Farming is Essential: Supporting the Next Generation of Beginning & Aspiring Farmers
Farming is Essential: Supporting the Next Generation of Beginning & Aspiring Farmers
with Celize Christy
Next Generation Coordinator - Practical Farmers of Iowa
Ames, Iowa
The average age of the American farmer is about 57.5 and over half of the land in Iowa is owned by people over the age of 65. It is essential to support and provide opportunities for beginning farmers to operate land that provides healthful food, regenerative ecosystems, and vibrant communities.
Wednesday, October 14 - Online Meeting
3:20 - 4:25 p.m. Presentation with Q&A Session
Celize serves as Next Generation Coordinator for Practical Farmers of Iowa in Ames, IA. Celize’s work focuses on working with beginning and aspiring farmers through the Labor4Learning program, FindAFarmer site and Latino Outreach project. A native of Dallas, Texas, Celize obtained her B.S. from Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science and Global Resource Systems with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation from ISU, she obtained an M.S. degree from Penn State University, where she majored in Rural Sociology and International Agricultural Development. In addition to her interest in poultry and livestock systems, Celize has been a supporter of sustainable and equitable food systems. She is an advocate of validating farmers' voices, highlighting the significance by sharing their stories and lessons.