Grant Helps Duval SWCD Support New Farmers Through a Start Farming Mentorship
In 2021, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), selected 15 applicants to explore farming opportunities in Duval County. Due to a couple of personal negative experiences with USDA extension agencies, Due to my extensive experience in conservation and forestry, I joined the mentorship to help offer culturally appropriate technical assistance and to serve as a subject matter expert on urban agriculture. I leveraged my social influence to encourage other local Black farmers to use this space to speak to the importance of solidarity in advocating for land advocacy and sweeping changes to our local food system.
Beyond the training, participants had the opportunity to network with the local agricultural community and with agency personnel offering conservation funding assistance to growers and producers.
2021-2022 DSW START-UP FARMING RECAP
The program also helped the district reach more than 985 people. This included the 15 mentees, 100-plus participants in Duval SWCD’s 2021 Start Farming Panel Discussion and Market, and nearly 900 Facebook followers.
The Duval SWCD plans to continue the Start Farming Mentorship in the future and raised funds at the Start Farming Panel Discussion and Market to benefit the program moving forward.
