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Young farmers watching a tablet in a strawberry garden

How We Get Involved

We start with examining the application process of conservation programs.  We also target groups of farmers with relatively low conservation practice adoption.  In particular, historically underserved producers (HUP) to find out what is getting in their way of accessing conservation programs.   

OUR CHALLENGE

Ensuring the Future of Agriculture

The average age of an American farmer is approaching 60 years and 100 million acres of farmland is set to change hands over the next five years, a potential nationwide shortage of farmers is a primary problem.
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The actions we take over this next decade will define the planet's path over the next century. CBEAR is urgently taking on the barriers that prevent sustainable agriculture.  Our research also seeks to create greater pathways to smart farming practices by creating the evidence of its benefits for communities. What we achieve is just as important as how.  By letting science guide our focus and equity guide our execution, we can shape a better future
for our planet.

Organic Garden

Our Targets

OUR SOLUTION-BASED RESEARCH FOCUSES ON:

Woman with Crate of Vegetables

Beginning Farmers

The agricultural industry has substantial barriers to entry. We look for ways to ease this barrier with conservation incentives.

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Historically Underserved

Historically underserved farmers are those that face increased challenges in the agricultural industry due to their income, background, or identity.

Farmer

Socially Disadvantaged

Socially disadvantaged farmers are those who have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

Bale of Hay

Veteran Farmers

Veteran farmers are beginning farmers who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

Research Areas

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Accelerating Sustainable Smart Practices

We seek to understand how to best ensure that practices persist after they are adopted.

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Improving Assistance for Farmers

 

We use scientific methods that make the case for technical assistance within

conservation programs.

This project uses USDA administrative data and data science techniques to examine what leads to the persistence of cover crops.

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Building a More Inclusive Economy

We seek to understand if precision agriculture in crop production can lower overall input use.

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