Across ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's thousands of farms, spanning nearly 400,000 acres, the average age of farmers is 58, just under the national average. Over 90% of senior ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø farmers don’t have a younger person tapped to take the reins, according to
This hour, we dig into local and federal efforts to support new and young farmers with New ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Farmers Alliance President Liz Guerra. Plus, federal policy reporter Lisa Hagen has the latest on the
RELATED: Liz Guerra and her husband Héctor Gerardo were recently interviewed for a series about ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's BIPOC farmers, and efforts to diversify the field in the state, which is 98% white.
We also spoke with ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, who stressed the need for stability and funding "safety nets" for local farmers, particularly during "a year like this year where you had a moderate winter, two pretty dramatic frost events, a drought" and, most recently, flooding.
Later, we'll learn more about , a nonprofit at the heart of harvest festivals where we live. Matthew Syrotiak, a 4-H alum, now works on a family farm. We hear from the plus program leader Jen Cushman, about
GUESTS:
- Federal Policy Reporter, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Mirror
- Liz Guerra: President, ; Owner-Operator,
- Mary Claire Whelan: Coordinator, New ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Farmer Alliance
- Bryan Hurlburt: Commissioner, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Department of Agriculture
- Matthew Syrotiak: 4-H Alumni; Dairy Farmer
- Jen Cushman: 4-H Program Leader,
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