BFRDP Projects

Solid Ground 2: Weaving Together Expert Trainings and Peer Networks for Sustained
[Final Report]

Award Amount: $525,000
Grant Program: 2020 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Awards
Project Director: Jiff Martin
Email: jiff.martin@uconn.edu
Organization: University of Connecticut

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  • Overview
  • Results
  • Materials
  • Delivery Area
  • Comments

Project Overview

UConn Extension leads this project along with 6 organizational partners and 11 collaborators to generate new learning opportunities that 1) responds to different skill gaps in production and farm management for advanced-level and early-stage BF; 2) leverages the capacity of organizational partners to meet the needs of BF that are unmet through existing trainings; and 3) addresses farmland access needs of BF. Developed by and for BFs, this shared project represents a major investment in the growth and leadership of the BF community. We are leveraging our existing Solid Ground Training program to generate new video resources, an online course on Soil Health & Climate Adaptation, a series of webinars on AgroEcology, as well as the availability of one-on-one technical assistance. We partnered with two Agri-Science and Technology High Schools to deliver 18 agriculture mechanic trainings using their well equipped learning spaces. We are working closely with New CT Farmer Alliance and CT Northeast Organic Farming Association, we have launched a new peer learning opportunity called Farmer Circles, with 7-8 Farmer Circles assembled each year. We have engaged the capacity and expertise of a team of Hartford-based farmers called 'I Got Next Coalition' to develop and delivery a new urban farming training program that will reach farmers of color in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford. We have partnered with Land For Good to coordinate a series of matchmaking events (called Farmland Mixers) for farm seekers and farmland owners. Finally, we are producing two video series featuring 'New Entrepreneurs' and also 'DIY Farm Infrastructure.' Our long-term goal is to increase the durability of the next generation of farmers by improving their ability to withstand disruption and shocks (social, environmental, financial) through more advanced skills, convenient learning tools, and stronger peer support networks.

Number of Participants: 382

Results

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