Creating Farmer Networks: A Toolkit for Promoting Vibrant Farm Communities

Created with SARE support
Melissa Matthewson, Melissa Fery, Maud Powell | 2013 | 54 pages
Cover of Creating Farmer Networks publication with four pictures of farmers communicating as a community

This toolkit provides information and resources needed to create a successful farmer network. It is intended for farmers, extension agents, community organizers, and other agricultural professionals.

A farmer network—sometimes called a discussion group, gathering, or conference—is a way for farmers to exchange information, socialize, learn, and connect with peers on a regular, ongoing basis. What is most important about a farmer network and sets it apart from, for example, traditional Extension-based classes, is that the farmers decide what they want to learn and create together.

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This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.