This study presents the outcomes of the NE-SARE Professional Development Program, which was designed to enhance the capacity of farmers and agricultural service providers in the area of nutrition management for June Bearer (JB) and Day Neutral Strawberry (DNS) cultivars. Through seven targeted workshops including the UMES Small Farm Conference and the NE-SARE workshop on fertilizer strategies participants gained practical skills in fertilizer injector use, dose calculations, and the benefits of liquid vs. granular fertilizers. A total of 87 participants attended, with 82 identifying as Black and 46 as women. Key innovations included the distribution of over $7,000 worth of strawberry plants, overcoming access barriers for small-scale and BIPOC growers. Educational sessions transformed participant confidence, with post-survey data showing a shift from 40% reporting "no knowledge" to 70% achieving "advanced" proficiency in nutrition management. Participants reported the ability to perform fertilization calculations, use injectors, and understand fertilizer types. These workshops promoted sustainable practices by encouraging injector-based applications to reduce nutrient loss and pollution. This initiative not only advanced technical knowledge but also equipped growers to make environmentally sound, cost-effective decisions tailored to their operations. The outcomes reveal increased regional engagement and strengthened capacity among underserved farmers, empowering them to adopt sustainable techniques in strawberry cultivation on the Delmarva Peninsula.
