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INVESTIGATOR: Richardson, V.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32307

REACHING A NEW GENERATION OF AGRO-ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH ENHANCED PROGRAM DELIVERY STRATEGIES

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The economic future of agriculture depends on the ability of new and beginning farmers to start and successfully operate agricultural enterprises. While farm entry has never been easy, it has not been as challenging as it is today. Traditional methods of farm entry are no longer sufficient to assure success, and supports and services are not adequate to meet the specific needs of the next generation of farmers. The barriers faced by new and emerging farmers are vastly different from previous generations. New farmers today must make detailed business plans, aggressively pursue marketing opportunities, and make difficult financial decisions relating to insurance, contracting, capital investment, value-added production, and expansion. Land and labor can no longer produce a livable return on investment for young people in rural communities, and several key factors are responsible for decreasing the value associated with this: 1) recent innovations in agricultural practices, 2) an aging population, 3) increases in competition, 4) barriers to business financing or credit worthiness, 5) changes in federal farm programs, 6) barriers to computer technology access, and 7) structural changes in agricultural markets. The proposed project seeks to build upon the previously funded program, and is designed to be multi-disciplined and utilize multi-dimensional teaching strategies, on-farm demonstrations, web-based curriculum and business incubation. The project provides an opportunity to build and strengthen collaborative interaction among faculty, staff and students in the area of extension/outreach so that they can work with and provide better solutions to small and limited resource clientele through the use of effective business development, marketing and management strategies. The project will also significantly enhance the working relationship between extension specialists and county agents, and allow for effectively addressing the need for improved farm business development and management practices for new and beginning farmers. The project also enhances Florida A&M University's role in the development of new agribusinesses, adding value to the agricultural industrial pool of north Florida, as well as providing new experiential learning opportunities for students, extension agents and researchers.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the project is to provide educational opportunities and technical assistance that improves the likelihood of success for the next generation of small farmers. The project objectives include: Enhance existing online training delivery mechanisms; Establish on-station and on-farm demonstration sites to conduct training seminars, workshops and field day activities; Provide training and support for county extension agents and other agricultural professionals in information development and dissemination. The project will enhance Extension program delivery efforts to equip new and beginning farmers in Florida with relevant and measurable, knowledge, skills and tools to make informed decisions that lead to successful agricultural operations. Anticipated long-term outcomes are the development of sustainable educational networks and best practice strategies for farm entry for the next generation of agro-entrepreneurs. Training curricula and educational materials in agribusiness development, management and marketing will be developed for use in training activities and for dissemination. A web-based resource will be developed to reach a considerable number of new and beginning farmers both within and beyond the north Florida area. A Farm Business Incubator and Demonstration training sites will be established for small groups of project participants (youth and adults) to engage in hands-on, intensive training and assistance. Educational concepts to be taught will include self-assessment, business enterprise assessment and business growth skills. The proposed project will also utilize established relationships with other public and private entities and sales/distribution channels to open new opportunities for increasing sales and expand markets for agricultural products. Project activities will also provide for the development of a database of small-scale farmers, including minority and new, beginning farmers. This database will serve as a clearinghouse for farmer profiles, directing correspondence and outreach to clientele and stakeholder input. Data will be collected from training activities, and will be subjected to statistical analysis for troubleshooting purposes as well as to make conclusive and persuasive arguments about the success of the project. Results from the analysis will be disseminated through publications, seminars and conferences and web-based sources.

APPROACH: The proposed project utilizes non-traditional approaches to extension training and assistance activities including: 1. Web-based, self-directed training and assistance designed specifically for new and beginning farmers to help them access the resources they need based on their goals, skills and progress in beginning a farm operation. 2. Business Incubator Model for hands-on agricultural production and marketing demonstrations targeting new and beginning farmers to establish core business plans and practices that will enable them to start successful agricultural business ventures. 3. Beginning Farmer Demonstration/Training Site will be used to demonstrate and evaluate various alternative enterprises, production management practices and market development models. Additional demonstration efforts include incorporating e-commerce and other internet technology to connect new and beginning farmers to their customers. On-station enterprise production and market demonstrations will be complemented with business management seminars and workshops related to those enterprises and markets. Measurement tools that will be used include, but are not limited to, pre- and post-test assessments, participant self-assessments, participant interviews and observations, and Likert scale assessments. It is anticipated that at least 50% of the participants will improve their odds of farm business success as a result of participating in the project. It is anticipated that behavior changes of project participants will include: Increased knowledge of decision-making strategies; Increased knowledge of business management practices; Increased knowledge of marketing and market development strategies; Increase knowledge and skills using technology; Increase in knowledge of production, processing, and marketing of safe and nutritious food; Increased number of new and beginning farm operations; Increased potential for viable new farm operations; Improved economic competitiveness of small agricultural businesses; Improved productivity & profitability of new farm operations; Improved quality of life.

PROGRESS: 2012/09 TO 2014/08
Target Audience: The Program targets African-American, limited resource audiences, with particular emphasis on those persons under the age of 25, who are interested in starting a agricultural business operation or have been involved in agriculture less than 10 years. The program also utilizes established small-scale farmers as mentors and trainers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? In 2013 - Established three (3) on-site and seven (7) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. One (1) demonstration training site was established to facilitate Farm to School training activities for participating adults and youth (marketing, business feasibility, value-added processing, food safety and distribution). Conducted 27 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution. Training schedule and program developed and implemented hands-on demonstration training activities in value-added processing, marketing and distribution, and crop production. Initiated training activities for small individual groups of farmers and youth. Provided training sessions and exhibits for FAMU Fall and Spring Farm Fests. Planning meetings conducted with New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit to assist new and beginning farmers in establishing viable farm operations and business plans. Special focus was placed on young agro-entrepreneurs under age 25. Initial orientation meeting (7 participants) and six (6) business development training sessions (5 in-person, 1 by video conference) conducted. In 2014 - Hands-on Training Activities: - Established four (4) on-site at FAMU Research and Extension Center and two (2) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. - Conducted 40 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution (200 attendees). Outreach and Other Educational Activities: - Conducted training sessions and exhibits at FAMU Fall Farm Fest (2013), FAMUSpring Farm Fest (2014), 2014 Florida Small Farm Conference and 2014 Grape Harvest Festival (500 attendees). - Conducted 20 educational sessions for youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities (200 attendees). Professional Development: As a result of participating in the Project activities, several participants have committed to pursue careers/job opportunities in agriculture. One participant will continue his education pursuing a graduate degree in Agribusiness at FAMU. One participant is an undergraduate student and has changed his major to Agribusiness at FAMU. One new agro-entrepreneur utilzed the training in production and marketing provided by the Project, and will become a liaison between new and beginning agroentrepreneurs, existing farmers and the University program. Project Technician, through employment by the Project, received on-the-job training in implementing Extension agriculture and youth programs. He conducted 20 training sessions with youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities. After the Project, he will become an Extension Program Assistant assigned to 4-H programming in a local county extension office. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Over the project period, exhibit and outreach materials were disseminated at four(4) FAMU Farm Fests, two (2) Grape Harvest Festivals, and two (2) Florida Small Farm Conferences. Web-based materials were made available on webpage. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2012/09 TO 2014/08
What was accomplished under these goals? The goal of the project is to provide educational opportunities and technical assistance that improves the likelihood of success for the next generation of small farmers, or agro-entrepreneurs. Farm Business Incubator and Demonstration training sites were established for small groups of project participants (youth and adults) to engage in hands-on, intensive training and assistance. Educational concepts taught included self-assessment, business enterprise assessment and business growth skills. The project also utilized established relationships with other public and private entities and sales/distribution channels to open new opportunities for increasing sales and expand markets for agricultural products. In the first year of the Project, the following was accomplished: • Established three (3) on-site and seven (7) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. • One (1) demonstration training site was established to facilitate Farm to School training activities (marketing, business feasibility, value-added processing, food safety and distribution). Farm to School demonstration training was conducted working with the USDA/DOD Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program for participating adults and youth. Total of 50 beginning and existing farmers participated in training activities consisting of crop production and management, value-added processing, packaging, storage, and distribution logistics for facilitating Farm to School markets. • Conducted 27 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution; total 249 participants. • Established conservation practice and crop production demonstration at FAMU Research and Extension Center; conducted training sessions and exhibits at FAMU Spring Farm Fest; 200 attendees. Training schedule and program developed and implemented hands-on demonstration training activities in value-added processing, marketing and distribution, and crop production. Initiated training for small individual groups of farmers and agroentrpereneurs. • Women in Ag - 1 group meeting (8 attendees) and 3 individual sessions (24 attendees). • St. Mary's - 12 group sessions (168 attendees). • Two (2) beginning agro-entrepreneurs in Dade County participated in marketing training demonstration. Four (4) inperson training sessions and approximately 40 phone consultations were conducted. They developed markets in local community and one grocery store in South Florida with leafy greens. They initiated market development efforts with schools and prisons. Also, started training in establishing vegetable repack facility to supply Miami-Dade Schools. • Provided training and exhibit for FAMU Fall Farm Fest; 30 attendees. Planning meetings conducted with New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit to assist new and beginning farmers in establishing viable farm operations and business plans. Additional topics include vegetable production, value-added processing, distribution and market development with local communities, grocery stores and schools. • Established young agro-entrepreneur/investor group for persons age 25 and younger (7 beginning agro-entrepreneurs). Initial orientation meeting (7 participants) and six (6) business development training sessions (5 in-person, 1 by video conference) conducted (70 attending). • Five (5) youth participated in hands-on training in value-added processing, distribution and market development with local communities, grocery stores and schools. • Two (2) youth developed their own local community market; two (2) youth developed markets with grocery stores Also In 2013, the Project established a young agro-entrepreneur/investor group for persons age 25 and younger. FAMU, in collaboration with the New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit of Northwest Florida selected10 beginner farmers to participate in the intensive training program. There were several markets developed that could be shared among the agroentrepreneurs. After evaluation of the participant commitment, five candidates were selected to move to the next phase of developing an agro-entrepreneurial enterprise with school and store markets. In 2014, the project initiated the incubator phase. The participants were introduced to the USDA Farm to School/DOD Commodity Program, and this became the business and market focus for the group. The group participated in 40 hands-on training activities at six demonstration training sites, and subsequently developed market and business plans to facilitate this market opportunity. Five (5) young agro-entrepreneurs have formed a "loosely" organized producer group, and each has submitted loan applications to Farm Credit to establish separate agro-business ventures utlizing the markets established during the project. Each participant has received approval for a $35,000 loan, and will pool these resources to facilitate Farm to School/Commodity Program markets in Alabama and Mississippi schools. Additionally, 2 participants are supplying products for local grocery stores, averaging $500 per week in sales. One participant, who happens to be an Agribusiness undergraduate student, is working with a student organization to introduce selling agriculture products as a fundraiser. Accomplishments relative to goals of the project include: - Established four (4) on-site at FAMU Research and Extension Center and two (2) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. - Conducted 40 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution (200 attendees). Outreach and Other Educational Activities: - Conducted training sessions and exhibits at FAMU Fall Farm Fest (2013), FAMUSpring Farm Fest (2014), 2014 Florida Small Farm Conference and 2014 Grape Harvest Festival (500 attendees). - Conducted 20 educational sessions for youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities (200 attendees).

PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2012/09 TO 2014/08
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2013/09/01 TO 2014/08/31
Target Audience: The Program targets African-American, limited resource audiences, with particular emphasis on those persons under the age of 25, who are interested in starting a agricultural business operation or have been involved in agriculture less than 10 years. The program also utilizes established small-scale farmers as mentors and trainers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Hands-on Training Activities: - Established four (4) on-site at FAMU Research and Extension Center and two (2) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. - Conducted 40 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution (200 attendees). Outreach and Other Educational Activities: - Conducted training sessions and exhibits at FAMU Fall Farm Fest (2013), FAMUSpring Farm Fest (2014), 2014 Florida Small Farm Conference and 2014 Grape Harvest Festival (500 attendees). - Conducted 20 educational sessions for youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities (200 attendees). Professional Development: As a result of participating in the Project activities, several participants have committed to pursue careers/job opportunities in agriculture. One participant will continue his education pursuing a graduate degree in Agribusiness at FAMU. One participant is an undergraduate student and has changed his major to Agribusiness at FAMU. One new agro-entrepreneur utilzed the training in production and marketing provided by the Project, and will become a liaison between new and beginning agro-entrepreneurs, existing farmers and the University program. Project Technician, through employment by the Project, received on-the-job training in implementing Extension agriculture and youth programs. He conducted 20 training sessions with youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities. After the Project, he will become an Extension Program Assistant assigned to 4-H programming in a local county extension office. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Exhibit and outreach materials disseminated at two (2) FAMU Farm Fests, Grape Harvest Festival, Florida Small Farm Conference. Web-based materials available on webpage. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The project has been completed as of August 31, 2014. However, the Program has been integrated as part of the New & Beginning Farmer Training and Master Farmer Training Programs administered by the Cooperative Extension Program. Training modules and web-based resources will be incorporated in normal Extension program delivery.

IMPACT: 2013/09/01 TO 2014/08/31
What was accomplished under these goals? The goal of the project is to provide educational opportunities and technical assistance that improves the likelihood of success for the next generation of small farmers, or agro-entrepreneurs. Farm Business Incubator and Demonstration training sites were established for small groups of project participants (youth and adults) to engage in hands-on, intensive training and assistance. Educational concepts taught included self-assessment, business enterprise assessment and business growth skills. The project also utilized established relationships with other public and private entities and sales/distribution channels to open new opportunities for increasing sales and expand markets for agricultural products. In 2013, the Project established a young agro-entrepreneur/investor group for persons age 25 and younger. FAMU, in collaboration with the New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit of Northwest Florida selected10 beginner farmers to participate in the intensive training program. There were several markets developed that could be shared among the agro-entrepreneurs. After evaluation of the participant commitment, five candidates were selected to move to the next phase of developing an agro-entrepreneurial enterprise with school and store markets. In 2014, the project initiated the incubator phase. The participants were introduced to the USDA Farm to School/DOD Commodity Program, and this became the business and market focus for the group. The group participated in 40 hands-on training activities at six demonstration training sites, and subsequently developed market and business plans to facilitate this market opportunity. Five (5) young agro-entrepreneurs have formed a "loosely" organized producer group, and each has submitted loan applications to Farm Credit to establish separate agro-business ventures utlizing the markets established during the project. Each participant has received approval for a $35,000 loan, and will pool these resources to facilitate Farm to School/Commodity Program markets in Alabama and Mississippi schools. Additionally, 2 participants are supplying products for local grocery stores, averaging $500 per week in sales. One participant, who happens to be an Agribusiness undergraduate student, is working with a student organization to introduce selling agriculture products as a fundraiser. Accomplishments relative to goals of the project include: - Established four (4) on-site at FAMU Research and Extension Center and two (2) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, valueadded processing, food safety and distribution. - Conducted 40 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution (200 attendees). Outreach and Other Educational Activities: - Conducted training sessions and exhibits at FAMU Fall Farm Fest (2013), FAMUSpring Farm Fest (2014), 2014 Florida Small Farm Conference and 2014 Grape Harvest Festival (500 attendees). - Conducted 20 educational sessions for youth introducing them to agriculture and agro-business opportunities (200 attendees).

PUBLICATIONS: 2013/09/01 TO 2014/08/31
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2012/09/01 TO 2013/08/31
Target Audience: The Program targets African-American, limited resource audiences, with particular emphasis on those persons under the age of 25, who are interested in starting a agricultural business operation or have been involved in agriculture less than 10 years.The program also utilizes establishedsmall-scalefarmers as mentors and trainers. Changes/Problems: Changes in personnel due to departure (new job), but did not change scope of work for project. There have been delays in development/uploading of web-based information due to University changes in website server and restructuring of sites/pages. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Hands-on demonstration training sites Established three (3) on-site and seven (7) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution. One (1) demonstration training site was established to facilitate Farm to School training activities for participating adults and youth (marketing, business feasibility, value-added processing, food safety and distribution). Conducted 27 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution. Training schedule and program developed and implementedhands-on demonstration training activities in value-added processing, marketing and distribution, and crop production. Initiated training activitiesfor small individual groups of farmers and youth. Provided training sessionsand exhibits for FAMU Falland Spring Farm Fests. Planning meetings conducted with New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit to assist new and beginning farmers in establishing viable farm operations and business plans. Special focus was placed on young agro-entrepreneursunder age25. Initial orientation meeting (7 participants) and six (6) business development training sessions (5 in-person, 1 by video conference) conducted. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Exhibit and outreach materials disseminated attwo (2)FAMU Farm Fests, Grape Harvest Festival, Florida Small Farm Conference. Web-based materials available on webpage. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue hands-on and demonstrationtraining activities. Evaluation of project progress and impact on participants. Produce educational and outreach materials for dissemination and use in training activiites. Update web-based information and accessibilty.

IMPACT: 2012/09/01 TO 2013/08/31
What was accomplished under these goals? Hands-on demonstration training sites Established three (3) on-site and seven (7) on-farm production and marketing demonstration training sites providing group and one-on-one educational and outreach opportunities for participating farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. These sites provided hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution. One (1) demonstration training site was established to facilitate Farm to School training activities (marketing, business feasibility, value-added processing, food safety and distribution). Farm to School demonstration training was conducted working with the USDA/DOD Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program for participating adults and youth. Total of 50 beginning and existing farmers participated in training activities consisting of crop production and management, value-added processing, packaging, storage, and distribution logistics for facilitating Farm to School markets. Conducted 27 hands-on training activities in crop production, market development, harvesting and post-harvest handling, value-added processing, food safety and distribution; total 249 participants. Established conservation practice and crop production demonstration at FAMU Research and Extension Center; conducted training sessions and exhibitsat FAMU Spring Farm Fest; 200 attendees. Training schedule and program developed and implementedhands-on demonstration training activities in value-added processing, marketing and distribution, and crop production. Initiated training for small individual groups of farmers and agro-entrpereneurs. Women in Ag – 1 group meeting (8 attendees) and 3 individual sessions (24 attendees). St. Mary’s – 12 group sessions (168 attendees). Two (2)beginning agro-entrepreneurs in Dade County participated in marketing training demonstration. Four (4) in-person training sessions and approximately 40 phone consultations were conducted. They developed markets in local community and one grocery store in South Florida with leafy greens. They initiated market development efforts with schools and prisons. Also, started training in establishing vegetable repack facility to supply Miami-Dade Schools. Provided training and exhibit for FAMU Fall Farm Fest; 30 attendees. Planning meetings conducted with New North Florida Cooperative and Farm Credit to assist new and beginning farmers in establishing viable farm operations and business plans. Additional topics include vegetable production, value-added processing, distribution and market development with local communities, grocery stores and schools. Established young agro-entrepreneur/investor group for persons age 25 and younger (7 beginning agro-entrepreneurs). Initial orientation meeting (7 participants) and six (6) business development training sessions (5 in-person, 1 by video conference) conducted (70 attending). Five (5) youth participated in hands-on training in value-added processing, distribution and market development with local communities, grocery stores and schools. Two (2) youth developed their own local community market; two (2) youth developed markets with grocery stores

PUBLICATIONS: 2012/09/01 TO 2013/08/31
No publications reported this period.