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INVESTIGATOR: White, C. J.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
NATIVE BRAND HONEY, LLC
3290 UNIONTOWN RD
JAMESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 278469485

ENHANCING FARMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIVE AMERICANS AND VETERAN BEGINNING FARMERS IN NORTH CAROLINA

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Project's long-term goal is to equip Native American and Veteran Beginning Farmers (NAVBF) in NC with the knowledge and skills needed for them to make informed decisions in starting, and operating successful farm businesses. Objectives are to: Increase awareness of NAVBR on USDA and NC State farm programs and to recruit participants for the project; Improve the knowledge of NAVBF farm estate planning, financial planning and management; Enhance the skills and abilities of NAVBF to implement alternative, high value, and profitable farm enterprises; Improve marketing strategies of NAVBF to market bee- byproducts and vegetables and connect then to existing markets. Project targets NAVBF in Roberson and the surrounding counties in NC. Farmers in this area received a devastating loss due to farm land flooding that occurred in 2018. Apart from the flood, Native American farmers have been traditionally underserved and are face by several challenges in the farming business. Such challenges are: limited access to USDA programs, high start-up costs, limited access to credit, limited access to farmlands, lack of skills in financial planning, lack of experience and modern production practices, and limited access to existing and viable markets. These challenges provide evidence for the need to conduct this project with expected results of enhanced economic opportunities and improved quality life for these farmers, and their communities.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term goal of this project is to equip Native American and Veteran Beginning Farmers (NAVBF) in North Carolina with the knowledge and skills needed for them to make informed decisions in starting, improving, and operating successful farm businesses, with expected results of an enhanced economic opportunities and an improved quality of life for these farmers, their families and communities. The supporting objectives to this goal are to: 1) Increase awareness of NAVBR on USDA and NC State farm programs and to recruit participants for the project; 2) Improve the knowledge of NAVBF farm estate planning, financial planning and management; 3) Enhance the skills and abilities of NAVBF to implement alternative, high value, and profitable farm enterprises; 4) Improve marketing strategies of NAVBF to market bee- byproducts and vegetables and connect then to existing markets.

APPROACH: To ensure overall project quality and impact, project staff will work as a team to conduct all facet of this project to reach out to the target audience within designated project area. The methods to be applied include, but not limited to, one-on-one consultations, workshops, tours, hands-on demonstration, and mentoring. Evaluation forms will be completed by all participants at the beginning of the project and at the end of the project. This is to know of their levels in farming, and at the end capture how much they have learned and change in behavior. The following are measurable indicators of the performance of this project:Number of NAVBF that started the programNumber of NAVBF that graduated from the programNumber of NAVBF who have an improved knowledge of USDA programs and servicesNumber of NAVBF that have improved their knowledge land acquisition and retentionNumber that intend to buy or lease farmlandsNumber of NAVBF that have improved their financial and business planning skillsNumber that have increased knowledge in farm loan application processNumber that have acquired skill in honey productionNumber that have developed knowledge in BeekeepingNumber that have improved skills in vegetable/herb productionNumber of NAVBF that have increased knowledge in marketing strategiesNumber of NAVBF who have been connected to new marketsNumber that have gained knowledge on honey processingNumber of NAVBF that have started farming