USDA Cochran Training Program: 2015 Visit

The USDA Cochran Program is a federally-funding training program for international leaders from government and the private sector. These programs are conducted in the U.S. and allow for specific training in various agricultural areas. Jane Shey has organized numerous agriculture policy training programs for government officials from Europe, Africa, Asia and Russia. This included visits with decision-makers and USDA officials in Washington, DC, and visits to key agriculture states. Some of the topics have included agricultural credit; the agriculture policy process; animal and plant inspections and safety systems; and small farm business and marketing practices.

In 2015, Jane organized a Cochran training program for a group of women farmers from Moldova. See the photos below for some highlights from the visit:

Group photo from St. Brigid's Farm, run by Judy Gifford of Kennedyville, MD.

The women look at salad greens growing in the hoop house with Therese Mycek, Manager, Colchester Farm CSA, Georgetown, MD.

Dale Woodbeck, Manager, Lakewinds Food Coop, Richfield, MN talks about coop principles and how coops support local farmers.

Jackie Zita of the Women's Environmental Institute shows a freshly prepared bed to the women from Moldova. Next step, planting the onions!

Women farmers from Moldova meet with Alexis Bailly at her winery in Hastings, MN.