The Farmer-to-Farmer Ambassador Program leverages the expertise of CNFA’s seasoned Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteers to network, engage, and encourage individuals and organizations in their communities to join the F2F program. Ambassadors participate in local outreach efforts through workshops and presentations to media and organizations, connecting and speaking with potential first-time volunteers. Ambassadors’ in-depth experience with the F2F program make them ideal messengers to share their perspectives, describe the details of the F2F program, and encourage and support prospective volunteers to apply for their first assignments.
Ambassadors are selected for a one-year term, with the possibility of extension each year. As the F2F Ambassador Program expands, additional Ambassadors will be chosen, and diverse backgrounds, regions, and disciplines will be prioritized.
The pilot is launched with six Ambassadors who have collectively volunteered for 119 assignments in 2,261 volunteer days over 25 years. They offer many years of experience and encompass the diversity of F2F volunteers with regard to demographics, profession, state of residence, and length of F2F volunteer service.
Andrew Clark
Retired State Veterinarian, Oregon: Specializes, in the U.S. and developing countries, in the control of epizootic and zoonotic diseases in animal populations and the design and implementation of emergency response programs to improve livestock and dairy productivity.
Lani Jordan
Organizational Communications Consultant & Retired Communications Lead for CHS Inc., Minnesota: Specializes in executive and strategic communications and issues management to support agribusinesses, associations, entrepreneurs, and smallholder farmers to effectively communicate to their stakeholders.
Dan Miller
Aquaculture Scientist, West Virginia: Specializes in aquaculture research and extension and provides aquaculture consultancy services for companies, research facilities and universities in the U.S. and abroad.
Usha Palaniswamy
Educational Executive, New York: Specializes in horticulture and crop production, strategic planning, and organizational and business development to improve knowledge, grant/proposal writing and climate change mitigation practices.
Marilyn Phillips
Marketing Consultant, Minnesota: Specializes in brand marketing and supports agricultural cooperatives, businesses, associations, entrepreneurs, and farmers to improve their branding, marketing, packaging, record-keeping, business skills, and in-store retail capabilities.
Charles (Bruce) Williams
Agricultural Consultant & farmer, North Carolina: Specializes in agronomy, horticulture, and the safe and effective use of pesticides to help agribusinesses, associations, entrepreneurs, and farmers improve production and post-harvest handling.
