The
Agricultural information you need is available. It is just a conversation,
library card or a computer click away.
In the past the majority of the population was involved in the production side of agriculture. Today only about 1.8% of the population is employed in the production of agricultural products and most are generations removed from a family farm connection.
This disconnect has changed the face of new farmers. Many have no agricultural education or experience. It also has changed how new farmers first learn and experience farming. In the past many people spent time when they were young working on the "farm down the road" or their grandparent's or uncle's farms. Today there are many opportunities to learn from experienced farmers but it takes a conscious effort. Fortunately, we live in the information age and the stories and wisdom of wonderful, successful farmers are just a library card or a computer click away.
The following compilation is just meant to scratch the surface of what is available. Please e-mail us with suggestions or comments so we can improve these resources.
"Small family farms constitute 91 percent of all farms and own about two-thirds of all farmland, but large family and commercial farms account for over half of the total value of agricultural production. Self-employed workers—mostly farmers and fishers—account for half of the industry’s workforce." - U.S. Dept. of Labor
Growing New Farmers
P.O. Box 11
Belchertown, MA 01007
phone/fax 413-323-9878
email: info@northeastnewfarmer.org
website: http://www.growingnewfarmers.org
© 2004 Growing New Farmers. Updated:
10/30/05