Center Overview

The Center for Agriculture–Rural Advancement (CARA) is a multidisciplinary hub dedicated to strengthening rural communities through agricultural innovation, workforce development, and community-centered education. The Center integrates agriculture, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship to support the long-term vitality of small-family farms and the rural economies that depend on them.

CARA serves as a connector and accelerator — linking youth, farmers, educators, universities, Extension services, and public-private partners to practical solutions that advance food systems, land stewardship, and economic resilience in rural regions.

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Mission

To advance resilient rural communities by supporting small-family farms, cultivating agricultural talent pipelines, and expanding access to education, technology, and economic opportunity across the agricultural lifecycle.

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Core Pillars

The Center for Agriculture–Rural Advancement is organized around five integrated pillars:

1. Agricultural Education & Workforce Pathways

CARA develops clear, accessible pathways from youth education to postsecondary training and careers in agriculture, food systems, environmental science, and ag-technology. Programs span informal learning, career exploration, certifications, and applied university experiences.

2. Small-Family Farm Sustainability

The Center works directly with small and beginning farmers to strengthen farm viability through:

• Climate-smart and regenerative practices
• Cost-saving technologies and precision tools
• Diversified revenue strategies
• Farm succession and intergenerational transition support

3. Rural Youth & Community Engagement

CARA centers rural youth and families through AG-STEM programs, community workshops, and leadership development. Programming emphasizes place-based learning, cultural relevance, and intergenerational knowledge exchange.

4. Innovation, Technology & Applied Research

The Center pilots and scales practical agricultural innovations, including:

• Precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making
• Drones, GIS, sensors, and remote monitoring
• Environmental assessment and land stewardship tools
• Community-informed applied research and evaluation

University students and faculty participate through for-credit projects, internships, and collaborative research aligned with community needs.

5. Rural Economic & Community Resilience

CARA supports rural advancement by integrating agriculture with broader community priorities such as:

• Local food systems and food security
• Entrepreneurship and farm-adjacent businesses
• Workforce readiness and skills training
• Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local governments

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Program Model

CARA operates through a regional hub-and-network model, partnering with:

• Small-family farms and agricultural enterprises
• School districts and youth organizations
• Land-grant universities and Extension programs
• Conservation and environmental organizations
• Public agencies and private industry

Programs are delivered through a mix of in-person, on-farm, community-based, and virtual formats, ensuring accessibility across rural geographies.

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Impact & Outcomes

The Center for Agriculture–Rural Advancement is designed to deliver measurable, long-term impact, including:

• Strengthened economic viability of small-family farms
• Expanded rural workforce pipelines in agriculture and STEM
• Increased youth engagement and career awareness
• Greater adoption of sustainable and technology-enabled practices
• Enhanced community resilience and local food system capacity

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Alignment & Partnerships

CARA aligns with:

• USDA priorities for small and beginning farmers
• Land-grant and Extension missions
• Rural development and workforce initiatives
• Environmental sustainability and climate resilience goals

The Center welcomes partnerships with universities, Extension services, tribal and rural communities, nonprofits, government agencies, and private-sector innovators.

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Vision

The Center for Agriculture–Rural Advancement envisions rural communities where small-family farms thrive, youth see viable futures in agriculture and STEM, and innovation is grounded in local knowledge, environmental responsibility, and shared prosperity.

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