The work we do benefits the people, places, and practices that are needed to drive toward a future of better agriculture – one that is more inclusive, sustainable, and durable.
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Evaluating Feasibility of Food, Farm, Livestock, and Fertilizer Projects
Helianth’s team has produced and contributed to several studies – feasibility studies, business plans, needs assessments, and more – focused on food and agriculture supply chain projects. These studies have been produced for and in support of USDA funding programs and regional initiatives. They have been used to guide project planning and conceptual designs, secure funding for project implementation, support community food sovereignty, and inform regional economic development.
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Expanding Access to Agricultural Land Conservation Programs
Helianth is providing Technical Assistance to the California Department of Conservation on its initiative to increase equity and inclusion of underrepresented groups in its Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program, or SALC. Our goal is to increase the degree to which socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are included in projects funded by the SALC program. We are doing this by identifying barriers and opportunities for engaging these groups, defining strategies that can be used by grant applicants to better engage and benefit these groups, conducting training to help potential grant applicants improve their engagement of these groups, and finally, providing technical…
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Supporting Tribal Food Sovereignty
Helianth’s team has produced and contributed to grants, planning documents, and community development initiatives that support food sovereignty for Tribal nations and Indigenous communities. Included in this work is attention to expanding perspectives of how food is sourced, shared, consumed, and celebrated – namely, because food and medicines are an anchor for culture and community, the resources and infrastructure that support it must also include these elements. From Tribally-owned and operated food infrastructure to policy and planning efforts that increase the interconnections between food and people and place, this work supports Tribal leadership in planning and realizing their desired food…
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Connecting Rural Groceries and Farms
Helianth is exploring ways to better connect rural groceries with the farms that, while largely rural in nature, often do not provide fresh produce to their community’s retail outlets. This is a major challenge for food security and sustainability. To further this effort, we are connecting with other practitioners in the field, developing research initiatives, and contributing to position statements that demonstrate the opportunity and value of shortening grocery supply chains to better serve both rural communities and farmers. Our goal is to help demystify what is possible by working to advance proven approaches.
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Evaluating Success Factors for Rural Farm-to-School Initiatives
Helianth has produced a case study, the first of a three-part series, that explores the challenges and successes of Humboldt County Office of Education’s Farm-to-School endeavors. The study explores how a rural and remote northern California community has become a leader in the farm-to-school realm through the support of numerous state and federal grants, the leadership of dedicated staff, and the commitment of entities across the supply chain.
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Identifying Market-Based Strategies for Water-Saving Crops
Focusing on the Colorado River Basin in the Southwestern US, strategies were identified to support market-driven solutions that could incentivize producers of water-intensive agriculture to switch crops – called “crop-switching” – or production methods to reduce water consumption. The study evaluated several in-depth opportunities, including conversion of alfalfa to drought-tolerant grain and feed crops. Additionally, challenges on Tribal lands and opportunities for Tribal leadership in agricultural water management were explored. Market-based solutions identified included investments in mid-tier value chain infrastructure (such as grain milling) and in a stewardship alliance with Tribal partners to support increased adoption of on-farm conservation practices…