Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
The Arkansas 2025-2026 SARE PDP Model State Program will focus on increasing knowledge and developing skills in sustainable agricultural practices across diverse production systems, such as specialty crops, small ruminants, cut flowers, high tunnels, etc. The developed 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 series of farm tours across the state highlighting diverse production systems that utilize sustainable management practices as well as providing 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 farm tours, 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.
Project objectives from proposal:
The Arkansas SARE Professional Development Program (PDP) aims to enhance the knowledge and application of balanced agricultural concepts among agricultural professionals including Extension agents, specialists, non-profit organizations, etc to support the adoption of sustainable agriculture across Arkansas. To achieve this, the program delivers targeted training events, supports participation in external training opportunities, offers travel scholarships to key sustainable agriculture conferences, and promotes SARE resources and funding opportunities. The second objective is to increase statewide awareness of the SARE program and its resources among agricultural leaders, highlighting training opportunities and scholarships for those interested in responsible farming practices.
Our 2024-2025 plan, developed with input from the state advisory board, county Extension agents, specialists, and previous workshop participants, builds on past successes and existing relationships. We plan to continue outreach efforts that reflect the growing interest in sustainable practices and specialty crop production, particularly in East Arkansas, where the shift from row crop production presents new educational opportunities.
To address this need, the 2024-2025 program will include a multi-part training series focused on specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables and tree crops and showcase East Arkansas operations currently adopting these practices. Additionally, agents and farmer mentors will attend sustainable agriculture-focused conferences, such as the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference and the Arkansas Grown Conference, to gain insights and streghten their networks.
Collaborations with organizations like the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) will enable us to provide targeted education on sustainable practices, empowering agriculture professionals with up-to-date resources and guidance to support their communities.
2024-2025 Program Objectives:
1. UADA-CES agents, farmers, and agriculture professionals will
gain practical knowledge in specialty crop production and
responsible farming practices.
2. UADA-CES agents attending regional conferences will deepen their
understanding of balanced agriculture concepts, enabling them to
guide farmers in implementing these practices.
3. The SARE program's visibility and impact will grow through targeted promotion via listservs, websites, blogs, and event presence, enhancing recognition of AR-SARE PDP activities and resources among Arkansas agriculture leaders.