Farm-to-Market Future Leaders: Training Youth in Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems

Project Overview

YENC26-260
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2026: $6,000.00
Projected End Date: 03/30/2028
Grant Recipient: Efinity Harvest LLC
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Manager:
Cheryl Wheeler
Efinity Harvest LLC
Project Co-Managers:
Christa Wheeler
Efinity Harvest LLC

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

Farm to Market Future Leaders engages 15 youth in 40 hours of structured, hands-on regenerative agriculture education centered on soil health, conservation systems, organic and ecological pest management, and market literacy. Through coordinated farmer led and university based instruction, youth connect ecological stewardship to economic viability and long term farm sustainability. The project emphasizes measurable knowledge gains, applied skill development, and leadership growth. Outcomes will be documented through assessments and competency reviews and shared through a practical, replicable Farm to Market Educator Toolkit for regional dissemination.

Project objectives from proposal:

The project will prepare 15 youth to understand and apply regenerative agriculture practices through at least 40 hours of structured instruction. By project completion:

  • 80% of participants will demonstrate a minimum 30% increase in soil health knowledge based on pre/post assessments.
  • 100% will complete applied service-learning activities.
  • 100% will participate in farmer-led instruction and market literacy sessions.
  • At least 20 regional educators will receive the Farm-to-Market Educator Toolkit.
  • A minimum of five educators will indicate intent to adapt toolkit components within 12 months.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.