Strategic priorities for research and development

The projects presented below serve as hands-on applications of the true pricing framework, demonstrating how theoretical principles can be transformed into actionable solutions that drive sustainability and economic viability.

​

1. Farm advisor network

 

This collaborative community of practice aims to build and equip farm advisors with the tools, knowledge, and guidance to strengthen farmer support systems by connecting them to:

• Exchange best practices and innovative solutions.

• Develop and refine practical tools for assessing and improving farm viability.

• Strengthen advisor capacity to enhance economic viability and sustainability.

• Advocate for systemic policy changes that address barriers to farm financial health.

 

Expected impacts:

• A more robust support ecosystem for farmers.

• Refinement and broader adoption of true pricing methodologies.

• Improved quality and accessibility of advisory services.

• Long-term systemic change in agricultural finance and viable access to land.

​​​

Institutional support:

The program has gathered initial support from a diverse network of US organizations dedicated to advancing farm viability and sustainability. These partners have expressed initial interest in participating, contingent on final approval and funding: 

• Academic institutions: Cornell University, Tufts University, Penn State, North Carolina State University, University of Wisconsin.

• Financial institutions: Compeer, California FarmLink.

• Non-profits: GrowNYC, Viva Farms, Kitchen Table Advisors, Nourishing the North Shore, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Toxic Free NC, Oregon Community Food Systems Network.

• Consulting firms: Julia Shanks Consulting, Mancera Consulting Group, Latino Economic Development Center, Occidental Consulting.

• Advocacy groups: American Farmland Trust.

 

Collectively, these partners deliver critical advisory services and expertise, leveraging experience across key regions of the United States:

    •    Northeast: Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Maine

    •    West Coast: California, Oregon

    •    Midwest: Wisconsin

    •    Southeast: North Carolina, Virginia

 

2. Farm financial health toolkit

 

This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive suite of digital and analog tools and resources designed to help farmers assess and improve their financial sustainability.

​

Core features:

The prototype currently under development is be an Excel-based self-assessment tool designed to evaluate the impact of untrue pricing on farmers. It will provide actionable insights through:

• Interactive self-assessment based on the four key indicators by analyzing farmer tactics using predefined questions, identifying gaps, issues, and sustainable pathways to reach true prices.

• Heatmap visualization highlighting gaps, interconnections, and areas for improvement to support strategic decision-making.

• Customizable progress tracking and scenario modeling tools.

• User-friendly and user-friendly decision support outputs with recommendations of interventions to enhance sustainability and reduce untrue pricing issues.

​
​

Expected impacts:

• Increased farmer awareness and capability to assess financial health.

• Improved financial decision-making and planning.

• Enhanced negotiating leverage with buyers, lenders, and landowners.

• Strengthened economic resilience of farm businesses.

​​

​This toolkit seeks to deliver actionable insights that highlight strengths and improvement areas. Farmers can set goals, track progress, and access tailored resources without needing extensive financial expertise. In the long run, the toolkit will be designed to support policymakers, advisors, and researchers in identifying practical solutions, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

​

3. Financial literacy learning program

​

A structured and dynamic learning environment designed to build farmers’ financial capabilities and empower them to assess and articulate their financial needs effectively. The program employs a cognitive apprenticeship approach, which emphasizes learning by doing and collaborative problem-solving.

 

Key elements include:

• Hands-on workshops and real-world problem-solving exercises tailored to farmers’ contexts.

• Peer mentoring networks and collaborative learning sessions to promote shared knowledge and mutual support.

• Accessible tools and resources for financial planning, record-keeping, and needs assessments.

 

Core features:

This program focuses on enhancing farmers’ ability to:

• Identify and evaluate their financial needs using four accounting indicators: income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

• Make informed decisions and negotiate more favorable terms with buyers, lenders, landowners, input providers, and other economic partners.

• Translate their tacit knowledge into actionable insights for sustainable farm management.

 

Expected impacts:

• Improved financial literacy and decision-making capacity among farmers.

• Greater economic agency and negotiation power.

• Broader knowledge transfer within farming communities, fostering peer-led learning and resilience.

• More viable pathways for adopting sustainable farm practices (e.g. regenerative, organic, etc.).

 

The program offers flexible delivery options—including in-person workshops, online modules, and personalized coaching—tailored to diverse farming contexts and needs. Tools such as financial dashboards and self-assessment frameworks make complex accounting concepts accessible and practical for farmers.

 

Institutional support:

Campinas University’s Economics Institute has expressed interest in hosting this initiative as part of its postdoctoral program, providing an academic foundation and fostering cross-sector collaboration.​