Item No. 1 of 1

INVESTIGATOR: Ares, A.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
UNIVERSITY OF GUAM UOG STATION
MANGILAO, GUAM 96913

PROMOTING BEGINING FARMER TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: with emphasis on hands-on learning activities in real farming and marketing situationsapprenticeship and training to trainers programs will be organized.We aim to build strong bases for sustainable farmer coalitions based on inclusiveness, collaboration, and fairness.

OBJECTIVES: Identify, reach, and retain beginning farmers.Provide training on developing, sustaining, and improving farming systems suitable to the ecological and socio-economic conditions of Guam with emphasis on hands-on learning activities in real farming and marketing situations. Project topics will include but not to be limited to cover crops, composting, integrated pest management, intercropping, raised bed production, windbreaks, agroforestry practices, soil conservation, aquaponics systems, beekeeping, bookkeeping, infrastructure design, and marketing.Foster wide interactions among stakeholders in the agriculture sector and related areas in Guam engaging beginning farmers to develop sustainable approaches for production, branding, and marketing

APPROACH: Objective 1Research and update existing information on existing and potential farmersRecruit 50 beginning farmers for the projectConduct focus groups to determine farmers expectations, goals, and concernsOrganize workshops on topics relevant to Guam such as: Potentials and limitations for farming, access to land, invasive species threatening farming systems and natural resources, local produce markets and foodshedsObjective 2Conduct introductory and advance trainings on crop production, sustainable farming practices, beekeeping, and other topicsOffer paid apprenticeship opportunities on farmsTrain trainers selected from the beginning farmers group iii.Objective 3Facilitate farmer access to USFA programs (EQIP, VAPG), loans, and other assistanceOrganize a consulting service system for specific activities like honeybee productionPromote trained farmers as mentors in their communities