The UA Cooperative Extension, Maricopa (Maricopa Extension) Beginning Farmers’ Program has sought to increase the supply of healthy foods in SNAP-Ed eligible communities by cultivating new small farmers. The Maricopa Extension provided a six-week Small Farm Business Planning Series, a two-day introductory workshop for those considering farming, and presentations on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Marketing, CSA crop planning, and How to Run a Successful Farm Stand. The Maricopa Extension also worked in partnership with the Cultivate South Phoenix (CUSP) coalition by providing guidance, technical assistance and workshops to plan and implement their incubator farm and CSA market. In addition, Maricopa Extension oversees an incubator farm, called Phoenix Urban Research Farm (PURF), where beginning growers can access plots and SNAP-accepting farmers’ market booths in the community. The Maricopa Extension is also working with small growers on food safety certification and toward the development of an agricultural coop/food hub.
“Many of the beginning farmers utilizing PURF's resources sell at markets accepting SNAP, WIC, and FMNP...The Maricopa Extension assisted in opening a growers’ consignment table at the Ktizo Farmers Market, which already accepts SNAP and sells vegetable seeds to West Phoenix residents.”
