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Bridge Grant to Enhance Research and Outreach for Small
and Medium-Sized Farms
Fisseha
Tegegne
Cooperative
Agricultural Research Program
Seminar Series
Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
November 20, 2002
Small
farms are defined as those with sales of less than $250,000 (National
Commission on small farms). They are diverse consisting of the following
sub-groups: Limited resource, Retirement, Residential/Lifestyle, Farming
occupation/Lower sales, and Farming occupation/Higher sales (USDA/ERS
farm typology). Small and medium-sized farms continue to play an
important role in US agriculture in a number of ways. First, they
dominate farm numbers and control the bulk of agricultural assets.
Second, they contribute to production. Third, they participate in some
environmentally based government programs. Finally, they generate wealth
in the local economy as a result of purchases of inputs and supplies,
demand for credit, asset ownership and increased net value-added.
However, they have been facing various challenges over the years, which
affect profitability of their operations. The situation is exacerbated
by rapidly changing domestic and global conditions, and development of
new technologies. A comprehensive research and outreach initiative is
critical to address some of the key problems.
The
objective of this project is to broaden local network by acquiring
feedback and collaboration from stakeholders and institutions that will
facilitate effective implementation of a larger research and outreach
proposal aimed at enhancing competitiveness of small and medium-sized
farms. Six land-grant universities namely, Tennessee State University
(Lead), Alabama A & M University, Alcorn State University, Kentucky
State University, North Carolina A & T and State University, and
University of Tennessee in Knoxville are collaborating on the project.
Each institution is charged with the following tasks: 1) acquire
feedback from local and state level stakeholders in their respective
states including extension agents, Community Based Organizations,
Private Voluntary Organizations, and Non-Government Organizations; 2)
identify potential alternative enterprises; and 3) establish small farm
advisory body in each state. Various means such as a short survey,
discussions at meetings of extension agents and farmers, attending
listening sessions are used to acquire input. Results from each state
are discussed at periodic meetings of project collaborators and will be
used in revising the original proposal to be submitted for funding.
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