Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** there remains a critical lack of…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** there remains a critical lack of racial diversity across the agricultural sector and the organic industry, especially apparent in the population of organic certifiers, organic inspectors, and in the personnel of organizations and universities who provide much of the nation's technical assistance and educational programming in agriculture. The long-term goal of this project is to jumpstart participation and motivation for a diverse representation in future organic leadership that helps make the organic sector more inclusive, equitable, and just. To meet this goal, our project will develop and distribute innovative professional development and culturally relevant curricula that target 18 faculty members and 8 student fellows. Education modules including inspirational films developed by this project team will equip participants with foundational knowledge about organic through an organic 101 type of training and offer exposure to a variety of professional career opportunities across the organic industry. This program will include a week-long learning exchange facilitated by the organic center and organic trade association and an 8-week paid student fellowship to work with professionals across the industry. Held in parallel with organic week in washington d.c, the learning exchange will expose participants to organic policies, processes, and challenges, and professional networking across the organic sector. Learning sessions/modules will be interspersed with workshops for professional development to help (a) faculty connect with minority students through culturally relevant pedagogy, and (b) prepare students for their fellowship placement with collaborating agencies and businesses committed to centering racial equity in professional development and the organic movement.