Rural South Institute-RSI works directly with veteran, socially disadvantaged, small and limited resource producers and new and beginning farmers and agribusiness. We serve as a clearinghouse for questions from small and limited resource farmers, ranchers, landowners, agribusiness management specialists, extension personnel, government officials and agencies and the academic community; Conducting
socio-economic research and evaluating issues and factors that directly or indirectly impact the profitability of limited resource farms or ranches, enhance economic development, and promote viability and overall sustainability of local communities; Publishing research findings, manuals, factsheets, proceedings, pamphlets, leaflets, and a quarterly newsletter that include news of upcoming events, publications, topical issues, and profiles of outstanding and exemplary small farmers or ranchers, extension personnel and key local community leaders; Sponsoring workshops and conferences, conducting, distributing and promoting information about on-farm research, sustainable practices, and marketing strategies for small farmers and ranchers; Organizing farm-or ranch-based events and learning opportunities that promote, empower and educate local farmers, ranchers and community members; Fostering connections between area farmers, ranchers, landowners and community members that establish and promote communication about local agricultural concerns; Organizing and coordinating local, regional, national and statewide conferences, meetings, training workshops, and symposiums; Supporting extension personnel, farm and agribusiness management specialist, women, rural youth, farmers markets and farm or ranch organizations in national, regional and local programs; Providing opportunity for local small and limited resource farmers to socially, educationally and philosophically interact; and Providing leadership and coordination for all sponsored an non-sponsored projects within the Center.
