Final report for SNE23-016-DC
Project Information
Through a needs assessment, food production amongst urban agriculture struggles to be adequately supported economically. Broader and more consolidated training to enhance efficiencies and processes may serve to alleviate and reinforce our local producers and food systems. The educational approach encompassed an urban agriculture production to distribution path, consisting of programs such as land assessment/preparation, soil analysis/soil amendments, irrigation, pest management, cultivation, and distribution. The training program was conducted via virtual and hands-on workshops to offer scheduling flexibility.
43 agricultural service provider project participants provided 80 workshops and other educational activities about small farming, herb crops, fresh farm to table demonstrations, field day tours that reached 120 farmers. 25 local, new, small farmers produced and earned a total of over $30,000 in revenue from crops produced and sold locally to their communities.
Ten Agriculture Service Providers will be certified in 3-month training in a production to distribution program. Throughout this program, educators and experienced ASP's will provide in-person and virtual workshops (up to 100 participants) to support our partner farmer organizations in training workshops embedded in the program. Participants will enhance and practice their skills in soil analysis, land preparation/irrigation, cultivation and IPM of one high value and one high yield crop, and farmers market distribution methods and processes. Knowledge gained through the New Beginning Farmer Program is applied and practiced at UDC Agriculture spaces, providing access to grow and distribute through UDC spaces if other spaces or distributions are not available or not yet set up. USDA says cropland needs only produce $1,000 dollars of sales for it to be considered crop lands. The training and production space will lead to the production of $1,000 dollars’ worth of crops for sale for each of 30 New Beginning Farmers (NBF), resulting in a total of $30,000 in local economic returns on yield within the local food system.
As urban agriculture has continued to evolve and develop, many have struggled to advance in the urban agriculture field due to significant barriers to entry, such as pollution, competing land use requirements and access to ongoing farmer training. Through assessment results from survey data of 40 participants of land-grant certificate programs and agricultural workshops, meetings and work with 10 urban farmers, leaders of the National Black Farmers Cooperative, National Latinos and Ranchers Association, Farmers Market Managers, and House Agriculture Committee members, it is clear more training and programing to support urban agriculture production and distribution processes and methods can serve to support our local urban food producers and food systems in their work and careers. Members of the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee Meeting recommended allowing the community to come pick their own crops to allow farmers to benefit from agritourism and potentially reduce harvesting work. This relates to UDC’s long history with Ethnic Crops and could fulfill of the high value/high yield crops that leadership from the 2020 National Black Farmers Cooperative recommended. They said that initial focuses in production on “one high yield and one high value crop” could be helpful to many beginning farmers.
In data from surveys, more practical training that expands farming skills that focus growing lots of food in small spaces for family, and community which would help them develop their urban farming abilities was requested widely. As one of our larger agriculture spaces is located in Prince Georges county, there was also a natural connection with Prince George's county and our largest closest city, Baltimore.
Two graduate students were recruited to support field production, distribution and yield data information, co-facilitation, and assessment and recommendations to improve findings from year 2 to year 3, supporting to ensure project development, enhancements, implementation, and outcomes. Program funding also supported irrigation, soil testing, compost, and payment for contractors/instructors. The project benefited beginning farmers in DC and some surrounding areas.
The project team included the following personnel:
- Nazirakh: demonstrate and discuss soil health and land preparation and land management
- Love’s Garden: support instruction in small equipment, irrigation, production methods
- Three Seed: support education, outreach, and workshops
- Major Warren: Program and workshop support
- Stefan Templeton: support and inform on Farmers Market Distribution and workshops
Educational approach
The training was promoted through our UDC marketing channels and partners. Workshops by primary instructors were conducted to support knowledge and skills around soil health, materials and methods and Farmers Market distribution throughout the program with workshops provided by various urban farms throughout the city.
A practicum production course for high yield and high value cultivation of crops was held, which then flowed to our UDC Farmers Markets. The goal of the practicum was for farmers to produce enough yield to net $1,000. A series of workshops was conducted that was made available to larger audiences via our partners and our internal marketing that focuses on topics, soil health, production materials & methods, and Farmers Market distribution. Participants that demonstrated progress and effort in the program by attending workshops, and enhanced skills development in production were eligible for incentives even if the $1,000 sales mark/goal was not met. Dr. Nazirakh Amen demonstrated and discussed soil health. Dr. Lavell Merritt talked and supported production and materials and methods. Stefan Templeton supported and informed on Farmers Market Distribution.
Milestones
Engagement
- Project Leader and (Kevin Bailey) will host listening sessions in February of 2024 and February of 2025 that seek to strengthen outreach and engagement Major Warren and Dr. Lavell Merritt will support outreach and engagement for both listening sessions.
Status: Listening sessions and meetings completed.
Accomplishments: To provide flexibility and participation by new farmers and ag service providers, information was collected by phone calls, shared events, meetings, email correspondence, and in person to inform professional development enhancements. 40 service providers.
Learning
- 3 Hands-on Workshops and 3 virtual workshops covering the same topics to create greater flexibility and accommodate transportation challenges.
The ASP's will learn about soil health, how it supports production, why/what materials and equipment to use for enhancing health/production, and Farmers Market Vendor Operations. The workshops will focus on production as it relates to one high value and one high yield crop, crops in production, and NBF recommended crops, to support farmers getting crops to market distributions successfully. The workshops will have an in-person session and virtual sessions. In the Soil Health or workshops 1, participants will strengthen through hands-on and field knowledge and experience about soil health and its indicators and ways to enhance soil life. Certificates will be recorded and confirmed by graduate student at completion of each workshop
Status: Complete
Accomplishments: Through 2025, 3 Hands-on Workshops and 3 virtual workshops were conducted. Follow up activities include question and answer sessions. There was also space to practice learning at farmers markets and hands-on farm training spaces. Presentations and a follow-up guide were loaded to shared Drive folder to allow for additional participants to benefit. 25 participants.
- April 2024 and April 2025 Soil Health workshop: (Nazriahk Amen)
1 in-person and 1 virtual session, participants will learn via presentation around the topic of soil health from an experienced Farmer in a in-person workshop and virtual session. The virtual session will serve to help create more access to information.
Status: Workshops held with new farmers and ASPs.
Accomplishments:
Delivered three hands-on, in-person field workshops as well as a virtual session where new farmers received practical training on the proper selection and use of essential production tools, including hand hoes and BCS equipment. Instruction was reinforced through structured presentations shared with all participants for continued review and study. The curriculum was expanded to incorporate deeper knowledge sharing, featuring real-world examples from local farmers that demonstrated successful strategies for improving nutrient density, supporting community health, and strengthening market distribution. Farmers and agricultural service provider (ASP) educators highlighted the business importance of diversified production planning, emphasizing how integrating vegetables, fruits, and grains supports year-round market access, stabilizes cash flow, and mitigates the “feast-and-famine” cycle common in small-scale farm operations. 30 service providers.
- May 2024 and May 2025 Materials and methods for Soil Health workshop: (Dr. Lavell Merritt)
1 in-person and 1 virtual session to foster strengthened awareness and familiarity with the skills, materials and methods by participating in hands-on demonstration of equipment use in the field. Virtual presentation covering materials and methods will provide an overview and help with access to information from the hands-on session. A goal of this workshop is to support efforts that support production of $1,000 worth of crops.
Status: Field Sessions Held.
Accomplishments:
Three presentations were held and shared with all attendees to review and study.
- UDC Beginning Farmers Pest Management 2024 (1) (1) 1
- UDC Beginning Farmers -Trellising and pruning (1) (1) 1
- UDC Beginning Farmers -Propogation (1) (1) 1
- UDC Beginning Farmers -Irrigating Beginning Farmers beds near Red Barn (1) (1) 1
- UDC Beginning Farmers -BCS Operation (1) (1) 1
As per feedback received from listening sessions, training presentations were enhanced with the development of educational materials to include Educational Guide and Video presentation to share authentic farmer and educator knowledge for farmers and ASPs. Follow-up Q&A sessions were also offered. 25 ASPs.
- June 2024 and June 2025 Farmers Market Distribution (Stefan Templeton)
1 in-person and 1 virtual workshop on Farmers Market Distribution. The workshop will be conducted ahead of a market, and participants can either participate in or visit the market to further strengthen skills, experience, knowledge and attitudes of Farmers’ Market distribution. A virtual session will provide presentation, information, and wisdom related to distribution through Farmers Markets to achieve $1,000 of revenue and will help expand access to information from the hands-on session.
Status: Presentations held.
Accomplishments:
Several virtual and in-person presentations were held and shared with all workshop attendees for review and study.
The Farmers Alliance stepped up to the plate in support of farmers by supporting many areas of Farmers market distribution and learning. This included providing and delivering signage and loaner equipment for farmers, trainings, setup of distribution support, marketing via social media and other outlets to support farmers in getting their message out, and insurance and compliance support. It also included helping the farmer vendors directly at the markets and farm stands with setup, and signage. The Farmers Alliance went above and beyond in their support of ASPs and New Farmers. It was referenced during follow-up activities that references are available online for further study and practice. 50 ASPs.
- August 2024 and 2025: 50 (20 in 2024 and 30 in 2025) ASP's and 15 (5 in 2024 and 10 in 2025) Urban Farmers will complete the 3 workshops (Soil heath (Nazriahk Amen), Materials & Methods (Dr. Lavell Merritt), and Farmers Market Distribution (Stefan Templeton)) and receive a certificate of completion recognizing their work.
Status: Complete
Accomplishments:
New farmers actively participated in three virtual workshops and three in-person workshops to allow for scheduling flexibility, with additional field-based instruction and farmers market support provided by the Farmers Alliance across all three program years. Over 60 farmers markets, farm stands, CSA's, food banks, were supported, offering sustained, hands-on practice and real-world experience that strengthened the operational success and market readiness of DC-based new farmers and Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs). Workshops were delivered across multiple field-based and virtual settings, including UDC’s Firebird Farm and East Capitol farm sites. Educational presentations were printed and distributed to participants to support in-session learning. To further enhance access and continuity, all instructional materials were consolidated into a shared digital folder, providing New Farmers and Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs) with flexible, ongoing access to resources that support varied learning needs and schedules. Learning still continues at farmers market beyond the project end date, especially through new connections made at farmers markets. 50 participants
Engagement and Evaluation
- April, May, June of 2024 and 2025: Pre and post tests will be conducted by graduate student amongst all workshops.
Status: Graduate Student did not continue School. Work was picked up by project leader.
Accomplishments:
Attendance records were tallied to report learner engagement. Project presentation materials from each session were shared with all participants to support continued review, independent study, and flexible engagement. Toward the end of the project period, the Project Leader initiated recruitment of a new graduate student, while also re-engaging a graduate student from a previous project to help sustain and expand support for local farmers and ASP’s. This approach supported on-the-ground assistance and contributed to ongoing project process improvements.
Participant engagement and evaluation were informed through feedback aggregated by Kevin Bailey and the Project Leader. In response to learner needs, virtual bi-weekly Q&A sessions were added to further support engagement and evaluation for continued project learning and professional development of new farmers and Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs).
- August 2024 and August 2025: Project leader and Kevin Bailey will host a focus group with at least 25 participants. The feedback aggregated from the 2024 focus group will support implementation and practices associated with production to distribution in 2025 workshops. A sign-up sheet will be utilized to confirm participation of August 2024 and August 2025. The 2025 focus group will serve to provide more assessment and evaluation information as the project closes out in September of 2025.
Status: Focus groups and listening sessions completed.
Accomplishments:
Listening sessions were held and feedback was shared to enhance professional development programs. It was a challenge coordinating everyone at the same time, which we navigated by conducting focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, and surveys.
- September 2024 and September 2025: Survey of Farmers conducted by Project Leader to assess if completion of $1,000 crop revenue goal was achieved and what they believe could enhance others to successfully reach this goal.
Status: Farmers shared and reported their farm practices and achievements.
Accomplishments:
After many one-on-one sessions focusing on similar topics (e.g., finding specific resources, common startup question, etc.) in 2024, the project was updated to include a bi-weekly Q and A session in 2025, educational sessions and materials shared to provide flexibility for and continued professional learning in shared resources folder. Project updates include the development of a new structured training manual for both ASPs and New Farmers.
25 New Farmers reported over $1,000 in sales marking a financial new farmer success metric. Farmers shared information and feedback about learning.
Fifteen New Farmers who maintained consistent production and implemented reliable marketing strategies achieved notable economic success in their agricultural journeys. These farmers built strong consumer followings that supported weekly purchases through CSA programs, regular attendance at farmers markets, wholesale purchasing by commercial businesses and food pantries, and expanded brand recognition through educational outreach focused on local food production and community engagement.
Documented successes include, but are not limited to: 12 New Farmers serving as Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs), the establishment of independent farm operations, delivery of educational trainings and materials, access to agricultural employment opportunities both locally and out of state, expanded professional networks, and the production of nutritious, high-quality crops available for local purchase and consumption. These outcomes were supported through opportunities provided by UDC CAUSES and SARE.
Milestone activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes - Service Providers
Target #1
Ten Agriculture Service Providers will be certified in 3-month training in a production to distribution program. Throughout this program, educators and experienced ASP's will provide in-person and virtual workshops (up to 100 participants) to support our partner farmer organizations in training workshops embedded in the program. Knowledge gained through the New Beginning Farmer Program is applied and practiced at UDC Agriculture spaces.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 20 | 11 |
Provided workshops about small farming, herb, fresh farm to table demonstrations, field day tours.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|
10 acres |
50 acres |
60 acres |
| Activity | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curricula, factsheets and other educational tools | 4 | 10 | 12 | 26 |
| Consultations | 10 | 30 | 30 | 70 |
| On-farm demonstrations | 20 | 30 | 25 | 75 |
| Online trainings | 3 | 6 | 9 | 18 |
| Published press, articles, newsletters | 2 | 8 | 12 | 22 |
| Study circles / focus groups | 2 | 6 | 10 | 18 |
| Tours | 15 | 30 | 25 | 70 |
| Webinars, talks and presentations | 2 | 4 | 8 | 14 |
| Workshops and field days | 14 | 16 | 8 | 38 |
| One on One farmer support sessions hosted by other ASP's to provide sessions for Farmers and ASPs. Annual Farm Day with low cost Upick incorporated from House Ag committee suggestion. Support for New Farmers at Farmers Market incorporated recommendation by Central SARE Leader. New Farmers and ASP’s invited to participate in open houses. | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
Participants engaged in field-based experiential learning workshops focused on crop production and farm business operations, including the use of tools, irrigation systems, appropriate plant spacing and timing, crop nutrient quality, soil health, and consumer engagement. The project team also provided guided farm tours and community field days to encourage broader community engagement and participation in the local agricultural system.
In addition, participants reported active involvement in supporting and participating in local farmers’ markets, strengthening direct-to-consumer sales and community food access.
New farmers and ASP’s have further developed the professional capacity to host and support large-scale educational farm events, farmers markets, and on-farm consultations. Participants also contributed to the creation of educational materials and shared their success stories, supporting ongoing professional development and the future strengthening of service for the local agriculture industry.
Performance Target Outcomes - Farmers
Target #1
30
Production of $1,000 dollars’ worth of crops for sale by each farmer for a total of $30,000.
25
Production of $1,000 dollars’ worth of crops for sale each
15 acres
Local, new, small farmers produced and earned over $30,000 in farmer revenue from crops produced and sold locally to their communities.
A core strength of the New Farmers Training Program is the mentorship model and direct access to subject matter experts, particularly through hands-on, field-based learning. Feedback collected through focus groups and participant surveys consistently highlighted the value of learning directly from UDC CAUSES staff and experienced farmers. Participants expressed strong appreciation for receiving real-time guidance, practical problem-solving support, and applied technical knowledge in the field.
Given the consistently positive feedback, this mentorship component should be formally integrated into the program structure. Formalization will (1) establish clear expectations and accountability for mentorship within the program and (2) demonstrate UDC’s responsiveness to participant feedback by strengthening an already successful program element. Participant responses further underscore the depth of expertise and instructional talent within UDC CAUSES and its importance to program success.
Despite changes in governance that resulted in contract delays and temporary disruptions to program operations, New Farmer and Agricultural Service Provider (ASP) learning continued throughout these periods. Program organization and structure have since been enhanced to directly incorporate participant feedback, strengthen professional development pathways, and better align certificate programs with the current and future economic realities faced by local farmers and ASPs.
While periods of competition emerged among participant groups, program leadership emphasized belonging, respect for lived experience, and the importance of collaboration. Reinforcing an ethos of cooperation and trust remains a priority, as collective effort and shared learning are essential to fostering professional growth, expanding talent of new farmers and agriculture services providers, and supporting the long-term viability of the local agriculture ecosystem.
Additional Project Outcomes
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50000 | $300000 | $141000 | $491000 |
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 12 | 32 |
Research Integration and Workforce Development Outcomes
New farmers participating in the project identified and shared production methods currently being used within their communities. These farmer-led observations were jointly reviewed and validated by collaborating scientists, strengthening connections across the urban agriculture research and practitioner community. This collaborative verification process directly informed the development of a pilot research project, which has yielded promising early results and confirmed the value of New Farmer field observations as a credible source of applied knowledge.
Findings from this work have been shared with additional researchers and connected to local urban farms, expanding opportunities for multi-site collaboration and future applied research. Based on the strength of these outcomes, it was recommended that this research collaboration pursue a Northeast SARE Novel Approaches Grant to further advance and scale the work.
Project outcomes have also informed curriculum updates within the New Farmers Workforce Development Program, with a focus on improving economic viability for local producers. Emphasis has been placed on consistent production methods, standardized practice logging, and revenue stability, enabling New Farmers and Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs) to build experiential portfolios that demonstrate field-verified competencies.
Collectively, this learning and knowledge exchange supported UDC Firebird Research Farm’s transition toward USDA Organic certification. Enhanced record-keeping practices and the development of organic-compliant system plans are being integrated into training and operations through the Workforce Development Program. These efforts strengthen participant capacity in planning, documentation, and compliance, critical skills that improve long-term farm viability and professional readiness for New Farmers and ASPs.
As part of the project’s implementation and outcomes, New Farmers actively supported their local communities through direct food sales to Martha’s Table, which prepares and distributes meals to enhance food access for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
New Farmers also strengthened their individual brands and increased public awareness by selling through UDC Farmers Markets (over 60 farmers markets and farm-stands), allowing them to build towards consistent supply for enhancing customer relationships and earning real-world farmer marketing and sales experience.
Collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem was a core component of the project. Partnerships with Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs) were welcomed and hosted, providing participants with opportunities to meet, network, and engage with professionals across the agriculture industry.
Additional professional development activities included hosting a Food Safety Conference and Business Compliance workshops, as well as organizing farm tours by project team and new farmers who are also ASPs, field days, international delegations, local schools, and affordable farmers market/U-Pick field days. These activities align with recommendations from the House Agriculture Committee and were incorporated to expand community engagement and experiential learning.
In parallel, as Project Leader, I continue to conduct systematic literature reviews using the SARE database and regularly encourage New Farmers and ASPs to engage with relevant research, technical publications, and educational resources to link to training sessions. Participants are also informed of SARE project opportunities as they become available, supporting continued learning and development beyond the project.
Professional Statement for Record
The integration of mixed media educational materials will support diverse learning styles and strengthen participant engagement across varying levels of experience. A tiered education model is recommended to meet participants where they are in their skills development, while ensuring that all educational materials remain accessible to every participant. Google Classroom will serve as a central platform to support learning continuity, feedback integration, professional development, and effective communication among participants and project team members.
The proposed tiered structure includes
Tier 1: Introductory Certificate (Accelerated)
Designed for Agricultural Service Providers (ASPs) and new farmers with approximately 1–2 years of experience, focusing on foundational knowledge and applied skills.
Tier 2: Hands-On Workshops and Field Sessions
Targeted to participants with 1-3 years of experience, emphasizing practical application, systems-based learning, and field-based problem solving.
Tier 3: Advanced Hands-On Training and Peer Leadership
Designed for participants with 4–9 years of experience, providing advanced training opportunities, participation in all program offerings, and leadership roles in conducting and supporting field sessions.
Program assessments indicate strong interest from multiple stakeholder groups. Real estate developers have expressed interest in incorporating sustainable agriculture spaces into mixed-use development projects, including courtyards, green roofs, and indoor production systems, aligning with dominant urban development strategies in Washington, DC. Small business stakeholders have also shown interest, particularly those seeking Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) development opportunities and pathways to support program participants.
Additional assessments highlight interest from veteran-serving organizations and returning citizen partners seeking opportunities for their members to gain agricultural knowledge, skills, and community connections. As one veteran leader noted, “Many DC veterans are struggling with homelessness and nutrition,” underscoring the potential of this program to foster reconnection, stability, and community contribution. Similarly, a nonprofit manager and longtime DC community leader emphasized that the urban farming program provides a valued and trusted resource for underserved communities.
By training local DC new farmers and Agricultural Service Providers, the program delivers intergenerational, health-promoting benefits through sustainable economic activity. These efforts directly support under supported populations with our DC community, including communities of color, veterans, elders, returning citizens, seniors, and youth by strengthening UDC Landgrant contribution to local agriculture's pipeline of connected and enhanced workforce talent that produces homegrown nutritious food for sale within the DMV market ecosystem.
With deep gratitude, I want to share that it has been a true privilege and honor to work in service of New Farmers and Agricultural Service Providers. This work has been both humbling and inspiring, and I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many dedicated people.
I extend my sincere thanks to my leadership, professors, mentors, teachers, students, and colleagues, both in the field and in the classroom, whose guidance, patience, and wisdom have shaped not only my professional journey, but my understanding of service, stewardship, and leadership.
As a third-generation Washingtonian, I am especially grateful for the University of the District of Columbia, SARE, and the many farmers and ASPs who work every day to strengthen our communities. Through sustainable farming, healthy and accessible food, and the creation of viable local economic opportunities, you are improving our quality of life and laying a strong foundation for those who come after us.
For me, this work has never been about one person. It’s about all of us, working together, growing together, and building something lasting for our communities and future generations.
With gratitude and respect,
Michael Whyte
SARE Outreach
UDC’s farm sites’ proximity to the nation’s capital makes them prime locations for visits groups of all types of learners from across the country and abroad, including school groups, legislators, and program leaders. The project team provided frequent and countless tours, field days, and hosted educational visits sharing SARE work, programs, and educational resources.
Shared grant opportunities and educational resources at urban farms and via emails.
Hosted annual summer farm tour for Northeast SARE Administrative Council members, State Coordinators, and staff.