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Helping Define and Promote Small and Medium Sized Farm Resilience to Extreme Events and Rapid Changes

 

 

 

 

 

Who is funding the grant?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Huxley College of the Environment’s Resilience Institute a two year grant to study small farm resilience when faced with extreme events and rapid changes. The grant is through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (formerly Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service). Research funded by the National Research Initiative of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Grant #2008-04177.

 

What will the study do?

We all know that small and medium-sized farms play a crucial role in rural economies, food security, and land stewardship. Yet, over the long term, extreme events and rapid changes to our community can threaten small and medium-sized farm viability. In the North Puget Sound Region, some of these threats include seasonal flooding, climate change, urban encroachment, and spikes in fossil fuel costs.

This study will have three major phases. First, we will work with local stakeholders to develop indicators of small and medium-sized farm resilience. Second, we will develop workshops where farm stakeholders determine  how extreme events may affect local farms and the agricultural communities. Of particular importance will be developing agreement on practices and policies that are likely to support small and medium-sized farm resilience, especially as these farms experience extreme events and rapid changes. Third, we will work with a coalition of advocates to implement the policies and practices within the immediate North Puget Sound Region and beyond.

As an extension of our research, we will develop, test, and disseminate a simple Farm Resilience Business Planning Tool. This Planning Tool will help farmers envision potential threats to their livelihoods, explain key resiliency strategies identified during the project, and help farmers evaluate the appropriateness of such strategies for their own farms.

Who is leading the project?

The work will be carried out by the Resilience Institute. Gigi Berardi is the project’s principle investigator; Rebekah Green is a co-principle investigator. Byrant Hammond is the project's graduate research assistant and Sam Ripley is working on the project as an undergraduate research assistant.

Where will the study take place?

The study will be carried out in three northwestern Washington State counties. Whatcom County and San Juan will be two of the sites. The other county is still to be  finalized but the options  include: Island, Skagit or Snohomish Counties.

When does the study start?

The study started May 1, 2009 and extends for two years.

What are small and medium-sized farms?

USDA categorizes farms in a number of ways. One categorization is based on sales. Small and medium-sized farms are those with annual gross sales below $250,000. Large farms are those generating sales above $250,000. Another categorization is by size. Small farms are defined as up to 50 acres. Medium-sized farms are defined as having 50 acres up to 1000 acres.

What does this word “resilience” mean anyway?

Resilience is a concept used to indicate a community’s ability to anticipate, adapt to, and successfully overcome negative events so that it can continue to provide the necessary physical, social, cultural, and economic structure for members to live, work, and thrive.

Is there any way for me to participate?

If you are interested in taking part in discussions and workshops on how to support small and medium-sized farm resilience in our region, please send your contact information and a description of your background and interests to Rebekah Green.

We are especially interested in hearing from those who are in or work closely with the local agricultural community. This includes local small and medium-sized farm owners/operators, food processors, food distributors, local policy makers, and concerned citizens with in-depth knowledge of the local agricultural system.

Can the grant fund a new fence, buy new seeds, or help me purchase land as a small farmer?

This USDA grant was awarded through a highly competitive process that included a close examination of the proposal’s budget. USDA awarded funds specifically for a study to define and develop strategies to promote small and medium sized farm resilience in the region. Unfortunately, the Resilience Institute cannot use any of the funds in a discretionary manner as donations to local farms, advocacy groups, or individuals. 

The grant will be used to support personnel, including Western Washington University undergraduate and graduate students who work on the project. Other funds will be used to cover the basic costs and materials associated with the work. As stipulated for all federally-sponsored grants, a portion of the grant must also go to cover Western Washington University overhead.

 

Farm Resilience Related Websites and Upcoming Activities:

Whatcom Farm Friends

Sustainable Connections

Last Updated: 09/22/09