Proceedings of the National Small Farm Conference

Excerpts from the Preface: On September 10-13,1996, nearly 300 participants from the land grant system, farms, public and private sectors convened in Nashville, Tennessee at the National Small Farm Conference. The purpose of the conference was to provide an opportunity for research and extension educators, scientists, farmers, and other agricultural professionals from the public and private sectors, with small and mid-size farm responsibilities, to identify program priorities. This was also an opportunity to share success stories and/or experiences in order to strengthen program delivery and services. These proceedings capture nine major issue areas that were identified at the conference through presentations and discussions. These issues are: 1) Research and Extension Priorities, 2) Program Impacts and Accountability, 3) Technology Transfer, 4) Environmental Issues, 5) Program Delivery, 6) Marketing Strategies, 7) Economic Opportunities, 8) Social Issues and 9) Small Farm Policy. In an effort to build a strong Small Farm Program in CSREES and its partners, subcommittees consisting of the land grant system, public and private sectors including farmers and non-governmental organizations are being formed to address each issue area, and develop recommendations that would benefit the delivery of programs and services throughout the small farm community.