| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| Small and moderate-scale farmers face multiple risks identifying and maintaining local, reliable and cost-effective markets. Meanwhile, many consumers seek greater access to locally-produced food. Projects funded through RMA, SARE, and CSREES have yielded numerous tools to help farmers assess markets, diversify crops, develop profitable value-added products, and establish market relationships. "Buy local" programs have created tools to build farm-to-institution connections and consumer demand. Adapting and using the best of these tools, this project assisted farmers in two locations to strengthen local production and marketing capabilities. In a series of interactive, cross-training workshops, utilizing farmer trainers, participants tried to identify potential markets, build agreements with buyers, and develop marketing and production plans to meet identified local market demands. A case study guide of this unique training approach this project will draw attention to successes and difficulties with this approach. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 114 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Product and enterprise diversification |
| Market analysis and outlook |
| Marketing strategies, plans and clubs |
| Direct, wholesale, and processing markets |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Leases, contracts and negotiation |
| Business and strategic planning |
