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The module will identify both the observed and projected Climate Change trends and stressors and describe how these forces can impact the different components of the farm business.  The role of agriculture in climate change mitigation, plant and animal health, and natural resource protection will be included.

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The Climate Adaptation Strategies Including Pest Management for Vegetable Growers module focuses on providing vegetable producers with essential knowledge to adapt to climate-related challenges affecting crop production. As the demand for high-quality, locally grown produce continues to rise in the Northeast, growers face intensified pressures from climate change, including increased heat, drought, and extreme weather events. This course examines the impacts of these factors on vegetable growth and resilience, guiding participants through effective climate adaptation strategies.

This module has four key objectives. The module first explores the effects of climate change on vegetable production and emphasizes the necessity of adaptation. It then introduces specific on-farm tactics that can be implemented practically. Participants will gain insights into the benefits and potential trade-offs of these methods and learn about various online tools and resources that support climate adaptation efforts. By the end of the module, participants will gain knowledge to apply climate adaptation strategies and pest management methods in their operations, promoting sustainable and resilient farming practices. The course includes knowledge checks and a quiz to reinforce learning and offers links to additional resources for further exploration of climate-resilient agriculture.

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The course approaches climate adaptation through the lens of a fruit grower. For this course, focus will be given to strategies and tactics that are aimed at building resiliency into your fruit farming operation. Building resiliency is important for all farmers, but especially so for fruit growers whose perennial crops withstand year after year climate related challenges. Building resiliency into your operation allows your farm to withstand, endure, and recover quickly from climate and other production-related challenges.

To achieve these goals, this course highlights the importance of proper site selection, proper varietal selection, proper cultural management, and thoughtful farm diversification. At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to evaluate the resiliency of your own operation and consider ways to further build resiliency into your own operation. This course will show you how to access and use several essential farm resiliency resources.

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This module will cover the three most important financial statements for a farm business: The balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement.
The balance sheet shows the financial position of an individual or a business, by summarizing their assets, liabilities and net worth. The income statement shows a business’s income and expenses over a period of time and can help you manage the profitability of your enterprise. Finally, the cash flow statement, or budget, is a forward-looking statement, showing money coming into and going out of your business, and can help you manage your cash position to maintain a positive bank balance throughout the year.

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This module provides information to assist farmers to understand and analyze farm insurance and retirement plans. General information will be provided about a select list of farm insurance options to help mitigate various business risks. Additionally, general information will be offered about a select list of retirement options that can be established to fund retirement needs.

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This module will cover financing and access to capital, how credit decisions are made by banks and other lenders, benchmarking, and financial metrics.

Farmers have several options when it comes to credit and financing. This module will discuss available options, and how lenders evaluate applications.

Benchmarking is the practice of comparing your business to various metrics. You can benchmark your business against other businesses, whether in your industry or elsewhere, against established metrics and ratios, and, perhaps most importantly, against yourself over time. Benchmarking can show you where your business is doing well, and where there is room for improvement.

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The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - Produce Safety Rule (PSR) is a key regulatory framework introduced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enhance food safety in the agricultural sector. Enacted in 2011, FSMA shifts the focus of food safety from reactive responses to preventive measures. The Produce Safety Rule specifically establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption.

The rule applies to farms that grow produce typically consumed raw, such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and berries, but exempts certain operations based on factors like average annual sales, farm size, and produce not consumed raw. Key areas of focus include worker health and hygiene, agricultural water quality, biological soil amendments, wildlife and domesticated animal intrusion, and equipment sanitation.

The rule also introduces testing requirements for agricultural water to ensure it is free from harmful pathogens like E. coli, although compliance timelines vary depending on farm size. Additionally, it mandates proper handling of manure and compost to minimize contamination risks.

Training and education play a crucial role in PSR compliance. Farmers and workers must receive training in safe practices as outlined in the rule. The FDA provides guidance, training, and inspections to help farms meet the regulatory requirements.

Overall, this module will briefly cover the FSMA - Produce Safety Rule which represents a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness by addressing potential contamination risks at the source, ensuring a safer supply of fresh produce for consumers.

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This course will provide growers with information about important programs from the USDA and the CT Department of Agriculture.  This course will (1) discuss USDA Farm Service Agency programs: Farm Loan programs, Disaster Assistance programs, Conservation programs, ARC/PLC program, and Emergency relief; (2) discuss USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs: Conservation Stewardship, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Innovation Grants, and Agricultural Management; and (3) discuss the CT Department of Agriculture’s programs: Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Grant, Farm Transition Grant, Organic Certification Cost Share Program, and Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.

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This course will assist growers with their decision regarding the purchase of crop insurance. The course will (1) explain the important role of the USDA Risk Management Agency in administering crop insurance, (2) explain the parameters of Multi-Peril crop insurance, which is an important farm risk management tool, and (3) explain the USDA Farm Service Agency’s NAP program.

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This module will provide information needed to help farmers to understand and analyze the potential use of two revenue-based crop insurance policy options to manage farm risk.  Whole Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm are policies designed to meet the needs of highly diverse farms that are growing a wide range of commodities, and for farms selling commodities to wholesale markets, specialty or organic crops (including livestock) and those farms marketing to local, regional and direct markets.

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The module will describe multiple currently identified successful strategies, as well as the potential barriers to adoption and increased resiliency. A variety of conservation practices, tools, products, and technology will be reviewed as possible actions for addressing the climate stressors and opportunities.  Potential sources of funding and technical assistance are included.

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The module will bring together the knowledge gained from Modules 1 and 2 to develop your farm/business specific strategies and actions needed to address the risks and impacts, and then create a plan for implementation. Participants will be able to conduct a risk and vulnerability assessment of their farm, and review the potential strategies and actions needed to address them. The developed Plan then allows the opportunity to compare these actions to your current farm goals, priorities, and resources, and adjust to reduce risk, increase resiliency, improve viability, and provide resource protection.