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AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOR NON-TRADITIONAL URBAN GROWERS

Extension Education

Timothy Malinich
Assistant Professor, EXTENSION EDUCATOR, HORTICULTURE
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
Sandusky

Abstract

\r\n Traditional agriculture education has always been provided to large and small growers seeking to enter the local produce market or to branch off into niche markets.  The local foods movement combined with urban redevelopment has merged the need for traditional grower outreach with small market garden entrepreneurs having little or no experience with agricultural endeavors.  Most urban market gardeners have no experience growing crops for market.  They do not recognize traditional agriculture supply chains and many of the supplies are not available within urban areas.  Ongoing "market gardener" programs in the Greater Cleveland area have honed grower educational programs to cater to new urban farmers.  This new group of extension clientele approach their business with new eyes—recognizing and using non-traditional inputs that rural growers would not consider.  This same lack of experience redirects education efforts to more hands-on and anecdotal teaching.  In one market gardener program, of the thirty growers that participated about one-third made extensive use of programs, resources, and on-site, phone and eMail consulting.  A subjective evaluation of sites at the close of the year indicated that the same one-third were the most successful of the original group.  This suggests that the group was either more engaged in the process leading them to seek (and use) more input or that the availability of the assistance was sufficient to increase their rate of success.  Successful extension education to urban growers requires acknowledgement that these non-traditional farmers require frequent contact and resources that account for their level of experience.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: T. J. Malinich, M. Barni
  1. Malinich, T. Extension Educator, Lorain County, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44035
  2. Barni, M. County Director, Cuyahoga County, The Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44105