University of Arkansas Training Grant- MSP22

View the project report

Commodities

• Animals: bees, poultry, sheep
• Animal Products: meat

Practices

• Animal Production: meat processing, meat processing facilities, meat product quality/safety
• Education and Training: extension, focus group, networking, workshop

The Arkansas 2022-2023 SARE PDP Model State Program will focus on increasing knowledge and developing skills on meat processing facility requirements and sustainable agriculture opportunities in Arkansas. The developed trainings and events will be made available to Cooperative Extension staff, UA and UAPB faculty, staff and students, USDA staff, farmers’ market managers, other agriculture professionals and farmer leaders. Proposed activities include a training for new requirements for meat processing facilities, training on sustainable agriculture opportunities in Arkansas, and travel scholarships for agriculture leaders to attend regional meetings focused on sustainable agriculture. Program participants will be assessed for changes in their knowledge, confidence, and ability to share new information related to sustainable agriculture. As a result of these trainings and workshops the knowledge of, interest in and application of sustainable practices by Arkansas farmers and agriculture professionals will continue to expand in Arkansas, leading to thriving farms and vibrant communities.

1) To increase the knowledge, awareness, and resources available to extension agents, farmers market managers, farmer mentors and other agriculture leaders in Arkansas for meat processing facilities and sustainable agriculture opportunities in Arkansas.
2) To increase the confidence of extension agents, farmers market managers, farmer mentors and other Arkansas agricultural leaders in extending sustainable agriculture information and practices related to meat processing and sustainable agriculture opportunities in Arkansas.
3) To increase the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices among farmers in Arkansas.