Agraria Journal Winter 2021

BY KAT CHRISTEN Last April, the first cohort of the Regenerative Farmer Fellowship Program gathered at Agraria. The six women, who were selected to participate in the pilot program, attended the first of many workshops to support their growing endeavors. Over the course of the 25-week program, participants built capacity at their own growing sites from Springfield to Dayton, learned from workshops, farmers and each other, and made a deep connection to one another. With regenerative growing practices at the core of the curriculum, land care and community emerged as strong themes throughout the growing season, as well as a desire to continue work in their communities and stay connected to Agraria. Building Connections and Capacity Through Fellowship DENNIE EAGLESON Kenisha Robinson (left), Program Assistant and Fellow in the Program, hosted the group at her farm, Nourganic Life, in Trotwood, Ohio. Fellows participated in a Regenerative Pest Control workshop on site, identifying common pests and organic treatments, and sampled edible squash flowers. DENNIE EAGLESON Fellows explored cooperative business models in a workshop at Gem City Market with Co-op Dayton. Connecting Fellows to supporting organizations was an important goal of the program. DENNIE EAGLESON Fellows participated in a perennial installation workshop and work project at Edgemont Solar Garden in Dayton. Many workshops within the Fellowship contain a practicum, in which Fellows work the land together. 36 AGRARIA JOURNAL 2021