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Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program (ISFOP)
The ISFOP is part of Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), created to help the small farmers and ranchers of Missouri, especially those who are socially disadvantaged and under-served, to raise the level of efficiency on their farms while taking good care of the soil, water and the environment. A vast body of resources is available from universities, government agencies and all sorts of organizations for small farmers. Unfortunately, many of the small farmers and ranchers are unaware of the information and opportunities. ISFOP will make farmers aware and assist them to access these resources so that they may improve their farms and farming operations, which in turn will improve their overall well-being. The information provided by ISFOP to small farmers will help them adapt to a rapidly changing farm economy. We work in partnership with University of Missouri Extension (UME), other USDA and state agencies, and non-governmental organizations to provide research-based information on various farm topics to help farmers:
The Way the Program Works There are currently two Regional Small Farm Specialists (ISFOP Coordinators), one located in Kansas City and one in St. Louis. They work with and coordinate the activities of Farm Outreach Workers (FOW’s) who work and live in the counties surrounding the two metropolis (see “Counties We Work In” below). If you qualify as a small farmer (see “Eligibility” below), you can then schedule an appointment with the FOW in your county. He/she will visit you on your farm and do a site walk. We encourage you to discuss the goals and plans for your farm with the FOW, and come up with realistic ways to achieve your goals based on the resources available. The FOW will give you relevant technical information that will not only help you realize your goals and plans, but also increase your skills in farm management and best business practices. The FOW will also inform you any upcoming workshops/ events in your area that you may wish to participate. With these available resources, you should be able to raise your income level and have a more profitable and well-managed farm. Urban Focus In addition to working with the small farmers and ranchers, we also focus on urban food production in the two largest cities in our work area. One of our goals is to help limited resource minority residents, especially the elderly, get access to fresh, nutritious produce. We have formed partnerships with various groups and community garden organizations that promote Urban Agriculture. If you are interested in growing a garden in your backyard or in your neighborhood, please contact us. As Interests arise in various aspects of farming, we will be offering relevant workshops or trainings. Here are some of the workshops we have offered in the past:
Eligibility You are eligible to participate in the ISFOP if:
Counties We Work In
West Central Region: East Central Region: Jackson St. Louis Johnson St. Charles Cass Warren Platte Jefferson Lafayette Franklin Clinton Washington Ray Lincoln ****more counties coming soon**** ISFOP Staff Trish Grim Small Farm Specialist – East Central Region Phone 314-588-7116 Email grimt@lincolnu.edu Katie Nixon Small Farm Specialist – West Central Region Phone 816-809-5074 Email nixonk@lincolnu.edu Dr. K.B. Paul Program Leader Phone 573-681-5584 Email paulk@lincolnu.edu Dr. Sanjun Gu Associate Program Leader Phone 573-681-5524 Email sanjun.gu@lincolnu.edu Vonna Kesel Secretary Phone 573-681-5312; Fax: 573-681-5313 Email kesselv@lincolnu.edu Useful Links
University of Missouri Extension Missouri Agricultural Electronic Bulletin Board National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service |
