New Entry Sustainable Farming Recognized as Outstanding Project

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project has received the Northeast Regional “Outstanding Project Award” from the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education (NERME) program, recognizing the impact of its 2023 initiative, Overcoming Risk During Climate Variability: The Importance of Record-keeping in Small-scale Farming.

The award was formally recognized at the National Extension Risk Management Education Conference, held April 14–16 in Salt Lake City, where New Entry was honored with a short video presentation and a featured project presentation session.

The award‑winning project helped small‑scale, beginning, specialty crop, and underserved farmers across the Northeast strengthen their resilience to climate change by improving record-keeping and data management. Through trainings, farmer‑to‑farmer learning circles, individual coaching, and access to digital tools such as The Farmers’ Office, participating farmers enhanced their ability to manage production, marketing, and financial risks.

“We are pleased to receive national recognition for New Entry’s efforts to support new and beginning farmers in managing climate variability through improved record-keeping, peer learning, and new educational programs,” said Jennifer Hashley, Director of New Entry. “The outcomes from this project are helping farmers make better financial decisions, gain confidence in managing risk, and build more resilient farm businesses. I am so proud of our staff who work with farmers each day, and deeply honored to be part of our farmers’ commitment to feeding and caring for our communities.”

The project exceeded anticipated outcomes, engaging 185 farmers through incubator programs, a food hub, newsletters, social media, and partnerships serving veterans and historically underserved communities. In addition, the initiative supported eight farmers in securing funding for climate‑resilient infrastructure and operations, demonstrating the essential role effective record-keeping plays in building resilient farm businesses.

About New Entry

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is an initiative of the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy that works locally, regionally, and nationally to strengthen food systems by training and supporting new and beginning farmers. Founded in 1998, New Entry provides comprehensive farmer education, technical assistance, land access support, and market opportunities, while advancing resilient farming practices and equitable access to nutritious, locally grown food. The organization partners with farmers, community groups, academic institutions, and government agencies to build strong, diverse, and climate‑resilient agricultural communities throughout the Northeast and beyond.