Involving youths in agriculture
A growing need to produce a qualified workforce to solve issues in agriculture such as changing environmental conditions means involving more youths. Youths have a strong potential to grow into leaders who can address these issues.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is establishing educational centers related to regenerative agriculture and aquaculture on campus and at the UAPB Farm in Lonoke, Arkansas. UAPB is collaborating with Arkansas Discovery Farms to create UAPB Discovery Farm Educational Centers, aiming to attract undergraduate students, children, and teenagers to agricultural careers. Students and local producers will be trained in environmental practices such as water conservation.
The program will host activities to bolster Extension and education efforts to provide resources to farmers, teachers, youths, and undergraduate and graduate students. The first step is to introduce youths to agricultural careers at an early age by building relationships with U.S. agricultural agencies, public schools and local 4-H clubs. Peer-to-peer mentoring, summer camps and field trips will help meet this goal and contribute to positive youth development.
The educational center will also host domestic apprenticeships for undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their understanding and expertise on food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences.
Additionally, UAPB will establish a mentoring program to connect local farmers with “mentor farmers” who can help implement regenerative agricultural practices on a farmer’s private land, as well as provide on-campus training on these practices.
View the full statement on the NIDB.
Project supported by USDA Capacity – Extension funds. Photo courtesy of University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service – University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
