Rodale Institute has been hard at work to expand resilient farming practices in the Southeast.
Through a USDA-funded project, Rodale Institute and its partners are enrolling 100 organic and conventional vegetable farmers across the Southern Piedmont, as well as farmers markets and market farmers, in a research study that provides farmers with the benefit of financial support.
Over $6 million in cash and non-cash incentives are available to participating farmers, market managers, and market farmers.
Opportunities For Farmers
The project is designed to assist farmers, gather data, evaluate the impact of regenerative farming practices, and successfully market the commodities produced by the project’s participants.
Space is still available for conventional farmers. But the application period is nearing its deadline. Farmers interested in participating can apply at the link below.
ACCESS FARMER APPLICATIONFarmers Market Participation
Farmers markets also have an important role in the project, helping to educate consumers about agricultural practices that are better for communities through consumer surveys and the use of on-site marketing materials. There are still slots for farmers markets in the Southern Piedmont to participate – click the link below to apply.
Pictured above: Dr. Kristie Wendelberger (far left), Climate Smart Program Director, joins project leaders from other programs on a panel led by United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
The Southern Piedmont Climate Smart project is part of an historic multi-billion dollar investment by the USDA in American farmers. Read more about the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program here.
Questions about the Southern Piedmont Climate-Smart Project?
Please visit the FarmingClimateSmart.org project portal, refer to our FAQ Page or contact Dr. Kristie Wendelberger, Climate-Smart Project Director, Kristie.wendelberger@rodaleinstitute.org