A nonprofit that promotes sustainable farming has received a USDA grant to support small growers in Arkansas.
St Joseph’s Farmstead in North Little Rock has been operating since 2010. Its new Growing Urban Farmers program will support small to medium farmers in establishing a business or increasing production.
Program manager Monica Woods says the initiative is fairly comprehensive.
“We’re going to host various hands-on field days that will focus around best conservation practices and giving small growers opportunities to learn more about specific techniques, as well as help in gaining access to administrative assistance like land options, navigating some government entities, and help with hurdles in starting an agriculture business.”
Woods says those hurdles can fall on the business side of the equation, or how to utilize a smaller plot of land to create a sustainable business model, supporting families and the community. She says making those community connections is also a key component.
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