Central State University seeks Mid-West farmers for $5M Climate-Smart Program

Central State University is recruiting 20 farmers from Ohio and southeastern Michigan for its Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities Program, funded by a $5 million USDA grant.

The five-year project aims to expand markets for climate-smart beef, fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops, supporting farmers in implementing and monitoring climate-smart practices. The program, which will start in fall 2024 and run through 2028, particularly targets “socially disadvantaged” farmers and encourages participation from both urban and rural areas.

“The goal is to build markets for climate-smart commodities and invest in America’s climate-smart producers to strengthen U.S. rural and agricultural communities,” said Project Director Ibrahim Katampe, Ph.D., CSU assistant director of Innovation and Technology Incubation.

Farmers will use manure as a natural fertilizer and integrate climate-smart practices, with the objective of measuring and verifying the carbon and greenhouse gas benefits of these methods. “We aim to determine the marketing and economic viability of produce labeled as raised with climate-smart technologies,” said Project co-director Cindy Folck, Ph.D., interim associate CSU Extension administrator.

Farmers who want to learn more about participating will need to complete an interest form that is available online.