Project Overview
Limited income Connecticut women principal farm operators increased significantly from 2002 (income to $2499, 90%; $2500 to 4999, 70%; $5000 to $9999, 68%). Limited resources and assets, lack of credit rating, no track record, how to get start-up or other funding is a major concern of many beginning farmers.
Workshops and follow-up coaching in Connecticut´s eight counties were offered to small farm operators to understand and more successfully access traditional and alternative funding. 30 farmers participated in workshops (often with an FSA loan officer present) and coaching sessions. Coaching sessions revealed that beginning farmers had significant challenges in not owning land, lacked records of production costs, no business plans, and too many goals (CSA, farmers market, commercial kitchen, agri-tourism, etc. all rolled into one). Without production records and a focused business plan, the search for and success in obtaining funding was limited. Coaching focused on clarifying goals, business planning, improving marketing, as well as how to search for resources.
At this point, the labor (intern/apprentice) workshops did not happen, as the lawyer who committed to doing them disappeared! We are continuing to look for a presenter who is very knowledgeable on the topic as even experienced labor lawyers are not.
Number of Participants: 30
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
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