Understanding Latinx Farmers in Pennsylvania to Meet Their Needs for Non-Formal Education

Latinx/Hispanic farmers are an underrepresented group with the largest number of farm operators in US. However, agricultural educators have encountered challenges identifying Latinx Pennsylvania and consequently, meeting their needs. This study aims to contribute improved programming by offering exploratory overview Commonwealth, bring light experiences Extension when working Latinxs context. Qualitative research interviews were conducted seventeen at different stages farming journey, twelve experience agriculture outreach Latinxs. discussed characteristics, goals, challenges, solutions operations. Educators motivations serve farmers, they face needs, implementation targeted strategies for successful programming. Both groups believe due ethnicity provided recommendations better population. Based on findings, could support developing statewide programming, including Spanish, having employers allocate a percentage educators’ responsibilities connecting this audience, creating farmers’ network, partnering organizations connected participating cultural competency training, promoting stories success. Our methodology findings can be adapted other locations minority populations.