Commercial Horticulture
The mission of our program is to enhance community well-being by supporting both beginning and experienced farmers through impartial, science-driven education, resources, and technical aid. Our goal is to equip clients with research-based information that will enable their success in gardening and farming endeavors. Our specific objectives include:
- Encouraging the establishment of new specialty crop farm ventures in Missouri.
- Improving farm management by promoting sustainable practices that benefit the community, are viable for farmers, and are environmentally responsible.
- Connecting beginning and established specialty crop farmers to educational, community, and governmental resources for growth, marketing, and sales.
- Providing high-quality, unbiased information to support informed decision-making in crop production, management, sales, and marketing.
- Actively listening to growers to identify needs and challenges, guiding program development, delivery, and research.
- Removing barriers and improving access for underserved farmer demographics.
- Measuring impacts of farmers through increased participation local food systems, stronger farmer connections, and improved community health.
- Continuing to support local produce farmers and maintaining our role as a trusted resource in the counties we serve.
As a cohesive team, our shared motivation revolves around creating a program that profoundly impacts our specialists, farmers, and local communities. We are driven by the following collective goals:
- Meaningful Impact: We aspire to build a program that genuinely matters, benefiting the farmers and communities we serve.
- Sustainable Solutions: Our passion lies in assisting growers, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
- Continuous Learning and Connection: We value learning new skills and fostering connections—both among ourselves and with local growers.
- Community-Centric Approach: Our flexibility allows us to address the diverse needs of our entire community, extending beyond commercial growers.
- Legacy and Success: We find motivation in contributing to the success of those we support.
Together, we strive to cultivate thriving agricultural ecosystems and enhance the well-being of all involved.
Related Programs / Organizations
Resources and information for urban farmers, agribusinesses and individuals.
Taking an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.
From Seed to Table: Military Veteran Training for Sustainable Urban Farming Initiatives.