By Blake Jackson
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded the University of Missouri a $676,784 grant to break down barriers for beginning farmers and ranchers in the St. Louis metropolitan region.
MU Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch will serve as the principal investigator for the three-year grant. It is one of 45 awarded nationwide by NIFA as part of its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program(opens in new window), which supports a wide range of professional development topics, such as managing capital, acquiring and managing land, and learning effective business and farming practices.
“These funds provide meaningful support to a rising group of farmers and ranchers – including military veterans interested in starting new careers after their service,” says Funkenbusch. “It will help them cultivate the skills needed to be productive, profitable and resilient.” MU Extension specialists will partner with A Red Circle, a community-based organization in St. Louis, to offer education, outreach and one-on-one technical assistance as part of the grant.
The project builds on the Missouri Beginning Farmers Blend Experiential Learning to Grow Their Farm program, which focuses on teaching socially disadvantaged beginning farmers, military veterans and veteran farmers with disabilities served by the Missouri AgrAbility Project.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Missouri, Business, Government & Policy