by fconte on August 17, 2010
This three-year project will empower beginning women farmers in the Northeast through teaching them whole farm planning, providing them with mentor farmers, engaging key agricultural professionals in the region, and instruction in low-cost sustainable farming practices. 80 women farmers in over six states in the Northeast will be trained and mentored from four local beginning farmer centers and farms located in NH, VT, NY, and PA. Additionally, 10 of these farmers will be trained as mentor/trainers for the ongoing success of this whole program. UVM’s WAgN is helping to coordinate the project in Vermont.
Lead Department or Center: Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN)
UVM Partners: UVM Extension (New Farmer Project)
Community Partners: Holistic Management International; John Merck Fund for year one (allowed us to expand the initial group from 14 to 20 participants).
Project Timing: December 2009 – December 2012
More Info: Beth Holtzman, Outreach & Education Coordinator, WAgN; Mary Peabody, Director, WAgN; Jessica Schmidt, Program Support,WAgN, newfarmer@uvm.edu
Tagged as:
education,
market access,
production,
skills,
UVM Extension,
Vermont New Farmer Network,
Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN)
by fconte on August 17, 2010
The New Farmer Project works to help beginning farmers (pre-start-up to 10 years) develop successful farm businesses. The project takes a whole farm approach, addressing four inter-related areas of successful farm business development: production knowledge and skills; access to productive, affordable farmland; marketing skills and access to markets; and business development skills and knowledge, including access to capital and credit. The project is developing a broad range of online and on-the-ground resources in these areas. Go to http://www.uvm.edu/newfarmer to learn more.
Lead Departments or Centers: Center for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) & Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN)
UVM Partners: Plant & Soil Science (PSS); Community Development & Applied Economics (CDAE); UVM Extension
Community Partners: NOFA-VT; Intervale Center; USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA); Micro Enterprise Development Program; VT Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC)
Project Timing: December 2009 – December 2011
More Info: Beth Holtzman, Outreach & Education Coordinator, WAgN; Mary Peabody, Director, WAgN; Jessica Schmidt, Program Support, WAgN, newfarmer@uvm.edu
Tagged as:
Center for Sustainable Agriculture,
market access,
microenterprise,
production,
skills,
Vermont New Farmer Network,
Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN)
