4. Document activities and evaluate milestones to demonstrate integration of risk management 

knowledge

Outcomes:

Producers are able to make better decisions, participate more fully in the market on their own 

terms, and increase their economic stability. Actions that result from this project include:

Producers understand the importance of and effectively implement risk management 

strategies in their daily agricultural practices. 

RMA, USDA, and other educational and technical information is presented in Navajo and 

modified to be culturally-relevant. 

Trainings and hands-on workshops are relevant to Producers‘ specific interests, 

capacities, and resources locally and regionally. 

Producers implement sound risk management solutions to improve economic return on 

their investment of time and resources. 

Producers and community participants exercise their creativity to develop innovative 

value-added products that can meet the interests of niche markets.

Those who participate in project workshops and trainings are empowered to be peer-topeer mentors with other community members. 
29

23rd California Small Farm Conference, Sustaining Our Bounty

Allen Moy, Project Manager

California Small Farm Conference

Target Audience: The conference targets small-scale beginning and experienced farmers and 

ranchers, farmers‘ market managers and agricultural students. The scholarship program is 

targeted toward socially and economically disadvantaged persons of diverse ethnicity including 

whites.

Project Partners: Beverly Hills Farmers‘ Market, California Department of Food and 

Agriculture (CDFA), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), National Center for 

Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Pacific Coast Farmers‘ Market Association, Pasadena 

Farmers‘ Market, San Diego County Farm Bureau, Santa Monica Farmers‘ Market, University of 

California Davis (UC Davis) AgrAbility Program, UC Davis Small Farm Program, USDA FSA, 

USDA NRCS, USDA RMA and USDA RD. 

Geographic Area Served: State of California

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Approximately 250.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to convene a yearly educational 

conference. Attracting approximately 500 participants, the California Small Farm Conference is 

the state‘s premier gathering of small farmers, farmers' market managers, agriculture students 

and others. The goal of the conference is to promote the success and viability of small and 

family-owned farming operations and farmers‘ markets through short courses, tours and 

workshops. Opportunities for advancement in production, business management and direct

marketing are presented by speakers from the University of California, USDA agencies and

successful operators in the field. 

Sponsorships and grants are critical to the success of the conference. Sponsorship funds keep the 

conference affordable and accessible for all attendees by underwriting conference expenses and 

keeping registration fees low. The sponsorships also allow the Small Farm Conference to 

maintain a robust scholarship program. The scholarship recipients represent an underserved 

group that rarely has the opportunity to receive information specifically designed to help them 

with business and production issues. The networking aspect of the conference has proved to be 

invaluable. Translation is provided in Spanish and Hmong, other languages also on demand. 

For the 2010 conference 104 scholarships were awarded. They have a value of approximately 

$550. 85.7% of the farmers receiving a scholarship stated their farm income was less than 

$43,000 annually. 94% stated that they farmed less than 25 acres. Here is a breakdown of the 

ethnicity of those applying for a scholarship: White – 52%, Hispanic – 14%, Asian – 13%, Black 

– 3$, America Indian – 4%, Pacific Islander – 0% and Declined to State 32%.

Workshops were organized in five tracks with five courses in each. Track 1: Conservation 

Resource and Management Strategies; Track 2: Marketing and Business Practices for Successful 

Small Farms; Track 3: Building Your Bounty – Production Strategies for Small Farmers; Track 

4: Strategies for Successful Farmers‘ Markets and Track 5: Hot Topics in California Agriculture.
30

Short Course Topics: Outlasting the Drought: Water Conservation Strategies for Small Farms; 

Value Adding to your Markets; Diversifying Farm Operations Through Agri-tourism; 

Greenhouse Production for Longer Seasons and Increased profits and Is Organic Right For You?

An Overview of Organic Certification and Production.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: The success of the project was phenomenal by any 

measurement. I think this letter from a scholarship recipient says it all.

―Please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for your support that scholarship making all 

possible for me to attend such an impressive farm conference. A small farm conference seems 

too brief and not quite suitable name for its offering. But I say it is very well organized, 

informative, knowledgeable, true techniques and advices from extensive years of farming 

experiences with all friendly and beautiful speakers, advisers and volunteers to help all comers to 

succeed that common goal, success in farming.

I also met quite few friends for sharing many ways associating with farming. Farming is a very 

difficult life, hard work and long hours working with various parameters. This conference has 

been given me many highlighted areas in guiding good start and firm road for me to making 

good step at a time for successful farming.

I just got back and do feel somewhat fatigue due to long hours of driving. But, my feeling just 

cannot stop me to write this appreciation letter for such a rewarding coming home trip.

Again, thank you so much for the opportunity and support the well being for our farm.‖

Philip Luong

The only negative comments we received were in regard to meeting room size and lack of 

microphones in some rooms. Because it‘s a conference we have no way of evaluating, 

specifically, how the information presented was implemented. However, based on the written 

evaluations almost 100 % said they took away ideas to use immediately.
31

“Southwest Marketing Network: Expanding Markets for Limited Resource, 

Socially Disadvantaged and Traditionally Underserved Farmers and 

Ranchers in the Southwest”

Pamela Roy, Project Manager

Farm to Table

Target Audience: Utah and Wyoming farmers, ranchers, organizations and agencies. Hispanics 

and Native Americans

Project Partners:

Southwest Marketing Network

Western Rural Development Council

National Center for Appropriate Technology

University of Arizona

Utah State University

Utah Department of Agriculture

Wyoming Business Council – Farm to School Program

Wyoming Department of Agriculture

Utah Farm to School Program

Dine Ag and other Native American groups

Tucson Food Bank

Geographic Area Served: The Southwest Marketing Network area is Arizona, Colorado, Utah, 

Wyoming, New Mexico and Tribal communities. In this year‘s work we focused specifically on 

Utah and Wyoming at the request of RMA.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 80 plus

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of the Southwest Marketing Network (SWMN) is to 

improve the economic viability of limited resource, socially disadvantaged and traditionally 

underserved farmers, ranchers, and organizations in the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, 

Colorado and Tribal communities). The SWMN‘s goal is to ensure that new, existing, and 

prospective Southwest producers – especially small-scale, alternative, and minority producers –

are provided with the connections and business, marketing and risk management resources they 

need to improve their marketing success. The ultimate purpose of this project is to increase the 

number and viability of farms, ranches, and food enterprises in the Four Corners states (NM, AZ, 

CO, and UT). This proposal will focus on Utah and Wyoming with some peer-to-peer learning 

from all states to support Utah and Wyoming. This purpose is operationalized in the following 

objectives: 

Objective 1: Develop a strong base of information and resources to support marketing efforts in 

the Southwest and provide outreach and support to the producers, producer groups, Cooperative 

Extension agents, USDA representatives, and others involved in marketing in the Southwest.

Objective 2: Offer needed training in business development, alternative marketing, and risk 

management, as well as capacity building in entrepreneurship, leadership, and asset development 

to Southwest producers--especially underserved small-scale, alternative, and minority producers.
32

Objective 3: Provide technical assistance to on-the-ground projects that utilize alternative 

marketing techniques. Present the results of these projects to other communities in the region, 

illustrating the approaches, techniques, risks and rewards.

Objective 4: Coordinate a Good Food Regional Steering Committee in which Southwest food 

system leaders, including producers, processors, distributors, and retailers, collaborate to develop 

regional value chains in which producers, processors, distributors and retailers engage in 

customer-centric, mutually beneficial business relationships. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: This project focused on Wyoming and Utah. We 

worked in partnership with local organizations to provide specific technical assistance and 

organizing, workshops and a Utah Wyoming centric Southwest Marketing Network Conference.

1) We worked with organizations in Utah and Wyoming to begin their Farm to School 

programs. This included helping them organize meetings with farmers, schools, and 

community members, develop scopes of work, attend and present at Utah and Wyoming 

conferences and meetings and provide technical assistance. We also assisted them in 

becoming active in the National Farm to School Network and through other funds made 

sure they had an opportunity to attend the National Farm to School Conference.

2) Worked with Utah to host a beginning and urban farmer conference that drew n more 

than 125 participants. The conference focused on risk management skill building through 

business training, farmer development, organizing farm to school efforts, and learning 

how to work with your community when focused on urban farming.

3) In partnership with the Western Rural Development Council and the National Center for 

Appropriate Technology we hosted the Southwest Marketing Network conference, again 

focused on Utah and Wyoming needs. The conference was attended by farmers, 

organization representatives and agencies, totaling 85 attendees. The focus was to 

provide in-depth farm-to-school training, grant writing and organizational development 

for farmers and organizations, policy advocacy training, and a full afternoon of 

information about USDA program including RMA and one-on-one technical assistance to 

all attendees in how they can access programs specific to their farming operations and 

organizations.

We continue to add specific topics to our Southwest Marketing Network website including an 

area of ―technical experts‖ and a ―how to‖ policy and advocacy section, provided two 

newsletters to more than 3,700 farmers, ranchers, and organizations in the Southwest, and 

maintain the database for the SWMN.
33

Minnesota Hmong Farmer Risk Management Outreach

Tony Brown and Susan E. Stokes, Project Manager

Farmers‟ Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG)

Project Organization: Farmers‘ Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG), a 24-year-old nonprofit

law center that works through education and advocacy to keep family farmers on their land. 

Target Audience: Low-income Hmong American farmers who have very low participation

in risk management education and programs.

Project Partners: Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women in Minnesota 

(AAHWM), a 30-year-old organization that builds on the strengths and aspirations of Hmong

American families, increasingly those who are reclaiming their traditions in farming.

Geographic Area Served: Minnesota (state-wide)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 189 limited resource Hmong 

American farmers: 160 through risk management training; 15 in new farm registrations; seven 

(7) applying for disaster relief through the new Farm Bill; and seven (7) applying for crop 

insurance.

Project Scope and Status: 

This project is providing outreach, training, assistance, and informational opportunities to new 

and struggling Hmong American farmers in Minnesota to improve their knowledge of and use of 

risk management tools that improve their ability to make the sound risk management decisions 

they need to grow and sell specialty crops and underserved commodities, and ultimately make 

them more successful owner/operator farmers. The long-term goal of our Minnesota Hmong 

Farmer Risk Management Outreach is to stabilize and expand the population of socially 

disadvantaged, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and traditionally underserved farmers 

who successfully own and operate thriving farm enterprises. The Hmong farming communities 

included in this work are struggling to embrace risk management tools, participate in USDA 

programs, and stay on their land. To meet our goals, FLAG and our collaborating organization 

use culturally competent education, training, individual farmer support, and RMA involvement, 

to improve knowledge of and access to existing and emerging risk management tools. The 

insights, resources, and strategies that are part of this proposed work in Minnesota will be 

applicable in new American farming communities across the country.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

FLAG‘s project, Minnesota Hmong Farmer Risk Management Outreach, is reaching 

hundreds of limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and underserved family farmers who, until 

recently were disconnected from risk management programs or resources. Their farming was 

precarious, barely profitable, and often a second or third job. Now, scores of Hmong American 

farmers have benefitted from group and individual risk management training sessions, as well as 

individual assistance; and hundreds more have acquired educational materials FLAG distributed 

at trainings and through our collaborating partner, community organizations, and our website. 
34

All of those farmers return to their land with a greater knowledge of the tools and resources 

available to them as they manage risk and debt, plan for the future, and secure the financial good 

health of their operation. They are Hmong American farmers like the wife and husband raising 

specialty crops in rural St. Michael, Minnesota, for the Minneapolis Farmers Market and their 

own household. They returned to farming after losing the jobs they had found after arriving from 

a Laotian refugee camp. 

With the help of FLAG‘s project, Minnesota Hmong Farmer Risk Management Outreach,

the family registered their farm with USDA and applied for NAP coverage—just before a storm 

wiped out most of their beets, greens, tomatoes, and melons. They are now in a USDA Farm 

Service Agency (FSA) claims process that will assure their recovery for years ahead. They also 

have become a model for their Hmong American farmer neighbors who suffered similar or 

greater losses in the storms, but without crop insurance, and who now are turning to FLAG to 

apply for FSA Non-Insured Assistance Program (NAP) to help secure their agriculture future. 

FLAG‘s capacity-building work with our collaborator, advocates, and community leaders will 

multiply those outcomes among dozens, perhaps hundreds, more family farmers across our 

region in the years ahead.
35

Identifying and Managing Risk II: A Collaborative Approach 

To Assist Small, Minority, Limited-Resource and Socially Disadvantaged 

Producers to Mitigate Risk Associated with Value-Added Production, 

Marketing, Estate Planning, and Intergenerational Farm Succession

Edward Jerry Pennick, Project Manager

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund

Target Audience: Small, Minority, Limited-Resource and Socially Disadvantaged Producers in 

the Delta and Southeast Regions of the United States

Project Partners:

USDA Risk Management Agency

Southern University Law Center

Tuskegee University College of Agriculture

Geographic Area Served: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 820 

Project Scope and Status: 

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (Federation), Southern 

University Law Center (SULC), and Tuskegee University College of Agriculture (Tuskegee AG) 

have partnered with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) to provide outreach to small, 

minority, limited-resource and socially disadvantaged producers in the Delta and Southeast 

regions of the United States on the existing and emerging risk management tools that can be 

useful to producers and producer cooperatives entering and considering alternative crop 

production, value-added marketing, establishing or utilizing a value-added facility, and the risk 

management tools of estate planning and intergenerational farm succession. 

To accomplish these objectives, the partners have developed an Estate Planning Primer and Risk 

Mitigation Guide for Small Value Added Facilities. The Federation has also updated and 

reproduced the What Every Landowner Should Know brochure series and state-specific 

landowner manual entitled, Land Loss Prevention Manual. The Estate Planning Primer will 

provide producers with a template to facilitate the compilation of information needed for an 

attorney to prepare an estate plan; and, to provide useful tools to consider in the area of 

intergenerational farm succession planning. The Risk Mitigation Guide For Small Value Added 

Facilities will provide producers with risk management tools to address those risks associated 

with owning, operating, and utilizing a small value added facility. These materials have been 

disseminated at the workshops held in each target state. 
36

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: The expected outputs and outcomes of this project 

are as follows:

1. Education Outreach Project Component. The project partners are to complete 

workshops in each target state for a total of 10 workshops. Of the ten workshops, 

five are to focus on intergenerational farm succession and estate planning, and five 

are to focus on risk management tools associated with value-added production. 

The partners are to reach a total of 225 producers from the ten workshops. The 

partners are to also participate in four annual producer conferences held by the 

Federation. These conferences are: The Alabama State Association‘s Annual 

Meeting in Epes, Alabama; The Mississippi Association of Cooperatives Annual 

Meeting in Jackson, Mississippi; the Federation‘s Annual Meeting in Epes, 

Alabama; and, the Albany Annual Farmers Conference in Albany, Georgia. The 

anticipated goal for producers reached at the annual conferences was 750-1000 

producers. The project partners reached 650 producers at the conferences. The 

partners reached 170 producers at the workshops. The five, value-added 

production workshops will commence following production of the Risk Mitigation 

Small Value Added Facilities.

2. Education Material Development Project Component. The project partners met its 

goal in this component of the project. The partners reproduced 1500 Land Loss 

Prevention Manuals (300 per target state), and 2500 What Every Landowner 

Should Know brochure series (500 brochures per topic area. The Federation also 

developed and printed 1250 copies of the Estate Planning Primer. The Risk 

Mitigation Small Value Added Facilities is slated for print by September 13, 2010.
37

The Limited Resource, Socially Disadvantaged and Traditionally 

Underserved Producers Financial Literacy Training Project

Ivan Thornton, Project Manager 

Fiduciary Management Group, LLC

Target Audience: African-American, Native American, Hispanic/Latino American and Asian 

American farmers

Project Partners (to date): 

The Winston County (Mississippi) Self-Help Cooperative

Southern University Law Center

The Louisiana Association of Cooperatives

Geographic Area Served: Eastern Region

Louisiana 

Mississippi

North Carolina 

Virginia

Number of Farmers Reached (to-date, August 2010): 437

Project Scope and Status:

The Limited Resource Producer‘s Financial Literacy Project via Fiduciary Management Group, 

LLC aims to provide traditionally underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers – particularly 

African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian – with the necessary financial 

knowledge, training, tools and skill-sets that would enable them to become financially selfsustainable and competitive. The program is designed to help these farmers become more 

efficient and financially independent. This training includes, but is not limited to: 

Cash flow management 

Tax and accounting rules and regulations

Risk management 

Retirement planning

Estate planning 

Outputs and Outcomes:

The goal of the project was to provide targeted farmers with a framework of knowledge and 

understanding of financial terminology, rules and regulations, and various financial resources 

and programs. It was our attempt to equip targeted farmers with the necessary tools and skill sets 

that would enable them to be self sustainable and competitive. In our attempt to execute on our 

plan in the most efficient manner, Fiduciary Management Group, LLC chose the strategy of 

aligning ourselves with various farmer-specific organizations to partner with. We were able to 

partner with these organizations by participating in their various conferences. This strategy 

allowed us to maximize our reach by taking advantage of critical mass, thus saving time and 

money. 
38

Also, we found that these organizations had good rapport with the targeted audience, as there 

exists a degree of familiarity and trust. We felt that were we to approach the farmers on our 

own, there would be a degree of hesitancy on their part given that we were not a known entity, 

and are a New York based financial institution. These organizations provided excellent 

introductions to the targeted audience.

Members of the FMG team participated in a series of conferences where we were able to host 

symposiums, teach-ins and one-on-one private consultations with the targeted farmers in a nonthreatening, user friendly environment. Our goal was to establish, on average, one conference 

per month in the targeted geographic areas. Though the title of each symposium may have been 

different, the information delivered was consistent. The topics ranged from ―Proper Financial 

Controls, Long-Term Planning and Ownership Transfer‖ to ―Optimal Cash Flow Management‖ 

to ―Debt Capital Management and Credit Rating Implications.‖ In most of the sessions, the 

targeted audience showed particular interest in Estate Planning and Ownership Transfer 

techniques. There was also considerable focus on the use of the IRS Schedules C and F. FMG 

team members were quite surprised see how few farmers were familiar with this process. In the 

first four (4) months of the year, the Pigford II Settlement dominated discussion. During that 

time there was considerable news coverage pertaining to a forthcoming, long-awaited settlement. 

Seemingly each month, a bill had made its way through Congress with an allocation for funding 

of the Pigford Settlement. Clearly this was a hot topic of discussion. In dialogue, FMG 

members provided the targeted audience with publically available information on the Pigford II 

process and updates. Our focus however was to provide guidance on proper management of the 

potential lump-sum distributions.

In mid-May, there was a shift in focus as we received an urgent demand for assistance from the 

Gulf Coast, particularly from the Native American communities. The BP Deepwater Horizon 

Disaster had occurred in April and these communities were adversely impacted. Processing 

plants were shut down and for all intense and purposes shrimpers, oysterman, fisherman and the 

like were out of business. The claims process was proving quite onerous and there was need for 

advice pertaining to emergency budgeting. FMG members spent considerable time in the Gulf in 

areas such as Dulac, Houma, Terrebonne and St Tammany Parish assisting Native Americans, 

Asian Americans and Africa Americans through the BP documentation process. 

In short, he impact that FMG, LLC has had on the lives of these hard working fellow Americans 

through the USDA‘s Outreach and Assistance Partnership Project has been substantive. By 

providing the assistance, guidance, education and information to these farmers, we have in affect 

helped many to keep their farms in their family, expand where they could, and simply run a more 

efficient operation. As for the BP Gulf Coast effort, we are proud of the good work we have 

done there by providing much needed assistance to a much challenged community. 
39

Crop Insurance Risk Management Strategies for American Indian

Producers in the Contest of the New 2008 Farm Bill Disaster Programs

Chris Martinez Project Manager 

Fort Peck Community College/Department of Community Services

Target Audience: Native American families involved in agriculture

Project Partners:

Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Fort Peck Community College

Montana State University

Blackfeet Community College

Geographic Area Served: American Indian agricultural producers from seven Montana 

reservations, and one Wyoming reservation.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached:

At the Billings, Montana conference, during the course of the whole day we had a total of 71 

people participating, of which over 50 were from reservation communities.

At the May conference on the Blackfeet reservation, 21 people attended, of which about 7 were 

from reservation communities.

Through the use of the http://www.ampc.montana.edu/ and 

http://www.fortpeckcommunityservices.com/div_of_ag/index.html websites, the created policy 

and briefing papers can be view by thousands of individuals involved in agriculture.

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project was to identify existing, and where necessary develop new culturally 

appropriate curriculums and supporting curriculum materials. Another objective was to work 

with the RMA selected evaluation contractor to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational 

programs. Once we had approval from RMA on the accuracy of the material, and deliver the 

curriculum and curriculum materials for one-day risk management education conferences. An 

additional objective was to provide the curriculum materials to all American Indian agricultural 

producers in the Northern Great Plains by publishing the curriculum and curriculum materials on 

web sites. 

 
40

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project can be seen through the continued collaboration of the partners 

involved and RMA‘s input and approval of the following curriculum created;

o Policy Paper 34: Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): Wyoming 

o Policy Paper 31: Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Montana

o Policy Paper 33: Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE): Montana 

o Briefing 101: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised 

Fish Program (ELAP): Wyoming 

Briefing 100: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program 

(ELAP): Montana
41

Housing Education and Long-term Planning (HELP) Program

Keishon J. Thomas, Project Manager

Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program

Target Audience: Small-limited Resources Farmers/Landowners

Project Partners:

University of Georgia

USDA Rural Development

Georgia Legal Services

Team Agriculture Georgia

African American Family Farmers

Geographic Area Served: State of Georgia 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: To-date (August 2010) 130 small limited 

resource farmers/landowners have been reached.

Project Scope and Status: The Housing Education & Long-term Planning (H.E.L.P.) program

will assist minority producers and farmers with housing and long-term planning to ensure the 

sustainability of their operations for generations to come. The H.E.L.P. program will provide 

three (3) workshops to minority and limited resource farmers on housing education and longterm planning, (i.e. estate planning). Increase communications and outreach to small, minority 

and limited resource farmers/landowners. Create an electronic database, including GIS of small 

minority and limited resource farmers/landowners located in the black-belt counties of Georgia. 

Lastly, the H.E.L.P. program will develop estate planning tools (i.e. wills and deeds) to assist the 

target audience. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Project Agreement #10IE08310031 has appointed a planning committee for the Hancock County 

workshop. The committee will hold a meeting in September 2010. 

H.E.L.P. sponsored its first of three workshops in Jeffersonville, GA at the Twiggs County High 

School on June 7, 2010. Over 70 minority and limited resource farmers attended the event. 

Topics included Social Security and Estate Planning.

H.E.L.P. has secured information on 130 farmers to begin input onto database. The database will 

continue to be updated regularly.

H.E.L.P. has developed a resource manual that contains estate planning tools including; 

understanding the living will, glossary of terms, and power of attorney for healthcare and 

financial. 

 

HELP has distributed estate planning information to over 60 farmers. 
42

Growing Growers for the Good Food Movement

A Mentoring & Outreach Program 

for Underserved Local & Organic Farmers

Alice Rolls, Project Manager

Georgia Organics

Target Audience: Socially disadvantaged producers, Sustainable Producers, Organic Producers

Project Partners: University of Georgia

Fort Valley State University

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service,

USDA Agriculture Research Service

Experienced Sustainable

Organic Farmers in Georgia

Geographic Area Served: State of Georgia

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached 

Mentor Program: 15

Phone, In-Person, E-mail Support: 240

Workshops/Field Days: 210

Georgia Organics Conference: 450

Exhibiting at other Conferences: 700

Georgia Organics Communications (Web/Newsletters/Food Guide): 5,000

Project Scope and Status

The continued strength in national organic food sales coupled with the rise in farmers markets, 

CSA‘s, and local food retail and restaurant outlets nationwide is creating a supply and demand 

tug of war that will ultimately dictate the growth of this movement. Sustainable and organic 

farmers are being sought to fill the demand void, but robust strategic education and resources are 

only now forthcoming with the 2007 Farm Bill. States and cooperative extension services have 

been slow to address the needs for educational training and outreach leaving a network of small 

nonprofits, agencies, and farm-related organizations with the task of devising creative solutions 

on limited budgets. 

The South lags behind in organic acreage. Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and 

Mississippi rank 42nd, 43rd, 44th, 49th and 50th respectively out of 50 states in certified crop 

and pastureland. Georgia, as the 5th largest vegetable producing state in the nation, is well poised 

to capitalize on these shifting markets, along with other southern states, but challenges must be 

overcome to support underserved farmers in their migration towards organic production while 

developing the necessary infrastructure to foster local markets. 
43

Georgia Organics‘ project builds on a successful history of risk management training, direct 

mentoring, and outreach to diverse audiences through strong collaborative partnerships. 

Specifically the program is designed to:

1. Mentor 200 farmers through educational workshops, field days, conferences and the 

organization‘s year-long farmer-to-farmer mentoring program.

2. Market and educate farmers through the organization‘s two key communication tools: the 

Local Food Guide and web-based resources, networks and marketing directories. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project

1. Mentor 200 farmers through educational workshops, field days, conferences and the 

organization‘s existing farmer-to-farmer mentoring program.

a. Provide year-long, farmer-to-farmer mentoring for twelve new, emerging or 

transitioning farmers through hands-on consulting and farm visits with 

experienced and knowledgeable growers. 

b. Host quarterly in-depth workshops on pertinent risk management topics in 

collaboration with project partners. Include on-farm training where possible.

c. Offer 30 scholarships for underserved and limited-resource farmers to attend 

Georgia Organics annual two-day educational conference. 

d. Participate in six key farm conferences and trade shows in the South, primarily in 

Georgia, with collaborative partners to improve outreach to wider and more 

diverse audiences.

2. Market and educate farmers through the organization‘s key communication tools.

a. Produce the 4th edition of the Local Food Guide.

b. Improve and upgrade web-based technologies to provide better educational 

resource delivery and connectivity solutions for producers to interact with each 

other as well as potential buyers and consumers.
44

New Farmer Development Project

Michelle Hughes, Project Manager

Greenmarket/GrowNYC 

(Formerly known as Council on the Environment of NYC)

Target Audience: All immigrants with a current focus on Hispanic Americans; Socially 

Disadvantaged and Limited Resource Producers

Project Partners: 

USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA)

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets 

County Cooperative Extension Agents in NY, NJ and PA

Beginning Farmer Learning Network 

Heifer International 

New York Immigration Coalition 

Basis Foods/Farm to Chef 

New York and New Jersey FarmLink Programs 

Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, P.C.

Cornell Small Farms Program 

New York Farmers Market Federation 

New York Immigration Coalition

Mi Kitchen es Su Kitchen 

NFDP Advisory Committee 

Established farmers

Regional landowners 

African Services Committee 

CAMBA 

New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)

New York Kitchen Co. 

Open Space Institute (OSI) 

Geographic Area Served: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Number of Farmers and Ranchers Reached: 40

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to educate and support immigrants 

with agricultural experience to become successful farmers in the northeastern United States. 

The New Farmer Development Project (NFDP) is based in New York City, and supports new 

farmers in New York‘s Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, as well as in New Jersey, and 

Pennsylvania. New York State lost 6% of its farmland between 2002 and 2007, and at the same 

time, the NYC Department of Planning estimated that there were 3 million people in NYC in 

high need of fresh food. 
45

Over the past ten years, we have trained more than 150 limited resource farmers from Latin 

American countries to farm working with the opportunities and challenges of this region. Since 

2000, 21 NFDP farmers have established their own farm businesses, and 6 have purchased land 

in the region. These farmers represent the next generation of local food producers, and their 

success will help preserve regional farmland and increase the supply of fresh food in city 

neighborhoods.

Our goal is to provide these farmers with the training, information, and assistance they need to 

operate economically and environmentally sustainable family farm businesses. We offer 

comprehensive training programs for both new and more established farmers that focus on the 

risks that new farmers face in our region and existing and emerging risk management tools. As 

part of these programs, participants are provided with production, marketing, financial, legal, and 

labor information and resources. We also provide individualized support including farmland

identification, one-on-one marketing and production assistance, mentorship opportunities and 

access to a microcredit loan fund. 

Project Outputs and Outcomes: To date, the NFDP has achieved the following outcomes:

21 immigrant-owned farm businesses have been started successfully with the support of the 

NFDP. This includes 2 new farm business started in 2010.

NFDP farmers are selling fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, pastured poultry and eggs, and 

honey throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley.

20 NFDP farmers are enrolled nearly 70 farmers markets for the 2010 market season, and 7 

farmers will sell to 15 CSA communities in the 2010 season.

NFDP farmers have brought a variety of fresh specialty produce into the marketplace, 

including papalo, pipicha, alache, epazote, verdolaga, tlapanche, squash blossoms, 

tomatillos, various hot peppers, and callaloo.

NFDP farmers made approximately $230,000 in Farmers Market Nutrition Program 

(FMNP) checks and $40,123 in Electronic Benefits Transfer sales in 2009, and these totals 

are expected to increase this market season. FMNP checks are given to low-income 

individuals participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Senior Citizens 

Programs so that they may have greater access to fresh local fruits and vegetables.

In addition, outputs for 2009 included:

68 farmers attended 6 NFDP advanced training workshops 

18 farmers attended regional conferences and trainings

8 NFDP farmers have received individual financial management training

5 NFDP farmers worked with established, mentor farmers

150 participants received NFDP newsletters

NFDP provided simultaneous English-Spanish interpretation for all advanced training 

workshops, meetings and 5 regional conferences and workshops

6 microcredit loans totaling $30,000 have been made to NFDP farmers by the NFDP 

farmer advisory committee, and 3 loans totaling $8,000 have been repaid.
46

Growing Opportunities: Regional Outreach, Training and Marketing Project

Will Allen, Project Manager

Growing Power, Inc.

Target Audience: Socially disadvantaged and/or limited resource farmers/ranchers, including 

Women, African Americans, Latinos, Asian-American, Native Americans, Immigrants, and lowincome ―urban farmers.‖

Project Partners:

Dorothy Grady-Scarborough, Mississippians Engaged in Greener Agriculture

Dr. Barry Colley and S. Diane Colley, Seven Harvest, Inc.

Dr. Mark Latimore, Fort Valley State University

Gary Heine, Breaking New Grounds

Malik K. Yakini, The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network

Geographic Area Served: Midwest (WI, IL, IN, IA, MN, MI)

South (AR, MS, LS)

Southeast (GA, SC)

Metropolitan Louisville, KY

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 250

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to support the development of 

Regional Outreach, Training, and Marketing Centers that will support limited resource (LR), 

socially disadvantaged (SD), and traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers, i.e., 

African American, Latino, Asian, immigrant/refugee, and women. The Growing Opportunities 

project will provide culturally appropriate technical assistance and outreach services that will 

directly increase farmers/ranchers with long-term capacity building and the ability to access 

USDA programs, services, and resources, to utilize low-cost, proven, risk mitigating production 

strategies, and to establish and sustain new market opportunities. This will all significantly 

enhance their economic sustainability. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Outcome 1: Increase the capacity of five SD/LR farmer rancher outreach partner sites to 

serve as training and technical assistance providers in their respective regions.

Outputs: Construction of a hoop house and the installation of composting, vermicomposting, and 

aquaponics systems at the respective sites and training of regional staff 

Outcome 2: Increase the knowledge and use of USDA programs, services, and resources on 

the part of LR/SD farmers and ranchers in the five geographic regions targeted in this 

project.
47

Outputs:

Access to USDA programs, services, and resources through the community-based Farm 

Service Agency kiosk stationed at the Growing Power National Training and Community 

Food Center (workshop participants and the general public has access to the computer).

Information sessions provided by USDA partners and project staff at all national and 

regional trainings

Through regional centers the following provided:

- Assist producers in signing-up for the Minority Farm Registry and the farm 

identification 

 survey

- Provide one-on-one technical assistance in preparing applications for USDA programs, 

 services, and resources, as may be appropriate

Development, publication, and dissemination (mail and e-mail version) of semi-annual 

newsletter focusing on USDA programs, technical training opportunities, and other 

relevant information for LR/SD producers

Outcome 3: Improve the growing, processing, and marketing skills of LR/SD farmers and 

ranchers.

Outputs:

Five national workshops in Milwaukee and one regional training at each of the other five 

SD/LR farmer/rancher outreach partner sites focusing on the following: Building soil 

fertility through the use of compost and vermicomposting; High yield production 

practices, i.e., plasticulture, raised beds, extended season production; Post harvest 

practices, i.e., hydro-cooling, proper packing and storage; Marketing strategies for local 

and regional markets; and Developing the capacity of LR/SD farmers and ranchers to 

sustain accounts with consistent delivery of quality products.

One-on-one technical assistance related to the above and to LR/SD farmers/ranchers 

seeking organic certification provided primarily at regional sites

Outcome 4: Increase the number of LR/SD farmers and ranchers marketing their 

products through the Rainbow Farmers Cooperative to the City of Milwaukee, the State of 

Wisconsin, and the Metropolitan Chicago, IL area, thus increasing their economic 

sustainability.

Outputs:

Conduct market research on crops that are in demand in the targeted northern markets

On-going training, technical assistance, and mentoring for LR/SD producers focusing on 

optimizing the quality, quantity, and consistency of their products

Training provided to LR/SD producers to increase their marketing skills 
48

Community Outreach and Assistance/ Farm to School Project

Hispanic Farmers & Ranchers of America Inc.

Lupe L. Garcia Project Manager

Target Audience: Hispanic Americans, Women, Other

Project Partners: N/A

Geographic Area Served:

Southern New Mexico (Dona Ana County, NM)

Far West Texas (El Paso County, TX)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 300 Farmers & Ranchers

Project Scope and Status:

The goal of the project is to provide outreach and technical assistance and ultimately improve the 

economic viability of their respective farms. Service will focus on enhancing success through the 

introduction of technology; technical assistance with farm financial management, and loan 

applications; banking, and other life skills training.

The project currently provides risk management education and community outreach in Dona Ana 

County, NM and El Paso County, TX. These counties consist of a high concentration of socially 

and economically disadvantaged minority women, and men who own/lease and operate their 

own their perspective farms and ranches throughout the project region.

Currently the Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers of America Inc, (HFRA) Outreach and assistance 

project are providing individualized, one-on-one educational instruction and intensive training to 

program participants. Technical assistance is provided on topics such as quality production in 

agriculture, preparation of marketing plans; usage and tracking of farm business records; training 

participants in the use of computer programs such as a simple spread sheet and how to create and 

fill and use in their day to day life; using computer programs to help analyze their farm records 

to know what is effecting their bottom line. The project is also aiding in completing applications 

for FSA farm ownership and operating loans, while conducting on farm/ranch risk management. 

On September 15th 2009 during the Project Directors Meeting, the Hispanic Farmers and 

Ranchers of America Inc, was awarded funding in the amount of $125,000.00 dollars for fiscal 

year 2009/2010. In receiving funding for our USDA Risk Management Agency community 

based project, the Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers of America will be able to expand our 

outreach to our regions small farmers and ranchers by aiding and informing them of the need to 

obtain more profitable and sustaining markets for their products, while informing more of our 

regions small farmers and ranchers on the necessity to learn risk management strategies and 

obtain crop insurance while aiding them to acquire and obtain new markets and more marketable 

options as well as try to create a new market for our areas farmers produce by forming a Farm to 

School program where the areas produce will be served at area schools during Breakfast and 

school lunches. This is greatly needed in our area.
49

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Outputs:

 Maintain the number of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who own 

and operate farms and ranches in the target region

 Introduce viable new markets and effective marketing strategies to improve 

competitiveness and profitability of area small farmers and ranchers

 Increase local marketing opportunities for small farmers and ranchers

 Develop a Farm to School Program for Southern New Mexico 

Outcomes: 

 Developed Farm to School Program with our local Las Cruces Public School 

District and provided produce through the sale of Cantaloupe, Watermelon & Zucchini 

Squash grown by our local farmers. By doing so this created a new market for our 

farmers. Our local school district is compromised 32 schools and the pilot Farm to 

School program was able to provide the aforementioned produce to four schools in the 

district. Hopefully with continued funding, HFRA can continue to provide this service 

and market to our local school district and farmers in the coming year.

 Provided a new market for locally grown Onions to be sold to the Eastern part of 

the United States. 
50

Tribal Producer Risk Management Training/Tribal Assessment

Dick Gooby, Project Manager

Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA)

Target Audience: Indian Nations and their citizens in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, 

Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington 

Project Partners (as follows):

OKLAHOMA:

39 Indian Nations located in Oklahoma/Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council 

Oklahoma Conservation Commission

USDA/ Federal Agencies – Risk Management Agency (RMA), Natural Resource Conservation 

Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development (RD), Animal Plant Health 

and Inspection Service (APHIS), United State Geological Service (USGS)

University of Arkansas/Southern Education Risk Management Center

OREGON:

Burns Paiute Nation

USDA Agencies – RMA, NRCS, FSA, RD, APHIS

WASHINGTON:

Colville Reservation –

USDA Agencies - RMA, FSA, NRCS

NEVADA:

USDA Agencies – RMA (CA), FSA, NRCS

CALIFORNIA:

USDA Agencies

IDAHO:

USDA Agencies

MONTANA:

USDA Agencies

Geographic Area Served: California, Idaho Montana Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and

Washington

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

OKLAHOMA: INCA, in partnership with the Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory 

Council (OTCAC), have reached all 39 Indian Nations located in Oklahoma with RMA and

USDA information. This has been accomplished through six major outreach meetings with 

attendance in excess of 300 tribal members and tribal representatives. OTCAC has held and 

sponsored over 390 such meetings since 2004. In FY 2010, INCA and the OTCAC coordinated
51

with the 39 Indian Nations in Oklahoma to meet with Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary

Merrigan to discuss USDA services and programs as well as local needs. RMA opportunities

were discussed. 

OREGON: Jo Lynne Seufer, RMA, met with the Tiicham Tribal Conservation District to

develop a Cooperative Working Agreement. The agreement was signed by Spokane RMA 

Regional Director Dave Paul and Louie Dick, Chairman of the Tiicham TCD. This agreement 

sets up the communications system between the two and provide an excellent vehicle for RMA

to get the word out on RMA programs. INCA is working with the Burns Paiute to develop a

Tribal Conservation District and schedule meetings with USDA. 

WASHINGTON: INCA has worked with the tribes in getting USDA information to them and

to connect communication networks. This has involved RMA information. In March 2010, two

meetings were held on the Colville Reservation and involved RMA, FSA and NRCS.

Approximately 32 people attended these meetings.

NEVADA: INCA has worked with the tribes to establish tribal conservation districts and

provide USDA information. INCA is planning on meeting with the Intertribal Council of

Nevada and RMA information will be presented. INCA has worked with the Ely Shoshone, 

Washoe and Paiute Tribes in Nevada and California.

IDAHO: A meeting was held on the Fort Hall reservation on August 11 and covered RMA 

information along with other USDA agencies. Tribes from surrounding states were invited.

MONTANA: INCA is working with the tribes and determining contacts to provide RMA for

future outreach activities and partnering.

INCA‟S NATIONAL MEETING – December 2009 – Las Vegas: The meeting had over 560

in attendance and RMA had a breakout session. A breakout session was held to discuss RMA

Livestock Risk Management opportunities. RMA Team Members, Billings, moderated and

spoke at the session on Livestock Insurance. Twenty tribal members attended.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to establish communication networks 

between RMA and the Indian Nations in various states. This is on-going.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: The success of the project is to establish 

communication and information networks with Indian Nations in various states. This has been 

accomplished although the task is ongoing. 

Annie‟s National Outreach Center Project: Phase II Development
52

William Edwards, Project Manager

Tim Eggers, Co-Manager

Madeline Schultz, Co-Manager

Bob Wells, Co-Manager

Iowa State University Extension

Target Audience: Women farmers and ranchers 

Project Partners: Network of Educators

Annie‘s Project – Education for Farm Women not-for-profit organization

Iowa State University Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources

USDA-RMA Community Outreach and Assistance

Geographic Area Served: There are 34 states served through this project:

Ten targeted new states: In the Northeast: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RD, VT, 

and WV; and in the West: UT. 

Two other new states: NM and TX. 

Twenty-one states with continuing programming: AR, DE,FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, 

KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI.

One state with past programs, but none Oct. 2009 to Sept. 2010: MS. 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: There were 1,038 women farmers and 

ranchers reached by the network of educators during the period of Oct. 2009 to Sept. 2010. 

Class facilitators were supported in the delivery of 74 classes in 21 states.

Delivery capacity was developed in ten targeted Northeastern and Western states; 

as well as NM and TX. 

Partnerships were strengthened with 1890 Land Grant Universities and Federally 

Recognized Tribal Partners.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to support the delivery of risk 

management education to women farmers and ranchers by providing services to and drawing

together a national network of educators who collaborate and build each other‘s skills. The 

project support:

1) taking five targeted new state or regional partners through the adaptation of 

courses to their client needs, educator training, and delivery of the first course; 

2) continuing programs in other states or regions through networking and professional 

development opportunities, assistance in course management and evaluation, 

maintenance of program integrity, national communications and development of 

improved methods and new courses; and 

3) meeting the unique risk management learning requirements of women farmers and 

ranchers. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 
53

The project team changed the name of the collaborative project from the Annie‘s National 

Outreach Center Project to the Annie‘s National Network Initiative for Educational Success 

(ANNIES). The mission of ANNIES is to empower farm women to be better business 

partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. 

By USDA‘s definition, women are an underserved audience. The primary beneficiaries of these 

grant funds are small to medium sized family farms operated by women owners and partners, 

who want to learn how to utilize available risk management tools to secure a better living.

Women who participate in ANNIES increase use of USDA risk management programs, share 

new knowledge with their families, incorporate risk management tools and methods into their 

businesses and create lasting mentoring relationships with service providers and each other.

ANNIES at ISU Extension works closely with the state/regional Coordinators who in turn work 

closely with the local Facilitators who deliver Annie‘s Project Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Most 

ANNIES educators are Cooperative Extension professionals or educators from community based 

organizations. Courses demonstrate crop insurance, transition planning, managerial accounting 

and other risk management tools women farmers and ranchers can implement. ANNIES 

educators agree to maintain these enduring course principles: 

1. Teach all five areas of risk management: financial, human, legal, marketing and 

production in Level 1 courses and focus on one of these areas in Level 2 courses; 

2. Allocate half of the class time to discussion and hand-on activities; 

3. Use local female educators and service providers to present topics; 

4. Provide un-biased, research based information; and 

5. Create a comfortable learning environment where all questions are welcome and 

mentoring is spontaneous

ANNIES promoted risk management education programs for women and developed 

relationships with educators in targeted states. The team assisted new states or regions in the 

development of new programs through stakeholder meetings, adaptation and selection of 

materials and speakers most applicable for target audiences, and course delivery support. 

Some of these states began delivering courses this year, most are preparing to begin in 2011.

ANNIES supports the national network of educators through monthly topic teleconferences, 

newsletters, public and educator web sites, evaluation services, products for participant use 

such as professional-looking portfolios and USB drives, delivery of professional 

development, and providing an organized network within which to share best practices, solve 

problems and improve educational efficiency and effectiveness. 

ANNIES participated in the 2010 RME National Women in Agriculture conference in 

Baltimore, MD. The grant team presented five individual papers, and other ANNIES 

educators delivered an additional seven papers, each representing a specific topic related to 

risk management education for women farmers and ranchers. Conference organizers created 

an ANNIES tract for these presentations. ANNIES also presented papers at the National Farm 

Management Triennial conference highlighting project successes. 

Iowa Women in Agriculture‟s Mobile Computer Lab
54

Iowa Women in Agriculture (IWIA)

Angie Treptow, Project Manager

Target Audience: Women involved in the production or business of Agriculture

Project Partners: Farm Services Agency-Iowa, NRCS- Iowa, and Iowa State University 

Extension / Risk Programs to Women

Geographic Area Served: The IWIA Mobile Computer Lab traveled across the entire state of 

Iowa to rural locations

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Approximately 115 Ag Women were served 

through the IWIA Mobile Computer Lab. There was available in multiple events and locations 

throughout Iowa so that as many women could be served as possible. 

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project was to deliver risk management 

program training and information to women farmers as underserved producers by offering handson training/education on existing and emerging on-line and/or electronic risk management tools 

and programs. They received help with navigating through the increasing number of on-line 

and/or electronic government-based opportunities, and became familiar with the kind of risks 

addressed by these online tools. The women could then identify, evaluate and select the most 

appropriate government risk management opportunity to use for their particular situation and 

better manage their risks accordingly.

The purpose of this project was to also collaborate with at least four partners including RMA to 

deliver education and or promote the IWIA Mobile Computer Lab, identify and update 5 or more 

priority topic areas as well as associated materials/resources on which to focus training efforts. 

Our goal was to conduct 16 training/educational sessions utilizing the IWIA Mobile Computer 

Lab in several new counties. We wanted to reach as many women as possible during the grant 

period, and to make the mobile computer lab available to additional women‘s and other 

undeserved producer groups to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Outputs and Outcomes of the project: 

The IWIA has successfully completed 13 different training / educational sessions utilizing the 

IWIA Mobile Computer Lab in five different locations across Iowa. The computer lab has been 

made available to over 115 Agricultural women and other undeserved producer groups to 

enhance their knowledge and skills. Training / educational sessions enhanced the participant‘s 

knowledge and skills in marketing, Intro to Computers, and Understanding the FSA/NRCS/ISU 

Websites. The IWIA worked closely with marketing consultants and organizations for the 

marketing skill sets classes and partnered with the FSA / NRCS / ISU to receive help with 

navigating through the increasing number of on-line and/or electronic government-based 

systems. The IWIA is currently working with the Annie‘s Project, which is an Iowa State 

University Extension program. In early 2011, the Annie‘s Project is planning to utilize the IWIA 

Mobile Computer Lab to serve another group of women in furthering their education through 

computers.
55

Effective Risk Management through Awareness, Access and Education for 

Specialty Crop, Minority and Limited Resource Producers

Mercedes Taylor-Puckett, Project Manager

Kansas Rural Center

Target Audience: Specialty Crop, Minority and Limited Resource Producers

Project Partners:

Kansas State Research and Extension‘s Growing Growers Program

Great Plains Growers Conference planning Committee

Kansas Department of Agriculture

Kansas Department of Commerce

Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops

Geographic Area Served: Primarily Kansas

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

459 (to-date, August 2010). Attendees have participated in a total of 3,554 of educational 

programming through this project.

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to collaborate with existing programs, conferences and 

organizations to alert producers to risk management opportunities, to enhance producers‘ 

ability to locate risk management information and training, and to strengthen risk 

management education and training to a broad agricultural audience. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: (Objectives)

1. Increase beginner farmer educational opportunities for socially disadvantaged Growing 

Growers applicants. Status: Two Growing Grower Apprentice Scholarships awarded, 

training ongoing.

2. Provide a forum for dissemination of Risk Management information and tools for limited 

resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally underserved producers in Kansas. 

Status: Growing Growers Organic Certification 101 workshop completed. Resources: 

http://www.ksfarmersmarkets.org/resources/about-organic-certification?v=producers . 

Growing Growers Managing Financial Risk through Insurance workshop scheduled. 

3. Significantly increase specialty crop producers‘ awareness of impact of appropriate 

product pricing on business sustainability and provide access to resource tools to assist 

producers in making sound business decisions. Status: Growing Your Farm Profits 

workshop completed. Resources: http://www.ksfarmersmarkets.org/resources/grow-yourfarm-profits-workshop?v=producers

4. Enhance the dissemination of risk management information and tools to limited resource, 

socially disadvantaged and other traditionally underserved producers in Iowa, Kansas, 

Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Status: Growing Your Farm Profits workshop 

completed. Resources: http://extension.missouri.edu/buchanan/GPVGC2010.shtml
56

5. Kansas‘ direct marketers will develop a more complete knowledge base of opportunities 

to mange risk and maintain compliance with state regulations leading to safer products 

and more profitable agricultural operations. Status: Five Direct Marketing 101 workshops 

completed. Resources will be available:

http://www.ksfarmersmarkets.org/resources/direct-marketing-101-workshoppresentations?v=producers

6. Kansas River Valley specialty crop, organic and livestock producers will increase farm 

profitability through risk management training and contracts developed with food buyers. 

Status: Growing Local Connections workshop scheduled. Kansas Farm to School

workshop completed. Farm to School Resources

http://kansasfarm2school.blogspot.com/p/sprouting-healthy-kids-workshop.html

7. Assemble all project presentations, resources and tools onto one website with additional 

RMA risk management material to serve as comprehensive risk management. Status: Our 

Local Food Kansas web site under development. 

8. Engage the regional food community, including retail grocers, schools, institutional 

buyers, caterers, restaurants, bakeries, food processors, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, 

vintners, artisan producers of specialty items, in developing a strengthened regional local 

food economy. Status: Program is in initial implementation stage. Temporary site with 

program information: http://www.kawrivervalley.org/
57

Women Managing the Farm

Charlotte Shoup Olsen, Project Manager

Kansas State University

Target Audience: Farm and ranch women

Project Partners: USDA Risk Management Agency – Outreach and Assistance Partnership 

Program, Kansas State University, K-State Research and Extension, Kansas Farm Bureau, 

Kansas Agri-Women, Kansas Rural Family Helpline, Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services, 

Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat 

Growers, Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Cooperative 

Council, ProAg Insurance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, USDA Farm Service Agency, and USDA 

Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Geographic Area Served: Kansas and Oklahoma

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 273

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to plan and implement a regional 

conference for farm and ranch women that offers risk management training, including diverse 

strategies to address various levels of knowledge for planning and implementing changes in their 

agricultural operations; to offer support groups passed on each conference participant‘s primary 

role on the farm/ranch, giving them opportunity to address risk management and emotional needs 

of farm/ranch women and build connections for future networking; maintain and further develop 

a ―Women Managing the Farm‖ website as a center of information which will link project 

partners, materials, speakers, and attendees to facilitate ongoing education and networking; and 

assemble and further develop risk management instructional materials and tools that will be 

delivered through the multiple project venues.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: The success of the project is evidenced by the regional 

conference that was held on February 5-6, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita, KS, where 

4,095 hours of training were delivered to 273 participants. Each participant received a CD of the 

conference proceedings that included various levels of training, planning, and implementation 

materials on risk management practices for farming/ranching operations. Over the two days of 

the conference, workshop presentations covered business planning, facilitating family meetings, 

agriculture water rights, long term care insurance, farm vehicle transportation, basic and 

advanced estate and tax planning for agricultural families, product marketing for specialty crops, 

legislation impacting agriculture, beef quality assurance, farm safety, mental health needs of 

farm families, seed technology and terminology, balance sheet basics, farm and home 

organization, fertilizer basics, USDA farm programs, family communication, soil and crop 

rotation, grain marketing tools and strategies, community leadership, and horticulture basics. 

Keynote speakers focused on financial management, agricultural law and taxation, women‘s 

health issues, agriculture liability issues, and learning how to share agricultural stories. These 

sessions were interspersed with networking opportunities where the women participants were 

encouraged to learn from each other. Each participant chose her primary agricultural role (Ag 

partner, independent Ag producer, Ag helper, absentee landowner, Ag industry career woman, 

business manager) for a networking session early on during the conference. A special networking 

group was created for women with family members in the military. Thus, conference meals, 

breaks, professional and commercial vendor exhibit times, and the Friday evening reception 
58

allowed the women to identify with those that they had met earlier in the networking sessions. 

RMA‘s partnership allowed the conference organizers to offer scholarships for farm/ranch 

women with limited resources. Forty-three registration scholarships were awarded. Other 

partnering organizations also offered registration scholarships or vouchers.

Out of the 273 registered participants, 109 completed the conference evaluations. On a scale of 

1-5, the average score of the overall training was 4.40. Over ninety-four percent of the 

respondents would recommend the conference to other women agricultural producers. They were 

given an opportunity to list the types of changes they hoped to make in their agricultural 

operations as a result of attending the conference and becoming more knowledgeable. For 

changes within the next three months, women indicated numerous issues with many naming 

legal and financial issues such as updating estate plans, wills, contracts, better organization of 

financial records, increasing marketing options, and better family communication. Similar 

answers were given for desired changes within a year and five years down the road. 

Ninety-seven percent of the respondents indicated that they had access to the Internet and 91 

percent indicated that they regularly used email, Twitter, blogs, Facebook, etc. Establishing a 

web presence continues to be important for conference organizers based on this feedback. The 

website posts selected conference materials to allow women to have access to the presentation 

information after they return home. The materials can be accessed at: 

http://www.togpartners.com/wmf/presentations.aspx
59

Improving Risk Management during the First Five years of Farming 

Farm Beginnings Risk Assessment Planning and Support

Amy Bacigalupo and Nick Olson, Project Managers

Land Stewardship Project

Target Audience: 

Land Stewardship Project‘s Farm Beginnings program is committed to a continual advancement 

of opportunities for socially disadvantaged, limited resource and under-served beginning 

farmers. This commitment is connected to our organizational goal of addressing inequities in the 

current food and farming system. Through Farm Beginnings we have learned that access to land 

is a major hurdle for socially disadvantaged beginning farmers. We are focusing more time on 

our work with Hmong farmers in the Driftless region to help look for ways to connect them with 

our farmer members to find access to land. We are also looking at the issue of land access more 

systematically to see what can be done to create more equitable access for socially disadvantaged 

and limited resource farmers. This work builds on the continued success of our training programs 

that better prepare farmers to manage successful business. In our Farm Beginnings program 53% 

of our participants are women. 

Project Partners: 

Our current partners include Glen Hill with Minnesota Food Association (MFA), Lou Anne Kling

with the American Indian Credit and Outreach Initiative, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin with the 

Latino Enterprise Center (LEC), Faye Jones with Midwest Organic Sustainable Education 

Service (MOSES), Nigatu Tadesse with Farm Service Agency (FSA), Susan Stokes with Farmers 

Legal Action Group (FLAG) and Victor Contreras with Centro Campesino. These partnerships 

are an essential part of a support network for beginning farmers. Each partner brings a unique 

focus and set of abilities to the work helping farmers launch successful businesses

Geographic Area Served:

Farm Beginnings currently draws beginning farmers from the both urban and rural areas. The 

primary regions in which we drew from in 2009-10 season were west-central MN, central MN, 

Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and western WI. Our two classes were held in St. Joseph, MN 

and River Falls, WI. Our workshops, field days and farm tours took place in our two designated 

regions: the Prairie Region and the Driftless Region. The Prairie Region includes a large 

portion of central, west-central and south-western MN. The Driftless Region includes a large 

portion of south-central MN, south-eastern MN, west-central WI and south-western WI. 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

72 beginning farmers participated in 2009-10 Farm Beginnings program in one of two 

regions.

72 beginning farmers explored whole farm planning, enterprise planning and business 

planning through 39 hours of in-class presentations by established farmers and communityresource people.

19 limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers assisted in implementing 

management plans (scholarships)

60 farmers participated in in-depth winter workshops.

34 beginning farmers received in-depth technical assistance phone calls to plan for their 

upcoming growing seasons.
60

255 farmers participated in 10 on-farm field days exploring a diverse set of topics.

1 Livestock Loan was awarded to a beginning farmer.

20 immigrant farmers attended a Whole Farm Planning workshop in St. Paul.

6 farm families received a technical assistance visit by our Livestock Loan Committee.

LSP staff met with the staff of the Latino Enterprise Center to link Latino farmers with 

established farmers and mentors.

75 LSP members including farmers attended and event and heard from two Hmong farmers 

about their farming and challenges. 

5 LSP staff members met with 20 Hmong farmers to discuss land access issues. 

21 aspiring farmers attend 4 hour workshop to explore potential farming dreams. 

5 farmers and 4 LSP staff members met with an established farmers and his Latino farm 

worker to explore issues and concerns.

Project Scope and Status:

Farm Beginnings recognizes that broader support is needed for beginning farmers during their 

first 5 years in farming. The crops and livestock enterprises that new farmers are pursuing 

include diversified, small scale, direct marketing approaches to farm business. In these types of 

farms the type of risk is significantly different and requires different risk management strategies. 

These farmers are in the position to turn a profit from their small farm if they are able to develop 

sound management plans that account for the variability in a diversified farm that relies on direct 

markets. During this economic recession, beginning farmers are more vulnerable to changes in 

markets and production costs. These factors require a redoubling of our effort to support 

beginning farmers throughout their start-up phase. To do this LSP, in addition to continuing our 

in-depth, year-long whole farm planning training, has expanded the number of advanced 

trainings and on-farm support for graduates of our Farm Beginnings program. In addition we 

have continued to build relationships, conduct outreach and one-on-one technical assistance with 

Latino and Hmong farmers in rural Minnesota communities where we currently work.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Farm Beginnings will increase the number of farmers on the land and farming livestock and 

crops sustainably. Farmers will be better prepared to successfully manage risks allowing them to 

reach their farming goals. 

New opportunity‘ farmers, including socially disadvantaged and limited resource, have a 

better chance of farming successfully and sustainably.

Socially disadvantaged farmers have increased access to culturally appropriate training 

opportunities and a support network. 

Regionally, partner organizations work together to serve the needs of limited resource and 

socially disadvantaged  ̳New opportunity‘ farmers in our region.

LSP staff, members and community have an increased awareness and understanding 

regarding the issues and opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers.
61

Partnership for Sustainable Small Producers (Pass)

D. Chongo Mundende, Project Manager

Langston University

Target Audience: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Women, Other 

Underserved Producers

Project Partners: Kiowa Native farms, LLC, McCurtain Goat Growers Association, Oklahoma 

Black Historical Research Project, Inc., Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Risk 

Management Agency, USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation 

Service, USDA Rural Development, Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers Association, National 

Women in Agriculture Association 

Geographic Area Served: 44 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 410

Project Scope and Status: The main purpose of this project is to train SDA producers to 

reduce, avoid, and manage agricultural risks. The specific objectives of this proposal are to: 

(1) train producers in understanding risk management strategies, and (2) train farmers in 

recordkeeping.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

Outputs: over 60 community meetings, 20 group training workshops, 3 conferences, and 

numerous farm visits. In training producers in understanding risk management strategies and 

tools, 12 workshops were conducted in four regions of the project area emphasizing the need to 

consider agricultural risks and how agriculture was a business. One hundred and fifty people 

were trained in farm financial management, of whom 65 also learned about recordkeeping 

strategies. Whereas few kept records, they all indicated that they were going to establish a 

recordkeeping system, fit for their size of operation.

About 200 people attended the 19th Annual Small Farmers Conference that was held in May 26-

28, 2010. Pearlie Reed, USDA‘s Assistant Secretary for Administration and William (Bill) 

Buchanan, Risk Management Agency Director of Civil Rights and Community Outreach 

Programs, were the keynote speakers. The conference had many aspects of agricultural risk 

management, including production, marketing, financial, legal, and human resources. As a result 

of the conference, many follow-up one-on-one visits and five loan applications to FSA are at the 

various levels of completion. Also, a new group is forming in Creek County as a result of some 

members participating in the Annual Small Farmers Conference.

Recordkeeping continues to be a challenge for small producers. It will take a few more years 

before they will be able to show evidence of actual production records, which they in turn will 

enable them to take advantage of insurance as a risk-management tool.

Overall, by participating in the project, most of the producers stated that their knowledge, skills, 

and abilities had increased.
62

Harvesting Clean Energy

Mary Ann Hayes, Project Manager:

Maine Rural Partners

Target Audiences: Women, beginning, small, greenhouse, organic dairy

Project Partners: AgMatters ∙ Androscoggin Valley SWCD ∙ Blue Ribbon Farm ∙ Bull 

Ridge Farm ∙ Coastal Enterprises, Inc. ∙ Efficiency Maine ∙ Heart of Maine RC&D ∙ Kennebec 

County SWCD ∙ Laughing Stock Farm ∙ ME Assoc. of Conservation Districts ∙ ME Community 

Foundation ∙ ME Dept. of Agriculture ∙ ME Dept. of Environmental Protection ∙ ME Organic 

Milk Producers ∙ Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance ∙ Northern Maine Development 

Commission ∙ St. John/Aroostook RC&D ∙ Sparrow Arc Farm ∙ USDA NRCS ∙ USDA Rural 

Development ∙ Unity College ∙ UMaine Cooperative Extension ∙ Western Mountains Alliance ∙ 

Weston Farm ∙ Women‘s Agricultural Network

Geographic Area Served: State of Maine

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 1725

Project Scope and Status: Harvesting Clean Energy builds upon collaborative relationships 

among Maine‘s agricultural community to deliver the most current information about alternative 

energy approaches to Maine‘s limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers. This project 

not only delivers critical technical assistance regarding energy options to Maine‘s most needy 

farmers, but strengthens the long-term capacity of the Farm Energy Partners network to continue 

outreach, innovation and partnership among Maine‘s agricultural producers and service 

providers. 

By reaching underserved farmers through the organizations to which they belong, and by using 

examples of success experienced by their peers, Farm Energy Partners gets the facts about 

energy alternatives into farmers‘ hands and delivers assistance in making prudent investment and 

farm practice decisions on farm energy efficiency, carbon offset market trading, on-farm small 

grain and oilseed production and renewable energy development.

The primary goals are:

Serve as a clearinghouse for emerging best practices in farm energy efficiency, carbon 

offset market trading, on-farm small grain and oilseed production and renewable energy 

development.

Reach underserved farm populations on these topics through mailings, workshops and 

on-farm visits hosted by organizations that engage these farmers.

Inspire on-farm investments in energy efficiency & renewable energy technologies that 

will strengthen the financial position of these farms and deliver environmental benefits.

Strengthen the capacity of the Farm Energy Partners network to maximize the leverage 

among state, federal and private resources in delivering high quality alternative energy 

assistance to the farm community and promoting on-farm conservation and renewable 

energy opportunities.
63

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

New Risk Management Tools Created:

Comparative Guide to Farm Energy Audit Programs

Should you consider a wind farm turbine for your farm?

Wind Turbine Buyers‘ Guide

Carbon Market Assessment Guide: Is it Worth Doing an Inventory?

Greenhouse Efficiency Workshop Video

Farm Energy Experience Exchange Web Site

Sample Municipal Support Resolution for Farm-based Community Energy Project

Renewable Energy Demonstration Sites Launched:

Weston Farm Solar Dairy Water Heating System (initiated in 2008-09, generating 74 

million BTU‘s annually = 813 gallons of propane = $2,074 fuel savings)

Sparrow Arc Farm Solar Root Zone Heating System (generating 104 million BTU‘s 

annually = 1143 gallons of propane = $2,915 fuel savings)

Blue Ribbon Farm Anemometer Installation (will be community energy demo site to 

explore diverse scale, ownership and financing options with farm partners)

Half Moon Gardens Solar Greenhouse Water Heating System

Stonyvale Farms utilizes new Community Renewable Energy Pilot Program to 

Establish Long Term Contract to sell power

Underserved Farms Successfully Assisted with USDA REAP Applications:

A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm Solar Fleece Drying System (awarded October 2009)

Two Loons Farm Solar Dairy Water Heating System (awarded June 2010)

Half Moon Gardens Solar Greenhouse Water Heating System (awarded June 2010)

Improved Network Capacity:

Coordinated REAP application outreach assistance; private grant funding leveraged

Improved Farm Energy Audit Program with Efficiency Maine targets scarce resources

Evaluation system developed for both farm/environment impact and network value

Scaled wind energy assessment protocol developed

Video produced to inspire further innovation and collaboration

Methane digester financing expert recruited to Network Steering Committee

Chemical engineer, solar energy and permaculture expert recruited as new staff

Significant Program Publicity and Workshops:

Weston Farm Demo Project and REAP Award Press Conference (October 2, 2009), 

since published and widely distributed as Efficiency Maine case study

Maine Solar Energy Tours (October 3, 2010)

New England Feeding Ourselves RC&D Conference (Portland, October 29-31, 2009)

Maine Wind Energy Conference (Augusta, October 6, 2009)

Maine Agricultural Trades Show (January 12-14, 2010)

New England Farm Energy Conference, Manchester NH (March 16, 2010)

Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance July Newsletter (highlighting farm 

energy program to be delivered at 10th Anniversary Field Days October 7-8, 2010)

Agricultural Carbon Offsets & Emissions Reductions Workshop (August 24, 2010)
64

Serving Michigan‟s Multi-Cultural Agriculture Producers

Scott Corrin and Elaine Brown, Project Managers

Michigan Food and Farming Systems

Target Audience: 

Women, small-scale, limited resource and minority (African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans) 

producers of fruits and vegetables (under-served) producers in Michigan

Project Partners:

Michigan USDA agencies- Risk Management Agency (RMA), Natural Resource Conservation 

Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development (RD), Farm Research 

Cooperative, Potawatomi RC&D, Michigan Family Farms Conference Planning Committee, 

Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan State University 

Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Geographic Area Served: The farmers targeted in this project will come primarily from 

Michigan, mostly Southeast and Southwest Michigan.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: over 300

Project Scope:

The purpose of this project is to... 

1. Expand the knowledge and skills of under-served producers on marketing techniques and 

food safety practices and certification by providing:

a. Michigan MarketMaker training in southeast (SE) and southwest (SW) Michigan 

b. Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Training 

in SE and SW Michigan (MI)

2. Assist under-served priority crop producers to improve their production, marketing, and 

networking within the industry by providing:

a. Scholarships to the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo.

b. Workshops on Successful Organic Specialty Crop Production in SE & SW MI. 

3. Assist small-scale priority crop producers to improve their management, marketing, and 

production techniques by providing one-on-one assistance to producers.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Our goals for the project are to:

 Acquiring the training needed for successful agricultural entrepreneurs, such as financial 

management, niche marketing, and business management

 Making new contacts with service providers, such as crop insurance providers, extension 

agents and conservation program providers 

 Forming networks, among producers and with service providers

 Identifying opportunities to diversify their farming operations, and 

 Seeking other resources that are needed to improve and sustain their farming operations.
65

The long-term goals of this program are to:

 Help under-served priority crop producers increase the economic viability of their 

farming operations. The incorporation of risk management tools and techniques into 

their business strategies will help to ensure that these under served producers will be 

better prepared to face the risks of farming and will therefore, be able to manage that risk 

and become more economically sustainable.

 Empower under-served priority crop producers by providing technical assistance that will 

help them develop and stabilize their farm businesses.

 Enhance communication between Michigan‘s under-served priority crop producers and 

risk management providers.

 Help under-served priority crop producers understand what is available and utilize 

existing/emerging risk management tools to make better management decisions.

Outcomes Indicators

Under Served 

Producers enhance 

marketing skills

 Producers utilize techniques taught in workshops, Expo, and 

energy conference.

 Producers include new strategies in their marketing and production 

plans.

Under Served 

Producers have 

reduced financial risk 

through increased use 

of financial 

management tools 

 Increased use of risk management tools learned in workshops.

 Improved recordkeeping

 Farmers use business plans to secure commercial loans.

Increased and more 

positive interaction 

between under served 

producers and USDA 

and other farming 

infrastructure 

organizations

 Number of Producers contacting farm agencies (NRCS, FSA, RD, 

RMA, etc.)

 Number of producers attending Great Lakes Expo & Agri-Energy 

conf.

 Number of Producers participating in farm agency programs 

Farmers understand 

what is available and 

utilize risk 

management tools to 

make better 

management 

decisions

 Participation production and GAP/GHP &certification workshops, 

Market Maker Workshops, Expo, and one-on-one assistance.

 Participants include new strategies in their business, marketing, 

and financial plans. 
66

Get Farming! Keep Farming!

Jim Sluyter, Project Manager

Michigan Land Use Institute

Target Audience: Women, Hispanic, Native American, low income, niche market, organic

Project Partners:

Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center

Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center

Telamon Corporation

Michigan State University Extension

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

CSA-MI

Cherry Capital Foods

Geographic Area Served: Seven counties located on the shores of Lake Michigan near the ―tip

of the mitt‖ in Michigan‘s Lower Peninsula -Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, 

Leelanau, Manistee and Wexford Counties

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: At least 300 (to-date, August 2010) 

Project Scope and Status:

 

The Get Farming! Keep Farming! Project is designed to deliver risk management education and 

farm business success strategies to approximately 370 beneficiaries in northwest Lower 

Michigan. The strategies include culturally and socially targeted community outreach and 20 

educational and entrepreneurial sessions plus Web-based resources. A ―Core Series‖ series of 

eight classes that emphasize the use of production, financial/business and marketing risk 

management tools with access to one-on-one business planning counseling sessions, and, five 

on-site farm mentoring field trip events. In addition, there are seven ―open series‖ classroom and 

hands-on workshop events, open to all, with topics such as Crop Insurance, Hoop Houses, 

Community Supported Agriculture, Renewable Energy and more. In addition, the Get Farming!

Web site will feature new and improved tools with links to farm expert resources, peer-to-peer 

support, and, mentorship videos by mature and experienced successful farmers hosted on the Get 

Farming! Web site (www.localdifference.org/getfarming).

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The overall goal of Get Farming! Keep Farming! is to increase the number, and success of, 

limited resource, socially disadvantaged and traditionally underserved farmers. The strategies 

include outreach and education and training through classes, workshops and field trips, one-onone business counseling, mentorships, and Web- based links to expert resources and peer to peer 

support – all designed to reduce business and production related risks. Those that succeed will 

contribute toward improved economic stability of the region while strengthening the agriculture 

and  ̳good foods‘ community. 
67

With the exception of two programs and one farm tour that are scheduled for September, all of 

the workshops and training sessions have been delivered to good reviews. Many growers have 

attended several of the sessions. Three of four training videos are complete and online. An 

evaluation process is underway to evaluate the success of the entire program, but each workshop 

is considered by participants to have been valuable and informative. We hope the evaluation will

help determine how many new farms have been established or expanded, or that have shifted 

marketing or production strategies to enhance their success. 

Our success at developing peer-to-peer relationships has been limited to informal relationships 

created at training sessions. We still aspire to developing something more systematic. 
68

Passive Solar Greenhouses & Specialty Crops: Building Community Capacity 

for Year-round Food in Michigan

John A. Biernbaum and Adam Montri Project Managers

Michigan State University Department of Horticulture 

and Student Organic Farm

Target Audience: 

The previously under-served in rural and urban communities. We have served AfricanAmericans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, organic farmers and urban 

gardeners seeking to produce food crops on a small but intensive scale.

Project Partners:

The Greening of Detroit, Detroit Earthworks Farm and Capuchin Soup Kitchen, D-Town Farm, 

Growing Joy Community Garden, Flint Harvesting Earth Farm/ Youth Karata-ka, Flint Urban 

Community Youth Outreach, Flint Mr. Rogers ―Just say No‖ Youth Program, Flint River Farm, 

Ruth Mott Foundation, Lansing Northwest Initiative, Allen Neighborhood Center, Bay Mills 

Community College, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Michigan Food and Farming Systems 

(MIFFS), Farm Research Cooperative, Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance, Alcona 

Local Foods Network, Michigan Land Use Institute, Northern Michigan Small Farms 

Conference, Chicago Growing Home, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Midwest Organic and 

Sustainable Education Service, Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI), Michigan State 

University Extension, USDA NRCS (WI and MI), Rural Development and Risk Management 

Agency, Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre

Geographic Area Served:

State of Michigan, Northern Ohio and Indiana, Chicago, Iowa, Wisconsin

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 3,500 plus

Project Scope and Status:

The need for low cost methods to increase farm viability together with increased consumer 

demand for fresh produce are creating production and marketing opportunities for small-scale, 

limited-resource, specialty crop farmers. In temperate climates, the farming season and cash 

flow to farms is limited to warm season months which leaves five months each year (Nov–Mar) 

when production does not occur. To extend the production season, increase farm viability by 

increasing cash flow throughout the year, and reduce risk of crop loss due to climate extremes 

and pest damage, we are providing training and support for planning and organic management 

of low-cost passive solar greenhouses (PSGHs) (also called hoophouses or high tunnels). To 

facilitate this goal we have a fully-operational farm and supporting curriculum to teach yearround production in temperate climates. We are supporting rural farmers, urban agriculture 

projects in Detroit and Flint, other organizations that support new farmer education, and 

agriculture professionals that also seek to serve our target audience. 
69

Outputs and Outcomes of the project:

For urban projects focused in Detroit and Flint, MI we have assisted partners with efforts to 

expand production, establish perennial plantings, develop direct and wholesale markets, increase 

the number of youth that participate in the hands-on farming programs, secure funds to purchase 

farm equipment, expand farming operations to multiple additional sites and scales, increase 

capacity and participation in cooperative selling, build hoophouses, host public educational 

programming and open houses, incorporate the use of cover crops at multiple sites, and develop 

production and training facilities for urban agriculture. 

Three farmer training builds throughout the Midwest increased the ability of farmers to construct 

their own hoophouses in an effort to minimize project costs. Training builds have focused on 

teaching participants the ―how-to‖ of construction as opposed to simply building the hoophouses 

as quickly as possible. Additional informal workshops have also occurred with student 

participants at the MSU Student Organic Farm. 

 

Multiple conference presentations have occurred as well as multiple workshops. These 

workshops have facilitated additional information and experiences not supplied by any other 

entity to these organizations. The train-the-trainer model has been implemented in this case to 

facilitate additional knowledge dissemination into the statewide agricultural professional 

community in an effort to expand the knowledge-base throughout the state. Farmer workshops 

have focused on hoophouse topics that include site selection and preparation, choosing a 

hoophouse, sighting and construction, year-round production and management, crop selection, 

pricing, and marketing. 

One-on-one phone and email support as well as farm visits have continued to be available for 

farmers. 
70

An Outreach Educational Training Program to 

Disadvantaged Fruit Growers: Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

for Food Safety Risk Management

Dr. John C. Wise, Project Manager

Michigan State University

Target Audience: Women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and 

other small underserved minority blueberry and apple growers.

Project Partners: Major partners are the USDA, Risk Management Agency, Michigan State 

University Extension-Ottawa County, Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station; the Michigan 

Blueberry Growers Association (MBG); Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee and Rutgers 

University, New Jersey.

Geographic Area Served: This partnership reaches out to the blueberry industry of Michigan

and New Jersey. In Michigan the area served comprises Counties located in West Central and 

Southwest Michigan. In New Jersey, the area served is the Southeast region where Burlington 

and Atlantic Counties are located. The project also serves the apple industry of Central and 

Southwest Michigan.

Our training program is conducted at the MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex located in 

Fennville, MI at the heart of the blueberry and apple growing region. At New Jersey, the training 

was conducted in May Landing, Atlantic County, the area where 90 percent of New Jersey‘s 

blueberries are produced.

Number of Growers Served/Reached: The number of farms directly benefited by this project is 

575, operated by 1725 blueberry growers and workers and 646 small apple production units of 

less than 30 acres. To date we have served 129 fruit growers in Michigan and 25 blueberry 

growers in NJ.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to facilitate adoption of Good 

Agricultural Practices (GAP) for food safety by underserved and minority producers. Also, to 

develop, publish and disseminate standard guidelines and protocols in both English and Spanish 

for blueberry production. These guidelines help growers to be GAP certified to meet food safety 

standards demanded by retailers and consumers.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project rests on the fact that our training is the only structured training 

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program that follows a commodity-specific curriculum. 

Crop-specific GAP trainings are especially important for underserved growers because they 

focus on a crop they know and understand, thus making food safety issues in relation to their 

crop easier to grasp.

Also, our success relies on the fact that both classroom and hands-on field training are taught 

at the level of our target audience. In the classroom, trainees learn the "Know-how" to develop 

their own food safety manual; the hands-on field training shows-trainees how to conduct their 

own farm self-audit, and how to write their food safety manuals. Third Party Auditing 

agencies require growers to conduct a "self-audit" prior to calling the certifying agency for an 
71

audit. Retailers and the USDA Food Assistance Program are requiring growers be GAP 

certified to sell their produce, but, in order to be GAP certified growers have to develop their 

own food safety farm manuals.

We expected to write the standard guidelines and protocols in both English and Spanish for 

blueberry production but due to budget cuts we could only develop the English version. 

Our Manual "Good Agricultural Practices for Food Safety in Blueberry Production: Basic 

Principles" has been published and is being disseminated through the Michigan State Extension 

website: http://www.gaps.msue.msu.edu/blue_manual.pdf and it is also provided to all trainees 

during our GAP for food safety trainings. 

Our major achievement was that our manual was adopted by the North American Blueberry 

Council ((NABC) and it has been used as a basis to develop the GAP manual for the US 

blueberry industry. The NABC has publicly acknowledged our contribution in their publication. 

Another achievement was that we surpassed the number of trainees we expected to train. Our 

goal was to train at least 40 growers but ended up training 109. After training, they were capable 

of conducting their own self-audits, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points program, and 

write their food safety manual. This is of special benefit to underserved producers (women and 

minorities) who do not have the capital to offset implementation of a costly GAP program. This 

will result in increased grower compliance with food safety standards established for fresh 

produce. 
72

Greenhouse Hydroponics and Organics Training

Edward P. Bergheger, Project Manager

Micro-Farm Sustainable

Target Audience: This project builds on an existing effort that began in 2002 to provide limitedresource, socially disadvantaged, under served agricultural producers with the 

knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed in growing high-value crops in a 

hydroponic environment.

Project Partners: USDA Risk Management Agency

Oregon Department of Agriculture

Oregon State University Extension Service

Rose City Wholesale

Indoor Garden Center

Geographic Area: Oregon, Washington

Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: We have reached out to 494 agricultural producers.

Project Scope/Status:

The purpose of this project is to acquaint agricultural producers with the training, informational 

opportunities and assistance necessary to succeed in growing high-value crops in a hydroponic or 

organic greenhouse environment. Growing in such a controlled environment setup with closed 

circulation promotes food safety and better control of inputs and outputs. The type of closed 

circulation system used in hydroponics in particular eliminates the opportunity for contaminants to 

find their way to the plant, lessening the chance of e-coli and salmonella contamination. This system 

eliminates the polluting of streams and water tables while cutting water usage by approximately 

90%, eliminates the need for herbicides, and reduces fertilizer and pesticide usage. Hydroponic 

production systems are used worldwide and result in high production on even marginal lands and in 

adverse weather conditions. 

As more of today‘s consumers are demanding produce that is not only fresh but also safe for their 

families, organic produce has been gaining in popularity despite its higher cost. Consumers want to 

know where their produce comes from and appreciate buying it from a local farmer. Local producers 

can provide both hydroponic and organic crops in the controlled environment of a greenhouse to 

meet that demand, delivering fresh, nutritious produce year-round and at a premium in the offseason. Our seminars are showing that greenhouse growing, whether hydroponic or organic or a 

combination of the two; can be a viable agricultural enterprise with increasing importance in current 

and future agricultural production.
73

Outputs and Outcomes:

Greenhouse Hydroponic Production Seminar: 

During December 2009 a hands-on class was held for 29 people who were anxious to receive 

practical working knowledge of hydroponics. Of these, 17 were female and 10 were Hispanic. An 

additional 465 people who have participated in past off-site seminars have been contacted 

concerning the availability of real life, hands-on training. This class includes small-size system 

assembly, planting, transplanting, control of disease and insects, and aquaponics. Also covered is 

tomato sucker and cluster pruning. Many of those who have participated in earlier seminars have 

already begun hydroponic production or are in the planning and startup stages of developing a 

hydroponic operation.

Greenhouse Organic Production Seminar: 

As this was presented during the active growing and Farmers Market season, we only drew 19 

participants, but the interest was very high. In fact, both speakers and participants were very 

enthusiastic and motivated. As a result of this enthusiasm, the Food Safety Division of the Oregon 

Department of Agriculture will be arranging for a farm organic inspection visit in which our 

attendees can participate. They also offered to work with Microfarm and hydroponic growers to 

explore the possible requirements for organic certification of hydroponic crops.

Off-Site Seminars: 

One off-site seminar was held for 65 individuals on basic hydroponics and its importance to the 

present and our future. Of these, nearly 50% were female, and there was a high percentage of youth. 

The interest as usual was very high with several individuals indicating a readiness to start 

immediately. Another seminar is currently in planning stages for later this fall when the agriculture 

workload has lessened.
74

Providing Risk Management Education & Practical Resources for Upper 

Midwest Specialty Crop, Limited Resource and Minority Producers

Marilyn Nysetvold Johnson, Project Manager

Minnesota Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

Target Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Specialty Crop Producers, Including 

Women, Limited Resource and Minority Producers

Project Partners: Minnesota Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

University of Minnesota / U of M Extension

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

USDA Risk Management Agency

Geographic Area Served: Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached:

Conference and workshops – producers registered: 402

Newsletters mailed: 16,044

Promotional mailings: 6,045

Publications to be distributed: 400-450

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project was to provide commercial fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota 

and the Upper Midwest (including women, beginning growers, limited resource producers and 

minority producers) with educational opportunities and risk management tools and resources to 

help them assess and manage their production risk, improve the quality of their product and 

increase yields and profits while decreasing overall risks. 

The Upper Midwest Regional Fruit & Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show was held 

on January 21 & 22, 2010 and included educational sessions on berry, apple and vegetable 

production including presentations on season extension through high tunnel production. 

Sessions on business and marketing topics, renewable energy, and food and farm safety were 

also presented during the two-day conference. Beginning Grower workshops focusing on 

 ̳Beginning Berry Production‘ and  ̳Getting Started in High Tunnel Production‘ were held prior 

to the main conference. A series of three  ̳Peddling Your Pickles Safely‘ (food safety) 

workshops were held for specialty crop producers who planned to sell home-canned pickles and 

fruits under Minnesota‘s ―Pickle Bill‖ legislation. A  ̳Making and Marketing Jams and Jellies‘ 

workshop was also held.

Two producer resources are being developed under this agreement. With hail becoming an 

increasing threat to producers of horticultural crops, one of the resources will review current hail 

netting options. This tool will evaluate current options to determine whether they would be 

applicable and cost-effective for apple producers in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Findings 

and recommendations will be shared with apple producers at upcoming annual meetings and a 

guidebook for producers will be prepared.
75

The second resource is a reference binder that will provide fruit and vegetable producers with 

general nutritional information on the fruits and vegetables they are producing and selling. This 

material will be compiled from existing sources and put into a three-ring binder that producers 

can use at the market to better answer questions from consumers.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the conferences and workshops can be measured by the number of producers who 

attended and the comments they shared on program evaluations. The Upper Midwest Regional 

Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference saw an increase in attendance of approximately 15 

percent over the prior year. Projected attendance at the Beginning Grower workshops was 40-

75. Actual attendance at the two workshops was 59. Projected attendance at the food safety 

workshops was 100; actual attendance was 97.

Program evaluations were filled with positive comments on all of the conferences and 

workshops. Producers felt the speakers were knowledgeable and found the presentations 

informative. They appreciated the mix of scientific research and grower presentations and the 

opportunity to network with Extension specialists and other producers. They found the 

educational sessions practical and useful. 

The resource materials on hail netting options and nutritional information had not been 

distributed at the time this report was prepared. These resources were requested by producers 

and we anticipate a favorable response to them.

The MFVGA Newsletter and other promotional pieces were also used to increase awareness of 

the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, the USDA Risk Management Agency 

and the importance of using risk management tools and practices.

We believe the objectives are being met and that these opportunities and resources have helped 

fruit and vegetable producers in the region to better access and manage a variety of risks.
76

Minnesota Food Association‟s Big River Farms Program

GROWING FARMERS, GROWING FOOD

Glen Hill, Program Manager

Minnesota Food Association

Minnesota Food Association operates the Big River Farms Program, which provides technical 

assistance and training to historically-underserved minority and immigrant farmers (includes 

Latino, Hmong, Laotian, Burmese, Karen, Kenyan, Cambodian, Bhutanese, Somali, Oromo and 

other East African communities – and possibly urban-based African American farmers) in 

Minnesota and Western Wisconsin (St. Croix River Valley). We assist these farmers in 

developing their own sustainable, independent, farm enterprises through education, training, 

practical farming, marketing and distribution and connecting to other resources. Big River Farms 

is a comprehensive demonstration, education, training and marketing facility. Towards MFA‘s 

mission to build a more sustainable food system, the goal is to grow more sustainable farms that 

grow more food and distribute this food locally so to build farmers‘ livelihoods, promote local

economic development and improve public health. 

Started initially in 1983 to preserve the St. Paul Farmers Market, MFA spent the first 12 years as 

a citizen engagement project galvanizing a local food advocacy movement that expanded 

throughout Minnesota. After the passing away of founder Ken Taylor in 1995, MFA began 

providing technical support to immigrant farmers in the Metro area with the initial funding from 

the USDA (primarily USDA RMA). In 2005, MFA leased the farm at Wilder Forest 

(Washington County, MN) as a land-based organization training farmers on-the-ground and 

distributing fresh, local produce. 

Up to 10  ̳farms‘, representing 25-30 people, enter the full training program each year. MFA 

provides 20 or more training sessions and many hours of individualized consultation to the 

farmers per year. We cover plot planning, business planning, marketing, food safety, organic 

practices and certification, soil fertility and all aspects of running a vegetable farming enterprise. 

These are the only certified organic immigrant farmers in MN. Since 2007, all the farms (about 

30  ̳farms‘) that have entered our program are still farming in some capacity. To train the farmers 

in different types of marketing, MFA operates Big River Farms Community Supported

Agriculture (CSA) and a wholesale distribution service (restaurants, grocery stores, coops, 

distributors) whereby most all the produce is purchased from the farmers. MFA also actively 

connects the farmers with new resources (USDA, MDA, U of MN Extension, nonprofit 

organizations, other farmers) that can support their livelihoods and farming enterprises. MFA 

also co-organizes an Annual Minority and Immigrant Farmers Conference that attracts more than 

160 immigrant farmers, the largest gathering of immigrant farmers in the Midwest. MFA is one 

of very few land-based new farmer training programs in the country and is seen as a model for 

many new and existing programs. We reach well over 250 immigrant farmers/growers each year 

through our activities.

In the past 2 years, 100% of the farms in our training program have expanded their production 

and sales and diversified their knowledge, while 40% of recent alumni farms have been able to 

obtain their own land. 33% have started their own CSA and others are exploring the possibility. 

Farms in our program are earning between $3,000 - $12,000 per acre in gross sales of organic 

produce. One third of the farms so far have used the contacts built by MFA to develop their own 
77

direct intermediate markets and others have been able to find their own direct markets with 

training from MFA. Big River Farms is one of two farms in MN that supply green peppers to 

Chipotle Restaurants for the past 3 years. While MFA developed this $13,000+ market, we have 

now trained the Cala Farms, BRF alumni, to carry this account forward directly. Chipotle and 

MFA consider this a great success story

A sustainable food system requires connections between the public and private sectors, so MFA 

works with other training organizations (LSP, UMN extension, Growing Power, FLAG, Assoc of 

Hmong Women, NIFI, and more), USDA (RMA, NRCS, NIFA, FSA, NASS), MN Department 

of Agriculture, UMN and UMN Extension and numerous restaurants, coops and stores, and 

distributors. MFA and NRCS have developed a Conservation Plan 2011-2014 through the EQIP 

program. The MN-based USDA agencies are considering using Big River Farms as a 

demonstration People‘s Garden in 2011 as well. MFA actively connects our farmers to new 

markets and coaches them in developing long-term relationships. MFA seeks to expand the 

program to include more training, more market relationship brokering, an entry level stage for 

very new farmers or immigrants, and a more formal transition stage to help farmers find land and 

capital to establish their own farm. 

MFA has about 60 tillable acres fenced (irrigation can cover about 20 acres), 3 tractors, 2 

greenhouses, 2 hoophouses, 2 walk-in coolers, and harvesting and washing facility. MFA 

sustains the program through a combination of government and private foundation grants (65%), 

our own earned revenues (30%), and individual donors (5%). Some current donors include: 

USDA, MN Dept of Agriculture, Beverly Foundation, Hugh J. Andersen Foundation, Bush 

Foundation, Heifer International, Saint Paul Foundation, and Minnesota Environmental Fund. 

100% of MFA‘s Board participates in giving.

MFA‘s program runs year-round. Training, business-planning and contacting markets start in 

November, greenhouse work Feb/March, field preparations and planting in April/May, more 

training, harvesting and marketing through the season, recruiting new farmers in Sept/October, 

and annual planning in Nov/December. MFA has 5 staff (3.2 FTE) that manages the program, 

together with a number of volunteers and barter shares (professionals who provide service for 

payment in vegetables) provide the necessary staffing for the program. MFA seeks to increase 

staffing to 7-8 people at 6 FTE.

As a result of this project, the farms in our program will have in place or in the process of being in place:

All will complete organic certification, and understand organic production practices; 

All will understand and practice food safety and proper post-harvest handling procedures;

All will have their own business plans in draft or final form in place;

All will have 2 or more market outlets established for their produce including food shelves;

All will be involved in at least one other community-based and/or government program that enhances their farm 

operations and civic engagement.

In addition to all this, MFA also works to build community and public awareness, provides 

opportunities for youth to work on the farm, and provides inputs and support to relevant local 

and national policy issues. We host 5–6 school children/youth visits, two large Open House 

events, several donor sites visits, eight Community Work Days, one – two university extension 

visits and other activities on the farm. In the future, we aim to develop our role as a market 

relationship broker for farmers, expand services in helping farms transition to their own land and 

setup their own enterprises, expand and develop our training curriculum, expand work with 

youth and increase our role as a resource for the food and farming community. 
78

A Collaborative Approach to Deliver Risk Management Education & 

Training to Specialty Crop & Livestock Producers

Paul Hugunin, Project Manager

Minnesota Grown Promotion Group, Inc.

Target Audience: Specialty crop and livestock producers in Minnesota and surrounding states. 

Project Partners: Project partners include nine producer groups, the Minnesota Department 

of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The nine producer groups are:

Minnesota Apple Growers Association, Minnesota Buffalo Association, Minnesota Christmas 

Tree Association, Minnesota Elk Breeders Association, Minnesota Farmers Market Association, 

Midwest Forage Association, Minnesota Grape Growers Association, Minnesota Grown 

Program, Minnesota Honey Producers Association and the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape 

Association

The groups participating in this project application have a combined membership of nearly 4,500 

producers in Minnesota and surrounding states.

Geographic Area Served: Minnesota and surrounding states of Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota 

and South Dakota

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Based on current membership figures and 

past conference attendance we will deliver risk management education to 1,570 producers in 

person and reach well over 1,000 more through new web content and newsletters.

Project Scope and Status: This project is unique in that it contains ten specific, separate 

projects rather than one or two large projects. This is because each of our partnering producer 

associations requires a tailored approach unique to their risk profile. Projects include in-person 

trainings and conferences, printed newsletters, web site updates and design, and printed 

production manuals.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Project 1. Deliver Risk Management Training to Forage Producers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, 

North Dakota and South Dakota: The Midwest Forage Association is hosting a conference to 

share the latest agronomic, economic, regulatory and risk management information with forage 

producers in the Midwest on November 17.

Project 2: Develop an Online Risk Management Resource for Midwest Grape Growers: The 

Minnesota Grape Growers Association is working on improvements to the producers‘ portion of 

its popular website (www.MNGrapes.org). The web site upgrade is underway and will be 

completed by the end of the 4th quarter.
79

Project 3: Deliver Risk Management Training to Specialty Crop Producers Through the 

MNLA/Minnesota Grown Business Series: The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 

(MNLA) in cooperation with Minnesota Grown presented a pair of intensive workshops to help 

the region‘s specialty crop growers run their businesses more successfully. 

Turn Your Payroll into Profit. Kathryn Dager, Profitivity, Inc: This workshop was 

held on February 22, 2010 with total attendance was 21 people. 

A Day of Marketing with Jane Eckert: This workshop was held on March 11, 2010 in 

St. Paul and shown via interactive videoconferencing in Duluth, Minnesota and Staples. 

The conference was attended by 75 people. 

Project 4: Provide Training for Beekeepers to Address Threats to Bee Colonies: The 

Minnesota Honey Producers Association held its educational conference from July 15-17 in 

Mankato, Minnesota. There were 198 attendees. The latest information and research about CCD 

from the US, Australia and England was presented. 

Project 5: Provide Risk Management Training to Bison Producers Through a Newsletter and 

Educational Conference: The Minnesota Buffalo Association is producing five issues of their 

newsletter and hosted a statewide educational conference. Each newsletter is received by 160 

producers. The conference was held on April 9-11, 2010 and attended by 68 buffalo producers.

Project 6: Provide Training to Farmers’ Market Vendors and Managers Through Regional 

Workshops and by Putting the Farmers’ Market Manual Online: The Minnesota Farmers 

Market Association (MFMA) held its Spring Educational Conference on March 26th, 2010. 

Approximately 90 total people attended, including 75 producers. The Minnesota Farmers Market 

Manual was put on-line in February 2010. It is in the resource section of www.mfma.org. 

Project 7: Assist Apple Growers in Managing the Risk of Apple Scab and Provide GAP 

Training: The MN Apple Growers Association maintains an apple scab hotline so that producers 

can monitor conditions around the state to assist in making management decisions. They also 

held a seminar on GAP audits at their annual statewide conference in January. 

Project 8: Assist Elk Producers with the Risk of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Through 

Newsletters and a Statewide Educational Conference: The Minnesota Elk Breeders 

Association is printing and distributing 5 newsletters as part of their project in addition to 

hosting a statewide conference in January.

Project 9: Provide Risk Management Training to Christmas Tree Growers Through the Web 

and a Pest Management Manual: The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association is redesigning 

their website to provide an array of production and risk management tips for members, including 

a bulletin board for members to communicate with each and answer common questions. They 

also purchased and distributed pest manuals for all of their members.
80

Risk Management Tools and Education for Organic and Sustainable Farmers

Jody Padgham, Project Manager

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)

Target Audience: The primary audience of this project is limited resource, socially 

disadvantaged and other traditionally underserved producers in WI, MN and IA that are 

interested in organic and sustainable crop production. 

Project Partners: Too numerous to list! See at http://www.mosesorganic.org/exhibits.html , 

http://www.mosesorganic.org/sponsors.html and

http://www.mosesorganic.org/resourcedirectory.html

Geographic Area Served: WI, MN and IA

Farmers and Ranchers Reached: 

2701 individuals, 2161 of whom are farmers, receive programming through our Organic 

Farming Conference. 205 received scholarships to attend. 

6,000 Upper Midwest Organic Farming Directories are given out to farmers

Over 4,600 individuals access our online edition of the Directory

84 farmers receive a packet of information on organic farming in the mail

652 phone calls are answered on questions relating to organic and sustainable production

1435 emails are answered on questions relating to organic and sustainable production

Over 2,000 farmers receive information and answers to questions about organic and 

sustainable production at three traditional ag shows in WI, MN, and IA. 

Information on organic and sustainable production is provided to over 16,932 

farmers through this project. 

Project Scope and Status: MOSES created the project ―Risk Management Tools and 

Education for Organic and Sustainable Farmers‖ to deliver training and information to producers 

from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa interested in utilizing organic and sustainable production 

as a risk management strategy. Through this partnership with USDA-RMA, MOSES has

improved skills in financial management, exposed farmers to a diversity of methods to improve 

both production and marketing practices, and provided them with numerous resources to help 

them diversify and develop their farming operations. This project has educated and informed

producers in a variety of ways, with offerings made available to producers at little or no cost

(making them accessible to limited resource or disadvantaged individuals).

The initiatives of this project are: 

Education and outreach on risk management tools and strategies at the MOSES Organic 

Farming Conference (OFC) held on Feb 25-27, 2010. $15,000 in scholarships to limited 

resource, socially disadvantaged and underserved producers were distributed. 

Outreach about suppliers, resources, consultants and more available to help reduce risk 

for producers, through the updating and distribution of the 10th edition of the Upper 

Midwest Organic Resource Directory (UMORD). 

Outreach to new and traditional farmers interested in starting up in or converting to 

organic production through our ―Help Wanted: Organic Farmers‖ initiative. 
81

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Even in this challenging economic year, our MOSES Organic Farming Conference served 

over 2,700 individuals (80% of who identify themselves as farmers, the rest work with or 

serve the farming community). This represents continued growth of this valuable learning 

opportunity. Sixty-six workshops, three keynote presentations and 152 exhibit booths offer 

the participants a huge diversity of information and resources that are invaluable in 

strengthening and diversifying their farming operations. Workshop topics varied from 

subjects such as ―Multi-Species Pasture Stacking‖ to ―Managing Perennial Weeds in Annual 

Cropping Systems,‖ ―Creative Ways to Improve Profitability on the Organic Dairy Farm,‖ 

and ―Understanding and Enhancing Soil Organic Matter.‖ 205 scholarships were given out, 

for a total value of over $30,000, ($15,000 of which was supported by RMA). Evaluations tell 

us that the majority farmer-led presentations offer exactly the kind of on-the-ground tools and 

information that farmers need to succeed. 

Our ―Upper Midwest Organic Resource Directory‖ offers a collection of over 300 

organizations, businesses, consultants, suppliers and others who have information, products of 

resources that are useful to organic and sustainable production. Numbers of hits on the on-line 

edition of the Directory continue to expand, as more farmers find this valuable collection of 

resources. Those isolated in rural communities can find it challenging to find a feed source, a 

veterinarian or an organic certification agency. With this directory, hundreds of which are 

given out at traditional farm show in WI, IA, and MN, they can find a phone number, website 

or email that will help efficiently serve their need. Our online edition ensures that the 

information is current, accurate and accessible. 

Through our ―Help Wanted: Organic Farmers‖ program, we respond to and reach hundreds of 

farmers with resources and information targeted to those new to organic and sustainable 

production. Our toll-free help line is answered by our experienced Organic Specialist, who 

can not only answer a huge diversity of very specific questions on successful organic 

production, but can also do research and offer encouragement and a listening ear, exactly 

when it is needed. Email requests, phone calls and questions from trade show attendees are all 

responded to with informed and customized answers as well as a wide diversity of well 

crafted, current and accurate written information presented in our organic fact series and other 

publications. 

MOSES is known throughout the Midwest and beyond for quality, farmer-friendly and 

practically-focused information and resources. We are grateful to USDA-RMA for their 

support in ensuring the continued development of our programming. 
82

Energy Alternatives for Limited Resource Farmers

Mike Morris and Kathleen Hadley, Project Manager

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)

Target Audience: 

Limited resource farmers (mostly African American) in several Southeastern and Midwestern states

Project Partners:

Operation Spring Plant, Piedmont Biofuels, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association

Geographic Area Served:

Educational events took place in 11 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, 

New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Virginia

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: We reached and educated 842 growers.

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project was to deliver energy-related technical support to limited-resource, 

socially-disadvantaged, and other traditionally under-served farmers in several Southeastern and 

Midwestern states, enabling them to better manage their energy-related risks. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

* We trained 268 growers in six states--mostly limited-resource, socially disadvantaged, and 

traditionally under-served--on safe, legal, farm-based production of high quality biodiesel fuel.

Piedmont Biofuels took its trailer-mounted biodiesel reactor on the road, conducting ten biodiesel 

demonstration workshops at farms and agricultural meetings and events, including events hosted by 

three 1890 schools: Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, and Tuskegee 

University.

* We trained and supported a group of limited-resource producers in North Carolina, who are 

investigating production of canola and other oilseeds, along with the potential value-added markets 

for oilseed products. These producers, affiliated with Operation Spring Plant, grew and harvested 

their first-ever crop of canola and learned techniques for vegetable oil extraction and processing.

* We offered 11 Energy Alternatives workshops, attended by 567 small and limited-resource farmers 

in Southeastern and Midwestern states, including events hosted by three 1890 schools: Alabama 

A&M University, Alcorn State University, and Langston University. These workshops covered 

practical cost-saving strategies, renewable energy opportunities, and gaining access to federal 

energy-related funding programs. 

* We created two publications targeted to the energy needs and opportunities of small and limitedresource farms—one on small-scale anaerobic digesters and the other on energy efficient lighting. 

Both publications are being made available free of charge, in both electronic and hard-copy formats, 

through NCAT‘s ATTRA National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. 

(http://www.attra.ncat.org)
83

Hands Held: Building Bridges to Empower Farmer-Directed Development

Chukou Thao, Project Manager

National Hmong American Farmers, Inc.

Target Audience: 

Women

Asian Americans

African Americans

Hispanics 

Hmong Farmers

Project Partners: 

Local United States Department of Agriculture Agencies

State of California Workman‘s Compensation Insurance

Cal OSHA

State of California Labor and Standards

Hmong and other limited resource farmers

Geographic Area Served: State of California 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: over 300 directly and indirectly 

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to hold focus group meetings, link 

farmers to local resources, identify publications already in circulation that are misunderstood, 

and host a Hmong national conference. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Identify farmer participants (started and ongoing) 

- The farmers that we are working with include, but aren‘t limited to: flower 

farmers, vegetable farmers, farmer‘s market vendors, daikon growers, etc.

- NHAF is also targeting with, and working with several individuals that are re-reentering farming after having left to try and focus on other employment. These 

farmers had strong agricultural backgrounds, but are struggling to begin again 

(access to land and capital)

Hold small group or individual meetings with participant farmers to identify areas of focus 

(started and ongoing)

-areas for focus as indentified by farmers include but not limited to:

-Workers Compensation Insurance

-Cold storage facilities both for personal and commercial use

-Marketing e.g Farmer‘s market, wholesalers, local markets 

-Equipment training e.g tractor driving course, diversifying products and markets

-Access to USDA programs (basic knowledge of the available programs)

including NRCS, Rural Development, FSA, and crop insurance
84

NHAF has also been working with farmers in California, North Carolina, South Carolina 

with a variety of products ranging from traditional Asian vegetables, such as Hmong bamboo 

farming and production, to Hmong poultry contractors. We have also had requests for 

assistance on organizing and community development from community based organizations.

NHAF also held its Second National Conference in Fresno, California where over 100 

farmers and service providers met and areas of success and challenges were discussed and 

documented. 
85

National Women in Agriculture Association Specialty Crop on One Accord 

Risk Management Education Outreach Project on Wheels for 

Socially Disadvantaged Women Farmers

Tammy Gray-Steele, Project Manager

National Women In Ag. Association 

a/k/a Oklahoma Women In Ag. Association

Target Audience: Women, African-Americans Women; and Hispanic Americans 

Project Partners: Eliminating Racism Empowering Women -YWCA- McFarland Center; and 

Oklahoma County Health Department 

Geographic Area Served: Urban Oklahoma City; various rural counties of Oklahoma; and will 

used as a model in NWIAA‘s chapter states throughout the United States. 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 300 – 58,000, Socially Disadvantaged 

Farmers/Ranchers (over 58,000 alone in the Oklahoma City metro and rural areas that include 

Latino, seniors and youth -not inclusive of its NWIAA‘s membership). See attached 

partnership/collaborator support letters and photographs verifying various communities served. 

Also visit our website at: www.nationalwomenina

Project Scope and Status: The project scope of NWIAA a/k/a Afro-American Women Farmers 

is: Education. Provide linguistically appropriate lecture based practical technical assistance 

training in sustainable vegetable farming, business marketing practices (Risk Management), 

emphasizing the importance of sustainable agriculture for the long-term prosperity of rural and 

urban communities. Simultaneously, socially disadvantaged farmers will develop organic 

production practices aligning with the market and improving the delivery of local food within the 

community. Alleviate Hunger. Improve the health of the underserved. Improve Income. For 

minority socially disadvantaged limited resource farmers while increasing the number of 

minority farmers in the agriculture industry. Stakeholder Recognition. Improve collaborative 

efforts to become a major stakeholder in agriculture and health industries; both statewide and 

nationally. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

This program has resulted in an increase in sustainable minority, young adult and youth farming 

practices, supplementing socially disadvantaged farmers/producers‘ incomes as well as providing 

health awareness to lower income families. A detailed survey was given to participating 

farmers/growers and underserved citizens at NWIAA‘s Farmers‘ Market; and positive and 

uplifting outcomes were the results. 

Phase 1 of NWIAA‘s outreach initiative was accomplished through community participation in 

Oklahoma, monthly risk management newsletters and specialty crop class room mobile computer 

lab risk management education at: www.nationalwomeninag.org and www.okwomeninag.org. 

Poverty, nutrition and farm management/agribusiness issues cut across the states in a way that 

made the NWIAA team confident that modifications from local experts (collaborators) findings 

from Oklahoma can be applied in other states. 
86

Deliverables from October 2009 through September 2010, NWIAA‘s team, partners, 

stakeholders and/or collaborators executed the following methods to insure effectiveness of its 

proposal terms in order to outreach to several socially disadvantaged women farmers and 

underserved citizens in quarterly timeline stages: 

First Quarter: Strategy meeting between NWIAA, partnering colleges and Oklahoma 

Department of Agriculture that outlined fact sheets from the National AgRisk Library 

publications. This included gathering existing materials and identifying/evaluating critical needs 

for Oklahoma specialty crop producers. Material development included assistant presentation 

materials, fact sheets and management tools. These materials assisted with promotional efforts to 

highlight the importance of assessing and managing risks. It began with discussing the upcoming 

risk education programs. Promotion and education occurred through previously mentioned 

NWIAA's Oklahoma counties outreach meetings, websites, newsletter articles, newspaper 

articles, email, and direct mail. 

Second quarter: NWIAA conducted a statewide step-by-step workshop for producer consultants 

in the Oklahoma area. Promotional efforts were executed to highlight risk management 

education program continues. We conducted risk management sessions at Pre-Conference 

Horticulture regional producer conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma in January 2010 and at partners‘ 

conferences in November 2009 and February 2010. From October 2009 – to date, NWIAA 

disseminated information through NWIAA‘s WebPages, monthly newsletters, monthly outreach 

meetings, hands on-farm training, NWIAA‘s Community Farmers‘ Market, Jade‘s Fruit Ice and 

community urban workshops. These outreach efforts include setting-up a booth at the conference 

promoting risk management resources and begin developing the upcoming interactive DVD. 

Third quarter: We conducted an educational marketing tour within the state of Oklahoma for 

socially disadvantaged producers. The tour focused on identifying resources and networking 

opportunities to assist the producers in developing more effective marketing plans. Educational 

effort continues through newsletter articles. 

Fourth quarter: Evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program: Evaluation includes 

compiling impact statements detailing trainings held and producers reached, as well as success 

stories on the impact of producers utilizing tools and techniques delivered through this project. 

Additionally, we will evaluate workshops and the conference effectiveness by surveying the 

participants. Education and promotional efforts continue through newsletter articles and website. 

The developmental stages of release of an interactive DVD with some additional risk 

management resources (budgets, fact sheets, etc.) will continue in Phase II Assimilation of 

educational materials and on-farm and community project interaction Continuing Phase I into 

Phase II titled NWIAA‘s Phase I and Phase II Specialty Crop Step-by-Step Risk Management 

Outreach Education for Socially Disadvantaged will initially take place in the state of Oklahoma 

in the various counties: Hughes, Seminole, Pontotoc as well as the states of Louisiana and 

Illinois; and in the future will be used as a model in NWIAA‘s chapter states throughout the 

United States. Display through our websites captures an international audience and the release of 

NWIAA‘s interactive DVD along with some additional risk management resources (budgets, fact 

sheets, etc.) will be implemented to enter us into the next phase.
87

RAIPAP Community Outreach & Assistance Program

New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service

R. Edmund Gomez, Project Manager

Target Audience: Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Limited Resource small scale 

producers

Project Partners: North Central New Mexico Small Farm Task Force, Northern New Mexico 

Stockman‘s Association(NNMSA), Sangre de Cristo Livestock Growers Association 

(SDCLGA), USDA NRCS, USDA FS, USDA FSA, USDA NASS, USDA RD, USDA RMA

Geographic Area Served: The target region includes the northern New Mexico counties of: 

Bernalillo, Cibola, Guadalupe, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan, San Miguel, 

Santa Fe, Taos, Torrance and Valencia and the eighteen Native American Pueblos that comprise 

the Eight Northern Pueblos Council and the Ten Southern Pueblos Council as well as the Eastern 

Navajo Nation reside within these counties.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 1200 (September 2009 to August 2010)

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to develop a practical approach to 

meeting the risk management needs of our socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers of 

northern New Mexico through outreach and technical assistance. Through a coordinated effort 

led by the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, these traditionally underserved farmers and 

ranchers of the target region are made aware of the USDA programs that can benefit their ability 

to own and operate their farms and ranches; will be made aware of risks addressed by existing 

and emerging risk management tools; will be advised on how to make sound risk management 

decisions; will be individually assisted in obtaining participation in risk management programs; 

and through research-based educational and technical programs specifically developed for the 

individual cultural audience, become a vital and participating entity in U.S. agriculture. This will 

be accomplished through a holistic approach to outreach. A team of outreach specialists has 

been coordinated by the project director and given specific duties and responsibilities in 

providing one-on-one technical and educational assistance to the target audience in relation to 

their area of expertise and the identified needs in their communities. In addition, the outreach 

specialists will draw technical and educational support from extension specialists, agency 

specialists, and other technical and academic specialists who share outreach responsibilities 

within the realm of USDA. By utilizing local community involvement, outreach efforts are 

given a better chance for acceptance, participation and ultimate success.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Project farmer/rancher producer directory developed- The Project directory/data base can 

access project region producers by ethnicity, gender and by crop or livestock produced. The 

producer directory/data base currently contains over 10,500 producer names which are composed 

of over 90% Hispanic and Native American farmers and ranchers. 

Focus Group Meetings to determine farmer/rancher risk needs- 15 community meetings 

held, 227 attended
88

Agriculture workshops conducted:

---Hay/Forage workshop, Nambe Pueblo, November 11, 2009 for 11 Pueblo producers.

---Garden Journaling Workshop, San Ildefonso Pueblo on April 12, 2010. 12 participants

---Sheep production has been the traditional foundation of livestock production for Southwestern 

Native American producers since Europeans first introduced livestock to the Southwest. On 

April 5 & 6, 2010, Agriculture Specialist organized and taught two sheep shearing schools at 

Shiprock, NM and Ramah, NM to 29 Navajo producers. Also, the wool marketing initiative was 

continued with Mid States Wool receiving the bid to purchase wool from Northern New Mexico 

small scale producers toping the market at $1.98 per pound; compared to the price of wool 

received prior to this project at only 10 to 20 cents per pound (almost 1000% increase). Sixteen 

(16) Native American producers received instructions on proper shearing techniques, 

presentation of wool for marketing and sheep health management. Approximately 40,000 

pounds of wool was graded, sorted and delivered on June 12, 2010 at Acoma, New Mexico. In 

addition, with the establishment of the New Mexico Heritage Meats Project co-developed by 

Specialist, has developed a market for 4000 lamb carcasses per year. Currently, the packer is 

paying a 10% premium for locally produced lamb

---Spring Range Monitoring and ORNW Program, region wide, 46 participants

---Cochiti Pueblo Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Workshop, May 20, 2010, 26 in attendance

---Acoma Pueblo Beef Quality Assurance and Resource Fair in conjunction with Acoma Pueblo 

producers on June 16, 2010 and was attended by 87 participants.

---Northern Pueblos BQA Workshop, July 15, 2010, Okay Owingeh BIA Office, 11 attended 

---Sangre de Cristo Valley LGA Sheep and Pasture Workshop, July 20, 2010, Mora, 57 attended

Farm/ranch record keeping workshops conducted: 

---Farm/Ranch Record Keeping and USDA FSA New Program Workshop, January 26, 2010, 

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM; 27 Pueblo farmers and ranchers in attendance.

---Farm/ranch Record Keeping Workshop on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation, February 

25, 2010 for 18 Jicarilla ranchers.

CBO Leadership workshops:

---NNMSA Annual meeting, January 10, 2010, 120 in attendance

---USDA NASS 2012 Census on Agriculture Planning Meeting, January 26, 2010, Alcalde 

Science Center, NM, 15 attended

---Coordinated and facilitated the Northern New Mexico Small Farm Strategic Planning Retreat, 

January 27 & 28, 2010, Laguna Pueblo, NM, 111 attended

One-on-One visits to Hispanic and Native American farmers and ranchers: 259

Conferences planned, developed and hosted by project:

---2010 Northern NM Community Info. Expo, February 6, 2010, Alcalde, NM; 29 in attendance.

---Assisted with the planning and implementation of the New Mexico Organic Conference, 

February 19 & 20, Albuquerque, NM; over 500 in attendance 

---NM Pueblos Agriculture Conference, Santa Fe, NM, April 15 & 16, 2010, 128 participants.

---Indian Livestock Days, Laguna Pueblo, May 11 & 12, 2010, 225 participants.
89

Planning the Future of Your Farm

Andrew Branan, Project Manager

North Carolina Farm Transition Network, Inc.

Project Partners:

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (various counties)

Longview School

Geographic Area Served: North Carolina

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 150 plus

Project Scope and Status:

Develop an expanded third edition of a popular workbook used by farmers and landowners to 

assist with legal decisions about passing the farm to the next generation (i.e., locating 

opportunity for beginning farmer land entry); develop and present to farm audiences on subject; 

serve as fiscal agent for a trip by the Longwood School (Raleigh) FFA program to travel to 

Growing Power in Wisconsin 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project: the targeted presentations have been delivered to audiences in 

Warren, Catawba, Lincoln, Clay and Madison Counties, with selected individual 

presentations. The Longview School FFA chapter travelled to Growing Power, and also 

attended the national FFA conference in Washington, DC this summer. The third edition of 

the Planning the Future of Your Farm workbook will be published by September 30, 2010. 
90

Risk Management through Improved Farm Profitability for Limited 

Rresource and Underserved Farmers and Ranchers in New York State

Judith Einach, Program Manager

New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NYSAWG)

This project targets limited resource farmers in New York State. Within that group of farmers the 

project is especially interested in reaching women and other minorities including African 

Americans and new immigrant groups, including people from Africa and Asia.

NYSAWG‘s project partners are USDA RMA, the Community Action Organization of Erie 

County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of 

Cobelskill, Alfred State College Center for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, Canticle Farm 

(CSA), University at Buffalo, Cornell University, Wilson Street Farm, Alpaca Breeders of 

Western New York, Sojourner Farms, Native Offerings Farm, Maple Ridge Bison Ranch, 

Leonard Oaks Estate Winery, Erba Verde Farms, and The Fiber Factory, a mini mill, the 

Western NY Beekeepers Association, Bee Culture Magazine, Pennsylvania State College. and 

the USDA Labs in Tucson, and NOFA-NY. 

NYSAWG works statewide but our RMA programming during this funding cycle has focused on 

the Capitol Region particularly Schoharie County, and on Western New York which included 

eight counties - Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and 

Chautauqua. We partnered with Alfred State College in Allegany County twice, holding events 

on campus. These events attracted people from across NY State and beyond. The Pollinators and 

Pesticides Symposium attracted people from as far a s Michigan and Canada. At the request of 

numerous people who heard about this symposium but were too distant to attend, including 

requests from people in Europe and Africa, content from the symposium is online. 

Our workshops and field days to date drawn over 200 participants. The NOFA conference 

attracted 1000 people. In addition project staff have worked one on one with a dozen farmers. 

 

The purpose of this project is to help farmers become more profitable. To that end we have held 

field days and workshops that educate and provide hands on training so that farmers. We 

provided field days on animal husbandry, pasture management, marketing, building 

cooperatives, colony collapse disorder, fiber processing, value-added products, urban soils, crop 

planning and seed starting. Our partnership with NOFA-NY‘s conference allowed us to support a 

myriad of workshops on organic and sustainable farming. 

We projected offering 15 events which we‘ve achieved. We support the establishment of two 

cooperatives. Our farmers have learned more about crop insurance. In the city of Buffalo, NY 

our partnership with the Community Action Organization resulted in 6 working greenhouses 

which provide both income and food for people in underserved neighborhoods. 
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This partnership has resulted in the establishment of a composting operation that receives food 

waste from local hotels and sells fresh produce to the hotels. We have improved access to 

markets for produce as well as for fiber. We have acted on behalf of farmers by encouraging 

farmers‘ markets to include local fiber as an agricultural product. Our fiber farmers have 

embraced the lessons from our program and are now cooperatively marketing socks and scarves. 

In Schoharie County farmers and consumers have been working together to build a cooperative 

that supports local farmers through increased access to markets, year  ̳round and through a 

Schoharie brand featuring value-added local farm products. With respect to access to markets, 

we have been especially interested in building urban-rural connections that have unfortunately 

been allowed to deteriorate over time. NYSAWG is proud of the work we have done during this 

funding cycle. 
92

Using Sustainable Enterprise Commercialization and Diversification, and 

Farm Financial Literacy as Non-Insurance Based Risk Management 

Tools in Mitigating Agricultural Risks on Small Family Farms in 

Florida and Border Counties in Alabama and Georgia

Dr. Samuel Scott, Project Manager

North-South Institute (NSI), Inc.

Target Audience: Women - 20%, [64] African Americans – 72% [232], Hispanic 

Americans -20% [64], Asian Americans and Native Americans – 2% [7], Other low income 

Caucasian Farmers in the Middle – 6% [20]

Project Partners:

(a) Beneficiaries:

Southwest Broward Vegetable Growers Association, Newberry Development Outreach 

Corporation, New Panhandle Farmers Cooperative, South Florida Hispanic Small Farm Cluster

Florida Small Honey Producers Clusters, Wiregrass Farmers Cooperative, Bullock/ Barber 

County Farmers Association, Cottage House Women in Agriculture, Coastal Georgia Farmers 

Cooperative

(b) Strategic Partners 

Alcorn Sate University, Florida A&M University, University of Florida , Auburn University, 

West Virginia University, USDA (RMA, AMS, NIFA, FSA, RD, NRCS, NASS), Farming 

Systems Research, Seven Harvest, Inc., Down Town Farmers Market of Ft. Pierce, Federation of 

Southern Cooperatives, Growing Power 

Geographic Area Served:

Southwest Area of Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin Counties, North Central Florida 

(Alachua, Gilchrist, Volucia, Orange Counties), North Florida (Jackson, Washington, Holmes, 

Madison Counties), Southeast Alabama (Geneva, Bullock, Barbour, Dale, and Henry), Coastal 

Georgia (Tattnal, Evan, Long, Wayne, Appling Counties)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 323 

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to develop and expand the use of 

non-insurance based risk mitigation tools to assist small farmers in Florida and other satellites 

sites in the 21 production clusters/counties in the bordering southern states that the institute 

currently operates to build sustainable farms. The general objective included the use of 

enterprise diversification, market commercialization (direct marketing), farm financial 

literacy/farm record keeping and computer literacy as vehicles in mitigating agricultural risks on 

selected small family farms. The specific objectives are:

1. Teach farmers how to select and combine successful enterprise of crops, livestock and 

value-added operations for successful enterprise development

2. Utilize those models of enterprise development by teaching small farms how to enter into 

commercialized marketing opportunities based on these selected enterprises that are 

market driven
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3. Select the set of tools in financial literacy of cash flow management and farm record 

keeping, and computer literacy to train selected farmers such that they can combine these 

tools with the above in order to gain access to various state and federal programs, 

especially in the form of capital 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Project Outputs: Development of Risk Management Video showing how small farmers are 

stimulating the economic through agriculture and rural small businesses; Twelve (12) listening 

and planning sessions with project partners; One hundred and eighty seven (187) one on one 

grower trainings to assist farmers in marketing, and farm enterprise planning; Conducted 

regional symposium attended by 135 Farmers who were trained in 11 clinics covering 16 

modules in agriculture and agribusiness (see quarterly report for details), Three (3) echo – work 

shops attended by a total of 75 farmers to follow up on the implementation of risk management 

models; Conducted 61 Extensive follow-up visits for technical assistance, distributed 896 pieces 

of risk management material, 150 symposium handbooks, 135 simplified farm record keeping 

manuals, and conducted monthly teleconference calls with cluster lead farmers; Assisted on 

cooperative in farm Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) farm certification - Compiled GAP 

manual distributed to cooperative members in Georgia; and Developed and trained over 200+ 

farmers in Simplified Farm Record Keeping using the “The Three-Shoe Box Approach.” 

These same farmers were trained in cash flow management, tax planning, and agribusiness 

management and farm reinvestments.

Project Outcomes: 

(a) Enterprise Diversification: More than 240 farmers engaged in some form of enterprise 

diversification to include pasture poultry, goats, and swine production, high-value specialty 

vegetable production, urban mini farm production; honey bee production, and limited value 

added operation to include fresh-cut vegetable for restaurants and development of hot-pepper 

sauces.

(b) Direct Market Opportunities: Fifty –three farmers engaged in direct marketing to 

restaurants and ethnic specialty food grocery stores, 125 engaged in cluster marketing using 

cooperative network marketing system, Twenty three farmers engaged in roadside stand and 

farmer market operation; one cooperative GAP certified for trading with major food distributors.

(c) Financial Literacy, Tax Planning and Agribusiness Management: 65 farmers now using 

simplified farm record keeping using the ―The Three-Shoe Box Approach.” 120 farmers are 

presently practicing some form of farm cash flow management. Significant numbers of farmers 

assisted are now filing their taxes using learned tax planning, agribusiness management and farm 

reinvestments strategies. 
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Tierrade Oportunidades Project

(Land of Opportunities)

Project Director: Kevin Andaluz

Nuestras Raices Inc.

The Tierra de Oportunidades project is providing outreach and training to existing and potential 

immigrant and refugee beginning farmers in western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Project 

partners include the University of Massachusetts (providing technical trainings), Lutheran Social 

Services (work with immigrants and refugees), and Massachusetts Office of Refugees and 

Immigrants (coordinate activities with additional refugee placement programs).

The project partners will provide low-income immigrant and refugee beginning and established 

farmers of Western Massachusetts with training on business, production and market risk 

management and access to low-cost land and market opportunities to minimize risks.

The targeted audience of the Project consists of the low-income ethnic, immigrant and refugee 

beginning farmers of Greater Holyoke, Massachusetts, including surrounding cities of 

Springfield, Chicopee and Westfield, Massachusetts. These farmers will certainly meet the 

guidelines for the Targeted Audience of Low-Income Individuals as defined by DHHS.

The goals of the project are to build awareness of farming opportunities and USDA resources 

among immigrants and refugees in Western Massachusetts, help immigrant and refugee farmers 

learn and implement financial, production and market risk management strategies, as well as 

help immigrant and refugee farmers reduce risk through access to low-cost farm land, market 

opportunities, and peer farmer-to-farmer learning.

We have a class of 20 small farmers this growing season each renting a 1/8 acre to a full acre of 

vegetable or livestock land at our incubation site. LSS has additional 27 market gardener/microfarmer beginning operations in Westfield and West Springfield sites making a total of 47 

participants.

Of the 21 Nuestras Raices farmers 5 are women and 5 are newcomers to the project. The farmers 

of Nuestras Raices have heritage in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, India, and 

Micronesia and harvest a diverse array of crops and vegetables. 

As a part of the Nuestras Raíces farmer training program all participating farmers have 

completed a winter workshop training series in production techniques, and attend bi-weekly 

workshops and participatory farm visits to local farms. 

Nuestras Raices offered business training courses in 5 classes throughout December of 2009 to 

new and returning project participants. Participants completed micro-business plans which serve 

multiple purposes: program application, planning tool, and micro-lending application. This 

course was attended by seven new farmers, and 3 farmers graduated and are renting land. 
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We completed our winter training series with the University of Massachusetts Extension team 

with workshops in fertility, pest, weed, and disease management. UMass extension team also 

worked closely with Nuestras Raices staff to develop a comprehensive fertility plan for the 

incubation farm this year. The workshops were well attended and diversified from years past.

We have nearly completed our summer training series with increased participation thanks to a 

new partnership with the New England Farm Workers Council. The workshops include 

participatory work in fertilizer application and side-dressing, pesticide safety, weeding 

techniques and equipment, and seed saving. Each workshop was attended by 10-15 farmers. 

These technical trainings have been supplemented by farm tours coordinated by the Northeast 

Organic Farming Association, a contracted partner of Nuestras Raices. Farmers have had the 

opportunity to attend 5 visits to local farms each with a different focus in production, business 

planning, and marketing. 5-6 farmers attend each farm tour. 

Nuestras Raices has developed a diverse array of opportunities to support participating farmers 

in addressing market risk. Farmers are encouraged to sell on their own using shared market 

materials, and have the opportunity to sell with Nuesetras Raices at 4 local farmers markets. We 

have also developed this year 3 wholesale markets, a Farm to School program, and sales to a 

local herbal apothecary. We continue to mentor farmers to take advantage of these opportunities 

independently as they learn and develop resources. 
96

Plasticulture Using Permaulture/Compost-Amended Soils 

to Minimize Risk for Small and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Willard Tillman, Project Manager

Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc.

Target Audience: (Women, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, 

Native Americans, Other): Women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic 

Americans, and other ethnic groups

Project Partners: 

USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Langston University

Oklahoma State University

The Noble Foundation 

The Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Geographic Area Served: Seminole, Carter, Garvin, Choctaw, Okfuskee and Woodward 

Counties in Oklahoma, Districts 2, 3 & 5.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

African Americans – 603

Native Americans – 49 

Caucasians – 82

Hispanic Americans – 17 

Amish – 1 

Hmong – 2 

Project Scope and Status: 

The purpose of this project is to minimize crop production risks, boost production and overall 

incomes by assisting small and socially disadvantaged farmers to build sustainable long-term 

agricultural enterprises that reduce production, environmental, financial and other risks.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project was measured by greater yields and production of crops and also being 

less labor intensive because of the permaculture weed control. Most farmers would like to 

expand in the near future. Plasticulture/Permaculture systems allow irrigation to be used, versus 

traditional row crop production and control weeds allowing farmers more time to harvest and 

market their produce. 754 small producers were reached with information about the project, and 

24 limited resource farmers developed simplified business plans that outline production and 

marketing. They were trained about organic certification, risk management through 

diversification, crop insurance, marketing, and minimizing their legal risks. The farmers 

provided produce for two farmers markets. The projects achieved its full potential and the 

farmers were very satisfied with the outcome.
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Outreach and Technical Assistance for 

Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Landowners

Dorathy E Barker, Project Manager

Operation Spring Plant, Inc.

Target Audience: Our focus was on African American, Women and Youth 

Project Partners: Land loss Prevention Project, Rural Advancement Fund SC, NCDA &CS 

NCA&T State University, Rural Coalition Washington DC, Oklahoma Black Historical Project 

Land Owners Talking other local and regional CBO‘s and USDA Agencies 

Geographic Area Served: Eastern NC, Region K and the bordering counties of South Carolina 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Outreach was extended to over 700 farmers‘ 

rural communities‘ landowners and inner- city concerned citizens

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to share and manage the risk factors of 

new and beginning farmers, regenerative farmers and those that have fallen between the cracks 

participating in production agriculture for their sustainability. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

We, at Operation Spring Plant Inc., feel that we had great success with the project by the number 

of communities served. We are especially pleased that we had two young farmers under 40 years 

old participating in growing safe foods for local markets and participated in giving foods for the 

holiday seasons to needy families. We are also elated to report that Mr. Joe Leonard, Office of 

Civil Rights, was our keynote speaker for our 8th Annual Conference which resulted in a round 

table discussion with farmers and landowners from South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, 

Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Wendell Paris, a Mississippi Native, spoke on rural 

development in a manner like no one has ever spoken on the subject before to rural farmers and 

communities. Mr. Paris also facilitated another workshop the following day for new incoming 

participants.

The highlights of the conference were the two concurrent sessions presented to men on prostate

and other male-related health issues. The other session was on health issues affecting women. 

These two sessions were well attended and were requested as repeat topics in our 2011Annual 

Conference. All of the other risk factors that socially disadvantaged communities face by not

having adequate health care coverage and other preventive measures were also discussed.

Our outreach coordinator took the youth from ages 4-19 to Whole Foods in

Raleigh NC. The produce manager led the kids a tour of the warehouse especially in the 

produce department and gave them snacks from the deli. After the tour, a skit was presented by 

these youth and they were assisted by Warren and Vance County Cooperative Extension 4-H 

Directors. 
98

Another success that really helped the farmers and Operation Spring Plant was that we hosted 

the meeting at a local church where we were able to showcase the small farmers‘ products. Free

range pork was grown and prepared by two local eastern county farmers. The greens were 

grown by our newly elected New and Beginning 2010 Farmer of the Year from Warren

County. The balance of the banquet was prepared by a young lady and her family owned 

restaurant that had purchased sweet potatoes from another Region K small farmer. 

The legal staff, along with the Land Loss Prevention Director, facilitated a session with

great participation that resulted in follow up of farmland and estate tax issues for 

some families facing legal problems arising from deaths and change of ownerships. 

Since food safety is a continuous outreach issue, OSP brought in a staff member from NCA&T 

State University to deliver the GAP and GHP training. Staff from NCDA & CS was on hand to 

assist farmers to reduce their marketing risk. Other USDA Agencies attending with set ups and 

handouts included the local RMA Raleigh NC office, the Forestry Division, Natural Resource 

Conservation Service and the newly installed State Director of Farm Service Agency who 

participated in the round table discussion with Dr Joe Leonard. Mr. Mike Morris was on hand 

with a presentation and set up with information on AATRA programs. 

No farmer can reduce their risk without a tax accountant on payroll. OSP partnered with the

Tennie Group to give the small farmers information about filing the correct schedules,

deductions, abatements and general accounting measures for optimum sustainability of their 

farming operations. 
99

Growing Farms: Successful Whole Farm Management

Developing an Oregon Small Farm Training Program.

Nick Andrews and Kristin Pool, Project Managers

Oregon State University Small Farms Program

Target Audience: 

Beginning Farmers, Small Farms, Limited Resource Producerss, Organic and Speciality 

Crop Producers, Sustainable Producers, Women and Socially Disadvantaged Producers.

Project Partners: 

Program funding has been provided by a grant through the USDA Risk Management 

Agency. Partnership funding has been provided by Oregon Tilth, Inc. Partners in outreach 

and educational programming included: various Oregon county Soil and Water 

Conservation Districts, Oregon Tilth, Friends of Zenger Farm, and Mercy Crop Northwest. 

East and West Multnomah Counties Soil and Water Conservation Districts provided funds 

as scholarships for lower income residents. 

Geographic Area Served:

 

Oregon Counties: Benton, Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Linn, Lincoln, 

Marion, Multnomah Polk Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

The workshop series was conducted at three sites to date: North Willamette Valley (Aurora), 

South Willamette Valley (Albany), and southern Oregon (Grants Pass). In addition, an 

abbreviated exploratory course was conducted on the central coast (Lincoln City). One more 

workshop series is scheduled for the fall of 2010. Currently, 86 farmers successfully 

completed three full courses offered to date and an additional 12 participants completed the 

exploratory course.

Project Scope and Status:

The United States is facing a transformation in farm ownership as baby boomer aged 

farmers retire. Although a great deal of this succession will occur within multi-generation 

families, experts predict there will be a shortage of farmers. Growing Farms: Successful 

Whole Farm Management is an 8 week workshop series intended to enhance the success of 

new farmers by integrating biological, physical, financial and family aspects of the farm 

business.

The workshops are designed to offer participants academic and pragmatic perspectives. 

Presentations by practicing farmers are a crucial component of the workshops and tours. In 

addition, most Growing Farms sites utilized a farmer advisory committee to inform course 

content. 
100

The Program also seeks to develop communities of practice among the course participants 

and the larger small farms community. Communities of practice have proven to be 

imperative support systems and provide irreplaceable education opportunities

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

In 2010 the Oregon State Small Farms Program made many improvements to the Growing 

Farms curriculum based on 2009 participant evaluations and input from a farmer advisory 

group. The improvements were implemented in 2010 courses and evaluations of the 2010 

session are in progress

Two of the most exciting additions to the Growing Farms program were the Growing Farms 

Workbook and the addition of field trips to the curriculum. Field trips provided participants 

invaluable insight into farm life. Each region visits a handful of farms that demonstrate an 

array of farming practices, scale, and production strategies. The field trips have proven not 

only to be a vital learning opportunity but also provide participants the time to interact with 

their cohorts and build a stronger community of practice. 

The Workbook is an innovative collection of worksheets that help the participants think 

through their opportunities and limitations of their situation and goals. The worksheets ask 

directed questions that force participants to analyze their goals, lifestyle, land, and skill set 

aiding participant to build a whole farm plan that better suits their situation. 

Preliminary evaluation results show that when participants were asked whether after their 

experience in Growing Farms they felt better prepared on several farm business related 

dimensions: 

• 97% felt better prepared to establish goals, values and mission 

to guide decisions for their farm business. 

• 97% felt better prepared to take the steps to set up a farm business. 

• 89% felt better prepared to establish a basic record keeping and accounting system. 

• 87% felt better prepared to select appropriate equipment for the size of 

operation and type of crop they were planning to grow.

In addition to the positive participant evaluations, Growing Farms has also received national 

recognition. The National Association of County Agricultural Agents named Oregon State 

Small Farms Program as a National Finalist for their Award of Excellence. 
101

Risk Management Strategies in Aquaculture: Outreach and Technical 

Assistance Program for Indiana Producers

Kwamena Quagrainie, Project Manager

Purdue University

Target Audience:

Beginning and new fish farmers

Existing fish farmers

Project Partners:

Indiana Soybean Alliance

Indiana Board of Animal Health

Geographic Area Served: Indiana

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 150

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to educate beginning and existing aquaculture farmers on fish 

handling and production management techniques focusing on risk-minimizing practices in fish 

production; as well as educating them on financial management, niche marketing, and other risk 

management decisions for aquaculture. Four workshops were planned that included 3 hands-on 

training on fish farms and one classroom financial planning workshop.

The first workshop that focused on cage aquaculture was completed on July 20. The next three 

workshops are scheduled for August 21 (pond culture), September 11 (indoor recirculating 

aquaculture) and September 30 (aquaculture financial planning).

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project is having well-informed and skilled fish farmers who are efficient in 

managing fish farms, minimizing risks in the production of fish to ensure profitable aquaculture 

production business.

The project also involves the development of aquaculture financial spreadsheets decision tools 

which will be available to workshop participants on USB drives as well as on the internet. In 

addition, two how-to videos on 2 production systems, i.e., cage culture and aquaponics 

(integrated recirculating aquaculture and hydroponics systems) are being developed, and will be 

available to farmers. The how-to videos will be useful for supporting aquaculture extension 

programming over an extended period of time.
102

Securing the Future of Agriculture in Georgia and South Carolina:

Farm Transition Outreach and Education

Rolling Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.

Cindy Haygood, Project Manager

Target Audience:

The target audience is all farmer/forest landowners with emphasis on limited resource and 

minority landowners. Landowners are targeted that are least likely to have a farm succession 

plan in place and have limited knowledge of topics related to land preservation and estate 

planning.

Project Partners:

Our partnering organizations continue to expand to include other organizations with direct access 

to landowners across Georgia and South Carolina. Below is a list to date of partners.

GA RC&D Councils

SC RC&D Councils

Georgia Agricultural Land Trust

Georgia Farm Bureau

South Carolina Farm Bureau

University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension

GA, Department of Natural Resources

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

GA Forestry Commission

GA Forestry Association

USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service

Georgia Land Conservation Program

Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority

Madison-Morgan Conservancy

Team Agriculture Georgia

Pee-Dee Land Trust

Georgia Organics

GA Soil and Water Conservation Commission

GA Association of Conservation District Supervisors

GA Cattlemen's Association

National Wild Turkey Federation

United Farmers Federation

Federation of Southern Cooperatives

Upper Savannah Land Trust

USDA, Farm Services Agency

Geographic Area Served: Georgia and South Carolina
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Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached:

Our goal is to reach 1500 landowners through 20 educational outreach events. These events will 

be scheduled through September 2011. To date we have reached a minimum of 500 landowners 

with more workshops scheduled this fall.

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to provide education and outreach to limited resource and other 

underserved farmers on protecting the future of the farm and improving the economic stability of 

agriculture for the next generation. The project will develop outreach materials to assist 

landowners with farm succession issues across Georgia and South Carolina. Educational 

programming will be delivered to discuss topics of importance to landowners regarding: estate 

planning, asset transfer options (to the next generation), tax issues, land preservation, Farm Bill 

programs, retirement planning, business development, etc. Training will also be provided to 

professionals (attorneys, estate planners, and CPAs) for the purpose of helping them understand 

the issues around farm and forestland ownership so they may better assist these special 

landowners.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

The success of the project will be monitored through landowner surveys. Surveys will be 

collected from landowners attending educational courses. These surveys will assist in 

identifying the number of landowners that plan to take action based upon the information 

provided. Follow up with these landowners will be conducted to determine results achieved.
104

Second Chance Community Based Agricultural Mentoring Youth Initiative.

Jennifer Brooks Project Manager

Ross and Company, Inc.

Target Audience: Traditionally Underserved Youth

Project Partners: Fort Valley State University, Delaware State University

Geographic Area Served: Georgia 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Project Target audience possible up and 

coming Farmers and Ranchers. (Target audience youth)

Project Scope and Status: 

Originally the scope and Status of this project was to reach 20 youth within the Georgia and 

Delaware regions and

1) Increase their awareness of educational, careers and agribusiness opportunities in both 

traditional and non-traditional Agricultural industries, i.e., Green Technology. 

2) Provide consistent linkage between the two generations through mentorship and 

encouragement of continued interest in the field of Agriculture. 

3) Introduce risk management strategies to this interim of their agriculture training; thereby, 

increasing their chance of successful sustainable careers in agriculture. 

4) Encourage their pursuit of careers in the Agricultural industry by providing detailed 

training in a variety of agricultural subjects. 

However, through raising additional funding support, we have been able to expand our outreach. 

Therefore, the project has also been able to develop and provide an educational outreach website 

designed not only address the plight of our youth, but introduce and reintroduce as many youth 

as possible to the vast opportunities in Agriculture and the important role that Risk management 

practices play in their everyday lives. (Nine out of ten youth we encountered never thought about 

Agriculture beyond farming). 

In addition, the goals and objectives of the website has not only been to reach more than the 

originally proposed (20) traditionally underserved youth, but to introduce as many youth as 

possible to Green Technology in a way that is simple and relatable. Over the past several years, 

we remain baffled at how so few youth are unfamiliar with even the term Green Technology. It 

is our hope that as a result of the development of this educational outreach website more youth 

has become familiar with Green Industry, its components and terminology. The ultimate goal is 

that visiting youth will further develop their (Green) conversational literacy skills, which will be 

needed as they seek future green employment, job training, and educational opportunities. The 

website is www.secondchance-ag.org at present it has had over 10,000 visits. 

In addition, due to our expansion of outreach we have also been able gain additional community 

educational, business, and corporate support to host an all day(Youth Conference and Summit) 

scheduled to be held on November 6, 2010 At present our budget will allow for accommodating 

200 hundred of the 1200 youth request.
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Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

This summit will not only encompass all of the originally proposed goals and objectives, 

submitted in our original application to RMA, but attending youth will also be provided the 

opportunity to attend breakout sessions which will focus on how to access traditional and non -

traditional agriculturally based Job, Career and Higher Learning opportunities. Attending youth 

will also be provided on site job interviews by employers who are seeking to hire on the spot. 
106

Developing Tools & Strategies to Understand Legal Risk:

Protecting the Farmer’s Path to Success

Lorette Picciano, Project Manager

Rural Coalition / Coalicion Rural 

Target Audience:

Women, Asian Americans- Hmong, African Americans, Hispanic Americans.

Project Partners:

This project is a partnership of the Rural Coalition/Coalición Rural with National Immigrant 

Farming Initiative, Flats Mentor Farm, Echo Farm, the New American Sustainable Agriculture 

Project, New Farmer Development Project, Dig It, the Rural Advancement Fund, Operation 

Spring Plant, National Hmong American Farmers, Inc, the National Latino Farmers and 

Ranchers Trade Association, Small Farmers and Minority Farmers of America, Land 

Stewardship Project, Farmworker Association of Florida, and Delta State University.

Geographic Area Served:

North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Massachusetts, Florida, California, Maryland

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: More than 200 

Project Scope and Status: 

The purpose of this project is to reduce legal risks increase the number of socially disadvantaged 

producers in the project area who become eligible for access to federal agriculture funds and 

programs by reducing legal barriers to participation. The project will utilize a comprehensive 

assessment, education and training program focusing on addressing the legal barriers farmers 

must consider in securing land tenure documents, acquiring new land, and alternate financing.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Development and production of an assessment tool to identify the needs and challenges of the 

target producers with regard to legal issues they may face including the need to secure land 

tenure documents such as land titles and leases; legal issues to consider in acquiring new land 

including assurance of clear title, understanding mineral and other rights associated with the 

land, and any wetlands or other restrictions, credit documents and others. The tools will also 

focus on alternate methods and resources to finance land and tools to develop alternative 

organizations such as cooperatives to spread risk and secure markets. 

Production of a Legal Risk Management Training module to help producers assess and 

understand the legal barriers they face, the impact these barriers may pose, and information on 

ways to overcome these barriers. This module will cover the information above and also explore 

ways in which additional legal tools may be used to help producers expand viability through 

collaboration through cooperatives and other means. 
107

Increase in the number of socially disadvantaged producers in each area that are able to 

successfully register with USDA, and become eligible for access to federal agriculture funds and 

programs. We will be focusing on the legal documents and other evidence needed to secure 

registration with Farm Service Agency. We have prepared training materials to help producers

complete registration and will complete a report detailing any barriers that prevent the 

accomplishment of this goal, such as leases that are too short in term to allow access to 

conservation programs, for example. 
108

Building Blocks for Risk Mitigation for 

Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers

Luz Bazan Gutierrez, Project Manager

Rural Community Development Resources (Center for Latino Farmers)

Target Audience: Hispanic Americans

Project Partners:

USDA agencies (Risk Management Agency [RMA], Natural Resource Conservation Service 

[NRCS, Farm Service Agency [FSA], Rural Development [RD], Rural Community and 

Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA]), Spanish language 

newspapers, Labor & Industry, Dept of Employment Security, Internal Revenue Services, Dept 

of Agriculture Food Safety & Animal Health, WA State Dept of Agriculture, WA State Migrant 

Council, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Yakima County, Opportunities Industrialization 

Center, Yakima Valley Community College, Radio KDNA, United Growers, and Stakeholders.

Geographic Area Served: Seven economically distressed counties in Central Washington: 

Okanogan, Chelan, Grant, Adams, Franklin, Yakima and Benton. 

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 122 Latino farmers/ranchers were served 

and reached within service area.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to provide outreach and assistance to 

socially disadvantaged and traditionally underserved farmers/ranchers to meet RMA‘s Strategic 

Goal of ensuring that all farmers/ranchers are well informed about risk management, and 

addressing risk management solutions through simple educational tools and activities.

This program had 5 objectives: 

Create and publish a bilingual 2010-2011 resource calendar of deadlines for crop 

insurance and other USDA agencies deadlines.

Facilitate two workshops for a minimum of 12 farmers per session about crop insurance 

and in particular requirements for qualifying for AGR- Lite and the financial 

documentation.

Do a one television show production per quarter utilizing two of the farmers that go 

through the RMC to share their experience in doing the risk management analysis and 

corrective plan development and implementation.

Provide technical assistance for two farmer cooperatives by providing quarterly trainings 

and on-going assistance on business plan management and marketing

Facilitate two hands – on workshops for a minimum of 10 producers per session about 

preparing year – end actual financials, and how those figures connect to IRS Schedule F.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Created & published 2010-11 bilingual resource calendars in partnership with RMA & 

all USDA agencies to highlight timelines for crop insurance & other deadlines.

Outcome: Published and distributed to 500 stakeholders & partners in 02/28/10
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Facilitated two workshops about crop insurance to 27 SDA in the South and North 

Central WA in 10/30/09 & 11/30/10

Outcome: 8 renewal policies & 2 new policies in Yakima, 4 renewal policies & 2 new 

policies in Tonasket & 2 renewal policies in Wenatchee. (Only 3 SDFR were able to 

qualify for AG Lite due to requirements of ownership of farm and reporting it on 

income taxes for at least 10 years) 

Facilitated 2 educational workshops: one was about tax reporting requirement & in 

specific using Schedule ―F‖ to report farm income & expenses, and the other was 

Computer 101 class which showed them how to use the Excel spreadsheet. 13 SDA in 

the South & North Central region, 2 more workshops are pending in September.

Expected Outcomes: SDFR will learn the importance of reporting accurately to IRS 

and how that information is used by all financing agencies and how reporting 

accurately will help them with their farming enterprise for insurance options.

Identified 18 SDA for the comprehensive ―Risk Management Checklist‖ assessment.

Checklists for 8 SDA have been completed as of 7/31/10; 8 more checklists are 

pending & will be completed by 9/30/10; 2 hours of a television educational show 

were completed, 2 more hours are in process & will be completed by 09/30/10 

Important Feedback: Farmers who participated in this objective which also includes 

the SWOT Analysis said it was an eye opener due to the fact that questions asked 

during the interviews of their farming business helped them visualize of what their 

strengths and weaknesses were, what risks they had not analyzed and how they are 

going to work to minimize risks, increase strengths, search for opportunities, and be 

more cognizant of not only short term, but mid and long term goals for the future of 

their farming operation. (This should be a requirement for all new and beginning 

farmers and RMA should fund locally based CBO‘s to work with the individual SDFR 

to complete them)

Coordinated USDA Direct Market Opportunity workshop in March & June, 2010. 

Presenters were: Quinton Robinson, Director USDA Office of Procurement & staff 

Joe Ware, Lisa Wilusz, Belinda Ward, and Sherry Cohen – Senior Program Analyst. 

Edward Avalos – USDA Undersecretary for Marketing Regulatory Affairs. Jessica 

Morales, Bus Counselor United Indians of all Tribes Foundation & 46 Latino 

producers. These workshops gave the farmers a better understanding on what is 

needed to obtain federal contracts for direct marketing for potential AMS contracts. 

Followed up a trip with farmers to DC on May 2010 for potential AMS contracts. 

The Center is currently assisting the United Growers Coop in their application process 

to get their 8-A Certification to qualify for set aside contracts on bid opportunities. 

This grant has provided 112 SDFR with more exposure to the Risk Management Agency 

programs and how to link them to USDA agencies, state partners, and private partners.

This grant has helped the Center to provide educational workshops in a culturally sensitive 

and effective outreach manner for these SDFR who have limited education levels in Spanish 

and limited English skills. This grant has helped expand their knowledge of risk in their 

farming operation. The project is still ongoing through September 30, 2010. 
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Practical Risk Reduction for Southern Producers 

Using New Tools and Training

Jean Mills, Project Manager

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (Southern SAWG)

Target Audience: Women, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native 

Americans

Project Partners:

1. Southeastern African-American Famers Organic Network (SAAFON). 

2. Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN). 

3. Community Cattle Enterprise in partnership with the Heifer International Louisiana Field 

Office. 

4. Heifer International Southwest Region Field Office, representing East Dover Livestock 

Association, Logan County Livestock Collaborative, Boley Livestock Association, Okmulgee 

Grassroots Producers Alliance, and the National/Oklahoma Women in Agriculture Association, 

in partnership with the. 

Geographic Area Served: South

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 250

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project was to provide limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other 

traditionally underserved producers with risk management trainings and resources in sustainable 

horticulture and livestock production and marketing. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

1. Through our partner groups, 30 limited-resource producers were provided scholarships and 

travel stipends to participate in the 2010 Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family 

Farms Conference and a Pre-conference Intensive Short Course of their choice. Scholarship 

participants received intensive training in Management Intensive Grazing of Beef, Organic 

Vegetable Production and Marketing, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Development 

and Operation, and Hoophouse Construction and Production. Scholarship recipients responded 

extremely positively to the valuable interactions they had with others from around the region and 

to the practical information provided by presenters with hands-on experience. Participants 

unanimously appreciated the conference experience and found the session information to be 

useful. Key themes that emerged include the value of hearing from experts on practical, specific 

topics, connecting with other producers, and building confidence and gaining information on 

specific farm and business practices.

100 percent of evaluation respondents said they were likely to make changes with their farming 

operation as a result of information acquired at this 4 day event. 
111

2. A one and half day training was provided for targeted producers on a topic of their choosing 

in the base communities of our four partner groups. Two groups received training and resource 

materials on Management Intensive Grazing of Beef, one group received training and resource 

materials on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Development and Operation and one 

group received training and resource materials on Hoophouse Construction and Production. Due 

to the timing of the funding cycle, the trainings had to be scheduled during the height of the 

growing season which kept participation lower than expected for some of the trainings. But 

because of the timing of the NRCS EQIP Hoophouse program implementation, we had a higher 

than expected number of participants in our early spring Hoophouse training. All totaled, 159 

participated in these trainings.

The main key to the success of these trainings were the participatory, practical and hands-on 

nature in which the training material was presented. Across the evaluation responses, training 

participants overwhelming stated that the trainings were packed with practical real life tools and 

advice. In addition, the trainings consistently drew on participant‘s knowledge, providing 

everyone with the opportunity to both learn and teach. Lastly, the trainings were delivered by 

farmers who utilized their own experience and lessons as the foundation for all trainings.

94% of evaluation respondents said they were likely to make changes with their farming 

operation as a result of information they acquired at these 1.5 day events and 96 % said they 

were likely to share the information with others. 

3. A new DVD and augmenting written materials were created to specifically showcase risk 

management techniques utilized on a farm operated by a couple representing the target audience. 

Joseph and Helen Fields are African-Americans producing certified organic vegetables on their 

50 acre farm on John‘s Island, South Carolina. They market their produce through a number of 

different avenues – farmers markets, on-farm stand, a CSA, a cooperative, restaurants, grocery 

stores and u-pick. Using this farming operation as a model, risk reducing marketing strategies is 

the focus of the new materials developed. These new tools and a CD ROM with comprehensive 

information about organic production, marketing and business management were provided to 

250 producers affiliated with our partner groups and the American Indian Mothers (AIM) and the 

Southwest Georgia Project. Evaluations are still coming in, but at this point 100% say they are 

likely to make changes with their farming operation as a result of information they acquired from 

these materials and 100% said they were likely to share the information with others. 
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Managing Risk: A Land Based Perspective

Teri Bad Hand and Pati Martinson, Project Managers

Taos County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC)

Project Summary

Our 2009/2010 ―Managing Risk: A Land Based Perspective‖ will focus on the expansion of risk 

management strategies within the livestock sector of Northern New Mexico through the addition 

of critical tools and assets, while continuing to support the Taos County Economic Development 

Corp‘s (TCEDC) Food System Model that has served as a catalyst for growth and involvement 

in our community. Through this project TCEDC will focus on growers and livestock producers 

that are in need of economic incentives to add value to their products and increase family 

income. The creative utilization of new tools and infrastructure coupled with outreach, 

education and hands-on assistance to access USDA programs and products are the foundation of 

this proposal. With the ever-increasing pressures of development in rural areas the work of grass 

roots organizations such as TCEDC to assist limited resource farmers and ranchers is intensified 

and we must move quickly to put into place mechanisms, facilities and programs that will 

promote, sustain and improve small family farms and ranches offering solutions and methods to 

increase income and to hold on to the dwindling and endangered resources of land and water. 

Outreach and Education are critical components to our work with Native American, Hispanic 

and Socially Disadvantaged families whose ties to the land are centuries old and whose desires 

are to take their rightful place in the local economy. Infrastructure such as TCEDC‘s Business 

Park, Commercial Kitchen, Mobile Livestock Slaughter Unit (Mobile Matanza) and Processing 

facilities, serve as venues to implement outreach and training programs aimed at insuring equal 

access and participation of these underserved communities. As the bad news for our corporate, 

centralized food system continues to reverberate and safety of the foods we eat and feed our 

children is compromised on a regular and increasing basis people are turning toward smaller 

local food systems. Small family farms and ranches, tribal communities and land-based people 

who carry the traditions of ―feeding the people‖ have an opportunity to lead the way. However, 

due to decades of neglect and loss of infrastructure, particularly for meat processing, intervention 

is critical. TCEDC has provided a model for a community based nonprofit to intervene and 

assemble needed resources to rebuild.

This project reflects new information on current needs in our project area and TCEDC‘s 

continued commitment to enlist new partners and find tools to achieve the goals of our RMA 

partnership.

This years‘ Project therefore includes:

 Outreach specialists to bring programs to S.D.F.R.‘s

 Distribution and marketing services

 Specialized education through the Food Sector Opportunity Program, Livestock Sector 

Opportunity Program and Nx Level Tilling the Soil of Opportunity classes

 Outreach and education activities utilizing culturally appropriate methods, and hands-on 

help in governmental forms.

 Utilization of numerous partnerships and collaborations to move the goals of the 

community forward.
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Risk Management Agency‘s role in this holistic model cannot be overstated. By providing landbased ranchers and farmers with culturally appropriate tools, the incentives and ability to hold on 

to land and water are reinforced.

“Managing Risk: A Land Based Perspective”

―By the Numbers‖

2009/2010

●# of farmers & ranchers targeted over 1500

Thru the following venues:

1. New Mexico Acequia Convenings (2) 500

2. Taos County Ag Fair (1) 250

3. Mobile ―Matanza‖ Demos (4) 100

4. TCEDC Fall Harvest & Food Festival (1) 400

5. Other Community Events 300

●# of ranchers utilizing the Mobile ―Matanza‖ services 150

●# of pounds of meat processed through the TCEDC processing facilities 80,000-100,000

●# of new Food Center businesses buying local produce 12

●# of new Food Center businesses using the Product Delivery Vehicle 25

●# of ranchers using the Product Delivery Vehicle 20

●# of new markets developed 4

●# of Trainings & Educational Sessions over 200

Thru the following:

FSOP 3 sessions – 50 participants 50

LSOP 2 sessions – 40 participants 40

NxLevel 2 sessions – 20 participants 20

WIC 10 sessions – 100 families 100

●# receiving direct One-on-One technical assistance services 100
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Frontera Agricultural Risk Management (FARM) Project

Texas/Mexico Border Coalition Community-based Organization

Omar J. Garza, Project Manager

Target Audience: Hispanic farmers and ranchers

Project Partners: University of Texas – Pan American, Texas AgriLIFE, local NRCS and 

FSA, local RC&D Councils

Geographic Area Served: 38 counties in South and West Texas and 19 counties in central New 

Mexico

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: To date, 538 farmers and ranchers and 140 

agricultural professionals.

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to provide bilingual risk management training and outreach, which 

focuses on priority commodities, to traditionally underserved, primarily Hispanic farmers and 

ranchers. This project‘s service area is the 56-county border-region of Texas and New Mexico. 

The risk-management training activities of the 12-month project will include organizing and 

hosting at least 12 risk-management training events as well as computer/Internet training. The 

goal of the FARM Project is to help Hispanic producers survive by providing them with the 

knowledge, shills, and tools necessary to make informed risk-management decisions for their 

farm and ranch operations. This goal is supported through five main objectives:

1) Assemble risk-management instructional materials to deliver risk-management education 

and information to border-region Hispanic producers of priority commodities.

2) Develop and conduct a promotional program to provide risk-management awareness, 

product information, and training opportunities to Hispanic producers.

3) Deliver risk-management training and informational opportunities on priority 

commodities, to Hispanic agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals in bilingual 

settings.

4) Provide follow-up technical assistance on USDA programs and risk management to 

Hispanic attendees of risk-management training events in English and Spanish.

5) Document outreach and educational activities, provided through this Project, for Hispanic 

agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals.

This goal and the supporting objectives will be accomplished by providing outreach, training, 

technical assistance, and other support for crop insurance, marketing strategies, farm 

management and other risk-management tools associated with priority commodities. At least 14 

risk-management training events and conferences will be provided. This project will focus on the 

drought-stricken Texas border-region and also the South Texas area damaged by Hurricane 

Dolly. South Texas has the highest concentration of Hispanic producers in the nation. 

 
115

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The FARM Project has been consistently successful for many years. From October 2009 

to August 2010, this FARM Project has provided:

 16 training events for 538 farmers and ranchers and 140 agricultural professionals; a 

total of 678 participants.

 3,037 mailout notices to area landowners regarding workshops, field days, and other 

pertinent information.

 5 newsletter articles and 15 newspaper articles regarding workshops, field days, and 

important deadlines.

 More than 546 computer/Internet training sessions to 2,537 participants in 14 rural 

communities.

The FARM Project is unique and customized for farmers and ranchers in South and West 

Texas. Workshop and field day topics are relevant for the region. Increase in producers‘ 

participation demonstrates the effectiveness of the project‘s methods and respectability in 

South and West Texas. 
116

Promoting Sustainability to Reduce Risk for California‟s Disadvantaged 

Producers and Underserved Crops

Trust for Conservation Innovation/Roots of Change

Carin D‟Oliva, Michael Dimock, Bobbie Peyton, Project Managers

Target Audience: Socially disadvantaged farmers and underserved crops throughout California

Project Partners: (1) Ag Innovations Network (2) International Rescue Committee (IRC) of 

San Diego (3) National Hmong American Farmers (NHAF) of Fresno (4) Center for Food Justice 

at Occidental College (5) Slow Food Russian River (6) City of Los Angeles

Geographic Area Served: Multiple regions throughout California, including but not limited 

to Los Angeles County, Fresno County, San Diego County, Sonoma County, San Francisco 

County, Sacramento County and Monterey County.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 362 farmers were reached or have directly 

participated. The number of farmers served by procurement and farmers market promotion 

policy changes is estimated at 900.

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to assist underserved and 

disadvantaged farmers improve their operations through the implementation of several targeted 

projects that combined, create synergy and systems change that lower producer risk by 

increasing urban consumer support and commitment to producer success.

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

The success of the project to date has been evident in Roots of Change‘s (ROC) ability to tap 

into its statewide network and launch a collaboration that would benefit underserved and 

disadvantaged farmers in California. By providing education and outreach services as part of 

California‘s agricultural strategic planning process, and developing foodshed management plans 

for three major urban areas in California, ROC‘s network is building consensus across diverse 

interests for system-wide change throughout the state. These activities performed by ROC and its 

partners are detailed below.

ROC‘s partner in San Diego, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has continued 

development of a business model that will graduate new refugee immigrant producers from 

―micro-scale‖ production of specialty crops towards self-sufficiency as farmers, and mitigate 

their risks as they transition to small and medium-scale production. IRC has engaged with a total 

of 27 producers to date, including 19 Somali Bantu growers and 8 new immigrant commercial 

growers with parcels of less than one acre, and provided meaningful support as they launch 

independent farming ventures in the United States.

With our partner in Fresno, National Hmong American Farmers (NHAF), we are increasing 

producers‘ effective influence on urban populations through community engagement at school 

farmers‘ markets and farmstands. NHAF has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with 

the Fresno Unified School District to supply fresh, locally grown produce at local elementary 

schools, and has connected more than 16 producers with three schools located in low-income 

neighborhoods that are disconnected from accessible grocery stores and farmers‘ markets. 
117

These schools have approximately 88 percent of students participating in Free/Reduced Lunch 

programs.

ROC‘s work with the Center for Food Justice at Occidental College has continued the 

development of a Farmers Market Hub Network, which is creating collaborative solutions to 

regional food distribution and market access problems for more than 120 farmers. Through 

meetings with key stakeholders, Occidental has nearly completed its final draft of a Vision 

document for a California regional direct marketing system that will feature a database and maps 

of existing agricultural infrastructure, such as agricultural production, population density, and 

disadvantaged farmer populations.

ROC has partnered with Ag Innovations and Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association 

(ALBA) to development a community engagement program for disadvantaged producers to 

increase awareness of and access to emerging regional food markets, including direct sales, farm 

to institution and farm to school. ALBA has connected with 11 communities and undertaken 

outreach to 150 disadvantaged producers in various communities throughout Northern 

California, and continues to tailor the program—producers‘ barriers and opportunities to 

success—to the needs and realities of each community.

Through the Los Angeles Urban-Rural Roundtable (LA URRT) project, Roots of Change 

integrated food systems thinking into the City‘s discussion around food, and generated a focused 

set of regionally based recommendations for Mayor Villaraigosa‘s Food Policy Task Force. The 

project brought together 70 stakeholders, including outreach to 25 farmers. More importantly, 

the recommended policies related to procurement, farmers markets, and food access will greatly 

benefit hundreds of underserved farmers in the Los Angeles foodshed, which serves sixteen 

million people and stretches four hundred miles from San Diego to southern Monterey County.

Slow Food Russian River is designing promotional and informational materials for the 

Gravenstein Apple Project in Sonoma County to serve 24 underserved farmers seeking to 

increase demand, production and price for apple products. A successful media campaign resulted 

in multiple radio promos with KOWS, KSRO, MouthFul, Good Food Hour, and articles in 

regional newspapers about the Gravenstein apple farmers. There have been 92 local restaurants 

and bakeries that have signed on to highlight the apples in their recipes. Travel packs containing 

5 lbs of Grav apples are selling on The Fruit Guys website, and Sonoma State College has agreed 

to purchase 50 boxes of local apples per week for the harvest period. 
118

Reducing Marketing & Financial Risk of Limited-Resource,Socially, 

Disadvantaged Farmers in the Black Belt Region through Technical and 

Outreach Assistance

Dr. Tasha M. Hargrove, Project Manager

Tuskegee University

Target Audience: African Americans & Limited-Resource, Socially 

Disadvantaged Farmers

Project Partners: n/a

Geographic Area Served: Black Belt Region with emphasis placed on the Alabama Black 

Belt Region

Number of Farmers Served/Reached: 500

Project Scope and Status:

The overall purpose of this project is to enhance the long-term sustainability of limited-resource, 

socially disadvantaged fruit and vegetable producers in the Black Belt Region by providing risk 

management training and informational opportunities that will minimize four of the most 

prevalent risk factors: marketing, production, legal, and financial. The objectives of this project 

are:

1. To design and implement a pilot training program to minimize the risk associated with 

beginning and sustaining a new or existing farming operation for limited-resource, 

socially disadvantaged farmers under the age of forty across the Black Belt region;

2. In conjunction with the 118th Annual Farmers Conference, to plan and host the second 

Annual Cultivating Collaborative Marketing and Risk Management Workshop for small, 

limited-resource farmers and to distribute 150 risk management toolkits;

3. To expand and strengthen the entrepreneurial/business etiquette skills of small, limitedresource farmers to better equip them with the tools necessary to pursue and secure new 

marketing opportunities in the farm to school/restaurant industry; and

4. To provide an opportunity for farmers in Alabama to receive risk management training 

by attending the 5

th National Small Farmers conference in Springfield, IL .

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of this project was measured by the activities completed and the ability of the 

project to minimize the marketing, financial, production and legal risk of limited-resource, 

socially-disadvantaged farmers in the Black Belt region through technical and outreach 

assistance. As a result of participating in this project, farmers were able to increase their 

knowledge of the income earning potential of their farm enterprise, improve their financial skills, 

complete marketing and business plans, identify potential marketing opportunities, strengthen 

their entrepreneurial skills, penetrate new markets, and increase their understanding of 

production, financial, and marketing risks. 
119

The farmers accomplished this by participating in conferences, workshops, receiving one-on-one 

technical assistance, reviewing marketing handouts, bulletins, newsletters, networking, engaging 

in farmer to farmer training, and conducting individual research. This project provided realistic 

hands on and scenario based training that was farmer specific and designed and directed by the 

farmers. Some of the educational activities that have been completed include:

Participating in the 2nd Annual Cultivating Collaborative Marketing and Risk 

Management Workshop & the 118th Annual Farmers Conference

The second annual Cultivating Collaborative Marketing Opportunities and Risk 

Management Workshop was held on February 17 -19, 2010. Over one hundred & 

seventy-five farmers attended. The goal of this workshop was to provide training and 

informational opportunities that could reduce the business and marketing risk faced by 

small, limited-resource farmers and rural communities in the Black Belt Region. Some 

of the topics that were covered included: (1) Marketing on the edge: adding value to your 

products; (2) new ways to engage the community to increase your sales; (3) farm to 

school opportunities, (4) building a brand for your farm; (5) selling to restaurants: how to 

close the deal; (6) small farm survival: record keeping and business planning; and (7) 

farming in the twenty-first century: are you connected? One of the highlights of the 

workshop, was the value-added tasting reception. This reception provided an 

opportunity for small farmers to showcased their products and proved to be a learning 

experience for those farmers who have not engaged in any value-added activities. There 

were several excellent examples of small farmers who have taken their raw produce and 

transformed it into a delicious product with unique labels. By participating in the ValueAdded Tasting Reception, each farmer has been able to secure at least 3 new markets.

Participation in the 5th National Small Farmers conference in Springfield, IL. 

Thirty farmers attended this conference. This conference: (a) provided an opportunity for 

Alabama farmers to observe risk management practices that are being implemented by 

other farmers in various regions of the country, (b) served as forum for farmers to 

network, and (c) enhanced their marketing skills and expanded their marketing toolkit.

Hosting two meetings with farmers and potential buyers from local grocery stores, 

restaurants, and farmers markets. This resulted in the farmers securing two new 

markets.
120

Using Risk Management Education to Enhance Income for Socially 

Disadvantaged Producers in Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Henry English, Project Manager

Target Audience: Women, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans 

Project Partners: Heifer International (HI), Oklahoma Black Historical Research Society 

(OBHRS), Black Farmers and Agriculturalist Association (BFAA), Farm Service Agency (FSA), 

and Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS)

Geographic Area Served: Southeast and Northeast Arkansas

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 736

Project Scope and Status: The purpose of this project is to help underserved specialty crop, 

livestock, and row crop producers in Northeast and Southeast Arkansas use risk management 

strategies to increase farm income on their operations. 

The work on the project was somewhat delayed due to the health problems of one of the key 

personnel who had back surgery and had to take leave for a while and is currently working on a 

limited bases. 

Outputs of the project: 

One-on-One Training/Consulting (800)

Conferences sponsored in Arkansas (2)

Regional conference sponsored in Arkansas (1)

Training workshops (6)

Newsletters published (4)

News articles published (7)

Took producers to Interstate Conferences (2)

Farm crop demonstrations conducted (2)

Field day sponsored (1)

Fact sheets published (2)

Outcomes of the Project

Objective One: To help 60 socially disadvantaged vegetable producers use risk management 

strategies to increase income on their vegetable operations.

Fifteen vegetable producers increase their income by 15 percent after adding value to 

their vegetables and through direct marketing of their vegetables.

Six producers used plasticulture with drip irrigation for their vegetable operation after 

being educated (which included a demonstration), and assisted by extension associates.
121

Fifteen vegetable producers purchase the Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) for 

their crops as recommended by the extension associate.

Forty producers were informed about the crop and pasture land improvements that could 

be made with cost share funds from the Environmental Quality Incentive Program 

(EQIP). Five producers were approved for $533,188 in EQIP funds.

Eleven producers established livestock operations with funds from Heifer International 

(HI) and training assistance from the UAPB extension associates and livestock 

specialists. 

Objective Two: To help 50 socially disadvantaged row crop producers increase income on their 

farms by using crop insurance in managing production and marketing risk.

Twenty five producers purchased the buy- up level of crop insurance and fifteen 

producers purchased the catastrophic (CAT) level of crop insurance. Extension associates 

used the Risk Management Agency‘s (RMA) Premium Calculator to help producers 

select the coverage level which will cover their production expense. 

Objective Three: To help 50 SDPs manage their financial risks by developing and using 

financial records, financial statements, and financial ratios. 

Sixty SDPs were assisted in developing enterprise budgets and cash flow projections for 

their operations after being advised of the need to know specific cash flow needs and 

their per acre cost.

Thirteen producers who were assisted in developing financial plans received $1,423,220 

in USDA loan funds. Two producers received loan funds totaling $91,000 from their 

local banks. 

Objective Four: To educate SDPs about the risks associated with heir property

Seventy producers gained knowledge on estate planning after the UAPB Family 

Resource Management Specialist made a presentation on the fact sheet titled ―Who needs 

an Estate Plan.‖
122

Risk Management Education in Southwest Indian Country on Recordkeeping, 

AGR-Lite, Alternative Energy, and Agri-tourism

Trent Teegerstrom, Russell Tronstad 

and Tauhidur Rahman, Project Managers

University of Arizona

Target Audience: Agricultural producers (including Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, 

May may, Somali Bantus, Somali, Uzbekistan and Women) in the following commodity areas: 

1) Livestock, 2) Specialty crop, 3) Forage, 4) Other RMA ―priority commodity‖

Project Partners:

Partnering Organization/Agency and Contact Person/Information

Arizona Reservation to Rail Program

Dr. Joe Hiller – 520-621-7621, e-mail: jghiller@ag.arizona.edu

Dr. Joe Bahe, DVM – 505-786-41, e-mail: jbahe@citech.edu

Experiment Station, U of AZ, Alternative Energy

Dr. Randy Ryan – 520-621-1845, e-mail; rryan@ag.arizona.edu

USDA Farm Service Agency

Douglas Littau – 602-285-6318, e-mail: Doug.littau@az.usda.gov

San Carlos Apaches, U of AZ, Coop. Extension

Dr. Sabrina Tuttle – 928-475-2350, e-mail: sabrinat@cals.arizona.edu

Gila River Indian Irrigation and Drainage District

Santos Nieto 520-562-6710, e-mail: snieto@griidd.com

Diversity in Agriculture Conference

Dr. Ruby Ward – 435-797-2323, e-mail: ruby.ward@usu.edu

Pinal County Extension, U of AZ Coop. Extension

Rick Gibson – 520-836-5221, e-mail: gibsonrd@cals.arizona.edu

Hopi Nation, U of AZ, Coop. Extension

Matthew Livingston – 928-734-3708, e-mail: mateo@cals.arizona.edu

Hualapai Nation, U of AZ, Coop. Extension

Terry Crowley – 928-769-1284, e-mail: tcrowley@cals.arizona.edu

Southwest Marketing Network Conference

Pam Roy – 505-473-1004, e-mail: pamelaroy@aol.com

Navajo Nation, U of AZ, Coop. Extension (St. Michaels, AZ)

Gerald Moore– 928-871-7406, e-mail: gmoore@cals.arizona.edu

Navajo Nation, U of AZ, Coop. Extension (Shiprock, NM)

Jeannie Benally – 505-368-1028, e-mail: jbenally@cals.arizona.edu

Geographic Area Served: 

Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada including the following Tribal Nations (Hualapai, Hopi, 

Navajo, White Mountain Apache, and San Carlos Apache)
123

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

To date, our 2009/10 RME Outreach Project has reached 690 participants through oral 

presentations and posters at workshops and conferences. A total of 14 presentations have been 

conducted by the co-project directors that focused on enhancing quality of life and the roles of 

AGR-Lite, Agri-Tourism, and Specialty Agri-Products on existing and new operations. Of the 

690 participants, approximately 74% have identified themselves as producers, while the 

remaining are professionals that work for Farm Service Agency, the National Tribal 

Development Association, plus State and Federal Government agencies (e.g., Arizona 

Department of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, USDA/RC&D and the NRCS).

Project Scope and Status: 

This project focus is to enhance the risk management skills and economic vitality of rural tribes 

and other limited resource and socially disadvantaged individuals through building upon RMA 

Outreach programs delivered over the last few years on joint agri-tourism and specialty agriproducts. Fifty-one workshops and presentations have been provided that have directly reached 

over 1,200 producers. Feedback received from our partners and participants reveal participants 

tend to share at least one publication, software, or piece of information that they learned from a 

workshop with about 9 individuals on average. In addition, we continue to provide ongoing oneon-one assistance to tribal ranches, grazing associations, small farm organizations, tribal 

extension agents, and other support individuals

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

Preliminary results from an on-going assessment of this project show that 690 Participants have 

gained an understanding of the importance of recordkeeping on their operation, 620 Producers 

have become aware of localfresh.info is a way to increase their marking options, and 425 

Producers have a better understanding of the value and use of filing taxes using a schedule-F. 

During the second workshop conducted for the International Rescue Committee, 76% of the 

participants reported that they were in attendance at the first workshop and as a result of the first 

workshop, 55% of the participants reported that they have now started keeping records. Similar 

results were found on the tribal nations where 140 responses received to-date, 27% have 

improved their knowledge of where their expenses are going, and 14% have improved their 

knowledge of where their income is coming from, 12% have increased the price they receive for 

their animals, and 13% have completed a management plan. These indicators suggest that the 

trainings and tools provided through this project are providing positive and lasting results.
124

Increasing Market Potential by Reducing On-Farm Food Safety Risk for 

Socially Disadvantaged Produce Growers in Hawaii.

James Hollyer, Project Manager

University of Hawaii

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR)

Target Audience: Small farms and ranches; socially disadvantaged producers; immigrant 

producers – primarily Asian Americans and recent Asian immigrants

Project Partners: Hawaii Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation

Geographic Area Served: State of Hawaii (Islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and 

Lanai)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: We currently have 36 new clients for oneon-one coaching and our direct outreach efforts have reached over 250 farmers, agricultural 

workers, aquaculturists, and home gardeners. 

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to increase on farm food safety through community outreach and 

individualized, on-site coaching of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), food safety, and field 

sanitation. In Hawaii, only about 60 of 1200+ produce farms have passed a third party audit by 

the middle of 2010. This lack of knowledge and/or compliance of GAPs by Hawaii food 

growers puts Hawaii‘s nearly 1.3 million residents and over 5 million visitors at some level of 

risk if they eat local produce. The lack of attention to GAPs can also put Hawaii‘s diversified 

agriculture industry in jeopardy as one large food-borne outbreak can create so much fear in 

consumers minds‘ that they avoid certain products for an extended period of time. The 

California spinach is a good example of long-term impact of a food-borne illness outbreak.

Our program focuses on on-farm food safety coaching with ―Traditionally Underserved 

Farmers‖ in Hawaii because they represent the highest percentage of growers, and they grow a 

great deal of our fresh produce. According to the USDA, traditionally underserved farmers 

include socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource 

farmers and ranchers. Many of these under-served growers are also not familiar with USDA 

Risk Management Agency‘s (RMA) insurance programs. Many Hawaii farmers have only 

general liability but it is becoming apparent that product liability needs to be added to a farm‘s 

insurance portfolio. If there is a product recall and farmers are found negligent in their 

production practices, they are better protected when they carry a product liability policy. To 

meet this need, our instruction includes an introduction to RMA programs and product liability 

insurance. 

The return on investment to working with traditionally underserved farmers in Hawaii will be 

significant. We will provide a range of risk management education and information and offer 

outreach programs aimed at equal access and participation of underserved communities in one 

year by transforming at least 20 traditionally underserved farmers statewide. Each grower will 

have considerably more knowledge about why their farm is creating a risk and what they need to 
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do to remove that risk, and to maintain a low-risk business. Each business we transform will be 

able to hold onto their existing market, if not grow their market share as a result of our coaching. 

While it will be difficult to quantify exactly what the reduction in the risk factor to Hawaii 

agriculture or a specific consumer for each farm that successfully passes their third party audit, 

we know that tainted food from even one farm or unhealthy employee can result in deaths, losses 

to the particular operation, and severe impact on the commodity and the area (region, state, 

country) where that the crop has been grown. A March 2010 Pew Charitable Trusts study, 

Health-Related Costs From Foodborne Illness in the United States, however, puts Hawaii at the 

top of the nation for the highest per capita cost of food borne illness.

Outputs and Outcomes of the project: 

The success of the project is measured in our community outreach efforts and our individualized 

coaching. Our community outreach efforts have resulted in 36 new clients for our farm food 

safety coaching program. Of the new clients, we have already conducted 21 site visits, coaching 

the growers on Good Agricultural Practices, conducting water testing for coliforms, and 

providing personalized guidance on farm food safety issues, such as health, hygiene, and field 

sanitation. Our staff encourages farmers and growers to develop a farm safety manual, keep 

documentation of farm practices, and eventually, undergo a third-party farm safety audit. These 

activities all contribute to an overall lessening of risk of a foodborne illness outbreak, which is 

good for the public, and the produce industry, and these activities lessen the risk to the farmer 

(and his/her small business) by lessening the risk of legal liability.

To date, three clients have voluntarily completed the PrimusLabs food safety certifications at an 

estimated $250 cost to the farmer/grower. PrimusLabs is an internationally recognized thirdparty auditing and certification organization that promotes food safety (e.i. risk management) 

through safe food handling and packaging practices, employer/employee safety, and 

field/greenhouse sanitation. We expect that many more farms will choose to voluntarily undergo 

third-party food safety auditing.
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Risk Management Training for 

Underserved Southeast Asian Growers of Hawaii

Jari S. Sugano, Project Manager

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Target Audience: Southeast Asian Growers of Hawaii, Women, Native Hawaiians

Project Partners: Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, Kau Coffee Growers Cooperative, 

University of Arizona, USDA FSA, Hawaii State Department of Agriculture (HDOA), 

Worldwide Farmers Exchange

Geographic Area Served: Oahu, Maui and Hawaii County

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 616 growers through educational 

workshops, 389 through the farm doctor program (as of August 11, 2010)

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to address Asian immigrants entering Hawaii‘s diversified 

agriculture industry with limited English speaking /reading capabilities and little to no 

experience in diversified crop production. These developing agricultural areas need more 

educational support from UH CTAHR but have been underserved due to remote locations, being 

unidentified, and communication problems, among others. New producers struggle with the 

many facets of crop production, i.e., soil, water and pest management, government regulations, 

pesticide application, label comprehension, etc. A change in Hawaii‘s agriculture industry has 

prompted a need for the Local Immigrant Farmer Education Program (LIFE). LIFE‘s educational 

program focuses on responsible farming, farm business management & marketing, risk 

management, and environmental stewardship. Information is delivered to growers in an easy to 

understand manner which is respectful of their diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

The LIFE program is a risk management training program for limited resource and underserved 

Filipino, Southeast Asian and other minority growers of Hawaii with the assistance of the USDA 

Risk Management Agency. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Developing Growers Competencies: LIFE program has worked to develop many core 

competencies in many underserved socially disadvantaged producers. Participants have become 

active information seekers and are taking an active role in seeking out answers to their respective 

problems. Participants are knowledgeable in accessing local and national agricultural services 

and programs (USDA, UH CTAHR, HDOA, etc.). LIFE participants hold major decision 

making roles within their respective industries and have clearly emerged as leaders in Hawaii‘s 

diversified agriculture industry. 
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Establishing Lasting Cooperative Partnerships: Collaboration with Tropical Hawaiian Products, 

Diamond Head Papaya Company, Hawaii Papaya Industry Association (HPIA), Kau Coffee 

Growers Cooperative, Hawaii State Department of Agriculture, Worldwide Farmers Exchange, 

and the USDA FSA has been a tremendous plus to improving grower participation in the LIFE 

educational programs. HPIA and the Kau Coffee Growers Cooperative function as liaisons for 

the LIFE program and are instrumental in helping us plan, deliver and evaluate our educational 

programs for underserved growers in Hawaii. Collaborative partnerships with industry and area 

leaders have enabled LIFE to acquire  ̳buy in‘ into improving quality of Hawaii grown products 

and the sustainability of Hawaii‘s socially disadvantaged producers.

Improving Crop Productivity/ Heightening Product Quality: Advancement and recognition of the 

Kau area of Hawaii for its award winning coffee. A five year commitment by Drs. Sabina Swift, 

Stuart Nakamoto and the LIFE team has resulted in the development of lifelong relationships, 

development of superior coffee, marketing of locally produced coffee, and discovery of a new 

coffee producing region on Hawaii. Coffee growers in this region have received county, 

statewide, national and international recognition for their superior Hawaii (Kau) grown coffee.

Timely Research Based Response: The economic success of agricultural producers relies on their 

ability to adapt their farming principles and practices to integrate latest technology and research 

developments. LIFE established critical field experiments in conjunction with growers to tackle 

pressing crop production issues (spray coverage, fungicide program for papaya, variety trials to 

overcome a new and devestating tomato virus, etc) that strive to improve productivity and 

profitability. Field day activities enabled growers to see the impact of LIFE recommendations 

first hand. 

Safeguarding our Food and Worker Health: New standards such as the worker protection, Good 

Handling Practices and Good Agricultural Practices developed by agencies such as the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA, and US Food and Drug Administration are 

putting grower‘s agricultural practices under close scrutiny. At the onset of the LIFE program it 

was brought to our attention that many socially disadvantaged producers were being fined for the 

misuse of pesticides and lack of worker protection equipment. LIFE teamed up with the CTAHR 

Food Safety Program, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and the Worldwide Farmers Exchange 

to encourage producers and their agricultural farm workers to  ̳buy in‘ to our Safe Farm & 

Employee Program. Educational training and adoption has been increasing steadily. 

Transition to Mainstream Producers: Since the program‘s inception, we estimate approximately 

6% of Oahu‘s immigrant growers, 11% of Keaau papaya growers, and 28% of Kau Coffee 

growers are now viable  ̳mainstream‘ producers. We consider mainstream producers to have: 

sound understanding of crop production issues and business concepts, quality products, 

consistent product supply, market awareness, market presence, and are active participants, 

information seekers and demonstrate willingness to assist others. 
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Provide Outreach and Development Assistance on Organic CSA Marketing to 

Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Maria Moreira, Project Manager

Flats Mentor Farm

Target Audience: 

Hmong, African, Hispanic, and Women Farmers

Beginning Farmers

Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

Immigrant Farmers

Project Partners: University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Geographic Area Served: Massachusetts and New England

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: Primary event: UMass Beginning Farmer 

Initiative - How to build a HIGH TUNNEL Greenhouse -- Extend the growing season and 

expand your farming business. Scheduled Friday, September 17, 2010, Flats Mentor Farm 

(Seven Bridge Road, Rt. 117 Lancaster MA)---after submission of this report.

Project Scope and Status: 

Develop an organic CSA; Continue to provide research-based sustainable production and 

marketing practices to all of the FMF growers; Produce recipes for crops produced by the FMF 

growers for Farmers markets and CSA customers/members; To hold regional SD farmers‘ 

training events to disseminate information the successful adoption of the techniques adopted by 

the FMF growers

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

This proposal was to fund a one year project to provide Socially Disadvantaged farmers with 

Training and Technical Assistance necessary to operate a successful Organic CSA. The 

University of Massachusetts assisted Socially Disadvantage farmers at the Flats Mentor Farm, 

and at Nuestras Raíces to develop marketing strategies for their ethnic crops. Farmers were fully 

trained on the CSA marketing model which took into consideration the culture of both farmer 

and consumer. The success of these trainings, are evident in the fact that a farmer is operating 

her individual CSA for the first time this season. The success implementing a CSA marketing 

model of one Hmong farmer will have an enormous impact on other farmers on the region and 

National level. All of the trainings are being done in order to assist growers in achieving their 

production and marketing goals. The trainings have included production techniques, ethnic crops 

recipe booklets to assist in the marketing of all the specialty crops grown by SD farmers, and 

providing farmers hands-on training and technical assistance in assessing market demand, in 

choosing which new crops to grow, and where these specific crops can be sold. The number of 

farmers markets has increased to 42 this season. 

In addition, a regional workshop will be held at the Flats Mentor Farm on September 17th where 

Socially Disadvantaged farmers from the region and around country will be invited to participate 

in the hands-on trainings where project participants will share what they have learned with other 

SD farmers in the state and region. 
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Developing Risk Resilience of Underserved Agricultural Operators

Cole Ehmke, Project Director

University of Wyoming

Target Audiences: 

Women, Native Americans, livestock and alternative crop producers, and small, beginning, 

limited-resource operators. Demographically, three groups are replacing older and more 

traditional farm and ranch operators. Trends show an increase in the number of Native American 

producers, an increase in women owners, and a rapidly growing number of beginning, limitedresource, smaller producers in the state. This project successfully reached these audiences to 

inspire sensible venture exploration and appropriate risk management and thus longer term 

sustainability. 

Project Partners: 

USDA Risk Management Agency

University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service

Wyoming Business Council

Wyoming Women in Agriculture

Wind River Reservation

Small Acreage Issue Team

Audubon Wyoming

Geographic Area Serviced: Wyoming and other northern Plains/Mountain West states, 

including Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho as well as participants from as far 

away as Minnesota.

Number and Ethnicity of Farmers/Ranchers Served by State: 129 with extended distribution 

of materials of 76,000. More will be reached via archived video of presentations electronically 

available. 

Project Scope: 

Wyoming and other Western states are experiencing rapid changes in land ownership patterns. 

The individuals and families now living and working on the land are searching for ways to reach 

and improve profitability while connecting with the end user of food and other products. And 

they wish to operate their farms and ranches in sustainable ways. Because new, value-added 

ventures and direct marketing are new to many, there is a demonstrated need information on how 

to manage the business risks they face, the resource management risks, and the assistance 

available to them. 

This project sought to assist underserved audiences in Wyoming and the surrounding area in 

gaining a better understanding of the risks they face and to become more knowledgeable about 

alternatives available for management in Western agriculture using a multidimensional approach. 

The two primary objectives used to inform and connect the target audiences included a major, 

regional event and extended distribution of educational material associated with the event.
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1. A Regional Risk Management Conference. The Living and Working on the Land event 

was a three-day offering which included preeminent keynote speakers, tracks to targeted 

audiences, and tours. It was provided to a very enthusiastic audience of producers from 

across the High Plains and Mountain West in Torrington, Wyoming August 24-26. The 

keynote was Joel Salatin. He is widely known for his innovative farming techniques and 

relationship-based food marketing. He is also a well-known author and charismatic 

personality in the cultural conversation about food and the environment. Information is at 

www.blocksofsuccess.org. Scholarships were provided and used extensively. 

2. Distributing Conference-based Educational Material. To extend the value of the 

conference, the educational materials and conference information were widely distributed 

using multiple media, including newspaper inserts, a special purpose Internet site, general 

media (including releases to media outlets) and targeted strategic partner publications 

including magazines and newsletters. 

A specially-developed newspaper insert reached about 76,000 citizens through 10 

newspapers, a special edition of the educational magazine Barnyards and Backyards reached 

another 3,000, and the conference website will reach more. On the website resides the videotaped sessions from the conference.

The Living and Working on the Land event was well attended, and the audience was enthusiastic 

and interested. Attendees came from at least seven states. Three keynote speakers provided 

plenary sessions, and 15 concurrent sessions in five blocks provided information from people in 

a variety of areas, including risk management tools, new venture exploration, direct marketing 

and more. Tours featured producers putting management practices to work as well as the most 

current research into agricultural and rural productivity. Youth activities were offered. 

Participants planned to take many immediate actions, including evaluation of current production 

methods, establishing new marketing relationships, growing the venture growth and improving 

operations, diversifying, exploring new ventures (including direct marketing of value-added 

products) adoption of techniques, and improving marketing methods. Also, the project provided 

moral support and inspiration to continue in rural ventures. Longer term, we project that 

producers are likely to make use of the tools available and participate in future educational 

opportunities provided by the partners and collaborators. 

Certainly the project has raised awareness of those within the changing face of agriculture about 

the risks they face with their ventures, about how to deal with the risks, ideas about what 

ventures may be successful, and about the many resources available to assist in their success. 

And through the extensive distribution of project materials, those indirectly connected to food 

and fiber production are more aware of what is happening in agriculture.
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Risk Management Outreach for Women and 

Limited Resrouce Farmers and Ranchers

Ruby Ward, Project Manager

Utah State University

Target Audience: Women and Small Farms

Project Partners: Below are those that helped with the program we also had groups provide 

advertising and other help with the conference.

Duchesne and Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce

Uintah Basin Association of Government

Uintah County Commissioner

Uintah County Economic Development

Uintah County Travel Board

University of Idaho Extension, Bannock County

University of Idaho Extension, Franklin County

University of Nevada Extension, Lincoln County

USDA NRCS-RC&D coordinators in Utah

Utah Dept of Agriculture and Food

Utah Farm Bureau Federation

Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce

Geographic Area Served: Utah, South Eastern Idaho, and Lincoln County Nevada

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: There were 100 participants at the 7th Annual 

Diversified Agriculture Conference.

Project Scope and Status: This project was to provide women and limited resource farmers 

with risk management education by holding a Diversified Agriculture Conference in Utah in 

February 2010 along with follow-up programming in local areas. Conference programming 

focuses on using new and emerging risk management tools to manage risk of priority 

commodities. The 7th Annual Diversified Agriculture Conference was held in Vernal Utah in 

February 2010. Three local workshops were held. One, on high tunnel construction, and two 

others for service providers to understand how to incorporate risk management in helping small 

farmers with new ideas. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The conference was held in the Uintah Basin about 2.5 hours East of Salt Lake City, Utah. The 

region is not accessible by inter-state and requires crossing a mountain pass. However, it was 

important to service this region as they experienced an energy boom, followed by a decline. 

The attendance was over 110 with over 35 percent women. This project has been really 

successful at attracting women participants with much higher participation rates than traditional 

agriculture programs. Over 90 percent of participants said that they were planning on sharing 

ideas from the conference with others. 80 percent said that they were reevaluating their operation 

after attending the conference. 
132

There was strong local support and participation, but the weather and location was restrictive to 

as many participants coming from other areas. One rancher who spoke at the conference and 

attended one day said they drove through a white-out part of the way, but were still really glad 

they were there.

There was strong support from the local region with attendance by the economic development 

directors and county commissioners. The Duchesne County Economic Development Director 

commented that while agriculture is not the biggest industry, it was the backbone of their 

economy. She said, “You don’t know what effect this will have on this region. My entire staff is 

here and we are going to use this! This will have an effect for years.”

After a high tunnel workshop at the conference one of the producers offered to buy the materials 

to put up a high tunnel at his farm and have a workshop. The workshop was held in Roosevelt, 

UT at his farm. 15 people attended, the producer adopted the production technique and is using 

the high tunnel.
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Operation Breadbasket

Virgin Islands Farmers Cooperative

Dale Browne, Project Manager

The Virgin Islands Farmers‘ Cooperative, Inc. (VIFC) is a farmer‘s cooperative located on the 

island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is seeking sustainable agriculture technical 

assistance in the amount of $100,000.00 for the development of a Risk Management Project that 

will reduce the risk of limited resources socially disadvantaged farmers in the United States 

Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands Farmers Cooperative, Inc (VIFC) has completed a small minority producer‘s 

grant funded by USDA Rural Development from October 2006 to September 2007. The results 

of the technical assistance grant were a feasibility study, marketing study, marketing and 

business plan. The Co-op has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to reverse the territory‘s 

42 years of agricultural production and 20 years of agricultural education in the territory (St. 

Croix in particular).

Our plans are in three stages: Phase 1, a farmers market and 60 acres in sustainable crop 

production. Phase 2 the production of high quality hay for improving our livestock production in 

the territory. 

VIFC proposal for the Community Outreach and Partnership Assistance Program, with its 

Partners, together can make a significant change to develop the U.S. Virgin Islands agricultural 

industry and create a community economic stimulus to improve the quality of life for farmers 

and the territory on a whole.

Operation Breadbasket‟s goal is reversing our islands 42-year decline of agricultural 

production, and our 20-year demise of agricultural education by reducing the risk of farming in 

the U.S. Virgin Islands through training and community outreach, promoting the resurgence of 

St. Croix ̳s agricultural industry. The technical assistance provided in this proposal is necessary 

to develop limited resources disadvantage farmers, create new farming entrepreneurs and educate 

the community how vital it is to reduce the risk of farming in the United States Virgin Islands for 

the islands agricultural development.

The trainings in farm management, financial management, marketing, production and crop 

insurance and other existing and emerging risk management tools will enhance the community‘s 

way of life and increases the knowledge of VI farmers‘ through education of how to increase 

production and income by reducing the risk of farming in the territory. The project will educate 

producers in methods of sustainable farming while providing the training to reduce the risk of 

their farming operation, and increase crop, livestock and forage production in the territory.

Operation Breadbasket implementation will develop new agricultural enterprises in the US 

Virgin Islands, improving the Territory‘s food security and local food systems, create sustainable 

employment opportunities, and increase the availability of high-quality locally grown food and 

food products, becoming a community economic development and job creation initiative for the 

Territory
134

OBJECTIVES: The following Tasks will be accomplish with VIFC Partners: 

The University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service 

The University of the Virgin Islands Animal Experimental Service

The University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center

Southeastern African American Farmers Organic Network, Infinity Group

Edward Harwood and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture

Task 1 - Farm Management and Financial Management

Task 2 - Tax Preparation for Farmers Risk Management

Task 3- Crop and Livestock Production

Task 4 -Organic Farm Production and Certification Education

Task 5 -Marketing and Promotional Program

Task 6 -Forage Production Risk Management

Task 7 -Equipment Services for Risk Management Program
135

Shenandoah Valley Restorative Urban Food and Farm Project

Eric Bendfeldt, Project Manager

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Target Audience: Limited resource, immigrant and new ethnic populations, plain Mennonite, 

and women farmers in the Shenandoah Valley.

Project Partners: James Madison University, New Community Project, Harrisonburg City 

Public Schools, Harrisonburg Farmers Market, Shenandoah RC&D Council, Shenandoah Valley 

Produce Auction, and Washington and Lee University.

Geographic Area Served: The Shenandoah Valley including Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, 

Botetourt, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and 

Warren counties.

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 575

Project Scope and Status: The goals of this project are to 1) Expand the scope and outreach 

of the Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter and to specifically target RMA 

community outreach materials to immigrant and ethnic populations 2) Expand farm-to-school 

and farm-to-university market opportunities targeting limited resource, immigrant, plain 

Mennonite, and women farmers in the Shenandoah Valley, 3) Expand marketing opportunities to 

limited resource farmers and homeless populations through diversification and season extenders 

for year round local food production, 4) Expand a farm internship program for university 

students to assist and learn from limited resource farmers, and 5) Explore options for starting 

farmers‘ markets in socially-disadvantaged and immigrant communities. 

We are currently looking at ways to reach out and develop appropriate educational materials for 

ethnic populations. 

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Compiled, printed, and distributed 42,000 copies of a 12-page Buy Fresh Buy Local 

food directory that highlights limited resource farms producing and marketing food 

and farm products in the Shenandoah Valley and educates consumers where to buy 

these products as an effort to expand new markets, while reducing management risks 

associated with direct marketing to consumers.

To increase access and the availability of fresh produce in the community, and create a

win-win situation for low-income food insecure people and limited resource farmers, 

Harrisonburg Farmers Market implemented an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) 

system to gladly welcome and accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

(SNAP) cards and benefits. As a result of having this as a component of the grant, 

project partners were able to leverage RMA funds and received additional private 

funding to offer a double value incentive program for SNAP recipients so they can 

double the amount of fresh food they can purchase at the farmers market. 

New Community Project and Virginia Cooperative Extension have organized four 
136

community gardens and two school gardens in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham 

County (Eastern Mennonite Elementary and Linville-Edom Elementary School). 

Project partners are working closely with Latino and Hispanic families to increase 

their capacity for food production and become more a part of the broader Valley 

community. New Community Project has also developed a market garden to employ 

homeless men and women so they can get re-established socially and economically in 

the community. Produce from the market garden is sold to local restaurants and food 

businesses. As result of this initiative, New Community Project has initiated work on 

another market and community garden for recent refugees who are settling in the area 

as a way to acculturate them to life in the Shenandoah Valley and U.S. 

Within the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg City Public Schools and Washington and 

Lee University are pioneers and champions of farm-to-school and university 

programs, and have served to get more schools and universities in sourcing and 

procuring fresh produce and food from local limited resource farmers and members of 

the Old Order Mennonite community through the Shenandoah Valley Produce 

Auction. 

As part of the school convocation and new school year, Harrisonburg City Public 

Schools prepared a district-wide breakfast for teachers and staff with local foods 

procured from limited resource farmers. Additionally, the Harrisonburg City Schools 

have made local fruits, vegetables, meats and flour part of the daily and weekly menu 

in all schools in the district. 

James Madison University‘s Farm Internship Program involves hands-on farming, 

marketing, the application of various other technologies that may benefit farm operations 

(e.g., greenhouse construction and maintenance, renewable energy, season extenders), 

and/or other projects of interest and use to the host farmers. During the 2009-2010 

academic year, a specific course -- ISAT 473: Local Agriculture and Farm Internships --

was submitted for approval. The objectives for this course include understanding local 

ecology and its impacts on farming, as well as how farming impacts local ecology; 

practicing diversified farming techniques; understanding how small-scale farms operate 

as businesses; examining localization and slow-food movements and recognizing the 

impacts of globalized or industrial food and fiber production; identifying the strengths 

and limitations of small-scale farming. This course includes a weekly seminar meeting 

for all participants, and then an experiential component that requires 4-6 hours per week 

working on local farms.

USDA-RMA funding has allowed JMU to expand its farm internship program. During 

the spring semester of 2010, we supplied funding for fuel stipends to five farm interns, 

some of whom provided transport to fellow farm interns without vehicles. We had a total 

of nine interns who completed their requirements to receive academic credit for the year.

These numbers are expected to increase when we are able to offer ISAT 473, which 

should run for the first time during the spring semester (January - May) of 2011.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is working with area farmers to pilot a mobile flash 

freeze unit as one method for season extension and make fresh fruits and vegetables 

more available during the school year and winter months. 
137

On the Road: Mobile Workshops for Women, Underserved,

Latino and Limited Resource Farmers

Eric Hurlburt and Patrice Barrentine Project Managers

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)

Target Audience: Women, Underserved, Latino and Limited Resource Farmers

Project Partners:

Washington State University (WSU) Small Farms Program

WSU Extension: Skagit, Jefferson, Spokane; King County Ag Programs

USDA Risk Management Agency

Puget Sound Meat Producers Cooperative

WSDA Farm to School Program

Washington State Farm Bureau

Cascade Harvest Coalition

WSU Hispanic Program

Northwest Ag Business Center

Geographic Area Served: All of Washington State

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 1,160 total

(160 in workshops plus 1,000 via video)

Project Scope and Status:

Our objective in this project was to reach underserved owner operators of Washington state 

farms and ranches with risk management tools and resources through intense, risk management 

production themed mobile workshops or bus tours. These hands-on mobile workshops will 

feature 8 different themes and will take producers to three different farms in a day. Workshops 

will be offered in different regions around the state. A short video highlighting successful risk 

management strategies on farms is a second component of the project.

Workshop themes are:

Alternative Energy Use and Production for Small Farms 

Poultry Production and Processing 

Goat and Sheep Micro Dairy Production

Red Meat Production and Processing 

Fruit and Vegetable Packing and Processing in Spanish for Latino Farmers

Fruit and Vegetable Packing and Processing for Women Farmers

Flood Preparation and Recovery

Farm-to-School: Linking in Farmers with Limited Resources
138

Workshops will cover information on:

Good Agricultural Practices

Business Planning 

AGR-Lite Insurance

RMA Programs

Energy Alternatives

Food Safety 

Regulations and Licenses

Produce Processing

Value-added Products

Direct Marketing

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

The success of the project can be seen in the participating producers who gain an in-depth 

understanding of the production, processing facilities, direct markets, and business planning 

required for viability. These workshops are the best method we have found to support producers 

in gaining the information or overcoming the obstacles to begin a new enterprise or become a 

commercial farmer. 
139

Risk Reduction for Small Farmers in Connecticut: 

A State Food System Alliance-Building Project

Cristina Sandolo, Project Manager

Wholesome Wave Foundation Charitable Ventures, Inc.

Target Audience:

- Small farmers in CT

- Historically excluded communities in CT

Project Partners:

- Urban Oaks, New Britain, CT

- Billings Forge Works, Hartford, CT

- Downtown Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT 

- CT Department of Agriculture

- American Farmland Trust

Geographic Area Served:

- Connecticut

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 80

Project Scope and Status:

The goal of the Connecticut Food System Alliance Project is to develop and support programs 

that increase net income to participating farmers through: 

Development of three statewide Double Value Coupon Program (DVCP) pilot projects, 

which assist farmers in mitigating risk through developing direct markets for their 

products, through collaborative partnerships with statewide organizations

Initiation of a Connecticut Food System Alliance (CTFSA) to address food and farming 

issues through strategic planning and development of innovative activities to reduce risk 

for small producers. 

Provision of producer risk management training and education to producers across 

Connecticut.

And through documentation of all activities performed and assessment of impact on 

targeted markets. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

The expected outcomes of the project will be improved revenue and increase net income for 

up to 20 participating farmers. Our successes to date (August 2010) include:

A workshop on "Extending Your Season & Expanding Your Customer Base," 

specifically introducing seedling sales targeting SNAP recipients to expand customer 

base, and low and high tunnels to extent season. 

A strategic planning meeting for a CT Food System Alliance and Summit.
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Awarding three grantee partners with funds to implement our Double Value Coupon 

Program at farmers markets in three Connecticut underserved communities 

Double Value Coupon Program training for grantee partners, including power point 

presentation, training manual, and program materials (such as log sheets). 

A workshop introducing methods to increase farmers‘ profit margins while increasing 

his/her customer base, to allow recipients‘ Double Value Coupon Program dollars to go 

further, and to introduce educational components in "preserving vegetables" including 

pickling, canning, and freezing, for consumption beyond the season. 

Filming documentary footage on Wholesome Wave‘s Double Value Coupon Program to 

build awareness and reach wider audiences. 

Working with American Farmland Trust to encourage growth of a CT Food System 

Alliance by planning a Summit for networking and coalition building across key 

stakeholder groups with a common interest in the unique Connecticut food system 

landscape.
141

Wisconsin Community Outreach & Assistance Partnership Program

Kathy Schmitt, Project Manager

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

Target Audience: Women, Hmong, Hispanic

Project Partners:

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service

UW Environmental Resources Center

WI Farm Service Agency

UW Center for Dairy Profitability

UW Center for Integrated Agriculture

Farley Center for Peace and Social Justice

Fondy Food Center, Inc.

UW- Extension

WI Rural Women‘s Initiative

WI Farmers Union

WI Ag. Statistics Service

Hmong Community Organizations

Centro Hispano of Dane County

Ginseng Board of Wisconsin

Geographic Area Served: Wisconsin (statewide)

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 

79 Asian American fresh market vegetable producers participated in workshops

60+ Hmong farmers received one-one individual follow up assistance

32 women farmers attended women farmer conference

109 Hispanic producers reached through outreach, 4 attend workshop

44 women farmers received one-one services on financial risk management

Project Scope and Status:

This project provides statewide outreach to women operators, Hmong, Hispanic, and other 

limited resource farmers. The project builds and strengthens relationships with communitybased organizations to connect to Hmong and Hispanic/Latino producers. All outreach 

specialists have cultural expertise and make face-to-face contact with Hong and Hispanic/Latino 

farmers. Risk management educational workshops are offered to these farmers, and other 

targeted populations at various geographic locations around the state. One-one follow up 

assistance is provided to a targeted number within each minority group. A statewide risk 

management conference for women farmers is offered. 

The project continues to add to the collection of risk management materials and resources 

already pooled. Collaborators work to make materials more useable to limited English speaking 

producers.
142

The project has completed the statewide women farmers‘ conference and is on track to reach 

goals. Through our collaborators, vegetable growing guides for small to medium sized farmers 

are being updated and re-written to meet the federal Plain Language guidelines. 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project:

Expected Outputs and Outcomes Achieved through June 30 2010

80 women producers learn risk 

management tools via statewide women 

farmers conference and one-one assistance

78 

100 Hmong producers attend workshops on 

a variety of risk management areas with an 

emphasis on price, financial, and 

production risk management

79

60 Hmong producers receive one-one 

follow up to help them implement new risk 

management techniques in all areas of risk 

management

60

60 Hmong farmers receive one-one follow 

up assistance to learn what risk 

management tools are best integrated by 

these farmers

not yet completed 

Reach Hmong producers one-one through 

farmers‘ markets, farm visits, clan/family 

introductions

46

Reach Hispanic/Latino producers through 

local churches, festivals, cultural groups, 

farm visits, community gardens

109

Develop materials for low literacy farmers Developed A Plain Language Guide to 

Growing Fresh Market Salad Greens
143

Outreach and Education for Farmers Market Risk Management

Matthew Kurlanski, Project Manager

Wallace Center at Winrock International

Target Audience: All Socially Disadvantaged Farmers 

Project Partners: Farmers Market Coalition

FreshFarm Markets

Greencity Markets

Greenmarkets/GrowNYC

Marketumbrella.org

Seattle Neighbor Farmers Market Alliance

Geographic Area Served: National

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 700 (estimated)

Project Scope and Status:

Wallace and the FMC aim to expand the current capacity of state/regional agricultural and 

farmers market associations to provide education and training to 700 socially disadvantaged 

farmers, as well as the managers that serve the markets that socially disadvantaged producers 

participate in. By partnering with regional, state, and local associations Wallace and FMC will 

be able to provide technical assistance that is specific to a region‘s needs while providing high 

quality and consistent information on successful marketing risk management strategies. To 

achieve the goal of improving the marketing risk management of socially disadvantaged 

producers at farmers markets nationwide, we propose the following objectives:

 Hosting pre-conference workshops at regional agricultural conferences

 Strengthening and develop resources available to direct-marketing farmers through the 

FMC Resource Library website

 Increase Outreach and Technical Assistance capacity of the FMC, its state and regional 

farmers market association members, and other market associations

 Improve Outreach Capacity through the FMC to state and regional farmers market 

association members, and other market associations

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

 Hosting pre-conference workshops at regional agricultural conferences:

The Wallace Center in partnership with the Farmers Market Coalition hosted two preconference workshops at the SSAWG meeting in Chattanoga, TN and sponsored directmarketing workshops and scholarships for socially disadvantaged farmers at the PASA 

conference. These sponsorships provided technical assistance to over 50 farmers 

between two events. 
144

 Strengthening and develop resources available to direct-marketing farmers through 

the FMC Resource Library website:

Improved the FMC Resource Library by developing a set of Frequently Asked Questions 

for market managers and a set of 20 risk management video shorts. These new resources 

help market managers better manage their markets, which in turns helps their often 

socially disadvantaged vendors succeed. Well run farmers markets reduce the marketing 

risk for vendors strengthening their operations and improving their bottom line. We 

expect these new resources to help hundreds if not thousands of farmers who direct 

market through farmers markets. 

 Increase Outreach and Technical Assistance capacity of the FMC, its state and 

regional farmers market association members, and other market associations:

We worked with the FMC to improve their online Resource Library making it easier for 

folks to use and improving the resources available. We expect that after the re launch of 

the website in August, it‘ll be utilized by hundreds if not thousands of farmers to help 

them understand and improve their ability to direct market through farmers markets. 

 Improve Outreach Capacity through the FMC to state and regional farmers market 

association members, and other market associations:

We worked with over a dozen regional and national organizations to promote the 

availability of risk management tools for direct marketing farmers through a four week 

coordinated outreach campaign. We estimate that this campaign will reach thousands of 

farmers, market managers and others involved with farmers markets. Actual figures will 

be available at the end of August. 
145

Women in Blue Jeans Conference

Carol Millan and Denise Hoffman, Project Managers

Women in Blue Jeans, Inc.

Target Audience: Rural Agricultural Women

Project Partners: USDA Risk Management Agency 

North Central Risk Management Education Center (NCRMEC)

Geographic Area Served: South Dakota

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 175-225 rural women, with approximately 75

percent involved in farming operations

Project Scope and Status:

Women are a critical part of farming success through active participation in farm management 

decisions related to all aspects of the farm, family, and rural living. The Women in Blue Jeans 

Conference provides a learning environment comfortable to women and provides diverse topics 

to attract and meet the educational agricultural risk management needs of rural women. Topics 

for the conference are determined by past attendees, focus groups and conference exhibitors and 

collaborators through input to the 15-20 member conference steering committee that provides 

leadership for the conference planning and completion. Educational topics that are presented 

include: estate and financial planning, crop insurance, grain marketing, tax tips, wellness, and 

leisure and hobby sessions. At the end of the conference, women will be able to identify specific 

benefits to their farm ́s risk management from attending the conference.

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

1. Women attending the conference will identify on their evaluation risk management tools 

they gained adequate knowledge of to utilize in their business during 2009. Examples of risk 

management tools to be taught include: Insurance products, marketing strategies, financial 

records and bookkeeping, estate planning, business plans and Ag Lender relationships. 

2. Adopting information presented at the conference, women that attended will utilize a risk 

management tool to reduce risk in their agricultural business related to Financial and Legal 

risks. 

3. Adopting information learned at the conference, women attending will use risk management 

tools to reduce risk in their agricultural businesses related to production and prices. The 

tools utilized will include: Grain marketing, business planning, crop insurance, farm bill, 

and planting decisions. 

Adopting information presented at the conference, women attending will use a risk management 

tool to reduce risk in their agricultural business related to human risks. Tools adopted would 

include: mental and physical wellness, family management and leadership, goal setting, coping 

with rural living and stress.
146

Zenger Emerging Farmer Training Program

Jill Kuehler, Project Manager

Friends of Zenger Farm

Target Audience: Immigrant and Refugee Farmers

Project Partners: MercyCorps Northwest

Geographic Area Served: Portland, OR Metropolitan Area

Number of Farmers/Ranchers Served/Reached: 85 farmers

Project Scope and Status:

The purpose of this project is to provide hands-on trainings in agricultural production & direct 

marketing (60 farmers), provide scholarship funds and language support for immigrant/refugee 

farmers (20 farmers) to attend regional farmer training and conference opportunities, provide 

access to land (6 acres) for farm business incubation to immigrant/refugee farmers (12 farmers), 

and provide one-on-one farm-based mentorship to immigrant/refugee farmers (10 farmers x 5 

training visits).

 

Outputs and Outcomes of the Project: 

Objective 1: Provide technical training and assistance in agricultural production & direct 

marketing to immigrant/refugee farmers.

In cooperation with our partners and farmers we‘ve hosted three farm tours serving 85 

individuals and visiting seven farms. Four language groups have been served including Spanish, 

Nepali, Russian, and English. Topics of focus have included dry-farming, irrigation, land 

acquisition, small-scale cultivation, crop selection, and pest and fertility management. 

Two more farm tours are planned for September and October. There is space for 30 attendees 

for each event. Topics of focus include land acquisition, growing for wholesale markets, 

community supported agriculture, and incorporating animals on a small-scale.

Oregon Tilth, a local organic agriculture organization, has partnered with us to teach workshops 

on irrigation and water management. One workshop was held for a group of five Nepali farmers. 

Another one is scheduled for later this month with a group of Russian farmers.

FZF has conducted three trainings to date. Nineteen individuals have been reached, including ten 

immigrant farmers and nine farm apprentices. Topics have included land acquisition, soils and 

fertility management, crop rotation, and cover crops. Trainings on crop planning and food safety 

are scheduled for fall 2010. We are working with numerous partners to coordinate dates and 

locations. 

Evaluation methods are being further developed. At this point we have reached 109 individuals 

and 20 businesses have been served. 
147

Objective 2: Provide scholarships and language support for regional technical assistance 

opportunities to immigrant/refugee farmers.

Partner organizations, including Adelante Mujeres, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Friends of 

Family Farmers, Oregon State Extension and Mercy Corps, have been notified that scholarships 

are available and recommend farmers for scholarships to attend regional trainings. FZF then 

decides to approve or not approve the request. The opportunity will be available for all of 2010.

One immigrant farmer has been nominated and they received a scholarship to attend the OSU 

Small Farms Conference. FZF granted the request and paid the conference fee and interpretation 

services for the farmer to attend the conference. 

In partnership with Friends of Family Farmers, an organization that manages iFarm, FZF is 

currently providing translation of land access materials. FZF is working with Mercy Corps and 

Adelante Mujeres to provide translation on the scheduled farm tours and Fall 2010 trainings.

FZF is developing evaluation tools to determine the effectiveness of the scholarship program.

Objective 3: Provide one-on-one farm-based mentorship for 10 farmers (~5 training 

sessions each)

Mercy Corps has developed the mentoring program and is now conducting mentoring sessions. 

Mercy Corps has worked with 14 immigrant farmers, conducting 59 mentoring sessions for a 

total of 107 mentoring hours, and is scheduling the rest of visits.

Objective 4: Provide access to land for low-risk farm business incubation

Mercy Corps has expanded their land access program to provide land for 14 farmers, including 

three Nepalese families. They are currently at capacity and will not be accepting new farmers 

into their program this year. A second meeting will be held to discuss finding longer-term lease 

options for land-based programs with multiple program partners. 

Evaluation tools are currently being developed to measure program effectiveness.
This publication is available online

at: www.rma.usda.gov

United States Department of Agriculture

Risk Management Agency

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on 

the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial 

status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or 

because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all 

prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 

communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's 

TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to: USDA, 

Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.