Limited resource small farmers and woodland owners (SFWOs) in the south are plagued with problems that affect their efforts to compete. Many SFWOs lack farming and forestry training, making their land less productive. The purpose of this study is to: advance the public’s knowledge for agriculture and the environment; support economic opportunities for rural America; and train Extension educators to train farmers how to protect the environment. The overall goal is to encourage SFWOs to adopt the use of agroforestry practices to enhance their economic stability and better manage their natural resources. The activities being carried out to meet the goals include: developing an agroforestry curriculum; b) establishing demonstration sites to teach agroforestry; and c) strengthening partnerships with local, state and federal entities. The project partners with a local Cooperative Extension office and secondary agriculture teachers and their students to educate them on the use and benefits of agroforestry. There are three farmers currently receiving training. The preliminary findings: SFWOs are receptive to learning and implementing agroforestry practices to better their operations. The researchers will continue to deliver involve more stakeholders and educate secondary and postsecondary students about the benefits of studying food and agricultural sciences and natural resources.
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