Forsyth County Urban Farm School
Extension Education
Celine Richard
Winston-Salem
Abstract
The Forsyth County Urban Farm School (UFS) is addressing pain points of our changing agriculture system in an urbanizing county with the goal to aid aspiring farmers in the development of small urban farms or in gaining employment in the agriculture industry and strengthen local food systems. Large scale farm acreage is reducing annually in Forsyth County, due, in part, to the rising value of real estate. Additionally, fresh food access in Forsyth County and many other urban NC counties is inconsistent (Winston-Salem ranks 7th on a national list for food hardship), further positioning urban food production education as a key focus in North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) Forsyth County Center horticulture programs. To meet the needs of beginner urban and peri-urban farmers, NCCE Forsyth County Center offers a unique 3 month UFS course where new and beginner small farmers receive research-based hands-on training on small scale market gardening practices to equip students with skills and resources to grow and sell their products out of small urban spaces to supplement participant income. The curriculum balances classroom lectures with in-field crop management culminating in a student-led farmer’s market. This class is taught at no cost to the participants. Based on pre- and post-program survey data from 2022, 2023, and 2024, participants not only reported increasing their knowledge and competency levels in a variety of production topics but also their active usage of a variety of best management practices. Within 2 years of completing this course, 7 students reported that they are operating a farm and 11 students have gained employment related to or as a direct result of training received and connections made in the UFS program. Participants also indicated that they have saved (47%) or anticipate saving (43%) money on household food expenses by growing their own produce as a result of this course and have further shared skills and knowledge from the course with 1243 other community members.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Celine Richard
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Richard, C. Horticulture Agent, NCACAA, North Carolina, 27105