Training and Technical Assistance Services:
Educational Outreach: Farming for Local Markets
 In 2006-2007 NYSAWG will continue its partnership with the USDA Risk Management Agency by carrying out an outreach and assistance program for limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and other traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers. This program, Growing Home Markets, will provide training for underserved producers in low-input, sustainable, intensive farming practices to improve productivity and introduce them to new markets in low-income communities. This training will take place through a series of workshops and field days designed and delivered in partnership with Growing Power, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and farms around New York State. We anticipate serving a total of 90 underserved producers over the one-year project period. Producers will benefit from learning how to reduce costs and increase productivity through diversified, low-input, sustainable farming practices, both small- and large-scale; how to access new markets in low-income communities in desperate need for fresh, whole food; and how to increase cash flow and profit.
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NYSAWG is working to develop, expand and support a statewide network of organizations and individuals who can advocate for community food security based on local food systems. Currently, we are closely partnered with the Cattaraugus County Local Food System Development Group, a newly-emerging group of farmers and consumers in Cattaraugus County initiated by NYSAWG in partnership with Joan Petzen, Extension Issue Leader for Business Development at the Allegany/Cattaraugus office of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Participants include the Canticle Farm CSA, local chicken and beef producers, local vegetable growers and consumers. This spring, the Catt. County Local Food Group and NYSAWG will be surveying farmers in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties to determine the best opportunities for farmers to expand their markets and increase profit.
