BFRDP Projects

The primary goal of this project was to lay the groundwork for the future Chemeketa Incubator Farm (CIF) Program. The long-term goal of this project was to increase agricultural opportunities and support economic growth by providing land-based education and business planning for new and beginning farmers. 

Planning work has provided direction on how we can best increase equitable agricultural opportunities and support diverse economic growth by providing farm and food systems training that considers future and current beginning farmers' individual needs. Activities completed have allowed us to identify the specific resources and services that are difficult for aspiring farmers to access. The impact of this planning work has allowed us to refine original ideas in the initial proposal and acknowledge the diverse needs of aspiring farmers in our region. It has helped identify the most important topics and skills needed for future farmers to be successful in establishing sustainable farm businesses in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

We have designed a training program which includes options for a non-credit training certificate and access to a variety of community incubator farms in Chemeketa’s Tri-County Service District. We’ve worked closely with stakeholders and partners to survey aspiring and beginning farmers. We’ve also consulted partners and organizations serving similar target audiences in other areas so we can minimize common barriers to new farmers. We’ve designed the proposed training program to include the most needed training and resources related to career exploration in agriculture, farming principles and practices, farm business development and management, and topics in food sovereignty.