WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Designed for those who want to begin farming, the Central State University Extension (CSU-CESTA Extension) Fast Track Farming Program, will educate participants about the multiple aspects of managing a successful growing operation.
“Our Fasttrack Farming program is well aligned with our priorities here in CSU-CESTA Extension,” says College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA), says Dean Dr. Michelle Corley. “It is a part of our Value Added 21st Century Farming Technologies we are aiming to provide to our underserved farmers in Ohio.”
Participants who attend the 12-month training will receive a certificate of completion, says CSU-CESTA Extension Associate Director and Project Director Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta.
“Prospective farmers should consider their participation as an investment in their future,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “The program is free, and participants will need to attend at least 12 months of training to receive a certificate of completion. Those who receive the certificate will have received knowledge of how to begin their own farming operation. Class topics include, but are not limited to accessing land, making key farming decisions, soil management, beekeeping, hydroponics and aquaponics, vegetable and small fruit farming, integrated pest management, harvesting and sales.”
Fastrack Farming Co-Director Dr. Alcinda (Cindy) Folck says the program focuses on beginning production and business planning.
“Our Fasttrack farming program is well aligned with our priorities here in CSU-CESTA Extension. It is a part of the Value Added 21st Century Farming Technologies we are aiming to provide to our underserved farmers in Ohio”
As part of their training, student farmers will also attend workshops, training conferences, network with other farmers and USDA officials, and be provided with opportunities to access land and capital.
Conferences will include the Rid-All Green Partnership, Agraria Conference, and New Farmer University Conference. Farm apprenticeships are available and student farmers will receive continued access to free educational programs through CSU-CESTA Extension for long-term success.
“The Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Program at Central State University provides outreach, education and awareness to all Ohioans while enhancing sustainability of Ohio’s most valuable resources,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Our mission is to become a premier community-based outreach and educational program leader, providing a holistic Extension approach to improve the lives of families in both rural and urban communities.”
For more information about the Fastrack Faming program, contact Dr. Dasgupta at [email protected] or Dr. Alcinda (Cindy) Folck at [email protected].
— Central State University Extension
