The waco chapter national women in agriculture is requesting $300,000 to fund and establish the community focused (LIFTS) project, learning important farming training skills

The National Women in Agriculture (NWIA) received a $300,000 Project Grant award from the US Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) to establish the Community Focused Learning Important Farming Training Skills (LIFTS) project.

The three-year LIFTS project will train beginning farmers and ranchers in the Bellmead, Texas area through sustainable agriculture methods and business planning support. Participants will gain skills to establish viable farm operations and access agricultural opportunities and stakeholder networks. The project aims to empower participants to address health disparities in underserved communities by growing organic foods for local markets. Upon completion, participants will have the foundation to create sustainable small farm businesses that stimulate the local economy and improve livelihoods.

With the 'teach a man to fish" philosophy the 3-year project seeks to maximize the ability of american agricultural producers and provide an effective foundation for the financialendeavors of beginning farmer and ranchers encouraging a viable agricultural economy. The lift participants will have increased access to agricultural opportunities and stakeholder support to encourage economic growth. Beginning farmers/ranchers will have a diverse knowledge of sustainable farming methods that improve the health and wellness of the community and the environment.participants with a well-developed business plan and pitch, will be prepared to engage financial institutions for capital for their new farm start-up. Participants will also form a community of stakeholders that continue to assist each other and seek to engageand support other interested beginners.once a thriving community with its own established infrastructure, east waco was home to texas' first historically black college, paul quinn college and a thriving middle class of professionals. Just as the tornado in 1953 left the city in shambles, so has the more recent lack of resources left the east waco community in despair. This beloved community is now home to some of the highest rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. The LIFTS project provides opportunities to reverse said data, by recruiting and training beginning farmers that successfully grow and harvest organic food. Using the established local farmers market CO-OP, beginning farmers can potentially reduce food deserts in underserved communities, like east waco, where fresh food stores are not easily accessed. Sought participants will be empowered to impact the health and wellness in communities like east waco where the latest census tract found that life expectancy decreased by 15 years compared to neighboring communities, as shared by the waco tribune-herald. The community of beginning farmers/ranchers will be challenged to address the current disparities in their communities and present solutions that will be played out in their future endeavors as farmers.as well, the project will arm participants with a solid foundation in business ownership to create a sustainable community of small businesses that impact and stimulate the economy and improve the lives of small business owners.