When Class III of the Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute met last month, they were greeted by USDA representatives who challenged them to establish stronger ties with their local rural development offices.

"Go back to your communities. Get in touch with your rural development agency. Take advantage of the programs, and as leaders, tell other folks what's going on," said USDA state director Clarence Hawkins. While in Baton Rouge meeting with state agricultural officials, Hawkins made time to meet Institute participants and motivate them to continue in agricultural leadership.

"One of [USDA's] greatest weakness has been that we are strong in programs, but we have not been as strong as we should be in letting people know what it is that we have," said Hawkins who left copies of USDA Rural Development annual report for the farmers.

These participants are not your typical small farmers, said Dawn Mellion Patin, Ph.D., institute director and agricultural specialist with the Southern University Ag Center. This was the third session of the two-year institute, which ends March 2011. Participants include small farmers from 12 states including Oklahoma, Florida, and Kentucky.

The farmers are involved in Internet marketing, youth development, community gardening, and diversification projects on their farms. "They are using technology to communicate among themselves and sharing opportunities while away from classmates, but many of them were unaware of Rural Development programs," said Patin.

Now, these small famers know where to go to for the services within their rural communities. "I am excited about the potential I see here," said Hawkins. "I see great things coming from these individuals."

The Ag Center has graduated 60 small farmers through the Institute since its inception in 2005. For more information on the Small Farmer Agricultural Institute at Southern University Ag Center, visit http://aginstitute.suagcenter.com or contact Patin at (225) 771-2242.

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