BFRDP Projects

Securing access to appropriate farmland, developing necessary business skills, and acquiring capital for land access are major barriers for beginning farmers and ranchers in Oregon, especially socially disadvantaged farmers. During the first two years of this project, we successfully developed the Navigate program, which has provided land access technical assistance to 56 beginning farmers and ranchers. Additionally, we facilitated two cohorts of Farm Launch, offering intensive business planning courses to 27 new farms. We also created land access communication and networking opportunities for 108 landseekers and landholders. Furthermore, we delivered educational programs on succession planning, working lands easements, and leasing to 944 landholders and 749 agricultural service providers. As a result of this work, 84 new farmers are now better equipped with the financial and business skills needed to start or expand their farm operations. Additionally, 113 beginning farmer landseekers are better prepared to locate land and engage effectively with landholders  and 964 landholders are better prepared for succession or providing leases. Over the course of the first two years, the project helped 16 new farm businesses start up in Oregon and 8 beginning farmers secure access to appropriate farmland. As the average age of farmers in Oregon is 59, new entry into farming is becoming increasingly critical. With increased skills and opportunities in land access, business planning, and financial management, beginning farmers and ranchers will have a better rate of success in establishing viable and lasting businesses in Oregon. And as landowners in Oregon increase their understanding of succession, working lands easements, and leasing, as well as have opportunities to network with beginning farmers, they will make more farmland available to beginning farmers and ranchers entering the field. By fostering the next generation of farmers, we can help maintain a vibrant and resilient agricultural sector.