Final report for SAL21-001
Project Information
The Alabama SARE program (https://southern.sare.org/sare-in-your-state/alabama/) has a strong history of serving limited resource farmers and building capacity within the Alabama Cooperative Extension System consisting of Regional Extension Agents (REAs) and Extension Specialists. As a team leader, Dr. Majumdar (PI) has recently hired four REAs and one Specialist – so there is a greater need for professional development with AU/ACES. The Alabama SARE program also provides comprehensive training in organic crop production methods and sustainable IPM tactics (namely, systems-based practices, pest exclusion tactics, and biorational insecticides) to many technical assistance providers (TAPs) from nongovernmental agencies of NGOs that are also part of the Alabama SARE program advisory committee. Due to COVID-19 travel and group size restrictions, we are proposing a hybrid model of professional development with two online webinars, two field events in central and north AL where REAs/Specialists and TAPs will gather for hands-on training at IPM demonstration locations. Two IPM field videos will also be completed and available to producers via the Farming Basics phone app that is already available to all. Since small producers may lose 50 percent or more crop in the absence of IPM plan, on-farm consultations and pest alerts are still the critical needs for over 1,000 small farmers across AL; this service will continue in parallel with the professional development plan during the pandemic so farms don’t fail. Every SARE-funded activity is evaluated using robust feedback system. All IPM videos and publications (like the organic IPM toolkit slide chart, https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/the-organic-vegetable-ipm-toolkit/) acknowledge SARE support.
Obj. 1. Strengthen train-the-trainer (REAs/TAPs) training program and promote networking.
Obj. 2. Develop five field demonstration videos on various topics.
Obj. 3. Add new content/features to the Farming Basics Mobile App as an educational tool.
Obj. 4. Improved communication with SARE Advisory Committee and other stakeholders.
Advisors
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Education
The Alabama Extension Commercial Horticulture is an interdisciplinary team of 11 Regional Extension Agents and Program Assistants, and 20 Extension Specialists offering 19 grassroots and TWO Signature programs. The Alabama SARE Program uses a combination of traditional publications (Organic Vegetable IPM Slide Chart, Urban Farming IPM Toolkit, Vegetable Handbook, many ANR publications), digital media like E-newsletter, blog articles, Farming Basics Mobile App, Farming Basics Online Course, and social media channels (Farming Basics Instagram, three Facebook channels) for reaching out and training ne and experienced producers. The Farming Basics Phone App or Mobile App is a major educational tool and part of the infrastructure we have created over the years.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Raise awareness and use of educational resources
Raise awareness and use of SARE grants for producers
Prevent crop failure by increasing the adoption rate for IPM practices
In 2022, the Alabama Beginning Farmer/Alabama SARE Program reached hundreds of participants through several events statewide based on direct online reports by Regional Extension Agents and Specialists. About 5 events were evaluated - 116 total number of participants from five events that were evaluated intensively. Participants included 34% males and 66% females (under 2% urban population). There were 54% white, 12% black, and less than 3% Asian or Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Other Races. There were about 2% Hispanic and 65% Non-Hispanic participants at events.
Based on feedback from five specialty crop events, Alabama SARE program had 50% new audience (small and underserved producers) across Alabama. Producers reported 55% increases in crop production and plant protection systems that emphasized on improved crop cultivars, pest exclusion tactics and use of biorational insecticides, 30% improvement in the understanding of GAP/food safety/water quality issues, and 40% improvement in crop scouting practices and value of record-keeping. Nearly 23 to 50% audience indicated immediate use of the information. Producers were informed in the availability of SARE grants and application process which historically has lead to increased applications for producer grants. The Farming Basics Mobile App, a popular gateway of information for new and beginning farmers, acknowledges SARE funding. The Farming Basics App has been installed about 9,000 times by various clientele and continues to grow in popularity.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Based on feedback from five specialty crop events, Alabama SARE program had 50% new audience (small and underserved producers) across Alabama. Producers reported 55% increases in crop production and plant protection systems that emphasized on improved crop cultivars, pest exclusion tactics and use of biorational insecticides, 30% improvement in the understanding of GAP/food safety/water quality issues, and 40% improvement in crop scouting practices and value of record-keeping. Nearly 23 to 50% audience indicated immediate use of the information. Producers were informed in the availability of SARE grants and application process which historically has lead to increased applications for producer grants. The Farming Basics Mobile App, a popular gateway of information for new and beginning farmers, acknowledges SARE funding. The Farming Basics App has been installed about 9,000 times by various clientele and continues to grow in popularity.
Face of SARE
Alabama SARE website is a well-known and utilized resource for producers and educators. The PI keeps it up to date with help from Candace Pollock at UGA-Griffin. Factsheets and educational videos are regularly added to the ‘Resources’ tab. We have recently added a training module on the high tunnel pest exclusion system which has been received well by producers/educators (https://southern.sare.org/resources/high-tunnel-pest-exclusion-system/).
Alabama SARE has a dedicated website that is used for training faculty and producers on various grant opportunities, publications etc. PI hs recently published fact sheets on trap crops (2 bulletins) and pest exclusion systems (2 bulletins) - we use these resources routinely for training producers and social media posts. The SARE Advisory Committee that meets monthly via Zoom also spreads the word out to various communities regarding activities that helps the Alabama SARE program tremendously.