BFRDP Projects

Preparing Soc. Disadvantaged and Vet. Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in N. Carolina Sustainability
[Progress Report]

Award Amount: $444,000
Grant Program: 2021 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Awards
Project Director: Dorathy Barker
Email: operationspringplantinc67@gmail.com
Organization: Operation Spring Plant, Inc.

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  • Overview
  • Results
  • Materials
  • Delivery Area
  • Comments

Project Overview

Project’s long-term goal was to prepare socially disadvantaged and veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (SDVFR) in NC, with the knowledge and skills needed for them to start, and operate profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Our objectives were to: 1)  Create awareness and increase participation among SDVFR in USDA and NC farm programs and improve their access to timely agricultural-related information; 2) Enhance the ability of SDVFR to rent, own and retain farmlands successfully; 3) Improve knowledge and skills of SDVFR in farm financial planning and management; 4) Enhance the knowledge of SDVFR in identifying and adopting environmentally sound alternative enterprises through innovative and cost-effective production practices, and finally to,  5) Increase marketing activities for SDVFR, identify new markets, connecting them to existing markets, and assist them with effective marketing strategies. Project targets SDVBFR in10 North Carolina counties. These farmers have been traditionally undeserved and have been plagued by several challenges such as, high start-up costs, limited access to credit, lack of knowledge on land acquisition, transition and retention, lack of skills in financial planning and management, lack of modern production skills, and limited access to existing and viable markets.  These challenges were compounded by the outbreak of the Corona Virus in 2020 -2022. OSP has addressed all above stated challenges by conducting outreach, training and technical assistance activities to the participating SDVFR farmers within the project area. The expected results are enhanced economic opportunities and improved quality of life for these farmers, their families, and communities.

Number of Participants: 466

Results

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