Training New Urban Farmers in Connecticut
Extension Education
Jacqueline Kowalski
University of Connecticut
Bethel
Abstract
Connecticut is a densely populated, geographically small state with a growing urban agriculture presence. Challenges to urban food production in the state’s urban centers include minimal growing space, lack of capital resources, and policy differences between cities. In 2022, the University of Connecticut Extension, in partnership with Green Village Initiative, Inc., reactivated a beginning urban farmer training program to grow the number of urban farmers in the southwest region of CT and increase the amount of fresh produce available to the region. The 7-month course consists of indoor classroom and lab activities, hands-on production training in an outdoor growing space, and participation at a farmers’ market. In-field topics included intensive vegetable production, irrigation, soil science, IPM, and food safety. Agribusiness development and food justice topics are also incorporated into classroom activities. In the first three cohorts, participants indicated they gained knowledge in all topics presented and that the most helpful part of the training program was the in-field and at-market experience. Forty-three individuals have enrolled, and twenty-one have completed the program. Graduates have started their own farms, acquired positions with non-profit organizations, and are serving in other urban agriculture leadership capacities. The program has extended to New Haven, Connecticut. The course is now offered online to serve a statewide audience. The 2025 cohort includes participants from two additional states.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Jacqueline Kowalski
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Kowalski, J. Associate Extension Educator, University of Connecticut, Connecticut, 06801