ThA 5
Integrated Environment, Economic and Social Impacts

processes & systems

Objectives

The ThA5 area employs spatial technologies, digital content sharing, asset tracking, crowdsourcing, and GIS systems to enhance agricultural practices, promote sustainable resource management, and empower farmers with valuable data and tools. By leveraging digital technology and hybrid learning approaches, West Virginia State University aims to foster a resilient and informed agricultural community in the state.

Leadership Team Members

TEAM LEADER: Chyi Lyi "Katleen" Liang

North Carolina A&T State University cliang@ncat.edu

1890 LGU

North Carolina A&T State University

SUAMC

South Carolina State University

Virginia State University

West Virginia State University

Investigator

Chyi Lyi Liang

Marlin Ford

Josh Idassi

Fidelis Okpebholo

Ami Smith

1890 Administrator

Shirley Hymon-Parker

Orlando McMeans

Louis Whitesides

M. Ray McKinnie

Ami Smith

Activities and Results

Integrated Systems (ThA5)

North Carolina State University (NCAT) -Designed and delivered 17 workshops for 847 farmers,
extension agents, NGOs, and other stakeholders focusing on integrated approaches in supporting and promoting sustainable farming/marketing/financial practices for small farmers, limited-resourced communities, and the under-served population. Survey information was gathered across all 1890 institutions to create a linked database to document types of programs, history of programs, and impacts of programs to support small farmers, ranchers, landowners, and agricultural entrepreneurs. Ten sets of training materials were translated into Spanish to serve diverse small farmers.

NCAT created a COVID-19 resource site https://cefs.ncsu.edu/covid-19/ was created that included more than 500 links to public/private assistance programs or networks at local, regional, and national level. Small farmers in NC and beyond received technical assistance while responding to challenges during COVID-19.

South Carolina State University (SCSU)

South Carolina State University (SCSU) conducted several workshops and tours during the reporting period. The first workshop on Risk Management took place on August 7, 2021, at the Bowman Community Complex Center, with 25 participants from different regional extension offices. It covered risk assessment for small-scale farming, farm business planning, marketing decisions, and managing risks in various areas. Participants were given take-home assignments to practice risk assessment on their own farms.

Another workshop on High Tunnel Production and Management was organized on September 16, 2021, in partnership with Clemson University and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. The workshop targeted new beginning farmers and veterans interested in high tunnel vegetable production. Topics covered included Integrated Pest Management, applying for high tunnels through USDA-NRCS, soil testing, and irrigation. The workshop received positive feedback, and some participants showed interest in applying for high tunnels with assistance from the Extension services and USDA-NRCS offices.

The SCSU Agribusiness Tour in St. Helena Island took place on August 27-28. Hosted by the Low Country Regional Extension Office, the tour included visits to Gullah Farmers’ Cooperative Association Processing facilities, Morning Glory Homestead, LLC, Marshview Community Organic farm, Inc., and Barefoot Farm. The tour provided valuable information on alternative agriculture enterprises and land use options.

Apart from these, SCSU conducted other workshops and conferences during the reporting period, such as the Hemp 101 Workshop, Sustainable Urban AG Certification Classes, Fall Garden Workshop, and the Louisiana Small Farmer’s Conference, serving various participants.

Overall, these workshops and tours aimed to educate farmers and beginning farmers on risk management, high tunnel production, and agribusiness practices while promoting sustainable agriculture and providing valuable resources for the farming community.

Virginia State University (VSU)

Virginia State University (VSU) has a dedicated webpage (https://vasmallfarmers.com/) to support small farmers, providing information about 1890 Land Grant Institutions, their history, and programs. The site offers resources, training, and programs from various universities. There is a survey link for individuals seeking information and training, and once submitted, VSU program assistants reach out to offer onboarding sessions. The site received around 2300 views and 170 contact forms during the reporting period. To enhance collaboration among 1890 institutions, an 1890's page was added, allowing universities to share and update program information. VSU conducted 22 workshops educating 365 participants on financial management, marketing, and agricultural practices, as well as various activities on soil and water conservation, DCR services, and nutrient management. Drone workshops were also held to train professionals and farmers on using drone technology for farm-related purposes. Additionally, VSU collaborated with other CFSRPES universities to improve communication and progress in their efforts.

West Virginia State University (WVSU)

West Virginia State University (WVSU) implemented successful pilot courses to support farmers and land managers. The courses included Production Management through Spatial Analysis, Urban Ag 101/Urban Farm Business Planning, and Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) Agritherapy Program. The programs covered topics like spatial mapping technology, urban farming, business planning, agricultural logistics, niche production, and risk management. WVSU incorporated remote workshop delivery and monthly guest speaker series to reach a broader audience. The university also collaborated with partner 1890 Land Grant Universities to offer regional training and adapt educational content to meet regional needs. The goal is to provide valuable resources, training, and support to farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in West Virginia.

Tuskegee University and partner universities Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, and Fort Valley State University were awarded a Cooperative Agreement in Equity Training (USDA/NRCS) – Establishing a Climate Smart Regenerative Agricultural Hub for Sustaining Underserved Farms in the Southeast ($710,000). Raymon Shange is PI.
North Carolina A & T University in partnership with ThA5, and TU Submitted a proposal entitled TRAIN UP! For
an Adaptive Agri-Food Systems ($5M Pending), Chyi Lin Liang is PI.
Climate Smart commodities Program (USDA-NRCS) - “ESMC/ESMRC’s Innovative Public Private Partnership:
Building Climate Smart Commodity Capacity and Scale in US Agriculture”.

$11M subaward with Ecosystems
Services Market Consortium. PI is

Debbie Reed, Total Award: $75M