Cuthbert’s Andrew College scores farming grant
Funds will help seed a sustainable farming program in the near future
CUTHBERT, GA – Andrew College sustainable agriculture program director Dr. Adam Redhead, will receive a grant in the amount of $3000 to fund an agricultural training program. The grant was awarded by the southern division of Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and outreach program. The overall objective of SARE, according to their website, “is to position agricultural communities, so the most sustainable approaches available permeate U.S. agriculture.” The sponsorship funds support education and training activities for historically underserved farmers and ranchers in areas of sustainable agriculture.
The criteria for the grant states that the training topics must pertain to sustainable agriculture. They can include issues related to heirs’ property, education, and training resources; safety and health; market challenges; food access; disaster recovery; access to technology; and stress and mental health.
Dr. Redhead feels that the issues at the core of this project are important for farmers not only in Southwest Georgia but all over the world. Redhead stated, ” the global population is going to reach 9 billion people by 2050 with the need for food production to increase by 70% to meet these demands. It is essential to do this with the intention of preserving the environment.” Dr. Redhead has planned a virtual approach to reach the farmers on a grassroots level. The three-day online event is scheduled for June 6, and will feature some of the brightest minds and innovative thinkers in the field of sustainable agriculture.
The workshop will provide insight into current techniques and best practices in sustainable agriculture that farmers can apply to their current production systems. The event is open to anyone who would like to attend and is targeted towards agricultural entrepreneurs, professionals, and those who may be considering a career in agriculture or farming.
