Beginner Farmer & Rancher Project

The SR1 Community Oriented Opportunities for Learning (C.O.O.L.™) Farming project is designed to educate and train 70 beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers to plan, launch, and/or sustain independent organic farm businesses. Prior farming experience is not required! Anyone can apply and be a participant in the C.O.O.L.™ Farming project.

Our Agriculture and Science projects are open to all while placing emphasis on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities who have historically faced discrimination. Click to download SR1 C.OO.L Farming Fact Sheet

Mississippi Fact

The state of Mississippi only has 29 organic farms. This ranks seventh from the lowest in the nation in organic farming. None of Mississippi’s 29 organic farms are owned by Blacks, Latinx, and Indigenous Farmers. The C.O.O.L.™ Farming project seeks to change this.

No Experience Required

The C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project is for people with zero to ten years of farming experience.

The program is designed for socially disadvantaged farmers to benefit the most.

Focus Area

People living in the Central Mississippi Counties of Hinds,

Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Rankin, Scott, and Smith

are eligible. Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.

Meet a great Team

Beginner Farmers and Ranchers in the program will work with

an experienced team. They will gain expertise to prepare

and launch a farm. Participants will also gain knowledge and

experience needed to sustain a farming business.

USDA Approved

The C.O.O.L.™ Farming

project is FREE for participants. A grant from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) provides funding for the C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project.

Farmers in the project

participate at no cost to them.

2021-2024 Project

The C.O.O.L.™ Farming Project is an exciting project for all

skill levels and lengths of training desired. Potential farmers can learn organic farming practices, business management,financial management, and much more!

For those desiring more

intensive training, farmers can practice their business on a half-acre of land and receive continued education.

Project Slots

12

70 1/2 Acre

12 researched based initial modules that provides great learning opportunities for both experience and beginner farmers.

Slots open to gain education and assistance to prepare for and launch farm businesses.

For those seeking enrichment

training - practice on a .5 acre of land for a year.

Beginner Farmer Interest Form

Are you interested in joining our C.O.O.L.™ Beginner Farmer Project? Then please fill out this form!