NASDA Foundation to Launch 2024-2025 Farm2Food Accelerator Cohorts

ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 Farm2Food Accelerator program, with new cohorts planned for Nevada, Virginia and Colorado. This initiative builds on alumni success from previous years, supported by state Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Farm2Food Accelerator is a comprehensive 15 module training program designed to support small-scale, historically underserved farmers and food entrepreneurs. The program aims to strengthen business capacity and facilitate market expansion for value-added food products, supporting food safety best practices and operational resilience.

"We are excited to expand the Farm2Food Accelerator program to new regions this year," NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones said. "With support from Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds, we look forward to empowering farmers and food entrepreneurs in Nevada, Virginia and Colorado, continuing our commitment to fostering a diverse and resilient agricultural landscape."

The program covers core topics like food safety, regulatory compliance, costing and marketing. Adapted to meet the unique needs of each producer community, the 2024-2025 Farm2Food Accelerator features state-specific delivery methods which include a mix of self-paced learning, consultations with experts, local speakers, in-person networking events and live online discussions with experts. With funding from USDA's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, the Farm2Food Accelerator is also expanding to include the development of a curriculum focused on supporting small-scale food producers in exploring viable pathways to export their goods to international markets.

The 2024-2025 Farm2Food Accelerator program will be conducted in partnership with state agricultural departments in Nevada, Virginia and Colorado.

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The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation's state departments of agriculture. The NASDA Foundation's mission is to enhance American food and agricultural communities through education, outreach and research. The NASDA Foundation works with states to nourish people and communities while serving as the stewards of the environment and public trust. To learn more about the NASDA Foundation, please visit nasda.org/nasda-foundation/.