Increasing DEIA Programming for Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Model for USDA-NIFA-Funded Organizations

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Heritage Farmers in Kentucky: Making Connec ons with Underserved Audiences Nicole Gauthier and April Lamb Throughout US history, Black, Indigenous, and people of color have been farmers. From eras of slavery to Jim Crow to forced reloca on, these farmers have been excluded from agricultural advances. Unfortunately, their par cipa on in tradi onal American agricultural systems, including agricultural degree programs and Extension programs, has been limited. During this new millennium, one in which we strive for equity and inclusion, Extension seeks to iden fy and address the needs of all stakeholders. HUP farmers are not su?ciently represented in our Extension audiences. Although Extension is not the sole source for science-based informa on, it is an ideal source for local, no-cost, science-based recommenda ons. This project opens the door for communica on, connec on, and cultural learning. The aim of this project is to provide Extension resources to HUP stakeholders so that they can realize pro?ts from their farms and well-being through rela onships with their land. We aim to close the communica on gap between our Extension programs and HUP growers while focusing on speci?c IPM needs of these farmers. Providing IPM recommenda ons that integrate heritage prac ces with science-based techniques will help build trust, strengthen rela onships, and increase adop on. As this program develops, we an cipate that it will serve as a model for IPM specialists in other cropping systems, as well as those in other states. In order to build trust and to be er connect with Heritage farmers in Kentucky, we aim to make connec ons with HUP farm associa ons, determine their needs, and develop IPM resources. This one-year project will serve as the ?rst step in serving HUP specialty crop growers in Kentucky. These resources can also serve HUP growers throughout the region, and this project can serve as a model for other states. The objec ves of this study are to: 1. Determine IPM priori es by understanding the needs of HUP specialty crop farmers. This objec ve includes forma on of a focus group that includes at least 5 HUP growers. 2. Develop pest management recommenda ons for Heritage farmers, highligh ng the most e?ec ve heritage prac ces and recommending alterna ve prac ces. This objec ve will include development of fact sheets and video resources for managing pests. 3. Ini ate early rela onships with HUP growers by a ending events and listening to grower needs. This objec ve will include a grower survey. IRB approval will be sought a er survey is created but before distribu on.
StatusActive
Effective start/end date9/1/248/31/25

Funding

  • Iowa State University: $19,999.00

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