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INVESTIGATOR: Coleman, K.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
1 Sugarloaf Street
South Deerfield, MASSACHUSETTS 01373

BEYOND START UP: BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF MA BEGINNING FARMERS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This renewal Standard BFRDP project builds upon a successful Development Grant (PD: Kelly Coleman, award 2012-49400-19591). Half (50%) of the budget will be dedicated to serving socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmers (0% for military veterans). The lead agency (CISA) will manage this state-wide project through an established network of five collaborating agricultural community-based organizations (CBOs): Berkshire Grown, Central Mass Grown, Northeast Harvest, Southeastern MA Agricultural Partnership and Sustainable Nantucket. 100% of federal funds will go to CBOs.The long-range goal of this project is to improve the sustainability and profitability of beginning farm businesses in Massachusetts by providing tailored technical assistance to at least 600 beginning farmers in the following topic areas: entrepreneurship and business training (priority C), financial and risk management training (priority D), and diversification and marketing strategies (priority F). Activities include 78 workshops, 15 networking events, and one-on-one assistance to 300 beginning farmers, plus detailed program evaluation. After participating, farmers will have access to on-going technical assistance and peer support through the collaborating organizations. Primary objectives are: 80% of participants (480/600) "moderately increase" knowledge and 50% of participants (300/600) "substantially increase" knowledge in the areas of marketing, business planning, financial analysis, diversification, or value-added production; 60% of participants (360/600) implement a new market approach or participate in a new marketing opportunity; and 50% of participants (300/600) increase their farm income by at least 5% within one year of completing training. The success of these outcomes will improve the economy and food security of the region.

OBJECTIVES: This project will benefit 600 unduplicated beginning farmers by providing a range of educational tools, training, and peer support.The long-range goal of this project is to improve the sustainability and profitability of beginning farm businesses in Massachusetts. Primary objectives and outcomes are that 80% of participants (480/600) "moderately increase" knowledge and 50% of participants (300/600) "substantially increase" knowledge in the areas of marketing, business planning, financial analysis, diversification, or value-added production; that 60% of participants (360/600) implement a new market approach or participate in a new marketing opportunity; and that 50% of participants (300/600) increase their net farm income by at least 5% within one year. The success of these outcomes will improve the economy and food security of the region.