***Abstract:*** Market pressures and the impacts of climate change are threatening the livelihoods of small-holding farmers around the world. Some young farmers are increasingly leaving behind the farming lifestyle through either migration to larger cities or in pursuit of more stable work, while others are forced to reduce the diversity of their crops. As farmers themselves facing shortages of workers and the pressures of climate change, how can they adapt their practices to account for this? There exists a need to blend traditional farming practices with modern technology in order to maintain their way of life. However, we need to be aware of the best practices for honoring farming traditions, while at the same time, finding or developing appropriate technology solutions to help solve worker shortages and maintain crop diversity. Solutions must be developed in collaboration with local communities to be sustainable, accessible, and equitable.
This project represents a collaboration with small farmers to better understand the challenges they face and opportunities worth pursuing.
### Project Supporters
[![Stout University Foundation, G.A. Taft Manufacturing Engineering Professorship][1]](https://www.uwstout.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-science-technology-engineering-mathematics-management/professorships)
[![Thornfield Garden][5]](http://www.thornfieldgarden.com/)
[![Spring Hill Community Farm][2]](https://www.springhillcommunityfarm.com/)
[![Canastas Verdes][3]](https://canastasverdes.com/)
[![Solheim WI][4]](https://www.solheimwi.com/)
[1]: https://files.osf.io/v1/resources/7q3ma/providers/osfstorage/5ccb38c4bbbd37001aa319f3?mode=render
[2]: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6046ae88525ea729fff33d63/1622072154191-PA6LUVV2H7MOTFXS0SD4/Springhill_LOGO_Black.png?format=300w
[3]: https://files.osf.io/v1/resources/7q3ma/providers/osfstorage/5df8fbd6a6e2bb000cb4dfba?mode=render
[4]: https://files.osf.io/v1/resources/7q3ma/providers/osfstorage/5fbdc047c62319011dd7fbbf?mode=render
[5]: https://osf.io/vnw7d/download
