ACRE Strategic Planning Facilitator Training now taking applications

Attention: Food Systems Development Professionals in the Northeast

Do you work with food and agriculture groups that are at strategic-decision crossroads -- maybe an exciting opportunity, or perhaps a crisis? Are they struggling with how to proceed?

If so, apply to join the first group of trained and certified ACRE Strategic Planning Facilitators.
The deadline to apply for this free training is Monday, October 3, 2022, at 5pm ET. 



"AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion" (ACRE for short) is a professionally facilitated strategic planning process to help groups of farmers, especially those in value chains, work together and compete more effectively in an increasingly complex world.

ACRE helps local and regional groups of farmers and their stakeholder allies transform into more resilient "AgriClusters" by identifying shared concerns, histories, values, and opportunities, and by developing a strategic work plan. These group of farmers and allies may include ranches, fisheries, mariculture, agroforestry and timber production, food handlers, food processors and packagers, distributors, and retailers, as well as nonprofit and government allies. 

We invite food system and agriculture development professionals (such as Extension staff, consultants, and nonprofit staff) in the Northeast U.S. to apply. By joining this first cohort of trainees, you will help beta-test the three-part curriculum and become trained in strategic planning for agricultural clusters. Those who complete certification will be eligible to train other professionals who are working with farmer-led value-chain projects. 

To learn more about ACRE's training and certification program for 2022-2023, please review the background information and video.

THE ACRE Program is dedicated to equal access and engagement. BIPOC candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates who are differently-abled, as well as rural and urban candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  

The ACRE Facilitator Training & Certification Program is a collaboration of the Lyson Center for Civic Agriculture and Food Systems, VetAgro Sup (Lyon, France), Cornell University's Cooperative Enterprise Program, and the North American Food Systems Network (NAFSN). Funding for ACRE has come from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program (NESARE) and the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD).