This federal Project Grant award for $524,676 was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (CFDA 10.311). The primary objectives of the award are to provide comprehensive training, technical assistance, and mentorship to help new and aspiring farmers and ranchers in the region enter and improve their agricultural operations.
Key products and services funded through this award include:
Hands-on farmer and ranching apprenticeship programs, summer short courses, an incubator program for land access, and a virtual farm planning course
An annual Farmer Training Convergence event for networking and education
Funding for a Land Access Coordinator position at the Montezuma Land Conservancy to establish programs and structures for connecting landowners, land, and land-seekers
Mentorship opportunities and peer support groups for program participants
Efficiency supply incentives to boost productivity and success for new farm businesses
The award has a performance period from September 15, 2024 to September 14, 2027 and includes a sub-award to the Montezuma Land Conservancy to support their collaborative efforts on improving equitable land tenure and access in the region.