Empowering Women through Annie’s Project Lynn F. Little

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Empowering Women through

Annie’s Project

Lynn F. Little

University of MD Extension

Empowerment…

Encouragement to gain skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environments and ultimately help them develop themselves.

Objectives

• Empower farmwomen to manage farming systems

• Assist in critical decision-making processes

• Build local networks throughout the state

www.anniesproject.umd.edu

Follow-up Evaluations after 1 to 2 years

Follow-Up Results

Increase communication and family relations

Update/create estate plans

Prepare financial statements

Check credit reports

Use computers to increase farm efficiency

Write business and marketing plans

Review property titles and lease agreements

Change insurance policy

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

In their own words

• “ We have had family meetings, formed a family limited partnership, and we are now aware of other things we can do to improve our farming efficiency.”

• “Launched a new agri-business entity since participating in Annie’s”

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

Follow-up Evaluations after 1 to 2 years

If so, how much?

Is your farm more profitable

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

$1-1999 $2000-2999 $3000-3999 $4000-4999 $5000-above

YES

In their own words

• “Often when people think about farming, they think about men. It was a great to enjoy a class of women who have the passion about farming and being successful at it”.

• “Lots to think through as I take the next steps forward in my life. Annie’s Project has helped challenge and support me to push beyond my comfort zone”.

In Their Own Words

• “Meeting other farm women and learning together from Annie’s

Project but most of all realizing that we were privileged to be part of the concept that finally farm women have been empowered .”

Annies Project Funding

• Participant Cost –Share with registration

• Grant Funding from

– USDA – NorthEast Center for Risk Management Education

– USDA – Risk Management Agency

– Rural MD Council -The Maryland Agricultural Education &

Rural Development Assistance Fund

– USDA, Farm Service Agency

• In-kind support from

– Local sites and facilities

– Local agencies and businesses that support the agriculture industry

Thank you

www.anniesproject.umd.edu

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