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Meeting the Needs of Small Acreage Producers through the Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference

Sustainable Agriculture

Katie Wagner
Horticultural Agent
Utah State University
Salt Lake City

Abstract

Every state has a unique agriculture profile and Utah is no exception. According to 2020 US Census data, Utah was the fastest growing state from 2010 to 2020 and rapid urbanization has led to a loss of farmland and increase in small acreage urban farming. To address this need, Utah State University Extension developed the annual Urban and Small Farms Conference in 2013 which is supported by Extension specialists and county-based faculty from across the state. The conference targets novice to experienced producers seeking technical production information, business and marketing guidance and improved knowledge of local/urban agriculture issues. Conference evaluation results from years 2013 to 2016 found 60% of respondents had incorporated a sizable/significant amount of material presented at the conference into their operation; most respondents were small scale growers selling through farmers' markets, farm stands, and restaurants, and 54% had increased their farm sales since attending the conference. This presentation will provide details of the Urban and Small Farms Conference and highlight impacts generated from conference sessions.      

Authors: Katie Wagner
  1. Katie Wagner Horticultural Faculty, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84114