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INVESTIGATOR: Carleo, J. S.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
3 RUTGERS PLZA
NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08901-8559

ULTRA-NICHE CROPS FOR THE PROGRESSIVE, NEW FARMER

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The project goal is to teach new and beginning farmers nationwide (virtually and in-person) about the cultivation, marketing and business management of farming 18 "ultra-niche crops". Of 3,268 participants, 90% will have a knowledge gain, 264 will make beneficial changes and 95 will start farming. We define "ultra-niche" as exceptionally high-value crops that can provide a significant source of income to the farmer while using minimal land area such as strawberries and basil. Empowering these new and beginning farmers to achieve early crop and financial success will promote sustainability of our next generation of food-producers. We will develop training, education, outreach and technical information on specialty-crop production. Educational programming will include crop selection, entrepreneurship and business training- including financial and risk management, as well as diversification and marketing techniques. A series of in-person and online educational materials will be developed.Deliverables include:• "Virtual Field Trips" (18): On-farm interviews on production and marketing of each crop.• "Video Fact Sheets" (12): On components of a farm business plan.• "Crop Profiles" (18) including on-line enterprise budgets.• Feasibility Analysis Worksheets: SWOT analysis template, food safety compliance worksheet.• A Rutgers website to host these deliverables.• 18 workshops that will utilize the above educational materials.Program outcomes: 2,941 (90%) of the new and beginning farmers educated will gain knowledge; 378 in-person participants will be equipped with technical and business skills to net a minimum of $25,000 per acre; 360 participants will make beneficial changes; 95 participants will start new farms.

OBJECTIVES: Goal:To teach 3,268 new and beginning farmers nationwide (virtually and in-person) about the cultivation, marketing and business management of farming 18 "ultra-niche crops". Of participants, 90% will have a knowledge gain, 264 will make beneficial changes and 95 will start farming a minimum of 0.5 Acres x $25,000/A = $1,187,500. Our objectives, outcomes and impacts are outlined here:Objective 1:Educate 378 new and beginning farmers through in-person workshops.Output Item: 18 workshops in 3 locations in New Jersey using the online resources.Outcomes: 340 (90%) in-person participants will be equipped with technical and business skills to net a minimum of $25,000 per acre.Impact: 264 (70%) will make beneficial changes (as outlined in our evaluation plan).Objective 2:Educate 2890 new and beginning farmers nationwide through virtual resources.Output Item: 18 Virtual Field Trips OnlineOutcomes: 810 virtual participants will view at least one crop's "Virtual Field Trip".Impact: 729 (90%) will have a knowledge gain on that topic.Output Item: Online Video Fact Sheets on Business PlansOutcomes: 1080 virtual participants will view at least one video outlining one component of a business plan.Impact: 972 (90%) will have a knowledge gain on that topic.Output Item: Online Crop Profiles with BudgetsOutcome: 1000 virtual participants will use at least 1 crop profile including the online enterprise budget.Impact: 900 participants will gain knowledge on business management and crop production.