Progress report for SNE24-013-VT
Project Information
Twenty (20) Extension and farmer educators gain capacity (increased knowledge, skills and confidence) to address social sustainability and human risk that affect persistence and resilience, particularly among new farm audiences.
Twelve (12) participants engage in new or deeper collaborations with at least one partner of new farm audiences. Twelve (12) participants incorporate new labor management and human risk management content in their programs and/or modify outreach and delivery practices so that these programs are effective in their work with at least 60 farm employees and aspiring, beginning and established farm operators.
As a result of oversight from six ASPs and farmers serving on the project's accountability committee, new farming community goals are central to decisions about activities and allocation of funding contained in the 2027 VT State proposal.
Community Engagement
In the current, dynamic environment of limited farm labor availability, escalating wages and narrow farm profit margins, creating and maintaining a productive farm workforce is a challenge for many farmers in Vermont and across the Northeast. It is a particularly pivotal issue for post start-up beginning farmers who are seeking to scale production and gain efficiencies to meet business and income goals. USDA data consistently shows that beginning farmers are more vulnerable to a broad range of agricultural risks.
There is a growing awareness of and interest in addressing these issues among Vermont agricultural service providers (ASPs), farmer organizations and farmer educators. In open-ended questions on intake forms and evaluation surveys conducted with over 240 program participants in 2023 and early 2024, farmers, farm managers, employees and ASPs consistently linked effective labor management, human risk management, and social issues to their farm productivity, profitability and quality of life, as well as to their ability to effectively implement ecological adaptation, nutrient, soil and crop management, animal health, marketing, and food safety, strategies that contribute to agricultural sustainability in the region.
When asked about priorities for professional development in social sustainability topics, ASPs working in farm viability and business programs, farmworker support programs, horticultural production, produce safety, beginning farmer service programs identified the following topics: best practices in using interpretation and translation in agricultural education; greater understanding of labor issues, and opportunities to explore these topics with peers and with knowledgeable facilitators.
This proposal builds on our 2021-2024 “Building Capacity to Support Diverse and New Farming Audiences” project to create new resources and engage agricultural service providers in learning opportunities that build their capacity to apply farmer programming and to deliver effective labor management and human risk management referrals, education and education. Throughout the project we will invest time and energy to engage ASPs and farmer educators representing new farming audiences as participants, facilitators and presenters. We will also leverage existing relationships among project team members who work with these communities.
The project aims to build labor management capacity among ASPs who specialize in farm business, production, marketing, natural resource management, and food safety topics to provide relevant and appropriate basic information and referrals. Our focus will be on developing capacity to help farmers frame the right questions, address relevant considerations, evaluate options, and connect with networks and resources. Project team members Holtzman, Hendrickson, Kivirist and Peabody have been delivering successful, effective programming with farmers in this area since 2014, and bring both content and delivery format expertise.
A key and innovative feature of the project is that we will establish an Accountability Committee of farmers and agricultural service providers, representing new farming audiences, whose role will be not just to "advise" but to hold project staff accountable to community goals. We know that members of these communities are both willing and enthusiastic about engaging in this type of work based on the response to invitations to serve in a similar capacity for a research project led by team members Leslie and Holtzman. In committing to support that research, these individuals expressed the urgent importance of research, education, professional development and resource development that will uplift the voices and leadership of new farming audiences within sustainable agriculture programs and build strong and reciprocal relationships between institutions and those communities. The project budget includes funding for their time and travel.
Team member Ike Leslie, who has used accountability councils in other research and community-based projects, will provide guidance and support for this component of the project. This component of the project will take time to develop, with activities in year one focusing primarily on building relationships with people and organizations prior to establishing the committee’s membership and launching it at the end of Year 1. The committee will provide increasing levels of guidance and decision making in years 2 and 3, with the goal of it determining the direction, activities and focus of Vermont’s next 3-year project in 2027.
Educational approach
Engagement
Annually, the project will publish the schedule of educational events and invite all UVM Extension ASPs, along with partners from Vermont nonprofit organizations, community based organizations representing new farming audiences and farmer educators to participate. The invitation will ask ASPs who are interested in at least one of the offerings to sign up to receive mailings from the project. These sign-ups will be used to create a project-specific mailing list, to collect baseline information about potential participants through which we can learn about their interests and challenges, and how they hope to use the learning in their programming. Submissions will be confidential and answers reported only in aggregate. However, we will ask for demographic information to help identify needs and priorities for the new farming audience. Annually, the project will share aggregate information back with the group. In years 1 and 2, we will offer an online orientation, which will briefly explain program goals, and content and format of learning opportunities, and offer participants time to ask questions.
Learning
Using a flexible combination of in-person and distance education approaches, the project will provide information and education that will build knowledge, skill and confidence in addressing labor management, human risk and equity and justice topics within the context of the programs and services that the ASPs provide. The project will also develop and publish on the Farm Labor Dashboard site, new informational and technical assistance resources that ASPs can use in their programming or as referral resources for farmers. The goal is to build capacity to address labor among ASPs whose expertise is in other sustainable agriculture topic areas but who find themselves fielding questions about labor management topics, or observing that human and social factors are inhibiting the adoption of sustainable approaches in their field of expertise. These resources will address body mechanics for safety and productivity, injury prevention, workplace culture, wellness, communication, conflict management practices that can prevent burn-out and early exit, particularly among new farm audiences. Complementary online workshops, featuring (compensated) farmer panelists and content experts, will provide primers on: ways participants can use Farm Labor Dashboard tools and resources in consultations with clients; social issues immigrant farmers encounter in Vermont; and best practices for interpretation and translation services in farmer education. Working with a consultant, the project will offer facilitated, safe spaces for participants to explore--in the context of agriculture, generally, and their organizations specifically -- the topics important to new farming audiences.
Our approach relies on adult education strategies outlined in Sustainable Agriculture through Sustainable Learning, and Reaching Women in Agriculture, a Guide for Virtual Engagement. The program's flexible format will allow participants to focus on the topics that are most relevant to their professional and program needs. Throughout, we will follow a sequence of needs assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation activities. The planning phase will include confirming explicit learning goals, identifying learning activities that address those goals, assembling resource materials, and finalizing evaluation instruments. Educational delivery will primarily be done via distance methods (Zoom), will frequently include "reverse classroom" approaches, and emphasize activities in which participants apply information to their situation's needs and goals, rather than lecture formats.
Evaluation
While we plan to engage evaluation consultant to assist the project director and accountability committee in planning and implementing a participatory and practical process for evaluating the multiple components of the project, following are preliminary plans for addressing formative, process and summative assessment.
- We will collect general needs assessment information annually through the “RSVP” form, conduct pre-event questionnaires to assess baseline knowledge and skills and follow-up surveys, interviews and action plans to verify participants’ learning and to identify additional needs. When exploratory educational approaches are being used, evaluations may also ask for anonymous feedback about the format, structure, presenters/facilitators and usefulness of the session.
- We will conduct a final evaluation survey of participants in year 3 to learn about impacts on services and programming.
- We will track the total funds spent on the new farming audiences and work with our evaluation consultant and NESARE staff to collect meaningful anonymous feedback.
- Additionally, there are funds in the budget to support additional/deeper learning for 10 participants. Funding will be based on an application that identifies a clear learning goal connected to their work with underserved audiences, and a pledge to report back to us on how they use what they learn.
Milestones
- Engagement. Annually in November, of the 240 Vermont ASPs who receive outreach about the project, 25 fill out a baseline interest form and 10 attend an online orientation session to learn about the project and learning opportunities. (We expect some individuals to submit interest forms in multiple years and to attend more than one orientation, so over the life of the project 50 unique individuals fill out the baseline interest forms and 25 attend orientation sessions.)
Status: In progress
Year 1 Accomplishments: Because the start date of the project was moved to December 1, we streamlined our outreach and recruitment process. Rather than doing a separate interest form, we conducted outreach about upcoming sessions to a variety of agricultural service provider audiences and embedded questions about interests and priorities into session registration forms. As a result, 53 agricultural service providers registered and attended one or more learning session during the first project year. - Learning. Annually by April 30, 10 ASPs participate in least three workshops or learning circles on labor management, human risk, or social justice topics. and exploring decision-support tools and resources on the Farm Labor Dashboard. As a result, they report gaining knowledge and confidence about sharing information about farmworker issues and challenges, labor management practices and tools, ergonomics, injury prevention, workplace culture, wellness, communication and/o conflict management practices.
Status: In progress
Year 1 Accomplishments: In the first project year, we offered one in-person orientation and 8 online learning sessions. Topics included: communication and management styles, team building, payroll planning, and labor management decision tools and resources. Sessions varied in length (30- to 75-minutes) and format (presentation only, presentation with breakouts, and learning circle style peer discussion). In response to a request from a consortium of agencies we also did a short presentation on research results and resources available from SARE. Fifty-three ASPs attended at least one session, and 16 attended three or more of these year 1 sessions.
Year 2 Accomplishments as of 12/18/25: In the first quarter of the second project year we offered two online learning sessions. Our "Evaluating (Labor) Return on Capital Investments" session explained how agricultural service providers can use a new online decision-support tool to develop meaningful projections of how long it will take to recover the cost of purchasing new equipment through increased labor efficiency. It was attended by eight service providers, seven of whom said they intend to try out the tool and use it with clients in the next 6-12 months. The second session, attended by 11 service providers, focused on how to help new farming audiences thrive. The presentation was based on qualitative research and throughout the session participants were invited to share ideas about how their work is already addressing these farmer needs and new ways they could integrate research findings into their work. All 11 service providers contributed written ideas which were subsequently shared back with the group - Learning. Annually by June 30, 10 ASPs identify at least one change or action step they intend to pursue within their programming as a result of what they learned through workshops, learning circles, Drop-Ins and/or project resources and materials.
Status: In progress
Year 1 Accomplishments: Seventeen of the ASPs who attended one session and who completed end-of-session polls indicated that they were “likely (10) or “very likely" (7) to integrate something they learned in the session in their work. They identified a wide variety of action steps from delivering information in unbiased and accessible ways, to sharing resources with other members of their team, to integrating resources in program planning, delivery and evaluation. Eleven (11) ASPs who attended three or more sessions responded to a follow-up survey. All 11 identified at least one action step they had already taken to modify or improve their programs and services. These ASPs reported that these changes resulted in significantly improved interpersonal communication, increased trust, and increased overall productivity.
Year 2 Accomplishments: Seven of the eight ASPs who attended the "Evaluating (Labor) Return on Capital Investments" workshop said they would use the decision-support tool in their work. All 11 of the ASPs who attend the workshop on new farming audiences indicated they would be using learning in their programs and services.
- Engagement and Evaluation. Annually by June 30. 10 ASPs report using resources from the Farm Labor Dashboard either in their programs or to respond to a request from a farmer.
Status: In Progress
Year 1 Accomplishments:
Four of the ASPs who responded to the follow-up survey reported integrating what they learned in the professional development sessions or resources from the Farm Labor Dashboard in their work with farmers. Three reported using knowledge about general team building, communication styles, and management approaches as part of individual farmer coaching and consultation sessions.
"I routinely coach farmers on labor/human resource-related issues as part of our business planning time," one said. "I know that this information is in there and actively contributing to what and how I talk about with farmers.” Said another: "We are thinking about labor practices across the board, and about ways in which we can reach out to farmers at all stages of business to provide them tools to make dynamic, engaging, healthy work environments."
Additionally, one respondent reported integrating content into a year-long educational program for post-start-up beginning farmers. “We were able to provide this content [with a cohort of] farmers, who are in the early stages of their business development. From what I heard back, these participants . . . gained important perspective both for building better relationships in farm ownership partnerships as well as for managing employees and building farm teams . . . This social work to support farmers in building better farm teams is CRITICAL for the success of farm businesses and the well being of all farmworkers."We have not yet conducted follow-up surveys or interviews with ASPs who attended only 1 session. This could be part of our year 2 work.
- Engagement. By September 30, 2025, an accountability committee comprised of farmers and ASPs from new farming audiences has been established and held its first in-person meeting. The formation of the AC is both a reflection and result of a year-long relationship building process.
Status: In process
Year 1 Accomplishments: The committee has been established. The first in-person meeting is scheduled for early February 2026. Committee members preferred to meet outside the growing season. - Learning & Evaluation. By June 30, 2027, 10 ASPs use project funds to pursue additional professional development relevant to their identified action step(s) and report on implementation, impacts, benefits, if any, on underserved/marginalized audiences and lessons learned. The Accountability Committee incorporates this information in their assessment and decision-making about future programming.
Status: Not Begun
Accomplishments: - Engagement/Evaluation: By September 30, 2026, the accountability committee and project director co-develop the project's final year work plan.
Status: Not Begun
Accomplishments: - Engagement/Evaluation: By April 30, 2027, 20 ASPs complete evaluation surveys to provide feedback on the impact of the project on their personal changes in knowledge, skill and confidence, and changes in program design, content, or partnerships. The project coordinator shares the information with the accountability committee, with participants, and uses the feedback in reporting.
Status: Not Begun
Accomplishments: - Evaluation: By April 30, 2027, the Accountability Committee reviews feedback provided by new farming audience members through the process co-developed by NESARE staff, the project's evaluation consultant and the project's accountability committee.
Status: Not begun.
Accomplishments: - Engagement/Evaluation: By May 30, 2027, the project director submits a 2027-2030 Vermont state work plan developed by and with the accountability committee.
Status: Not begun.
Accomplishments:
Milestone activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes
Performance Target Outcomes - Service Providers
Target #1
Twelve (12) participants incorporate new labor management and human risk management content in their programs and/or modify outreach and delivery practices so that these programs are effective in their work with at least 60 farm employees and aspiring, beginning and established farm operators.
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Target #2
Twelve (12) participants engage in new or deeper collaborations with at least one partner of new farm audiences.
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Additional Project Outcomes
In March 2025, we facilitated a participatory learning session for new UVM Extension employees attended by 21 people (17 participants and 4 facilitators/presenters). The module, developed and delivered in 2023 with support from a prior Northeast SARE grant, provides a brief overview of the Morrill Act and the history of funding for and access to programs and services offered by land grant universities and Extension. That portion was presented by co-presenter and team member Chris Callahan, building on historical information presented earlier in the day by Extension Director Roy Beckford.
After introducing "engagement guidelines" to help create a safe (or safer) space for all participants when exploring challenging topics, the rest of the session was devoted to a participatory "Shared Language" exercise adapted from an Interaction Institute for Social Change training activity. We invited participants to explore the meaning and definitions of key terms relevant to Extension work and to consider what those terms might mean in the context of their specific work and the audiences they serve. Participants first reflected individually on their understanding of the terms, then worked in pairs to co-create definitions, then to cross reference them to those in a glossary hand-out, and finally to share one or two takeaways with the full group.
A follow-up evaluation survey was sent to all participants via email a few days after the session. Of the 17 participants, 11 responded. All 11 respondents indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the Common Ground session, with 73% (8) rating it “excellent” and 27% (3) rating it “above average.”
“Please continue to present on the Common Ground Committee Presentation, the discussion is so important and should not be lost,” one participant said.
Participants were asked to identify ideas from the session that will stick with them or that they anticipate using in their work. Following are some of their responses.
- It made me consider how I will make the information that I share as unbiased and accessible as possible. I don't want to make assumption of understanding and communicate things in a way that people can't understand.
- I felt very safe in that environment talking with people with far more professional experience and it made me feel excited to get to know my colleagues more.
- Accountability isn't about always doing it right but about what happens after it's done wrong.”
- Understanding relations of power (power over vs power with vs power within).
SARE Outreach
Vermont SARE outreach work—conducted through presentations, exhibits, andsocial media—is geared to help Vermont’s farmers, agricultural service providers, policymakers, and others better understand SARE, its grants programs, and project results.
Year 1 Accomplishments: In this project year we exhibited and/or distributed materials at a number of farm and agricultural organization meetings and conferences, including the 2024 Vermont Farm to Plate Gathering (November 2024), the 2025 Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Conference (January), the Northeast Organic Farmers Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) 2025 Winter Conference; the 2025 No-Till and Cover Crop Conference (February), and The Vermont Grains Conference (March). Combined attendance at these events is estimated at over 1,000 people. We shared information about Northeast SARE grants and initiatives, prioritizing opportunities for farmers and individuals new to Northeast SARE. We estimate we had substantive conversations with 25-30 people at each event. We also distributed various SARE bulletins and books and thumb drives.
During this project year, the project director participated in state coordinator meetings and trainings offered through Northeast SARE's Centering and Belonging initiative.
During this project year, the project coordinator conducted outreach about Northeast SARE to roughly 1250 farmers and ASPs via e-newsletters. Additionally, the project coordinator has added information about recently completed Vermont projects to the Vermont SARE website (https://blog.uvm.edu/vtsare/recently-completed-projects/). The project coordinator also responded to 13 inquiries related to SARE grant opportunities.
Following are outreach activities planned from October 2025 through September 2027, adapted from our original proposal.
Exhibits: We will continue to collaborate with partners to bring Northeast SARE’s exhibitand materials to at least four of these annual events annually, provided that in-person conferences, with exhibit spaces are occurring. Selection of events will balance maintaining visibility/support at key sustainable agriculture events with reaching out to new audiences. Aggregated, these exhibits will be at events attended by at least 500 Vermonters per year, including approximately 425 farmers and 75 agricultural service providers and educators.) Possible events include:
- Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association Annual Meeting (January)
- New England Livestock Consortium Conference (January)
- Vermont Association of Landscape and Nursery Growers (February)
- Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference (February);
- Vermont No-Till and Cover Crop Conference (February)
- Vermont Industrial Hemp Conference (February)
- Vermont Hop Conference (February)
- Vermont Grain Conference (March)
- As invited, meetings/workshops of new farming groups.
2. Inquiries & Referrals. The project coordinator will respond to inquiries about SARE and Northeast SARE Grant Programs, including referring applicants to relevant information, resources and SARE staff. Based on prior years' experience, the project coordinator will respond to approximately 25 individual, specific inquiries about SARE and its grant programs per year.
3. Outreach. The project coordinator will distribute announcements about Northeast SARE grant programs events and information resources via e-newsletters, listservs, and social media. In aggregate, these channels will reach an estimated 1,900 individuals, including approximately 150 agricultural service providers and 850 farmers.
4. Participate in SARE professional development programs (quarterly meetings).
5. Host the Fall 2024 SARE Fellows Tour (October 2024).
6. Serve as the state coordinator representative to the Northeast SARE Administrative Council through the end of my term in 2025.
7. Serve as a reviewer for at least one of SARE's grant programs in 2026 and 2027
Year 2 Accomplishments: In the first quarter of year 2 we exhibited at the Vermont Farm to Plate Gathering attended by 264 people including farmers, agriculture and food system service providers and food system advocates. We estimate that we had 80 table visits and distributed information about SARE grants (~50 handouts) as well as SARE bulletins (~20) and books (2). We have also made plans to exhibit at the 2026 Northeast Organic Farming Association Winter Conference and 2026 Cover Crop and No Till Conference, both of which are in February. The project coordinator also agreed to serve as a reviewer for farmer grant proposals, which will occur in January 2026. Table