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Annie´s Project in New Jersey - Challenges in Adapting a Program from the Midwest for Jersey Girls

Robin Brumfield

Summary

Annie’s Project began in 2003 as a program for farm and ranch women addressing risk management. The six-session, eighteen hour course has no standard curricula and is tailored to local needs. From the 2007 Census of Agriculture, women in New Jersey operate 22% of the 10,327 farms in New Jersey. This accounts for only 9% of the 733,450 acres of New Jersey farms. The average size of female operated farm is only 29 acres and average market value of products sold is only $22,170 annually, compared to the New Jersey farm average of $95,564. Half of the female operated farms in the state make less than $1000/year. New Jersey is the second most densely populated state in the U.S. and has a very diverse agriculture, including a large number of farms participating in direct marketing and agri-tourism. To prepare for our Annie’s Project training, we held two listening sessions of potential participants and followed up with an on-line survey to help identify topics and speakers. We found enthusiasm among potential female participants as well as the agricultural support community. We found some difference in what New Jersey women want verses what has been offered in other states. We found that instead of True Colors, New Jersey women wanted information on labor management. We also found that they wanted a greater emphasis on price and market risk. Our participants will complete a full business plan during the course.

Details

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