This project specifically
focused on Black, Indigenous, Women of Color, and other underserved populations in North
Carolina and Kentucky, while laying the groundwork for expansion into Georgia
through partnerships and a needs assessment. 95 percent of our attendees
identified as Black, Indigenous, or other folks of color, with 78 percent of
participants identifying as women, non-binary, or other.
The primary goal of the project was to equip
participants with the knowledge and tools to access, utilize, and enroll in
risk management programs. Collaborating with regional partners, we developed
content and outreach efforts on key topics, including:
-Crop insurance products tailored to small-scale and underserved farmers (KY, NC),
-Diversification strategies (KY, NC),
-Marketing strategies (KY),
-Transition and estate planning (KY, NC), and
-Addressing and resolving Heirs Property issues (KY, NC).
In Georgia, the project team conducted a needs
assessment to evaluate geography and programming requirements for future
expansion. The insights from this project were compiled into an Impact Report,
which will outline key risks, provide regional resources, and identify contacts
for risk management services. This report will guide the next phase of
women-focused programming across the Southeast. The report found that folks
from the listening sessions are interested in “updated information on
innovative agricultural conservation practices, business planning for
profitability, guidance on crop insurance and other risk management tools, as
well as farm business planning” just to name a few.
Over 500 individuals participated in our in-person Learning Circles,
virtual Coffee Hours, and through presentations at various regional
conferences. Additionally, our online platform, hosted via Mighty Networks,
enabled us to extend our reach even further. Our Heirs Property Resolution Guide was
distributed through community partners in North Carolina. This resource has proven to be an effective
tool in supporting underserved producers, particularly women of color, in resolving
complex land ownership challenges.