Coalition encourages next-generation towards farming career
This International Mother Earth Day, Niman Ranch and the National Young Farmers Coalition, two leaders in the sustainable agriculture movement, will come together to inspire and direct their respective young farmer networks towards sustainable practices.
The announcement comes after the data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which showed between 2012 and 2017, the number of young farmers increased by 2% and farmers over 65 incresed by 11%.
How coalition will nurture farming as a career?
Niman Ranch offers free National Young Farmers Coalition membership to its more than 740 family farmers to provide resources like education, mentorship, and support to the next generation of sustainable farmers. The Coalition offers regional trainings, guidebooks on federal resources, peer mentoring, advocacy support and discounts on select farm supplies and gear, among other benefits. The partnership has mission to look out for the interests of young farmers focusing on growing and delivering quality. The step is taken to inspire and help farmers to implement sustainable practices which utilize innovations in science and technology.
Niman Ranch is committing to covering membership for the next three years, investing $20,000 per year for interested farmers and ranchers in its young farmers and the National Young Farmers Coalition.
Sustainable farming a viable option
According to The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports, half of all current farmers are likely to retire in the next decade, leaving a large gap for the next generation to fill. Fortunately, a new wave of food pioneers, mostly from non-farming backgrounds, is turning to careers in agriculture. Also, National surveys have found that young farmers are leading the way on sustainable, earth-friendly farming practices.
Career in a working farm can be educational and fun. The programme will give knowledge and exposure to farm life and help to invest future generations in local agriculture.
Chris Oliviero, Niman Ranch general manager says, “We are thrilled to further bolster our partnership with the National Young Farmers Coalition, an organization that has proven itself to be a tremendous resource to young and beginning farmers across the country”. “Starting out as a young farmer is no simple feat and offering membership to the National Young Farmers Coalition is just one more way we are helping support this next generation.” he added.
