Initiatives Strengthening and Supporting Farmers' Well-being and Sustainability
The Biological Farming Association Elkana has appealed to the general public and international donors against Georgia's newly adopted law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. The association argues that the law, which labels civil society organizations in agriculture and organic production as foreign agents, threatens democratic development and hinders funding and program implementation. Elkana, established for 30 years, focuses on conserving Georgian agriculture and biodiversity, as well as rural and agricultural development.
The Western Illinois University Collegiate Farm Bureau has expanded its Harvest Bag project to include farmers in Schuyler, Fulton, and Adams counties. Supported by a $500 grant from the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers mini-grant program, the project aids in recruitment, leadership development, and community service. Applications for the 2024-2025 mini-grant program are open until September 18.
A study from De La Salle University reveals that agricultural social enterprises in the Philippines face a lack of support, despite strong individual domains in policy, culture, and human capital. The study highlights the need for a more interconnected ecosystem to bolster these enterprises.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Credit have introduced the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, recognizing veteran farmers for their contributions to farming and community impact. The award includes a $10,000 prize and covers travel expenses to a convention in San Antonio, Texas. Applications are open until August 30, with the winner announced on Veterans Day.
The Conservation Fund's Farms Fund program aims to revive Chicago metropolitan area farms through a lease-to-own initiative, allowing farmers to purchase land at agricultural value within three to five years. Since its 2022 launch, the program has secured over 220 acres across five farms, benefiting more than two dozen farmers. Farmer Deshawn Willingham plans to transition from a small plot to a 20-acre site next year.
Students from the University of Tennessee, led by Assistant Professor Abdul Momin, are learning to diagnose and repair farm machinery. Partnering with the Middle Tennessee Antique Engine and Tractor Association, the program provides hands-on experience and free repair services to local farmers, benefiting small- and medium-sized farms that rely on older equipment.
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is transitioning to new leadership under Executive Director Khara Strum. Strum aims to enhance operational efficiencies and expand the association's educational programs, focusing on organic food and healthy soil practices.
Fresno Metro Ministry is training new farmers through its three-year Farm Incubator Program, which emphasizes regenerative agriculture and technical assistance. Currently, four farmers are cultivating produce in the
