Progress report for GS21-247
Project Information
Farmer networks can play a critical role in the sustainability of agriculture by providing a space for peer learning, innovation and collaborative problem solving. In practice, however, these networks remain largely undervalued. Diversified small-scale and organic, sustainable farming operators have been recognized as underserved Extension clients, whose needs and farming systems are so diverse that Extension lacks the capacity to provide all the services and technical support they desire. These farmers tend to rely more on their farm networks than on their local Extension service. Some have organized formal farmer networks but little research has been conducted about their impacts on the viability of their farms.
Understanding how formal farmer networks function, their impacts on farmer membership, and the ways agricultural Extension can support and increase their effectiveness, can be very important for farm viability. A mixed-methods case study design will be used to research three farmer networks in different regions of Florida to compare and understand their impacts and benefits to their members. A combination of participant observation, individual interviews, focus groups and a survey will be utilized to conduct this research.
The main research objectives include: 1) Identify the impacts and influence of small-scale farmer networks on the economic viability of their individual farmer members, 2) Identify the influence of farmer networks in the adoption of sustainable farming practices among their members, and 3) Identify the potential role of Cooperative Extension in the organization, facilitation, and support of these farmer networks.
1) Identify the impacts and influence of small-scale farmer networks on the economic viability of their individual farmer members. This study will explore how the farmer networks have influenced and changed individual farmers’ management decisions, created new marketing venues, increased the diversity of crops grown, assisted with technical problems solved, and increased resilience against adversity. This study will identify how farmers perceive the importance of the networks to their operations. Additionally, this research will explore farmers’ social capital and social networking connections. These indicators are important to understand the intangible benefits of belonging to a community of practice.
2) Identify the influence of farmer networks in the adoption of sustainable farming practices among their members. Small-scale farmers tend to incorporate more sustainable farming practices. This study will identify the extent of influence of the farmer networks into the adoption of sustainable farming practices of individual farmers. These practices include the use of cover crops, efficient irrigation management and other soil and water conservation practices.
3) Identify the potential role of Cooperative Extension in the organization, facilitation, and support of small-scale farmer networks. This study will investigate the origin, structure, and organization of these farmer networks as well as Extension’s past, current and potential role in these networks. There is ample recognition that Extension agents are in a good position to facilitate and expand the impact of these networks, however their current role appears to be limited.
Cooperators
Research
1. Preliminary visits and key interviews. The student conducted a site visit in November 2021 to the Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network. This group conducted an on-farm workshop at the Rosy Tomorrow's Heritage Farm in Lee County. The student conducted participant observation, met and made many contacts with local farmers for future interviews. The student made written notes of their observations and later on created a summary reflection of the event and the observations made.
2. Extension agents’ interviews. The student conducted two interviews with UF/IFAS Extension agents who facilitate the Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network. These interviews were conducted in November and December 2021. These interviews were conducted in order to explore the role of extension to support these networks, as well as to increase understanding of the October networking event. The interviews were conducted via Zoom, and were recorded. The student later on created a summary reflection from these interviews for further analysis. The plan is to transcribe these interviews and analyze them using Max QDA, a qualitative analysis software.
3. Preliminary contact with other networks. During Fall 2021 and early Spring 2022 the student conducted some email communication and phone calls with representatives from other farmer network organizations. The student established very good rapport with the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance in Tallahassee, and plans to schedule key farmer interviews are being discussed. The student also reached out to a few other organizations in Florida and Georgia to understand what they do and find out if they were willing to be part of this study.
4. Qualitative Document Analysis. The student conducted qualitative document analysis of the outreach materials, website, and social media outreach for the Southwest Small Farm Network and the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. The student made notes and observations to include for future analysis.
At this point there are no actual results of the project. The research needs to continue in order to accumulate enough data to analyze qualitatively. Based on this analysis, a farmer survey will be conducted in the future among farmer network participants.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
None at the moment
Project Outcomes
Nothing to report at the moment on this.
It is early in the project, but the existence of collaborations among farmers in these networks appear to be critical to their operations.