SR1 Launching New Farming Project to Help Beginner Farmers Succeed

Ridgeland, MS – SR1 is launching the Community Oriented Opportunities for Learning (C.O.O.L.™) Farming Project through a grant from the USDA. The C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project is designed to educate and train 70 beginning farmers to plan, launch, and sustain independent organic farm businesses. Prior farming experience is not required—anyone can apply! The program is available at no cost to the 70 participants.

According to the 2019 Organic Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service, Mississippi has only 29 certified organic farms, ranking among the lowest in the nation. The C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project seeks to expand that number by helping new producers establish successful, sustainable farms.

“SR1 is conducting the C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project to help beginning farmers learn how to grow and farm using sustainable organic agriculture practices. We want to increase the number of organic producers in Mississippi,” said Dr. Jasmine Hendrix, SR1 Agriculture and Food Science Department Director.

SR1 will operate the program at the Davis-Green Pastures’ Research, Education, and Development Center in Forest, MS (Scott County), and at the SR1 Research, Education, and Development Center in Canton, MS (Madison County). Central Mississippi’s fertile soil and temperate climate make it ideal for year-round farming.

The C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project is a three-year program for individuals with no farming background up to ten years of experience. Participants will gain knowledge, skills, and hands-on training in organic and sustainable agriculture practices while also learning essential business and financial management skills for long-term farm success.

In the second year, participants will launch their own farm business on a half-acre plot to test commitment and potential for independent farming.

“Participants will gain hands-on experience implementing organic and sustainable agriculture practices, learn from subject-matter experts, and work with an experienced team to conduct on-farm research-based activities such as organic no-till practices, cover crops, soil management, and more,” Dr. Hendrix added.

People living in the Central Mississippi Counties of Hinds, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Rankin, Scott, and Smith are eligible to participate in the “The C.O.O.L.™ Farming project.

To apply, visit the website sr1ag.org. You can also call 601.206.4544 for more information or assistance to apply.

Applications are accepted from February 14 – April 18.