Growing Farmers, Building Pathways

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 // Freddy Soza

At New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, we are committed to transforming agriculture into a career of possibility for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Through our national and regional networks, we work together with organizations supporting aspiring farmers nationwide, with skills, resources, and knowledge sharing. From experiential training programs to advocacy for sustainable policies, these initiatives are building a resilient agricultural future—and your support makes it all possible. 

The FIELD Network (Farm Incubation and Education through Land-Based Skills Development) is a nationwide alliance of agricultural training programs designed to create new opportunities for careers in farming and farm ownership. The FIELD Network includes diverse program models such as: 
- Incubator farms, which offer aspiring farmers access to land, equipment, and training. 
- Apprenticeship programs, where participants learn production and management skills on commercial farms. 
- Campus and demonstration farms, providing hands-on educational experiences. 

Each year, we host the FIELD School, a national conference designed to enhance the professional development of staff working within land-based training models. By sharing best practices, resources, and innovative approaches, the FIELD School builds capacity among those who are shaping the future of farming. 

Advocating for a Sustainable Food System
As a member of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), New Entry is part of a powerful alliance advocating for federal policy reforms that promote sustainable agriculture, food systems, and rural communities. This work ensures that the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers are represented in national conversations about the future of food. 

Collaborating to Connect Food and Health
Through the Collaborative Food Is Medicine Initiative, New Entry joins forces with the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the Delta Health Center, and others to address critical health challenges like obesity and diabetes in the Mississippi Delta. By increasing the production and consumption of local fruits and vegetables, this initiative demonstrates how agriculture can drive health equity in underserved regions. 

Accelerating Technical Assistance for Impact
New Entry’s role in the Meridian National Advisory Group TA Accelerator strengthens our capacity to deliver impactful technical assistance to organizations serving beginning farmers. These partnerships ensure that innovative programs reach those who need them most, creating ripple effects that benefit entire communities. 

By supporting New Entry’s national and regional networks, you’re investing in: 
- Training programs that prepare the next generation of farmers to succeed in agriculture. 
- Advocacy efforts that push for policies supporting sustainable food systems. 
- Collaborations that connect agriculture with health, equity, and innovation. 

Your gift will help us continue to build the partnerships, training models, and resources that are driving a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future. Together, we can cultivate a food system where aspiring farmers thrive and communities flourish. 

Donate Today to grow the future of farming—one farmer, one field, and one community at a time.