Our evaluations of each workshop helped us to improve the structure and content of the workshops as the project progressed.
Farm Tour at the First Workshop in Maryland, 2022; Credit: Jessica Schad
Author: Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad
What is the issue?
The Thriving Ag project held six in-person stakeholder workshops between 2022 and 2025 (see Table 1). These workshops brought together researchers, policy experts, farmers, nonprofit leaders, and agency representatives to discuss sustainable agricultural practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The goal was to foster collaborative dialogue, present research findings, and shape future directions for agricultural sustainability. Each workshop included a range of activities such as breakout sessions, panel discussions, farm tours, task team presentations, and interactive dialogues. These convenings emphasized translational science and policy integration, particularly focused on water quality, ecosystem services, local food systems, and conservation practices. So how effective were these workshops at bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss paths for economic and environmental sustainability for agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay?
| Timing | Location | Theme/Title | # of Attendees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2022 | Wye Mills, Maryland (included farm visits) | The workshop focused on two possible routes to greater sustainability of agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with special emphasis on the Eastern Shore: (1) payments to farmers for ecosystem services such as water quality, and (2) a more localized food system with greater consumer support for locally produced food. | 41 |
| Spring 2023 | Lancaster, PA | The workshop focused on two possible routes to greater sustainability in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with special emphasis on Pennsylvania: (1) payments to farmers for ecosystem services such as water quality, and (2) a more localized food system with greater consumer support for locally produced food. | 40 |
| Fall 2023 | Washington, DC | From Fields to Policy: Research-Inspired Enhancements in the Farm Bill and Beyond | 29 |
| Summer 2024 | Stevensville, MD | Opportunities in Agriculture for a Thriving Chesapeake Bay Watershed Beyond 2025 | 70 |
| Spring 2024 | Winchester, VA (included farm visits) | Increasing Farm Profitability While Improving Water Quality and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions | 40 |
| Spring 2025 | State College, PA (included farm visits) | Celebrating Innovation and Insights to Build Thriving Ag Systems | 49 |
What did we find and why does it matter?
Key Findings from Surveys of Workshop Participants
- Workshops were well attended, ranging from 29 to 70 participants.
- Breakout sessions consistently emerged as the most valued component, promoting idea exchange and action-oriented dialogue.
- There was a notable improvement in the range of participating stakeholders and external participation over time.
- Participants consistently emphasized the value of in-person networking and stakeholder interaction.
- Participants desired clearer communication about agendas, materials, and goals to enhance experiences.
Our evaluations of each workshop helped us to improve the structure and content of the workshops as the project progressed, and provide lessons for others seeking to do similar stakeholder engagement events for agriculture-related projects. Here are some recommendations for those considering similar workshops:
- Prioritize breakout sessions and interactive formats.
- Ensure diverse stakeholder engagement, especially farmer participation.
- Improve logistical communication and provide materials in advance.
- Record and disseminate high-value content (e.g., podcast panels).
- Allocate ample time for networking and unstructured dialogue.
These recommendations are based on repeated themes across evaluation data. Implementing these actions could further elevate the impact of future stakeholder convenings under similar initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and watershed resilience.
What did we do?
At the end of each workshop, we asked participants to fill out a one-page survey to help us evaluate the workshop. A QR code and link to an online version of the survey were included on paper copies of the surveys. Respondents were asked closed-ended questions about their role in the project, how long they have been engaged in the project and in what ways, how useful they found various parts of the workshop, and their ratings of various aspects of the workshop (e.g., workshop content, workshop format, workshop organization, networking opportunities, and overall satisfaction of the workshop experience). Open-ended questions were also asked about what they liked most and least, and whether they had any suggestions for future workshops or topics they would like to see. We then crafted a feedback report for each workshop that was shared with the project team.
Figure 2. Ph.D. Student Edem Avemegah During Attending the Washington D.C. Workshop, 2023; Credit: Edem Avemegah
Figure 3. Field Tour Outside of State College, Pennsylvania, 2025; Credit: Jessica Schad
Publications completed for this work
Avemegah, E., & Schad, J. (2023). Thriving Ag. spring PA workshop attendee feedback report.
Avemegah, E., & Schad, J. (2023). Thriving Ag. Washington, DC, fall 2023 attendee feedback report.
Schad, J. (2022). Thriving Ag. Eastern Shore workshop attendee feedback report.
Schad, J., & Avemegah, E. (2024). Thriving Ag. Winchester, VA workshop spring 2024 attendee feedback report.
Schad, J., & Koci, K. (2024). Thriving Ag. Stevensville, MD workshop summer 2024 attendee feedback report.
Schad, J., & Lenarz, A. (2025). Thriving Ag. workshop, State College, PA spring 2025 attendee feedback report.
