Limited Resource Farmers Research Articles

A Mobile-Based System for Detecting Plant Leaf Diseases Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Plant diseases pose a significant challenge to agriculture in India, causing substantial losses in crop production each year. Limited-resource farmers often struggle with diagnosing these diseases accurately, especially when relying on visual observation of leaf symptoms. Hence, there is an urgent need to enhance the detection, monitoring, and prediction of crop diseases to mitigate agricultural losses effectively. To address this challenge, we propose a mobile-based system empowered by Machine Learning (ML) and computer vision tailored for the Indian context. Our system utilizes Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as the core deep learning engine to classify 37 disease categories commonly found in Indian crops. We have curated a comprehensive dataset comprising 96,206 images of plant leaves, encompassing both healthy and infected, for training, validation, and testing purposes. The user interface of our system is designed as an Android mobile application, enabling farmers to capture images of diseased plant leaves effortlessly. Upon image capture, the system swiftly identifies the disease category and presents it to the user along with a confidence percentage. This functionality empowers farmers to take timely action to protect their crops, thereby reducing reliance on incorrect fertilizers that may exacerbate plant stress. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of our system using various metrics, including classification accuracy and processing time. Our results indicate an impressive overall classification accuracy of 94% across the 37 disease classes prevalent in 14 different crop species commonly cultivated in India. In essence, our ML-powered mobile-based solution offers Indian farmers a robust tool for efficient crop disease diagnosis and management, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of agricultural productivity and sustainability in the country.

Assessment of Bioefficacy of Chilli Pepper Capsicum frutescens (L.) and its Intercropping on the Performance and Insect Pests Management of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.)

A study was conducted at the Yaba College of Technology Instructional and Research Farm in 2022 and 2023 wet and dry seasons to determine the bio-efficacy of chilli pepper, (Capsicum frutescens (L.)) and its intercropping on the growth, yield and insect pest management of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.)). The experiment was laid out in a 3×4 factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 treatments (chilli pepper extract at 200l/ha, 250l/ha, and local control) at 3 replications in alternate intercropping, strip cropping, border cropping, and sole cropping arrangement. The chilli pepper aqueous extract at 200 l/ha and 250 l/ha sprayed on the Bambara groundnut plants were sprayed as scheduled from 10 am to 12 noon with the view of protecting it with aqueous extract of chilli pepper on 12 plots of 60 ridges. Data were collected on growth parameters of Bambara groundnut at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after planting, pest population, assessment of thrips and legume pod borer, assessment of both nymph and adult of legume pod borer and pod sucking bugs, pod density, pod damage, grain yield, yield loss and assessment of phytotoxicity signs using Analysis of Variance. Results showed that 250 l/ha aqueous extract treated plots reduced the number of insect pests including thrips (4.67±1.09), legume pod borer (1.76±0.35), legume pod borer nymph (1.08±0.10) adults of pod borers (1.18±0.11) and pod sucking bugs adult (3.33±1.09) in intercropping situation, followed by 200 l/ha respectively as compared to untreated plots (2.69±0.12). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treated plots (9.08±0.62) and untreated plots (12.44±0.71) in terms of pod damage as well as increased grain yields (343.73±4.71) when compared to the untreated control (322.12±43). However, 250 l/ha causes higher phytotoxicity damage than 200 l/ha although it controlled pest population better than 200 l/ha. Alternate cropping proved to be superior to other cropping system with respect to grain yield (36.78±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (6.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (299.58±9.41) when compared to sole cropping of Bambara groundnut with respect to grain yield (100.24±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (15.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (395.27±9.41). The bio-pesticidal effect of chilli pepper on Bambara groundnut insects may be due to the presence of active ingredients present in chilli pepper including glycosides, tannin, terpenoides, flavonoids, saponin, reducing sugar, steroids, and resins. This result indicates the potential of using plant extract with insecticidal attributes for the protection of Bambara groundnut in low input agriculture practiced by limited resource farmers in developing countries.

Impact of biochar and organic fertilizers on sweet potato yield, quality, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, sugars, and phenols contents

ABSTRACT The demand for food is increasing and the use of soil organic amendments in agricultural management practices has been instructed to increase crop yield and reduce dependence on synthetic inorganic fertilizers at low cost to limited resource farmers. However, the effect of organic amendments on the quality and nutritional composition of edible plants has received little attention. Locally available organic amendments (sewage sludge SS, chicken manure CM, cow manure Cow, vermicompost Vermi, and biochar Bio) were chosen to test their impact on field-grown sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas L. yield, root quality, and root nutritional composition. The results indicated that utilizing Cow manure in growing sweet potatoes significantly promoted root yield and root nutritional composition. Cow treatment produced the greatest number of roots compared to Bio, CM, SS, and the control treatments. The results also revealed that the concentrations of vitamin C (260. 3 µg g−1), β-carotene (45.4 µg g−1), soluble sugars (16.7 mg g−1), and total phenols (196.3 3 µg g−1 fresh roots) were greater in the roots of plants grown in Cow compared to the roots of the control treatment. The results indicated the low impact of biochar whereas Cow is recommended for enhancing sweet potato yield and nutritional composition.

345 Bioconversion Treatment of Corn Stover Can Create Cheap Feed Resource for Limited Resource Farmers

Abstract The study aimed to improve the nutritive value of corn stover to provide a viable and sustainable source of cheap feed resource for ruminant production since feed is the single largest cost in any livestock enterprise. Corn stover is the largest non-food biomass available in the United States. It could be a low-cost feed, but high lignocellulose content limits both digestibility and nutritive value. Some fungi, especially white rot fungi (WRF), are known to selectively degrade fiber lignin and secrete bioactive compounds that could benefit digestibility and feed value. Pleurotus ostreatus is a mushroom-forming WRF. We tested corn stover fermented with P. ostreatus for improvement in nutrients and digestibility (Table 1). Two ruminally cannulated dairy cows were used in an in vitro study to test the effect of P. ostreatus use in solid state fermentation on the chemical composition in corn stover. The experiment was 2 x 3 factorial design with 4 replicates sampled at 6, 24 and 48 h on treated and untreated (control) corn stover. The dry matter disappearance (DMd) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (Table 2). Treatments were 1) untreated corn stover as control, and 2) corn stover treated with P. ostreatus. Crude protein (CP) and ash were significantly (P < 0.001) impacted with 52.9 and 31.2% increment in CP and ash respectively for treated samples. We noted an increase (P < 0.001) of 106 to 681% in microbial yield in treated vs untreated samples which demonstrated a greater potential for increased microbial protein synthesis. Acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) by 6.71, 18.2 and 37.8%, respectively for the treated samples. Non-fiber carbohydrate was significantly (P < 0.001) impacted with a 118% increment and both DMd and total VFA were significantly (P < 0.001) greater, ranging between 40.9 to 240% and 5.85 to 11.2%, respectively (Table 3). Additionally, the rumen fermentation pathway favored the production of propionate with a significant (P < 0.001) treatment and time effect that resulted in 9.37 - 14.0% increment in propionate production for the treated samples. Consequently, a significant (P < 0.001) effect was observed in acetate production with 1.76 - 4.01% reduction, which resulted in 7.09 - 11.42% reduction in A:P ratio for the treated samples (Table 4). The study showed that bioconversion can improve the feeding value of corn stover to provide an economical novel feed resource, and that corn stover spent mushroom substrate could potentially substitute conventional feeds to support animal requirements. Although actual cow performance remains to be determined experimentally via feeding studies, we are convinced that bioconversion of agricultural waste from crop farming could be a functional system approach to alleviate the feed cost challenges faced by socially disadvantaged and limited-resource farmers.

PSX-6 From Bright Leaf to Berkshires: an Alternative Swine Production Course and Outreach Program

Abstract The From Bright Leaf to Berkshires program is a two-year extension outreach initiative funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and facilitated by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (N.C. A&T) State University. The objective of the program is to train small, limited-resource farmers from across North Carolina in low-cost, alternative swine production systems, retaining ownership of their processed pork, adding value to their pork products, and the targeting of local niche markets. Small farmers in the region have been financially impacted by tobacco-related, healthcare, and social changes that have shifted both price and demand for North Carolina's top cash crop, tobacco. As opposed to tobacco, the demand for one of North Carolina's leading livestock commodities, pork, has remained strong. Therefore, training these farmers in low-cost swine production systems will allow them to diversify their operations, while producing high-end pork products that can be marketed at premium prices. Using the "farmer field school" extension approach, the training of the first cohort of participants took place between March and May of 2023 at the N.C. A&T Farm Pavilion and Swine Facility. The ages of the participants ranged from mid-twenties to mid-sixties. They were trained in employing both pasture-based and hoop structure swine production systems. The participants were also introduced to the digestive system, nutritional needs, reproductive and breeding systems, required disease surveillance, welfare considerations, and appropriate waste management of outdoor swine. The N.C. A&T Swine Specialist, Dr. Derrick J. Coble, served as the director of the program, providing the participants with some of the basic training in swine physiology and management systems. Additional experts were invited to train the cohort in other areas of swine and pork production. The North Carolina Pork Council Representative and former President of the National Pork Board, Jan Archer, facilitated a workshop in which the participants were trained in animal welfare and swine transport. The participants received Pork Quality Assurance and Transport Quality Assurance certifications from the National Pork Board for their participation in this workshop. The Technical Program Coordinator for N.C. Choices, Lee Menius, facilitated a workshop pertaining to the local food systems and niche markets for pasture-based pork in North Carolina. Dr. Stephanie Kulesza, a Nutrient Management and Animal Waste Specialist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, facilitated a workshop in sustainability and the application of animal waste as fertilizer. The program concluded with small-scale, niche swine producers sharing their experiences in pork production. Upon graduation from the program, the participants receive their own hoop structure. Their swine operations will be monitored for three years to track their on-farm practices, participation in alternative swine production, and the economic impact of their operations to their communities.

Beneficial Farming Practices and Assistive Technologies for Veterans and Limited Resource Farmers

Farmers need support. Along with financial support, there is a need to receive knowledge, skills, and resources to address how to perform safe farming practices, including physical and mental health limitations. This study assessed participants’ knowledge and beliefs related to critical farming practices needed to live safe and sustainable lifestyles. Workshops were delivered face-to-face and online, covering a range of farming practice topics such as assistive technologies and mental health. Data were collected via online surveys. Results found that respondents needed more information on Farm Safety and Health, and many reported little energy and feelings of hopelessness. It was concluded that participants would benefit from more specialized training to be sustainable. Recommendations for future studies include more workshops and training programs based on education and demonstrations on how best to live healthy and safe lifestyles.

Chitin, Biochar, and Animal Manures Impact on Eggplant and Green Pepper Yield and Quality

The global obligation for food requires soil and plant management practices that provide valuable effects on the physical, chemical, and organic properties of soils. The use of animal manure, in agricultural production systems as alternative to synthetic elemental fertilizers has potential application to improve crop yield and fruit quality. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was established to investigate the impact of nine soil treatments on yield and quality of bell pepper, Capsicum annuum and eggplant, Solanum melongena. The nine soil treatments included: chitin CH, biochar Bio, sewage sludge SS, chicken manure CM, SS mixed with biochar (SSBio), SS mixed with CH (SSCH), CM mixed with biochar (CMBio), CM mixed with CH (CMCH), and unamended (UN) native soil used as control treatment. At maturity, fruits from each treatment, were counted, weighed, and classified according to the USDA grades to U.S. Fancy, U.S. No.1, U.S. No.2, and culls. Overall number and weight of green pepper fruits collected from plants grown in SSCH were significantly greater (26.2 and 3.14 kg 5 plants-1) compared to fruits of plants grown in unamended control treatment (17.1 and 1.98 kg 5 Plants-1, respectively). Whereas CH alone was superior in increasing the number and weight of eggplant fruits compared to the control treatment. Average weight and number of eggplant fruits of plants grown in soil amended with chitin (4.46 kg and 11.5, respectively) were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater than weight and number of fruits obtained from plants grown in other soil treatments. Results also revealed a positive correlation coefficient (r) and high probability of significance (P) between number of fruits and weight of fruits among the nine soil treatments. Utilization of animal manures in agricultural systems is an inexpensive means for limited-resource farmers looking for improvements in crop yield and quality at affordable costs.

Advancing the science and practice of ecological nutrient management for smallholder farmers

Soil degradation is widespread in smallholder agrarian communities across the globe where limited resource farmers struggle to overcome poverty and malnutrition. This review lays out the scientific basis and practical management options for an ecologically based approach to sustainably managing soil fertility, with particular attention to smallholder subsistence systems. We seek to change the trajectory of development programs that continue to promote inorganic fertilizers and other high input strategies to resource constrained smallholders, despite ample evidence that this approach is falling short of food security goals and contributing to resource degradation. Ecological nutrient management (ENM) is an agroecological approach to managing the biogeochemical cycles that govern soil ecosystem services and soil fertility. The portfolio of ENM strategies extends beyond reliance on inorganic fertilizers and is guided by the following five principles: (1) Build soil organic matter and other nutrient reserves. (2) Minimize the size of N and P pools that are the most susceptible to loss. (3) Maximize agroecosystem capacity to use soluble, inorganic N and P. (4) Use functional and phylogenetic biodiversity to minimize bare fallows and maximize presence of growing plants. (5) Construct agroecosystem and field scale mass balances to track net nutrient flows over multiple growing seasons. Strategic increases in spatial and temporal plant species diversity is a core ENM tactic that expands agroecosystem multifunctionality to meet smallholder priorities beyond soil restoration and crop yields. Examples of ENM practices include the use of functionally designed polycultures, diversified rotations, reduced fallow periods, increased reliance on legumes, integrated crop-livestock production, and use of variety of soil amendments. These practices foster soil organic matter accrual and restoration of soil function, both of which underpin agroecosystem resilience. When ENM is first implemented, short-term yield outcomes are variable; however, over the long-term, management systems that employ ENM can increase yields, yield stability, profitability and food security. ENM rests on a solid foundation of ecosystem and biogeochemical science, and despite the many barriers imposed by current agricultural policies, successful ENM systems are being promoted by some development actors and used by smallholder farmers, with promising results.

Biochar and Animal Manures Increased Yield of Three Varieties of Turnips

Biochar, a product of incineration of biomass is proposed for use as a soil amendment (SA) to enhance soil water holding capacity, increase soil microbial community, and plant nutrients availability. We studied the effect of six SA (sewage sludge SS, horse manure HM, chicken manure CM, vermicompost Vermi, commercial inorganic fertilizer (19N-19P-19K), commercial organic fertilizer (Nature Safe 10N-2P-8K), and biochar added to SA on the root, shoot, and plant weight of three varieties of field-grown turnips (Purple Top White Globe PTWG, Scarlet Queen Red SQR, and Tokyo Cross TC. Regardless of SA type used in this investigation, results revealed that varieties grown in soil treated with biochar had significantly greater root, shoot, and plant weight compared to similar varieties grown in SA not treated with biochhar. SQR significantly increased turnip yield compared to PTWG and TC varieties Overall turnip shoot, root, and plant weight obtained from CM amended soil not treated with biochar was significantly greater (295.9, 524.4, and 820.3 g, respectively) compared to yield obtained from the no-amendment (NM) control treatments (147.3, 242.5, and 389.8 g, respectively). Biochar added to SS, Org, Vermi, and HM significantly increased plant weight from 522.3, 482.5, 476.5, and 450.2 g to 737.5, 701.9, 673.3, and 640.8 g, respectively. This increase represents 41, 46, 41, and 42% increase in plant weight, respectively due to the addition of biochar. Regardless of biochar application to growing plants, variety SQR is recommend for growing turnips in CM amended soil. Substitution of inorganic fertilizer by animal manure mixed with biochar may help limited-resource farmers in growing turnips at affordable costs.

Off-farm Income, Credit Constraints, and Farm Investment

AbstractMany farmers face borrowing limits that depend on their household income and net worth. Given such credit constraints, an increase in off-farm income should allow farmers to borrow more, thus influencing production decisions and productivity. To test this hypothesis, the education level of the farm operator’s spouse is used to identify exogenous variation in off-farm income. Findings indicate that higher off-farm income leads to more borrowing, capital expenditures, capital input intensity, farm labor use, output, farm income, and productivity. Results suggest that Federal programs that promote access to credit for limited-resource farmers may increase farm investment and productivity.

Cover Crop and Fertility Effects on Escherichia coli Abundance in a Composted Poultry Litter-Amended Silt Loam Soil

Soil conservation practices such as cover crops can improve crop production, soil quality, and water quality. Cover crops can also influence soil microbial growth and activity. Cover cropped and manured soils can potentially store and transmit fecal bacteria (e.g., E. coli) to surface water if runoff and subsurface seepage occur. While many studies have shown the soil health benefits of cover crops, fewer studies have evaluated the extent to which cover crops influence the abundance of potential waste-borne pathogens. A two-year study (2015–2017) was conducted on a limited-resource farm in Logan County, Kentucky, USA, to quantify the abundance of the fecal indicator Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria (as a proxy for fecal coliforms) in treatments with and without cover crops or composted poultry litter. The cover crop consisted of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) mix. Summer crops consisted of a no-till maize (Zea mays L.)—soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. Soil samples were taken before and after each summer crop season and assessed to detect and enumerate E. coli. At the end of the study period, no significant treatment differences in the E. coli abundance in soil were detected (ca. 104 CFU·g−1) (p>0.05). However, season/time was a significant factor (p<0.05). We conclude that the background E. coli already present in soil was sufficiently high, inhibiting the detection of the influence of added composted litter. These indigenous E. coli were unaffected by cover crop and nutrient management but did fluctuate on a seasonal basis.

Performance of chlorophyll prediction indices for Eragrostis tef at Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat-8 OLI spectral resolutions

As remotely sensed data becomes more readily available around the world, satellites such as Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 have great potential to support precision agriculture. Sensors with high spectral and spatial resolutions are particularly optimal for limited land resource farmers to improve land management. The objective of this short communication is to assess the performance of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 multispectral bands for chlorophyll prediction using indices that were originally developed using imaging spectroscopy/hyperspectral data. Remotely sensed chlorophyll content measures are often utilized as a proxy of plant health. Performance of a group of chlorophyll prediction indices is tested for tef (Eragrostis tef), an endemic grass crop native to Ethiopia that forms a major component of Ethiopian diets and is grown by limited land resource farmers. Hyperspectral reflectance data captured in situ at the canopy level were convolved into bands approximating Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 sensors, and a suite of chlorophyll prediction indices were computed and regressed against chlorophyll content. Results show that simple pigment indices employing wavelengths corresponding to the blue and ultra-blue bands performed best for predicting chlorophyll. The red-edge index computed using the Sentinel-2 bands also performed well. These findings suggest that publicly available, multispectral imagery can potentially substitute for hyperspectral data in chlorophyll prediction indices, thereby improving the accessibility of precision agriculture methods.

105 Integrated approach for controlling diseases and parasites in small ruminants: extension education and adoption

Abstract Small-ruminant production is important farm enterprise in Alabama and other states of the Southeast, especially for small and limited-resource farmers. Poor health of animals caused by various diseases and parasites, resulting in a low performance is a major problem faced by most farmers. There are various strategies that can be adopted to minimize the prevalence of diseases and parasites and improve animal health. However, the majority of farmers are lacking the needed knowledge to adopt such strategies. The objective of this program was to educate farmers and extension educators on the integrated approach for controlling diseases and parasites in small ruminants. The program was initiated in 2010 and has been continued with training sessions (n = 7) conducted at the state level. County-level based programming (n = 22) has also been delivered in the form of hands-on training sessions and field days. Moreover, educational materials in the form of workshop proceedings (n = 1) and handouts, flyers, and fact sheets (n = 11) were developed and disseminated to the target audience and public through different outlets (county extension offices, training sessions, field days, farm visits, emails, blog, social media, web pages). Because of this program, numerous small-ruminant farmers and extension professionals are being trained every year (n = 40–51/yr.), and many more have access to educational materials (n = 1,100–1,700/yr.). Short-term impact evaluation of the program shows that knowledge and skills of the trainees have increased significantly (21–62%; P < 0.05). Trainees rated the presented topics useful (94%), they were very likely to implement what they learned (96%), and mentioned that such implementation would improve their farm situation (88%). Several trained farmers were found adopting the integrated approach and educators training their clientele on using the integrated approach to minimize health problems in small ruminants.

Do Conservation Practices Bring Quick Changes to Key Soil Properties for Resource-Limited Farmers?

Soil conservation practices such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, cover crops, and manure application have strong advocacy. Short-term evidence that these practices are beneficial might improve their adoption by resource-limited producers. A two-year study (2015–2017) was conducted on a privately-owned small, limited-resource farm in southwestern Kentucky to evaluate how cover crops and manure application, alone or in combination, influenced soil nutrient availability, nitrogen mineralization, and crop yield. Three fertilization treatments were used: 1) poultry manure; 2) chemical fertilizers (urea, diammonium phosphate, and potash); and 3) a non-fertilized control. A second set of treatments consisting of presence or absence of winter cover crop was used within each fertilization treatment. The cover crop consisted of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) mix. Summer crops consisted of a no-till maize (Zea mays L.) - soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. Soil samples were taken before and after each summer crop season and analyzed for bulk density, organic carbon content, pH, cation exchange capacity, total phosphorus (P), potassium (K), trace elements, and soil nitrogen (N) mineralization. Cover crops with or without manure enhanced soil N mineralization rates and increased soil extractable P and K, but did not significantly improve yield. Considering the site-specific soil conditions, cover crop and manure use may need longer-term assessment to reveal their effect on the yield and soil quality benefits, especially to resource-limited producers adopting these conservation practices.

Is Super-Intensification the Solution to Shrimp Production and Export Sustainability?

The government of Vietnam has selected shrimp production and exports as the pillars of rural economic development. The targets set depend on high yields through production intensification. International and national public research communities have raised production intensification concerns related to environmental and climate change challenges, such as saltwater intrusion, water pollution, disease outbreaks, mangrove destruction, and natural resource degradation. Social snags such as user right conflicts of water resources, food safety problems, tariff barriers, and attempts to taint the industry’s image by competitors also plague the industry. These give rise to the problem of certification and questions about the influence of standards on the small-scale farming sustainability in a competitive global environment. The questions asked are, how can one bring together small-scale shrimp farmers to comply with international standards? Can small-scale shrimp farming co-exist with super-intensive producers to bring about a sustainable and competitive industry? A proposed model to horizontally organize the limited resource farmers into cooperatives to vertically integrate with large-scale firms producing shrimp using super-intensive production methods shows small-scale farmers adopting super-intensive production methods that can generate higher yields, income, profits, and is more environmentally friendly and requires less water and land. The capital requirements are high for limited resource farmers. However, with the interest showed by banks in financing models that are appropriate for small-scale farms integrated with larger firms engaged in super-intensive production systems, along with government assistance, these small-scale shrimp producing units can attain higher levels of sustainability than the open, less intensive production systems.

P17 - Promoting Farmers' Markets with Limited-Resource Audiences: The Impact of a Social Marketing Campaign

Background (Background, Rationale, Prior Research, and/or Theory): Farmers' markets can increase access to locally-grown produce for limited-resource consumers. However, studies have identified several barriers for farmers' market patronage by these consumers. Social marketing campaigns have the potential to address these barriers. These campaigns are most effective when messages and materials are tailored to specific audiences. Objective: To examine the impact of a farmers' market social marketing campaign on limited-resource consumers' intent to purchase and consume locally-grown produce and to examine potential differences in campaign impacts based on consumers' communities of residence (rural, suburban, urban). Study Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention: In 2016, a farmers' market social marketing campaign was implemented in 33 counties at 39 farmers' markets. The campaign consisted of marketing assets, six food demonstrations with recipes, and three children's activities. Participant surveys were conducted with a convenience sample of 15 farmers' markets located in 10 counties (three rural, four suburban, and three urban). Surveys were completed by 723 adults. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Participants answered questions about intention to purchase and consume locally-grown produce. Frequencies were computed for campaign impacts on all participants. Rural, suburban and urban consumers' responses were compared using chi-square analyses with Monte Carlo simulation. Results: Overall, most participants reported purchasing and consuming more locally-grown produce as a result of the campaign. There were differences, however, between rural, suburban, and urban consumers' responses with suburban consumers more likely to report increases in purchasing (χ2 (6) = 44.80, P < .001) and consuming (χ2 (6) = 35.73, P < .001) locally-grown produce. Conclusions and Implications: While effective in increasing purchase intention and consumption of locally-grown produce with all consumers, there were differences in campaign impact among rural, suburban, and urban consumers. These findings suggest different social marketing approaches might be warranted when engaging rural, suburban, and urban limited-resource farmers' market consumers. Funding: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education.

An Educational Program on Produce Food Safety/Good Agricultural Practices for Small and Limited Resource Farmers: a Case Study

An Educational Program on Produce Food Safety/Good Agricultural Practices for Small and Limited Resource Farmers: a Case Study

Case Study Evaluation of an Initiative to Help Small and Limited-Resource Farmers Supply Produce Commercially

Case Study Evaluation of an Initiative to Help Small and Limited-Resource Farmers Supply Produce Commercially

Food Sovereignty, Food Access, and the Local Food Movement in Southeastern North Carolina

Food sovereignty is about the right to healthy food and the right to have control over one’s food. This article examines opportunities and challenges in the efforts of Feast Down East (FDE), a local food systems movement in Southeastern North Carolina, to develop a food sovereignty program linking limited resource consumers and growers in an effort to provide access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods in a low-income community. Several FDE initiatives attempt to address common problems in limited resource communities, such as food insecurity, food access, and knowledge about healthy food preparation. “Fresh markets,” which are run by low-income consumers and sell affordable produce, link limited resource farmers to urban, low-income public housing neighborhoods. Nutrition and cooking classes are offered at the market sites, and recipes are distributed at the point of sale. FDE’s Food Sovereignty Program also partners with other organizations, such as Food Corps to raise awareness about healthy eating in schools, and two local nonprofits to provide fresh produce boxes to low-income residents. Surveys of 16 program participants conducted by extension leaders indicate increases in food security, healthy eating habits, and physical activity among participants. Semistructured interviews with four community resident leaders illuminate some of the barriers of neighborhood effects and other challenges in cultivating food sovereignty, such as living conditions, politics of place, and broader inequalities. Additional initiatives that address food sovereignty in limited resource communities are needed as a means of expanding access and gaining additional knowledge about challenges in doing so.

An Empirical Validation Of The Primary And Moderating Effects Of Income And Capital On Familiarity And Participation Of Limited Resource Farm Producers (LRFPs) In USDA Agricultural Programs

We present empirical findings on the problem of low participation rate of Limited Resource Farm Producers (LRFPs)[1] in USDA programs. Our analysis is based on survey data directly sourced from LRFP population spread across twenty counties in Southern Virginia. The findings revealed that familiarity with and participation in USDA programs varied by type of farmers. While familiarity was moderate, participation was low. These main effects were moderated by access to capital. Our results broadly agree with findings from similar studies done on the subject in the past with an additional empirical insight that access to capital can enhance participation in USDA programs. We conclude the study with several practical ways for improving LRFP participation in USDA agricultural programs[i] According to the USDA, a Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher or Forest Owner is a person/applicant with direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $173,600 (for FY2016) in each of the previous two years AND a person with a total household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four or less than 50 percent of county median household income in each of the previous two years. An entity or joint operation can be an LRFP if all individual members independently qualify. http://lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/LRP_Definition.aspx http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/outreach/slbfr/