Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance

Objectives & Collaborators: the Opsf Farmer Training Program, Led by an Ngo/cbo and Inpartnership With Extension, Louisiana Department of Agriculture, and Established Farms Acrossthe State Will Provide Expert Producer Training in Basic Livestock and Crop Farming Practices,entrepreneurship, Business Skills, Land Access, Financial Practices (inc. Benchmarking), Riskassessment, Diversification/marketing Strategies, Food Safety, Record Keeping, and Correctiveactions. Opsf Will Specifically Address the Distinct Cultural and Climate Realities Unique to Therural Deep South Project Area.outcomes: the Opsf Program Will Generate Strong Regional Interest and an Average of 50-100PROGRAM Applications Per Year. Participants Will Gain New Knowledge and Improved Skills(relating to the Objectives) for Increased Agricultural and Business Literacy. the Opsf Programwill Graduate 25 Participants Per Year, 20 of Whom Will Start or Expand Farming Operations. Atleast Five Graduates Will Be Referred to the Bas Program for Advanced Business Coaching Everyyear. This Program Pipeline With Strong Ties to Extension Research, Expert Staff, Regulatoryagency Relationships, and National Experts, Will Lead to Improved Revenue and Increased Incomesfor Participants and More Locally Sourced Food Available Within the Regional Food System.