USDA NIFA - Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (Field School)

USDA NIFA - Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

Funder: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Program Amount: $50 million distributed nationally through 140 funded proposals

ARCD Award: $407,995 (funded through August 2024)

Geographic Scope: Appalachian Highlands region (Northeast Tennessee and beyond)

Program Overview

Field School is a beginning farmer training program that trains up-and-coming farmers on both agricultural operations and the business and legal aspects of running a farm business. The program is open to all farmers, but ARCD gives special consideration to:
• Socially disadvantaged farmers
• Limited resource farmers
• Military veteran farmers
• Women farmers
• Young farmers

Program Goals (with NIFA Funding)

1. Increase the number of new and beginning farmers starting agricultural businesses in the Appalachian Highlands and increase their business, financial, and production knowledge to successfully launch and sustain operations 2. Support limited-resource, veteran, women and other beginning farmers to innovate and learn from each other through fostering peer-to-peer networks of farm visits 3. Increase utilization of USDA and TN Department of Agriculture farmer support programs (TDA Producer Diversification cost-share, NRCS EQIP conservation practices cost-shares, FSA microloan programs) 4. Increase utilization of sustainable production methods by beginning farmers in the region 5. Facilitate long-term transition of productive farmland to a new generation of farmers

Expected Outcomes

• Launch at least 25 new farm businesses
• Reach at least 320 beginning farmers with training and education

Program Structure

ARCD holds two sessions of Field School each year:

Summer Field School (May-September): Focuses on operational production training

Winter Business Intensive (November-March): Focuses on business, financial, legal, and marketing aspects of running an agricultural business

Accredited by TN Department of Agriculture

Graduates can qualify for up to 2 education credits toward the Producer Diversification Cost-Share Program

Offered both in-person and virtually

Next Session: Winter Business Intensive begins November 11

Organization

Appalachian RC&D Council - 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Mission: To conserve natural resources and improve rural economies through community leadership and enhanced educational opportunities

Contact Information:
302 Sunset Drive, Suite 105
Johnson City, TN 37604
info@arcd.org
423-427-0560