The overarching goal of the project Experiential Learning Opportunities for Limited Resource Growers through Mobile Farm Innovation in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia was to meet the critical challenge to farm viability faced by socially disadvantaged, limited resource, minority growers in the region who are trying to balance food safety, conservation, and financial sustainability concerns. The customized food safety training developed addresses these needs by building on the body of food safety resources previously developed and focusing on experiential learning and face-to-face technological support. With the growers' long-term food safety, conservation, and financial viability in mind, the project partners developed five Mobile Farm Innovation units equipped with multiple experiential, visual, and technological training aides, developed multimedia materials to accompany the Mobile Farm Innovation units, provided outreach to socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and minority growers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and evaluated the effectiveness of the program. The curriculum to accompany the Farm Innovation Project includes the development of interactive activities, demonstrations, and presentations focusing on food safety, and computer literacy training focused on improving grower access to already existing technology-based food safety materials. While the Farm Innovation Project helped some farmers learn and build skills around food safety and conservation, there is much work to be done to more fully develop a sustainable food system in the region and build capacity among the community members.
