Inside the AfroEcology Lunch & Learn Technical Assistance Series
Connecting ancestral farming wisdom with modern agricultural support should be accessible, and community-centered. The AfroEcology Lunch and Learn Technical Assistance Series are designed as interactive, learning sessions, bringing together urban growers, farmers, cooperatives, and community advocates to demystify federal conservation resources, streamline application processes, and build land resilience.
What Is the Lunch and Learn Series About?
Navigating government assistance programs can often feel overwhelming. The Technical Assistance Lunch and Learn series was created to bridge that gap, translating complex conservation programs into actionable, step-by-step guidance rooted in AfroEcology principles.
Participants gathered virtually to explore how traditional practices, like natural mulching, mixed cropping, and seed stewardship, align directly with formal standards established by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Key Takeaways
During the series, we broke down how farmers and land stewards can access free, voluntary Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) and turn conservation plans into financial support:
Design and Plan: Partnering with conservation planners to assess soil health, water quality, and site conditions to create a tailored Conservation Plan.
Submit Application: Navigating enrollment through documents and aligning with regional review cycles.
Verify Eligibility: Establishing farm records with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and confirming land control requirements.
Cost-Share Contracts: Unlocking federal funding programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) for high tunnels, irrigation systems, and soil management, as well as CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) for ongoing land care.
Centering AfroEcology and Community Support
More than just a technical walkthrough, each session is centered with cultural heritage of sustainable land care. We highlight how prioritizing historically underserved, and beginning producers creates pathways for food sovereignty, land preservation, and economic vitality in our communities.
Upcoming Sessions
Join us for the next sessions by registering here!
Dates:
October 22 (Irrigation)
November 12 (High Tunnels)
December 3 (Meet the Experts - Panel Discussion)
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