Cornell Small Farms Program Update

Message from the Editor

2014 has been declared the International Year of the Family Farm by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The IYFF “aims to focus world attention on family and smallscale farming for its significant role in eradicating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development.” Missing from this list is how family farms strengthen rural communities.

I recently returned from South Africa, where I and a few Cornell students worked with some small scale vegetable farmers trying to develop new markets.We were inspired and humbled at the same time. Despite struggling for the basics, like roads and running water, these farmers have unstoppable spirit. They save money together and work together to support each other’s farming and family goals. Each day they welcomed us with songs sung full of joy and meaning to their community. They taught us about Ubuntu, a South African philosophy that suggests “I am what I am because of who we all are.”
Being in community is part of what makes us human. As spring approaches and we all start to stretch, I hope your own spirit feels fueled by those around you who support your farming efforts.
Warm regards,
Anu

Cornell Small Farms Program Update

Exploring Wholesale Markets theme of 2014 NY Small Farms Summit
On March 24th, the Cornell Small Farms Program hosted the 2014 NY Small Farms Summit.  This year’s program, Beyond Marketing: Exploring New Ways to Sell, provided insight into the pros and cons of selling to emerging wholesale markets such as food hubs, online marketplaces, restaurants, and grocery stores.  In the morning session, three small farmers who have transitioned from direct-marketing to wholesaling described their decision making process in choosing a specific wholesale market, benefits and challenges, costs, and infrastructure needed to make the switch.  In the afternoon, farmers had the opportunity to identify and swap ideas about regional wholesale markets. The meeting attracted over 200 people spread out across 7 locations around NY.  To see videos of the morning presentations or download handouts, visit https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/summit/
Working with Farmer Veterans Webinar
In February, the NE Beginning Farmers Project, with support from NESARE, hosted “The Language and Landscape of Working with Farmer Veterans” webinar. 40 attendees representing farms, non-profit organizations, extension, and state and federal agencies across 8 states tuned in to learn how beginning farmer service organizations can better support military veterans who are returning to farming or starting to farm for the first time. The webinar explored the existing Veteran’s Administration programs, examples of successful veteran farmer training efforts, like the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and challenges faced by veterans that can affect the design of outreach and education efforts for veterans. If you missed the webinar, you can view the archived version by visiting the www.nebeginningfarmers.org and click on Trainer’s Toolbox.

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arw225@cornell.edu

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