From the Classroom to the Farm
From the Classroom to the Farm (FCF) is an outreach program designed to bridge the gap between education and agricultural practice by providing climate change adaptation training for farmers in Puerto Rico. This initiative was developed as part of my doctoral dissertation, with the goal of equipping farmers and extension professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture in the region. By integrating research-based strategies with hands-on training, FCF empowers agricultural communities with sustainable practices that enhance resilience and long-term productivity. Through workshops, bilingual educational materials, and collaboration with agricultural experts, the program fosters a deeper understanding of climate-smart farming techniques, ensuring that farmers are better prepared to navigate environmental challenges while promoting food security and sustainability.
My role and impact
As Founder and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) of From the Classroom to the Farm (FCF), I led the development and implementation of this initiative in collaboration with Servicio de Extensión Agrícola. The program aimed to bridge the gap between agricultural education and practical farming by equipping farmers in Puerto Rico with sustainable practices and climate change adaptation strategies. I developed bilingual training materials, including a 44-page guide for extension agents and farming institutions, ensuring hands-on, applicable learning opportunities. I co-authored a successful grant proposal, securing $25,000 from the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) Grant, which funded the training of 20 farmers and 15 extension professionals. Additionally, I coordinated and led workshops, collaborating with agricultural experts to bring in guest speakers and manage program logistics. The program’s impact extended beyond training, as I co-authored a published narrative in the American Society for Microbiology Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, further solidifying its contribution to sustainable agriculture education.