Educating Farmers to Avoid Conflicts
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D. Kimmel1, D. Kluchinski*2, W. Sciarappa2, W. Hlubik2, J. Frecon2, R. Samulis2, M. Azzara3, J. Flagler2, R. Mickel2, N. Polanin2, J. Carleo2, W. Cowgill2, R. Obal2, W. Walker4, J. Ortiz2, and G. Pavlis2 1NJ State Agriculture Development Committee, 2Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 3Northeast Organic Farming Association-NJ, 4NJ Department of Agriculture
![Funding for this work was provided in part by Educating Farmers to Avoid Conflicts with Neighbors and Towns D. Kimmel 1 , D. Kluchinski* 2 , W. Sciarappa 2 , W. Hlubik 2 , J. Frecon 2 , R. Samulis 2 , M. Azzara 3 , J. Flagler 2 , R. Mickel 2 , N. Polanin 2 , J. Carleo 2 , W. Cowgill 2 , R. Obal 2 , W. Walker 4 , J. Ortiz 2 , and G. Pavlis 2 1 NJ State Agriculture Development Committee, 2 Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 3 Northeast Organic Farming Association-NJ, 4 NJ Department of Agriculture Abstract As New Jersey’s population grows, some farmers capitalize on the enhanced proximity to consumers and cultivate new markets and relationships, while others limit their engagement or are confrontational when issues arise with a neighbor or township. This project’s objective was to minimize this human relationship risk and its impacts on farmers´ bottom lines by soliciting, compiling, and presenting a collection of advice and strategies other farmers have employed and others could adopt. Advice from 54 farmers was organized into 12 thematic categories and presented in a 29-page educational pamphlet. Since publication in January 2008, 4500 copies have been printed and 2/3 distributed via mail, numerous face-to-face meetings, and 6 workshops between January-June 2008. A survey of clientele determined 89% of all respondents (n=269) had a better understanding of the risks and benefits associated with relationships with neighbors and towns, 90% agreed they had a better understanding of risk management strategies to maintain good relations, and 89% identified at least one strategy they would apply on the farm to maintain good relations. A follow-up survey (n=99 respondents) determined 95% adopted and used one or more of these strategies and improved relations with neighbors . ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Indicated a better understanding of risks and benefits associated with relationships with neighbors and towns 89% Agreed they had a better understanding of risk management strategies to maintain good relations 90% Identified at least one strategy they would apply on the farm in 2008 to maintain good relations 89% Adopted at least one risk management strategy to maintain good relations with their neighbors and towns 95% Figure 1. Increase in knowledge and adoption of risk management practices to reduce conflicts with neighbors and towns, 2008. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/kluchinskinacaaposter2009-091217154039-phpapp02/85/Educating-Farmers-to-Avoid-Conflicts-with-Neighbors-and-Towns-1-320.jpg)
