| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| This four-phased strategic risk-management project combines two intensive in-service training projects for Extension agents with two innovative producer-oriented projects targeted at nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operators. All four phases are designed to increase knowledge of risks associated with environmental plant production and marketing and strategies that will mitigate such risks. The first project is a hands-on, in-the-field in-service designed to bring agents up-to-speed on the latest research. The second in-service project involves agents and area specialists participating in the annual research and TechShop educational series sponsored by the Southern Nursery Association. A summer workshop held in conjunction with the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association annual conference and trade show will emphasize how to mitigate human resource risks. The last project consists of area farm management specialists conducting one-on-one planning sessions with clientele using FINPACK to analyze the long-term profitability and risks of their respective operations. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 1832 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Product and enterprise diversification |
| Market analysis and outlook |
| Financial records, analysis, and bench-marking |
| Understanding of economic risks associated with new production technologies |
| Business and strategic planning |
| Employee recruitment, management and retention |
