USDA Supports AAMU Efforts to Assist Small Farmers
Providing Needed Risk Management Tools
Alabama A&M University’s decades-old endeavor to provide key knowledge and adequate resources to small-scale farmers just received another boost from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency.
AAMU’s Small Farms Research Center, ably administered by Dr. Duncan M. Chembezi (PI) and E’licia Chaverest (Co-PI), was among 16 entities receiving a combined total of $2.2 million to educate underserved producers and small farmers about such topics as risk management and climate-smart farm practices. SFRC was awarded $198,518.
“The AAMU Small Farms Research Center looks forward to continuing its work educating limited resource, socially disadvantaged farmers,” said Chaverest. “The project aims to address pertinent issues farmers face and assist them in becoming more profitable and sustainable in the food system.”
The AAMU team will train African-American and veteran producers on crop insurance, risk management tools and strategies through a hands-on educational outreach program.
According to SFRC, climate change has made crop insurance critical for farmers to survive throughout the United States. However, many small, limited resource producers and socially disadvantaged minority farmers are unfamiliar with crop insurance and the role it plays to assist them in minimizing risk.
Crop insurance and agricultural risk management strategies continue to be the cornerstone in securing future funds, managing risk and providing support for the farmers. Thus, Chembezi and Chaverest will provide training on crop insurance, risk management tools and strategies.
SFRC will partner with Fort Valley State University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System-Auburn University in an effort that is expected to reach more than 300 persons.
Earlier this summer, North Carolina A&T State University announced that AAMU was among three partners assisting with the success of a newly funded Agriculture Business Innovation Center, awarded $1.92 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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