Student Research Making a Difference to Improve Sustainability Practices in Farm Markets

By: Noel Criscione-Naylor, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Studies, Â鶹´«Ã½ÉçÇø

Â鶹´«Ã½ÉçÇø has a long-standing history and commitment to liberal arts. So, it is not uncommon for programs to embrace these ideals and leverage an interdisciplinary approach to address many of the challenges that impact our communities. Cheyenne Fraley, an Environmental Sciences senior, partnered with Dr. Noel Criscione-Naylor, interim chair and associate professor of the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program, to conduct research on the perception and use of sustainability practices in small farm, farm markets, a sector of agritourism.

In agricultural production, small farms, operations with gross cash farm income under $250,000, have taken a role in increasing biodiversity and a sense of community in suburbs and rural areas. Many of these small farms take part in selling their goods to a specific community rather than exporting or selling to larger markets, classified as production practices. This is increasingly important as consumer awareness continues to focus on the health benefits. Without these sustainable practices, land, water, and other resources may become inefficient for agricultural use through degradation. The perception and use of sustainability practices were explored using a single case, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The study investigated farm market practices, including the history of the farm, practices implemented based on sustainability factors, barriers to sustainable practices, and future considerations for the farm to increase sustainability.

Data was collected over the 15-week semester where senior Cheyenne Fraley learned the ins and outs to conduct research while engaging with the small farm, farm market owners. Existing literature was explored to understand sustainable agriculture practices by small farms globally,